Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38 vs LCR

nawilson · #1 06-17-2011, 08:05 PM

I have a Ruger LCR in 38 Spc that I carry as a pocket gun and occasionally as a belt gun. It has the very nice, soft rubber Hogue grips. Thanks to those grips, I find it controllable even with +P loads. I like the little gun except it shoots low... about 5 inches low at 5 yards. That led me to start looking at other small pocket guns.

The other day, I was looking at the Bodyguard 38. It was actually a little smaller through the grip and trigger guard than my LCR, so it should hide as well if not better. The laser is also a big selling point. I can, of course, adjust the laser.

Does anyone have experience with the Bodyguard versus LCR? I am most concerned with controllability and concealment.

off road · #2 06-17-2011, 08:16 PM

I got the LCR for my daughter. I considered the Bodyguard, but when I held it the ergonomics just weren't there. Plus, S&W has just never figured out the need for recoil absorbing grips...for some reason.

As for your LCR shooting low, just change out the pinned front sight for a shorter one. Also, you can get a laser grip for your LCR as well.

That said, I don't think either of those are the ultimate in pocket revolvers. Personally, I carry a 342 or an M&P 340.

photoman · #3 06-17-2011, 09:59 PM

Five inches low at five yards is a serious malfunction. Have someone else try the gun and see how it shoots. It's possible you may have an incorrect sight picture. If the gun shoots that low with two or three shooters, contact Ruger as something is seriously wrong.

USAF385 · #4 06-17-2011, 10:18 PM

I picked up the Bodyguard on a whim a while back. I really liked the feel of the grip. It's a tad longer than the stock grip on my 642 and a little thinner....I get a better grip on it. Surprisingly it's very comfortable.. both to hold and shoot. I prefer it over the LCR for it's smaller size / bulk. I could do without the laser. I don't like them, but I don't knock 'em. They definitely have their place. I enjoy it, but it's not one I'd feel bad about trading.

To address your concerns, I find it very controllable and easy to conceal. Quite comfy IWB appendix.

nawilson · #5 06-17-2011, 11:21 PM

Thanks, usaf385. I will probably look into it a little more before making a decision. How do the 340 and 342 compare size wise? I really don't want to get any larger than the LCR for pocket carry. If I have to go to belt carry, I might as well look for an L frame.

My first thought was that it was my shooting not the gun. The bullets grouped okay though (don't remember size exactly), and I shot my M19 at Coke cans afterwards with full house 357 loads, so I don't think it was a flinch. I might try another shooter if I don't trade it off for something else first.

fonejack54 · #6 06-20-2011, 10:35 PM

I've owned an LCR and the trigger was great and shot very accurately. I've dry fired the Bodyguard in a gun shop and didn't buy it because of the terrible trigger.

Spike12 · #7 06-20-2011, 10:40 PM

I bought my wife a BodyGuard after she tried the LCR, and others. That's what she wanted and the laser was just a plus.

HOWEVER, after shooting it for a while I noticed some very light primer strikes, two weren't hard enough to ignite.

Sent it to S&W Customer Support - total waste of time. None-the-less I like the gun (when it works).

mag318 · #8 06-20-2011, 10:45 PM

I have both a Ruger LCR and the Bodyguard 38. I can say without reservation I prefer the Bodyguard. I've owned the Ruger since they first came out and there is nothing wrong with it. That said I feel the BG38 is more comfortable and more accurate. Even with hot +P loads the recoil is very manageable and to me more comfortable in the BG. If I had to choose only one it would definately be the Bodyguard. The laser is frosting on the cake and quite easy to operate.