Hello,

I recently came to inherit a .38 Bodyguard. Not really sure how to tell what year the gun is. I read over the sticky threads and hope I'm doing everything correctly.

Barrel is 2 in. / 5 shot
Mod-38
Airweight 38 SPL. CTG.
1J22481 - is the Serial Number?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Kyle

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I believe it would be a 1983 or 1984

Kyle:

Welcome to the Forum.

1J22481 - is the Serial Number? Yes. I would suggest you carefully remove the grips to see if the serial number is penciled on the grips. If so, those are probably the original factory grips and add a bit to the value and collectability of the piece. I have a Model 38-0 like yours, and it serves as my EDC (Every Day Carry) along with a Model 638-1. Caution: Bodyguards can become addictive, and the piece you once regarded as "ugly" or "weird looking" will grow on you. I suggest shooting only regular .38 Special ammo in it - the sights should be regulated for 158 gr. bullets loaded to standard velocity. If you plan on carrying the piece, you might want to remove and store the grips an replace them with something more utilitarian and/or better fitting to your hand. I have Crimson Trace LG-405 grips on both of my Bodyguards, and a pair of LG-105 grips on my Model 649-0 (the all stainless steel version of the Model 38). Also, the exterior of your revolver could use a cleaning. I'd recommend a gentle cleaning with Windex and a soft rag (old T-shirt), followed by a couple of light coats of wax (I use whatever car wax is handy). I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Good luck,

Dave

^^^^what he said. Double-O-Dave knows his Bodyguards! I agree with him as to using standard velocity (service-style) .38 ammo. For some reason, I find these older generation aluminum-frame Js have a substantial kick, even with service ammo or target wadcutters. The newer Js like the 638 are more forgiving of recoil. YMMV.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thank you for the feedback, greatly appreciated.

Definitely will be needing to look into a change of grips, my hands are fairly large. The grips serial number are a match as well, so that was nice to see.

Im excited to try her out.

Thanks again,

Kyle

I recommend trying Hogue Tamer grips. They provide a little more to hang on to but maintain concealability.

__________________
Accuracy supercedes Speed

I have two Bodyguards. They make great summer time carry guns. If you decide to carry yours I recommend doing some reading about the many carry options available to you and about snubbie tactics. These guns do not have a lot of firepower but provide carry options not possible with most other revolvers or pistols.

I have the 638-3 BG,.38 spl+p 5 shot Airweight sunbie.It's a nice little light revolver.

__________________
Life is short,live it fully.

*sigh* a nice Bodyguard with just the right amount of wear on it, so that I wouldn't feel bad carrying it.