Who else thinks the new bodyguard .38 is horrid looking!!

[grege33]

The new bodyguard serves a purpose. As to the 442 o 642 looking like it is taking a poo with a CT grip. Wait till your eyes can no longer focus on the front or rear sight. That hand full of "poo" beats the heck out of a sight that you can't see. That handfull of "poo" looks pretty good if it helps defend your life.....

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....View attachment 28666

TLG, half blind, but still shooting.....

Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers; I like the 642 and 442... just don't like the looks/size of the CT grips on them. (Your's is actually the best looking one with laser grips that I've seen though.)

My point is that 642 and 442 are ugly w/ the CT grips just as many think the BG 38 is ugly. The difference being the BG 38 has a laser designed into the frame, not affecting the grip. I actually think the BG 38 is kinda cool looking anyway...especially when you consider what I paid for my BG 38 vs what that 442 CT costs.

That's just me though; different strokes for different folks.

 

[TLG]

That's just me though; different strokes for different folks.

I know what you mean. I like the looks of the new BG. I also like the "old style" J-Frame.

I don't like the other style CT grips that are made for the J's. I have the LG-105 model on my 442. The grip is no bigger than the standard grip that comes on the gun. Looks good, feels good, and hits where you aim.

No problem, no featers ruffled. Like you said, "different strokes for different folks".

Now back to the original subject.....

TLG, in WV.....

 

[grege33]

I know what you mean. I like the looks of the new BG. I also like the "old style" J-Frame.

I don't like the other style CT grips that are made for the J's. I have the LG-105 model on my 442. The grip is no bigger than the standard grip that comes on the gun. Looks good, feels good, and hits where you aim.

No problem, no featers ruffled. Like you said, "different strokes for different folks".

Now back to the original subject.....

TLG, in WV.....

I pretty much like Smith's period; I was just having some fun. Your grips actually got me rethinking the CT grips... they look pretty nice. I was actually commenting on the larger versions that look like poo. Group Hug

 

[sbcman]

I think the new bodyguard is a decent looking revolver- certainly better looking than its LCR rival. I own an LCR, so I can say that, right?

 

[ralph7]

i have always thought that a proper looking revolver had a fully exposed hammer and not a shroud or a hump that to me, just looks like an amputated appendage.
i will take my model 60's and 37's w/me because i like the way they look and own enough handguns that i carry what works and appeals to my sense of aesthetics.
just like driving a vehicle that you like the looks of.
they all do the job, what makes you happy?

 

[bmannon]

It was cheap and works well. The only thing I am not impressed with is the laser activation switch, I wish they would of put it in the grip. I will probably sell it and get a 642 or similar with CT grips.

 

[axwhipmaker]

I was torn between the bodyguard and the LCR. Went with the LCR because of the CT laser. Really do not want to have to think about activating a laser and fumbling for a button if I ever need it.

They both aren't pretty - but neither is a Glock. But they do the job.

If looks would be the determining factor I would carry a P08 Luger or a Colt Detective Sp.

How did someone put it: "Show your Kimber to your friends and your Glock/LCR/Bodyguard to your enemies"

 

[hittman77]

All the gun companies seem to be moving in the same direction ~ regardless of what some of us like or deem "pretty".

Just like many cars, many guns are beginning to look alike. All function and little individual style.

 

[srgvaz]

I don't like the way the new BG looks and I'm positive it saves S&W allot of money melting plastic as opposed to shaping aluminum. I haven't shot one yet so I can't really give a reliable opinion. However I've read enough about them to discourage making a purchase of one.

 

[perchjerk]

I believe this is my second or third post on this forum but I have been lurking here for a while, and before I comment on the BG, let me say that this place is simply awsome. Lots of valuable info and good people to go along.

Now, I purchased a new BG38 recently because:A) my previous carry gun just wasnt comfortable and I found myself not carrying it much and b) Im a poor college student but was intrigued with this new polymer revolver and had been looking fr a J frame for pocket carry. At first, I was slightly discouraged after seeing some negative feedback about the BG38, mostly about the laser and its quality compared to other smiths. But after having owned it for a little while my doubts were evaporated. Maybe its because this is my first revolver but I actually like the look. The Cylinder release seems natural to me, and my laser has been flawless. Im accurate with it and it goes bang every time. I appreciate Smith putting out this revolver at a reasonable price so people like me who have little disposable income can still enjoy the wonderful products their company produces.

 

[ArgMauser]

New BG .38

FWIW, I think the new BG .38 looks just fine. I appreciate the laser sight also.
However, I am still carrying my Mod 37 and my Mod 12, but I do no longer carry my muzzle-loading, flintlock dueling pistol.

 

[blujax01]

Ruger hit a home run with their LCR and LCP. They should pay their marketing research team huge bonuses because the price point they recommended was dead-on. All Ruger had to do was find a way to build guns to that price point.

S&W is just going after a piece of the same pie. I see it in drums and guitars. Entry level devices that I look at, shrug my shoulders, and walk on by...

Thank heavens S&W hasn't seen fit to make a .410 to compete with that stupid "Judge"!

 

[8thring]

ugly

I just got off the S&W web site and after looking at their new half plastic /aluminum revolver it made me want to gag.......This has got to be one of the ugliest guns they have ever made, and what purpose does it serve? Is it really any lighter than the M&P 340 or the 340PD? I hate the idea of a plastic revolver but the Ruger LCR at least seems to have a better appearance that this Smith does, not that I am a fan of the LCR either. Does this new smith even fit in conventional J frame holsters?? I understand they made this to keep up with Ruger, but Ruger did it originally to make a lighter gun so they could compete with S&W.......I feel like this gun was a knee jerk reaction and not a lot of thought was put behind it. If you own one, don't take this personally.....this is my opinion and I have owned many guns that a lot of people would think are ugly.....and as long as the owner is happy that is all that matters. I was just curious to hear from some others on this topic.

ugly is the future fore guns; wait to everything turns to plastic. i am still living in the nickel plated artfully engraved single action 45 with custom leather holster past.

 

[slabside2]

Who ever came up with the idea on this one should be fired. Bet it will be gone in a year. S+W keeps coming up with ways to cut cost. It's a damn shame what happened to a once great company. I do love my older Smiths.

 

[manthony4563]

Went up to my LGS yesterday to buy a Bodyguard .38. The owner told me they are back-ordered and it's one of the hottest pistols out there right now. Have you tried ordering one on Davidson's stock watch? They last about 5 minutes, if that. Must be saying something about the gun. I'm ordering one asap. Looks like a great cc revolver.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I figured the S&W Bodygaurd38 was their answer to the Ruger LCR..
I'll stick to the 100% Forged guns that I can aquire at the many many gunshows I travel too..
Now there's an idea, The "Retro" Revolver..
Cheap Price, 100% Forged, Wood Grips & made to last..
Just like they used to make them..

I handled one of the first BGs ever released & it was interesting how the cylinder turned backwards & the hand is internal & the use of the polymers & aluminum..
Guess we'll have to see how sales do & if there's any Quality Control Issues with these Light Weights..
They do appear to make a good pocket revolver but my Anodized Forged 642 will be hard to beat..

 

[5Wire]

F... I do no longer carry my muzzle-loading, flintlock dueling pistol.

Now that was when guns were guns!

 

[mikagsd]

I went to my LGS last week and picked up a 442...they had the new BG 38 there as well. As many others have given their opinion here I will do the same. I didn't really mind the look of the gun because I don't think the look of the gun has any bearing on what its intended purporse is and that's to defend myself. I want it to go bang when the trigger is pulled.

I don't think this is so much S&W trying to do something new, rather I think its the market dictating to them where things are going. I don't think S&W has forgotten their roots one bit. Someone said it earlier about Ruger having huge hits with the LCP & LCR and I agree with that and look at what those guns have done to the market. Look at all the pocket .380's that followed the LCP. Now S&W getting into polymer/multi material revolvers because they see other companies having big success with different products. The probelm S&W and other companies have is it comes across as "me too! me too!"

 

[grege33]

I went to my LGS last week and picked up a 442...they had the new BG 38 there as well. As many others have given their opinion here I will do the same. I didn't really mind the look of the gun because I don't think the look of the gun has any bearing on what its intended purporse is and that's to defend myself. I want it to go bang when the trigger is pulled.

I don't think this is so much S&W trying to do something new, rather I think its the market dictating to them where things are going. I don't think S&W has forgotten their roots one bit. Someone said it earlier about Ruger having huge hits with the LCP & LCR and I agree with that and look at what those guns have done to the market. Look at all the pocket .380's that followed the LCP. Now S&W getting into polymer/multi material revolvers because they see other companies having big success with different products. The probelm S&W and other companies have is it comes across as "me too! me too!"

My thoughts exactly, but I don't understand why the BG 38 is offensive to some. I think it's safe to say you won't see S&W abandon scandium/aluminum/ss J-Frames and going with steatlthy looking polymer carry guns only.

Actually, it appears that they're going back to no lock metal guns in addition to more innovative carry guns. There are other posts talking about Smith exclusively going back to no lock J-Frames (I'm sure that'll upset the value of already purchased internal lock revolvers). The BG 38 is just a new product in addition to their traditional line of guns.

 

[grege33]

Shooting comparison bodyguard 38, LCR CT, and 442 CT

YouTube - Shooting S&W Bodyguard vs. Ruger LCR Polymer Revolvers