New Bodyguard .38...

[poppatello]

Looking at the new M&P bodyguard .38 that comes with the laser. I have done a lot of research on this gun. Not too many reviews on it. Looking to pocket carry a J frame with a concealed or hammer shrouded. Anyone own one?

I am also looking at the 442 or one like it. Trying to stay with the black finish for my first revolver. I held a 438 yesterday at a LGS and it felt nice. Better then the 638 but it had the aftermarket grip with the laser sight. Didn't like the feel of the grip.

Any personal thoughts on folks that have owned or fired the new BG or other new airweight revolvers???

[Kernel Crittenden]

I have not heard anyone on this forum sing the praises of the new polymer Bodyguard .38. At least not recently. There have been a few threads with BG38's having issues, but all guns have issues. I'm not a fan, but I can't say I've fired one. I do like lasers on snubbies, that's a plus.

[rz625-8]

Take the 442 or a 642. I had to send 3 back due to cracks in the frame. I am a wholesaler-dealer so, I always test fire these BGs when they come in. The slight splits were on the top strap before the barrel. Not made the way that the heating was done on it by machining process.

[ISCS Yoda]

As for the other side of the coin.......

A HUGE number of us carry 442s and 642s as our EDC guns, and similar guns, obviously.

While I have been castigated publicly and privately for asserting that folks don't shoot J-frames with .357 Magnums I will note that I have read several threads in the past few days with similar thoughts, and the same goes for +P ammunition in lightweight J-frames. But, okay, there ARE folks who do it. Leaving that behind, there are lots more of us shooting more standard .38 Special ammunition in J-frames, whether alloy or steel. I carry a 642 every day. I have a 649 that I don't carry but love but I just like the lighter gun in my pocket and I have a 638 that needs boot grips to be a pocket gun (I have them but I like the rubber banana-type grips) and I shoot the 638 and 642 and enjoy them - BUT - they're not all day range or plinking guns. I shoot them to PRACTICE, to be sure I know how they shoot and that I'm competent with them, then they don't go back to the range right away. I quoted this in another thread today: They are meant to be shot a little and carried a lot.

So, no experience with the Bodyguard, plenty with Airweights, and they're wonderful. I prefer to not put lasers on my guns but plenty of folks like them.

***GRJ***

[poppatello]

This is exactly the responses I was looking for. Thanks folks. Like I stated before, I held a 438 at a LGS and she felt sweet. And I'm sorry I forgot to mention that I wasn't planning on shooting +P ammo either.

Well here is the truth, I was planning on practicing with the lower grain ammo @ the range then after I had enough I would load it with the +P. I tend to agree though I can't see the need for the extra grain. I'll try the standard ammo for now.

As for the .357 in the small frames, I totally agree. That is why I am not interested in a .357 that will shoot .38's. NEVER intend to shoot one so no need to waste on one.

Thanks again folks. I'm heading to a private dealer and hopefully looking to bring one home tonight. I'll post up if I do...