My buddy has a used Bodyguard 38spc w/ insight laser that's 6 months old w/ 50 rounds thru it.

Can anyone suggest a fair "buy" price...please.

And...will it handle +P ammo?

Thanks for your help and input.

vfin

Okay....first lets clear-up (if only for me)....is this the current BG or the "real" BG, which is the M38. You can put a laser on an M38, but I assume you mean the current BG?

Used current BG.....don't have a clue, but I have read where some folks are having issues them them. I purchased two BG's at a gun show last week. An M38 for $339 and a M41 (same thing only all steel) for $350. In both cases....I think they were excellent deals at those prices. I know a dealer that sells the new BG's for around $479 plus tax as I recall. Hope this helps.

new bg w/ laser

vfin

Thanks Snubbie Fan

Okay....that gets us somewhere. I was pretty sure you meant the current model, but us old-timers are use to calling the M38 the Bodyguard.

I have already mentioned I know a dealer that sells them for NIB at $479 plus tax. I believe the suggested retail from S&W is closer to $500. Here is what I would do if I were you. Go to some of the gun auction sites like Gunbroker or Gunsamerica and search-out the model to see what folks are asking to get an idea. J-frames.....we can tell you more about, but the newer BG's at a used price is pretty much a guess for me and to be honest, I have not checked GB or GA myself, but I would be looking to buy it for resale anyway. I do not know how they are holding their value, but about anything "purse-gun" is selling for a pretty good price lately.

I picked up one LNIB at a local pawn shop a few months ago for $299 with maybe a box of shells thru it. So far I have been satisfied with it for its intended purpose.

$300 sounds about right....probably. The laser is a luv-'em-or-hate-'em thing to most folks. The BG would not likely resell as well as an all steel Jay. I say at least $100-$125 lower and it's getting harder to find any used j-frame for under $400.

I have a BG38 and a small track over a year old on its used prices, not enough for a trend, but a decent enough average. Old S&W hands may have problems adjusting or accepting the difference in controls from what they're used to. A little thought and practice helps with the transition.

Early BG38s had problems with sighting in the laser because the manual's instructions were incorrect. This was remedied first online and then with newer production sighted in at the factory and updated manuals. The trigger has to be allowed to fully reset.

Once past the new production issues, I've had zero problems.

My own opinion is that the BG38 is perfectly fine for its intended purpose and may be a good choice for someone new to shooting likely to own only one handgun. YMMV.

Smith & Wesson Body Guard 38 1.9 in Bbl Revolver in 38 Plus P, 38 Spl. Blue Book of Gun Values (33rd Edition) indicates between $350 in 95% condition and $425 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 10 recorded prices for this model gun from $359 to $525 over a period of 2 Yrs 5 Mos ending March 25, 2013. The average price as of that date was $405 (about the online price as of this post, if you can find one). No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for import location or engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $625.

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Bob

Now that's some useful information. The guns do sell well, but the majority that cross our tables are sold to newbie's or one-gun owners, just as you (5Wire) mentioned. J-Frame enthusiast don't consider them as a part of the "family".....and I guess they really aren't in many ways. The guns got a bad wrap, which may not be out of the ordinary with a new introduction. The prospective customer is often sold by the laser feature and not so much the gun itself. I've never been offered a used one for sale, but in the end result.....something is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. That will ultimately be the OP's decision.