Finally found my holy Grail bodyguard

haywood

haywood

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Went to a gun shop not far for me just to look at stuff. It’s a large modern gun shop with a little bit of everything. Cruising the used case as usual I found a the holy Grail gun for me. I’ve wanted the 49 or 38 bodyguard configuration for years. Never could find one that was that affordable. I found this nickel gun dated from 1982. Looks to be very good condition and tight lock up etc. I assume it is nickel because from what I been trying to find out is they didn’t chrome plate alloy framed guns. Heading out to the range later and give it a try.IMG_1102.webp
 
Did it come with a box or papers? That’s a beauty. It’s my next hunt as I just got a 49 nickel box that needs to be filled
 
Great find! Hopefully no frame crack; best to check it out before firing.

Todd

W

Thread 'cracked frame onlight wt.guns'

I have heard of some cracks on light wt, guns under the forcing cones . ran into a mod 38 with that problem ,others also.
never heard of it on a m-37.Any one know if they also have the problem ?
 
I feel your joy! This little gem was sitting on a table near mine at a gun show a few years ago on a day I actually had some coin in my pocket. Yes, it followed me home! Can't say I've seen another since. Joy!

1780499858478.webp
 
haywood said:
Went to a gun shop not far for me just to look at stuff. It’s a large modern gun shop with a little bit of everything. Cruising the used case as usual I found a the holy Grail gun for me. I’ve wanted the 49 or 38 bodyguard configuration for years. Never could find one that was that affordable. I found this nickel gun dated from 1982. Looks to be very good condition and tight lock up etc. I assume it is nickel because from what I been trying to find out is they didn’t chrome plate alloy framed guns. Heading out to the range later and give it a try.View attachment 880552
Click to expand...
Big congrats to you. The bodyguard revolver looks super clean and gorgeous. Have fun shooting her.
 
I have a twin M-38 nickel in original box. Early 70’s. It’s perfect.
I also have a M-38 in blue, early 80’s that I use with a Kramer pocket holster.
You will never be disappointed
 
Terry T said:
I feel your joy! This little gem was sitting on a table near mine at a gun show a few years ago on a day I actually had some coin in my pocket. Yes, it followed me home! Can't say I've seen another since. Joy!

View attachment 880792
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Very Cool find! How long is the barrel? I found one I wanted a few years ago with a 3” barrel that looked NIB. Unfortunately, the auction went over what I was willing to pay at the time.🙁

Your barrel looks longer than 3” to me.
Larry
 
Be careful of carrying that ,,, the finish is extremely delicate ,,,, ask me how I know,,,,
Had one just like that, late 1970's, brand new out of the box,,, loved it!
No matter how much I wiped it down at the end of the day, over time it dulled out on me,,,, sold it...
But what a beautiful piece it was!
 
I have a 1983 Mdl. 38 that is identical to yours, Haywood. Was an ankle carry backup for a Deputy from Ashland Ky. He was the only owner, and put it on consignment at a LGS after retirement. I made and offer, and grabbed it. The DA is the smoothest of all of my Smiths. Ren Wax did wonders on the finish. Holster wear was non-existent. The nickel is very tough.
 
fatcat3 said:
Humpbacks are just way cooler than anything else.
Click to expand...
I know I've goofed on fatcat for his love of hunchbacks and for that I truly apologize. When haywood posted the photograph of his #38 in the Bodyguard 2.0 thread I had to stab the like button. To totally ruin the honorable name of the Bodyguard is a S&W sin.

Fatcat, your Humpback is cool. Maybe not as cool as a DAO Airweight but never the less I shall no longer take snide swipes at your revolver of choice. Providing you don't buy a BG2.0 That would be a disaster.
 
Sgt. Buzzard said:
I know I've goofed on fatcat for his love of hunchbacks and for that I truly apologize. When haywood posted the photograph of his #38 in the Bodyguard 2.0 thread I had to stab the like button. To totally ruin the honorable name of the Bodyguard is a S&W sin.

Fatcat, your Humpback is cool. Maybe not as cool as a DAO Airweight but never the less I shall no longer take snide swipes at your revolver of choice. Providing you don't buy a BG2.0 That would be a disaster.
Click to expand...
Oh take swipes, lord knows I dish out enough! I didn't say they weren't ugly as homemade sin, just cooler than everything else. ;)
 
Congratulations on your "new" Bodyguard! I was just as excited when I got mine and also very pleased to find the grips were stamped with the serial number. What a great piece!
 
pasound said:
I have a 1983 Mdl. 38 that is identical to yours, Haywood. Was an ankle carry backup for a Deputy from Ashland Ky. He was the only owner, and put it on consignment at a LGS after retirement. I made and offer, and grabbed it. The DA is the smoothest of all of my Smiths. Ren Wax did wonders on the finish. Holster wear was non-existent. The nickel is very tough.
Click to expand...
I cleaned and Lubed it with Ballistol. I shot about 100 rounds so far. I also put snap caps in and so far dry fired 300 times. The action is smooth and seems to pull a bit easier. Or my finger is getting stronger.
 
I carried the blued 49 everyday from 1975 until 1995. It was my 2nd, off duty, and UC gun. It was always with me. Usually in an ankle rig but in snow and crud in a shoulder rig under my jacket. Off duty either ankle or IWB. I bought it from an FBI SA who had just gotten it back from Quantico after their smiths had done their annual check and tune. Wonderful trigger pull. About 20-25 years ago I stuck a set of Barami Hip Grip on the 49. Easy to grab quick for short trips and the wife will often carry it.
In 1995 I found the 649 another dept was trading in. It had never been issued. From 1995 thru now I carry this 649 all the time. Before retirement it went with me everywhere and worn all the time. After I retired my wife thought it needed to go in a shadow box so she decorated it a bit. No way it was going in a box so this is the way I've carry it since retirement.
 

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Retired W4 said:
In 1993 S&W made a run of satin nickel 38's with the Airweight markings deleted. Here is one of them, ANIB. I've always liked the Bodyguard and carreied one back in the 70's/80's. My wife keeps a 649 in here car. View attachment 881117
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Nice score! I have a Satin Nickel 442. So far it's holding up well since like 1996 or so. I use same grips on concealment, but also have the original Uncle Mikes Bootgrips used on some snubbies. No issues. Mine does say Airweight on side. Does not say +P! Regular factory loaded ammo then.
 
Norton 750 said:
I would buy a three inch in a second. I have never seen one in the flesh! But I as I have said many times the humpback is the gun I carry when I can't carry a gun.

View attachment 881500
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Had a nickel plated M49. I traded it in, what a loss. Steel frame too. Good luck with yours. I practice with standard lead rounds, clean it, and carry GoldDots.( In my Airweight 442)
 
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