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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 09-06-2011, 10:48 AM
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Default .38 Bodyguard - Another lead balloon for S&W???

I look for recent threads or reviews on this new revolver from time to time and I’m noticing that they just aren’t getting much talk. The bulk of what is posted about them here or anywhere else tends to be a year old for the most part. Most of what comes up if you search for a Bodyguard is either the new .380 pistol or the older humpback revolver. I have personally been waiting to see if they offer it without the laser. Are they just not selling? Do people buy them and not get excited enough to post about them? There seems to be yet another Airweight being posted every day. And yet the new BG gets no talk. The only negative I have seen so far is the one used one I held had the front of the trigger loop wobble back and forth like it might break or bend under too much pressure. The initial reviews made them out like it may just be the next new thing. I don’t hear of any of them having any major issues, but I also don’t read much on them at all… What gives???
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:09 AM
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I agree that the BG380 got a lot more attention, both good and bad. They had, as is all too common with gun companies today, some growing pains but seem to have it right now. I have a BG 380. (LCP) It has about a 14 pound trigger pull and I am fine with that and the gun as a whole.

The BG Revolver drew some negatives as to the Insight laser and how it is turned on and off. Also, the trigger, as I personally noticed on several samples, leaves a lot to be desired. On a pocket pistol, I don't think a pull in the range of 10-14 pounds is unreasonable, but I noticed a great deal of 'creep' on the BG LCR--the trigger just felt loose, long and not ready for prime time and I don't think its improved much, if any.

The Ruger LCR costs quite a bit more, but with a Crimson Trace laser, that set up works much better and the trigger feels far superior. That said, you pay quite a bit more for the Ruger and even for the cost most gun smiths would charge to do a trigger job and make the S&W 'right', you'd probably still be paying more for the Ruger.

It's too bad, because you can make a great, small light weight revolver and there's nothing as elegantly simple as a revolver--no slide to pull back, it's easy to load with available speed loaders--you just pull it out, pull the trigger and it goes 'bang'. They last just about forever, with no springs and less parts overall than semi automatics.And many of them can shoot the 38P load--there's some good critical defense 38 ammo out there.
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:39 AM
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I haven't fired one, but have handled one.

I thought the ambi cylinder release was an interesting idea, but it would take some training for me to get used to it.

I didn't care for the trigger, and don't know how hard it would be to tune.

I found the grips too small for my hand, and I'm not sure about aftermarket replacements.

But I think the gun is a good idea, and hope it will be refined a bit.
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:43 AM
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Carrying a revolver these days is something the "old school" types are more likely to do. However, many old school types balk at the thought of a plastic revolver, and a S&W no less. S&W should dump the 38 Bodyguard, and release a 380 Bodyguard with no laser and a lower price. Let the 642s and 442s fill the CCW revolver niche, which they are already doing quite well.
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:43 AM
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If they would sell one without the laser and priced accordingly, I would try one.
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:48 AM
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1. The laser is difficult to turn on and off.
2. The cylinder release is goofy, IMHO.
3. The trigger stinks.
Frankly I see nothing to like in this revolver. Add to this, it really irritates me that they took the name of another .38 revolver and re-used it, which adds confusion to the mix. The BG380 and the M&P semi-autos were bad enough, but at least they are a completely different type of firearm.
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:57 AM
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#1. If someone never owned a Smith before, I guess it's ok.
But for someone who has shot Smith's most of their lives,
your brain will still tell your thumb to look for the latch on the side.
In a life and death reloading scenario, it could cost a person their life.

#2. Most shooters I believe are right handed. To activate the light,
a rightie has to cross over the top of the gun with their thumb.
At that moment, your hand is NOT in a shooting position
and has to be re positioned. Another things that takes time.

#3. The cylinder rotates the opposite way from all other Smith's.
WHY?
If you had time to load just one bullet to save your life,
a Smith shooter would load at 1 o'clock out of memory.
If you do, the bullet will wind up at 4 o'clock, because it rotates clockwise.
You would have to remember that in this Smith ONLY
to load at 11 o'clock. That could also cost a person their life.

#4. The ejector rod looks flimsy. Like a toothpick.

#5. Already mentioned, the grips are nothing to write home about.

Instead of Smith & Wesson spending their money to create a gun
that really wasn't necessary (442, 642, etc.)
they should have spent the money to make the 351C California legal.

Bad decision by a big company.

P.S. I work at a gun store and very few people buy the "new" Bodyguard.
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Old 09-06-2011, 12:10 PM
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I hadn't noticed the clockwise rotation. I agree, that could be problematic.

I guess I like the concept of the inexpensive, polymer revolver, but am not sure why they put in some of the features they did on this one.
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Old 09-06-2011, 12:33 PM
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I for one like the Bodyguard 38 and have carried one daily since they came out. Any gun I choose to carry I practise a lot with and the BG38 is a very comfortable revolver during extended range sessions. My previous carry gun was the 337 AirLiteTi which was wonderfully light but no fun to shoot. I find the BG38 to handle recoil much better due to the new grip and the flexing of the polymer frame. The timing is classic S&W with the cylinder indexing well before the hammer falls making staging easy and resulting in near single action accuracy. I find the laser very easy to activate uipon drawing should I decide to use it. I think S&W hit a home run with the Bodyguard 38 and several friends who tried mine bought one for themselves.
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Old 09-06-2011, 12:53 PM
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i know they had trouble with the 380 especially with the laser buttons, could be the same on the 38. however living in mass and having a friend that a s&w dealer i do know there production levels are horrible. maybe there is not many out there yet.
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Old 09-06-2011, 01:03 PM
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After sorting out faulty laser instructions early in production, one laser replacement, and a whole bunch of dry firing I find the BG38 a decent self defense revolver with a smooth trigger pull all perfectly adequate for its purpose. A good entry level firearm for someone interested only in self defense.
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Old 09-06-2011, 01:06 PM
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The BG 38 IMHO is a waste. I played with one for a while at the LGS last week. The laser quite frankly sucks and the overall fit and finish to me is just lacking.

I agree with a post above about for the money... Spend some more and buy the Ruger LCR. Or do what I did... Buy a Mod 65 4" HB... Just sayin...
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Old 09-06-2011, 02:15 PM
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The Ruger LCR did well because it was Ruger's only lightweight snubnose and it was new and innovative with a nice trigger and grips. Ruger fans had a whole new gun. The S&W Bodyguard 38 is competing with themselves. S&W has the air-weight j frames covered, plus they lowered the prices. I think most people will choose the air-weight over the polymer 38. I did.
The fact their is not much buzz tells me they are not selling well.
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Old 09-06-2011, 03:05 PM
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I don't understand some of the comments on pricing. If you check some of the auction sites, you will see that the BG .38, with laser, sells for about $420, on average. The LCR, without laser, is about the same at $420 or so. A laser equipped LCR runs another $150 or more. So, looks like the S&W is actually cheaper than the Ruger, apples to apples.
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Old 09-06-2011, 05:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mag318 View Post
I think S&W hit a home run with the Bodyguard 38 and several friends who tried mine bought one for themselves.
I agree. Although I had a POI issue with mine, which has been rectified, I really like it. It goes with me regardless of how I'm dressed and shoots very easily, allowing lots of practice. It's purpose is self defense and it satisfies this purpose admirably.

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Old 09-06-2011, 05:42 PM
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I carry a BG38 and don't even know it's in my pocket. Not bad on close shots,7~10 yards I need practice.
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Old 09-06-2011, 06:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moxie View Post
I don't understand some of the comments on pricing. If you check some of the auction sites, you will see that the BG .38, with laser, sells for about $420, on average. The LCR, without laser, is about the same at $420 or so. A laser equipped LCR runs another $150 or more. So, looks like the S&W is actually cheaper than the Ruger, apples to apples.
Yes and you get what you pay for. Actually, even though I don't like the gun, I think it could be a big seller if they offered it for about $100-$125 less without the laser. A reliable .38 pocket revolver for about $300 would sell very well.
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Old 09-06-2011, 06:51 PM
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I have looked at the new BG revolver, but doubt I will buy one. I am mostly a curio and relic guy, and I'd rather put my money in something a half a century old or better. I have two or three small .38 revolvers that address the same need a BG seeks to serve, so I just don't have the need. But I am not hostile to the gun and its design. I just don't need one.

My LGS usually has one on the shelf, but it's not the same one; he has had up to three. He seems to be selling them, though he is geared mostly to market to the Sig, Glock and CZ semi-auto crowd.

I don't think the model is either a lead balloon or a runaway success. Looks to me like just a steady seller in its market niche.
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Old 09-06-2011, 07:22 PM
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Default We Heard a Lot of Horror Stories .....

We heard a lot of horror stories about the BG380, not much
at all about the BG38. Sounds like it must work as advertised, but
also does not make an emotional bond like traditional revolvers.
We've heard lots of stories about 442/642, with the underlying
feel that they are universally likrd/loved, and people want them
to be perfect, ie, action jobs, etc.No stories has got to mean okay
but no love. It's hard to love plastic. TACC1
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Old 09-06-2011, 08:25 PM
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I just picked up a used BG38 on Saturday morning. I looked at a 642 airweight and a Ruger LCR 357. I really liked the fact that the Smith had the lazer already on it. So anyway I took it to the range later that day and found that it does not shoot POA, but with the lazer you can fix that. I never did miss the target even with the gun not hitting the POA. I have to say for the money the BG38 is a great little gun. The recoil was a little sharper than I thought it would be, but I think the Airweight would have been the same way.
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Old 09-06-2011, 10:17 PM
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I've handled and shot 'em, but having handled and shot a "regular" snubbie with a CT laser I just couldn't see using something that required a separate finger move to turn the laser on and another to turn it off. If it had been the only laser-equipped gun I'd handled maybe I could have bought into it, but not having experienced a "proper" laser switch, as with the CT. Just MHO, of course.
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:29 PM
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I consider the laser as a training aid in a point and shoot kind of way. Alternate cylinders laser on/off and try to hit within an 8 inch area one handed. empty the gun as fast as I can reacquire the target with the laser or with whatever my hand and eye "sense" tells me. Reload.

That being said.

A little practice makes activating the laser efficient and quick, like unlocking a 1911, If you're right handed and use your offhand thumb to activate the laser, you pretty much have a good, firm, two hand grip. If you have a good two hand grip you can turn the laser on or choose to leave it off, a possible tactical decision not supported by CT. Lefties can reverse the hand functions.

The cylinder release is ambidextrous, the cylinder opens left and turns clockwise to the shooter's eye. You have to release the trigger fully for it to reset during rapid fire, otherwise the cylinder may fail to advance or it will advance but the hammer doesn't fall and you skip a round. I've been able to recreate those failure to reset symptoms in my 617 and 642 but it was much more difficult than with the BG38.

It's not a collector's gun. It's not a target gun. I do think it's the kind of gun most appropriate for the person who is going to own one personal defense gun. They work fine.
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Old 09-07-2011, 08:05 PM
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I get the impression from the magazine and TV advertising I've seen that the BG38 is marketed for the first time gun owner for self protection. And more than likely it will be their only firearm purchase.
Also pretty sure that because of this the majority of BG38 owners don't get on forums and write about how much they like the trigger, grip, laser, sights etc..
They might shoot it at the range a few times then in the drawer/safe it goes. I have more friends and relatives with firearms that haven't shot them in years than I do that shoot them regularly.

Interesting observation on this thread, the ones that actually own them seem to really like them.
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Old 09-08-2011, 10:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by southchatham View Post
The Ruger LCR did well because it was Ruger's only lightweight snubnose and it was new and innovative with a nice trigger and grips. Ruger fans had a whole new gun. The S&W Bodyguard 38 is competing with themselves. S&W has the air-weight j frames covered, plus they lowered the prices. I think most people will choose the air-weight over the polymer 38. I did.
The fact their is not much buzz tells me they are not selling well.
Just bought me a 442 Pro, cut for moon clips but can fire rounds without one too....
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Old 09-11-2011, 09:48 AM
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Both my wife and I have a BG .38 cal. These are our first and we have minimal experience with other handguns. We shoot weekly, carry daily - I have become comfortable, confident and competent. In my job, the thought of an intentional personal attack would not be a mere fantasy.
My wife has become very proficient, "Grannie Oakley" as she has called herself - I get ribbed regularly.
These may not be the "best" guns but I am not sure that I need better for my purpose - short range personal protection under frightening conditions. I find them reliable, light and accurate with practice.
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Old 09-11-2011, 10:16 AM
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Quote:
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These may not be the "best" guns but I am not sure that I need better for my purpose - short range personal protection under frightening conditions. I find them reliable, light and accurate with practice.
You are right on the money with your observation. In my life I have had many handguns, fancy semi autos and revolvers of course. I still have a number. But the go-to guns are the BG 38 (which I prefer to the 2" J frames), a 3" Model 65 and my newest, a 3" Model 60. They work every time, and for my life style, depending on whether I'm in a tuxedo or shorts and a T shirt, always with me. I am not kicking down doors; I merely want reliable protection if needed. The BG is perfect choice; practice practice practice.

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Old 09-17-2011, 07:32 PM
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I just got back from taking my friends to get their guns. In the process, I tried dry-firing the BG .38 revolver and felt that the trigger was buttery smooth and reasonably weighted for a revolver.

If were in the market for a lighter and smaller revolver, I would definitely consider the BG.
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Old 09-18-2011, 04:01 PM
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I just pickup the BG38 and like it after only 50 shots thru it ... BUT ... at 8 yds, my laser is pointing off by at least 2" to right and 2" low... I can put all shots within 2" by using the regular sights but laser is useless ... I thought adjustment would be simple but the hex wrench that fits the laser attachment screw will NOT fit either the windage or elevation screws... is the same hex wrench supposed to fit all three screws or did I not get one of the tools ? And if so, does anyone know what size is the wrench supposed to be for these adjustment screws?
Appreciate the info...
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Old 09-18-2011, 05:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpartanEagle View Post
I just pickup the BG38 and like it after only 50 shots thru it ... BUT ... at 8 yds, my laser is pointing off by at least 2" to right and 2" low... I can put all shots within 2" by using the regular sights but laser is useless ... I thought adjustment would be simple but the hex wrench that fits the laser attachment screw will NOT fit either the windage or elevation screws... is the same hex wrench supposed to fit all three screws or did I not get one of the tools ? And if so, does anyone know what size is the wrench supposed to be for these adjustment screws?
Appreciate the info...
There are two hex wrenches. One to remove the sight from the frame entirely, and then an itty bitty one (mine measures 0.028 inches or about 0.70 mm) for adjusting the sight. A little rotation goes a long way.

I tried to ID a Part Number at the S&W site but it's down.
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Old 09-18-2011, 09:40 PM
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My thanks for the info....
I went back to the place I bought it .. they confirmed the existence of the second hexwrench - it's tiny and was missing from the box (or got lost at dealers - because I know I looked at the box and all parts, discussed it with salesperson, and read the manual - which has nothing about it being a different wrench) BUT.. good news is that they gave me one from a new unsold one....
Came home.. it fits and works... have not shot with it yet but the adjustment I believe was needed was easy.... will know for sure next time out....
Problem resolved ...Thanks...
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Old 09-18-2011, 10:17 PM
charlie sherrill charlie sherrill is offline
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I've got an original model 38 that was used by a fellow officer to get a drug dealer armed with a .22 cal RG off of him 40 years ago. I wound up with it a couple of years after that and have had it ever since. I have worn out several pockets with it and there is little finish left on it. It still works fine. A few months ago I decided to semi-retire the old model 38 (I still occassionally stick it in my pocket) and look for something a little newer. I have a friend who has the new BG and his wife has the LCR. I shot both and chose the LCR. I like the action and feel of the LCR over the BG. I can wear it around the house and in the yard while wearing jogging shorts and I don't even notice it although I know its there. It's loaded with .38 +P silvertips and my hope is if its ever needed it will work well enough to get me back to the car where the really good stuff is. That LCR in my opinion is the perfect "lawnmower" carry.
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Old 09-18-2011, 10:44 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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I'll stick with my tried and true 642.
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  #33  
Old 09-12-2012, 02:23 PM
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I think the 642 is even lighter than the new BG by an oz or so.
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Old 09-12-2012, 03:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpartanEagle View Post
My thanks for the info....
I went back to the place I bought it .. they confirmed the existence of the second hexwrench - it's tiny and was missing from the box (or got lost at dealers - because I know I looked at the box and all parts, discussed it with salesperson, and read the manual - which has nothing about it being a different wrench) BUT.. good news is that they gave me one from a new unsold one....
Came home.. it fits and works... have not shot with it yet but the adjustment I believe was needed was easy.... will know for sure next time out....
Problem resolved ...Thanks...
Good for you. If you like it, that's all that matters regardless of other's comments.
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Old 09-12-2012, 04:29 PM
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I tried a BG38 that a friend had bought last year. The cyl release threw me off and the cyl rotation was a negative in my book too.

I had carried a 49 in years past and wished I had never sold it..

I went with the 638 and I can't say enough good about it. Traditional operation and classic BG lines. It's my primary daily carry and is the first gun I grab if I have to run out of the house.

I paid $359 for the 638 OTD at my LGS.....
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Old 09-12-2012, 04:36 PM
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S&W Bodyguard ...............i likes em humped............
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  #37  
Old 09-12-2012, 04:55 PM
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Haven't tried one of the new bodyguards yet although I don't really have plans to either.

I am somewhat disappointed in the lack of imagination when picking the name for the new revolver though, since "Bodyguard" was already taken...

After picking this one up a few weeks ago, I'm on the lookout for a 638 for carry. IMO, the 638 coupled with CT grips will be a much better overall package for my needs than the "new bodyguard".


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Old 09-13-2012, 09:38 AM
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As long as we are picking on names, why did they call it a “Bodyguard” when it’s clearly a “Centennial”??? I’m sure it’s all about the marketing department having their way with the naming of the new pair but still it seems like a direct conflict with a set standard. I know it’s nit picking though.
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Old 09-14-2012, 03:11 PM
ptgarcia ptgarcia is offline
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I bought a Bodyguard 38 soon after it was available and I really like it. It is my first and only revolver so the direction of the cylinder rotation is not an issue. I am left handed and my wife is right handed so the location of the cylinder release is a plus, as is the laser. I find it easy to operate the laser with my left thumb and my wife can do it pretty easily with her support hand. The trigger is a little heavy but it is very smooth. I may look into lightening it up just a bit. The one thing I'd like to do is add an XS Sights Big Dot front sight.
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  #40  
Old 09-14-2012, 09:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximumbob54 View Post
As long as we are picking on names, why did they call it a “Bodyguard” when it’s clearly a “Centennial”??? I’m sure it’s all about the marketing department having their way with the naming of the new pair but still it seems like a direct conflict with a set standard. I know it’s nit picking though.
How about "Chief's Special"?
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Old 09-14-2012, 10:11 PM
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For about $50 you lose an ounce and gain a laser. I guess that's pretty cool. I'm just not too crazy about a plastic revolver.
I guess since Ruger came out with the LCR the execs. at S&W figured they had to produce a plastic revolver too, just like the LCP and .380BG.
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  #42  
Old 09-14-2012, 10:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragon88 View Post
Carrying a revolver these days is something the "old school" types are more likely to do. However, many old school types balk at the thought of a plastic revolver, and a S&W no less. S&W should dump the 38 Bodyguard, and release a 380 Bodyguard with no laser and a lower price. Let the 642s and 442s fill the CCW revolver niche, which they are already doing quite well.
And their you have it. The entire truth of the matter.
Although I believe more small revolvers are carried than any other CCW. Of all the people I know who actually carry on their person, most carry a J frame more often than anything else. The ladies especially because it is simple, lightweight, and fool proof.
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  #43  
Old 09-14-2012, 11:02 PM
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I have a friend in her 80s who still lives alone she could no longer rack the slide or pull the trigger on her Kel-Tec.

We tried every gun we could get our hands on she picked the .38 bodyguard. She said she could operate it easier than anything else she tried and shot it very well too.

Bob

Last edited by bobf; 09-14-2012 at 11:08 PM.
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  #44  
Old 09-15-2012, 10:24 AM
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I bought a BG38 "Bodyguard" at the beginning of this year and no longer own it...

The action on my revolver totally locked up after a month of ownership and I sent it back to S&W for repairs. S&W "fixed" it and got it back to me within weeks. During the first range session after the repair, the gun was producing light primer strikes resulting in misfires. Back to S&W the second time for repairs after less than two months since new...

After a week or so they called and said the gun was "unrepairable" and they would ship me a new BG38 to replace it. Fool me once, fool me twice. I had them send me a J-frame 642CT as the replacement gun instead. Maybe the tried-and-true J-frame action would work for me.

After numerous range sessions, my 642 has been flawless and after some action work it is close to the smoothness of the BG38's trigger. The CT version I got came with the Crimson Trace laser grip and it holds POI fairly well. Unfortunately it took almost 6 months for me to get to a reliable five shot, 38 Special handgun from S&W.

Based on my experiences with my flawed BG38 Bodyguard I would not recommend that model. If you want a small five shot 38 Special revolver, get a Ruger LCR or any of S&W's J-frame revolvers instead. Just plan on a trigger job with the J-frames if you want it to be less than the unservicable factory 10+ pound pull.

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  #45  
Old 09-15-2012, 10:37 AM
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I've noticed my LGS no longer keeps them in stock...
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  #46  
Old 09-20-2012, 03:52 PM
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Default Smith and Wesson Had it Right To Begin With

In my opinion S&W had it right with their first Bodyguards. I have a 649-2 rated for .38 +P that I bought new nearly 20 years ago. It is the most carried gun that I have. It is all SS and tough as nails, simple to use, and totally reliable, and slips in and out of my pocket quite nicely. While the idea of a slightly lighter weight in the newer models has some appeal, I like the way this one handles the +P loads and I cannot imagine using full house .357 rounds in a air weight revolver, like the newer model 649's are rated for. The smallest gun I carry with .357" magnum rounds is the Ruger SP 101 with a 3" barrel. It is a pocket full, but it does allow for manageable use of a small gun chambered for .357 magnum rounds. Otherwise I want a full size 4" gun for .357 magnum rounds.

To get a great carry gun, I recommend buying one of the older 649's in SS rated for .38 +P loads. I cannot think of a better pocket gun and why S&W discontinued that version of the 649 for the .357 version is anybody's guess. My second choice for a pocket gun would be one of the older model 60's Chief's Special in SS rated for +P. I would bob and round the edges of the hammer spur some to remove about 1/2 of the hammer spur.

While I do like the 3913 and the 4013 for concealed carry, the fact is I just don't carry them nearly as often as I do the 649 Bodyguard. Even when I do carry one of the semi-autos, I often drop the 649 in my pocket anyway.
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  #47  
Old 09-20-2012, 04:30 PM
wrangler5 wrangler5 is offline
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Another vote for the 649 - a "real" Bodyguard. I had the 357 version (2 1/8" barrel) and preferred the slightly longer ejector rod and slight extra weight of the barrel and ejector rod shroud. When I first got it I did shoot one (1) regular power 357 round through it, just to say I'd done it, but even with Pachmayr's Decelerator grip (the largest, cushiest one they make for a J frame) it still hurt. I can't imagine lighting off a 357 round with "normal" carry grips on one of those things. I always carried it with +P 38s, and mostly shot my mild "cowboy" loads for fun. It was a remarkably accurate piece, once you figured out where to hold the sights (8" steel plates at 25 yards were a near-sure thing once I got my eye dialed in.) Admittedly that's not what they're intended for, but I still find it immensely satisfying to step back after doing a bunch of closeup drills and see what the little beasts will do with deliberate fire, single action. When there are spectators, most of 'em can't believe it's possible.

I find the steel guns (I've also had a no-dash model 49 for decades) a bit heavy for ANY of my pants pockets and for any lightweight jacket, but mostly I use an IWB holster so the weight doesn't matter. When I want a pocket-weight gun I'll take a 442 - the difference in weight may not be much, but FOR ME it's the difference between comfortable and pulling-the-pants-down. I like the Bodyguard style enough that I have a 638 on order (also see my comments on the 442 rust thread for why I want the 638.)
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  #48  
Old 09-20-2012, 04:53 PM
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I love the nice blue guns as much as anyone, but the new bodyguard fit my check list to a T!

Light weight-Check

.38+p -Check

don't feel bad about a scratch? -Check

Thin grips -Check

No lock -Check

Reliable -Check

Under $500 -Check

Rust resistant -Check

I have safe queens...but this Bodyguard .38 is my EDC for life.
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Old 09-20-2012, 10:07 PM
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What a coincidence I see this thread after I bought the S&W Model 638 online last night. I've been wanting a Bodyguard revolver for a while now. I found a seller on one of the auction sites that had the Model 649 new in box without the ILS but the reserve price was almost $700 .

I'm fine with the latest version and the. 38 spl caliber as I decided I don't need to or want to shoot magnum rounds through a J frame revolver. I may go for the laser sight grips in the future. I saw them on sale at while back and I can wait until another sale comes up like on MidwayUSA. This will be my home defense back up gun and I'm looking forward in getting acclimated with this revolver.


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Old 09-29-2012, 08:07 PM
FragnSlayer FragnSlayer is offline
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Default Worst S&W I Have Ever Owned

I have been shooting S&W revolvers for 42 years. I have owned and carried many different S&W models. I currently own 4 S&W revolvers, and purchased a BG38 about a month ago. This gun is junk. Why? Forget the cosmetics; the gun has a serious issue with the newly designed gear which rotates the cylinder when the trigger is pulled. It is a roll of the dice that the gear is locked into place when the trigger is pulled. Believe me, I have tried to give this revolver a chance but I would never bet my life on this revolver. Also, I have visited three gun stores that were selling the BG38, and I was able to duplicate the problem every time. The shop owners seemed surprised but even they could get the revolver to fail to rotate the cylinder. When this happend the gun will click like it is striking the firing pin, but it does NOT.

Emailed S&W support a week ago. No reply. Will phone them on Monday.

Last edited by FragnSlayer; 09-29-2012 at 08:09 PM.
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