Has anyone gone to a larger grip on their Bodyguard 38? I figured any of the "J" grips would work, so I called S&W CS to see what my options were. The gentlemen told me in 50 words or less that no other "J" grip would fit and S&W didn't plan on making any other grips for this model. He also said it would void the warranty if I put after-market grips on and that nobody was making after market grips.

So my question is, has anyone tried the larger wood grips that S&W make for their "J" frame on the Bodyguard 38?

No one else has responded so I will give it a try. I think you are talking about a model 38 Bodyguard.

I don't believe S&W makes any grips these days so the man you spoke to is partially correct. Check my attachment where I show an old set of J Frame target grips on my model 38. What you are wanting is certainly possible and these J Frame Targets do come up on the auction sites quite often. They do fill my hand completely and the photo shows the target next to the original grip for comparison. These will work for either round butt or square butt frames.

Attached Images

S&W.jpg (38.8 KB, 1032 views)

The true question is: Is your gun an older J-frame model 38 "Bodyguard" or the new aluminum/plastic/steel BG38 "Bodyguard"?

I assume by your post that your gun is the second one, the BG38. If so, it ISN'T a J-frame and J-frame parts (i.e. grips) will not work with it.

Why S&W decided to confuse the issue by designating two very different guns of similar size and look with the same name is beyond me. Even after we straighten this out there will be at least one reply to your thread with the assumption that you have the old tried and true version.

My experience with the BG38 was less than stellar. In less than 3 months I had to send it back to S&W twice and they still couldn't get it to work. They sent me a J-frame 642 as a replacement.

Back to your grips... As of Feb 2012, I could find no aftermarket grips being made for the BG38. It is still a new design and based on my experiences it might not be around for long. Good Luck!!

Edmo

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TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!

I tend to agree with the above post. I do expect the BG38 to be around for long. My local dealer has one. It has been on the shelf a while. No takers. The laser seems like a good idea, except for the built in part. CT Laser Grips were and still are a much better plan.

My suggestion would be to trade it in on a 442 that you can find grips for.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

Rumor is Hogue will offer a grip for the BG38. Other than that, you're out of luck. For self defense, I recommend a 642/442 and CT laser grip (if you insist on a laser).

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Centennial Every Day

Hogue is coming out with one but they keep pushing the release date back. Maybe by the end of summer now (I was told June).

Altamont makes J frame grips in sizes you can hang on to - square & round butt.
I hope this helps
Altamont Company

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John 3:17
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Nice grips, unfortunately they fit a J-frame and not the "new" BG38 Bodyguard S&W released a year or two ago.

Edmo

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Search Results : Hogue Inc., The Best Value In Handgun Grips, Rifle Stocks and Accessories - Bar None!

hope the link works as these are what the Op asked about so long ago.... Chris

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Chris