New Polymer Bodyguard

tocohillsguy

tocohillsguy

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Handled the new polymer Bodyguard revolver for the first time. I liked it more than the Ruger LCR. The Bodyguard had a nice trigger that is lighter than a typical 642/442, but I would still call it a traditional S&W trigger. The ejector rod is longer than the 642/442. Also the gun is lighter, so it should be easier to carry. The cylinder release is on the top where the hammer would typically be located. As a leftie I think I like the location. I'm not sure about the integrated laser. You have to activate it by consciously pushing a button with your thumb or trigger finger. Push it once it comes on, push it again and it blinks, push it again and it turns off. Doesn't seem as practical as the Crimson laser grips. The price was $560 with the laser. Not too bad. Haven't a clue how it shoots. It will be interesting to see how it performs, and whether it becomes the subject of a recall.
 
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Guns and Ammo did a review of it this month....seems like it has some nice innovations, grip angle being one of them...but a laser that doesn't work by pressure from your grip is a liability...
 
Six_Shooter said:
That price is about $100 to high. Look here...
GilbertsGuns.com - Handguns - Smith & Wesson - *Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 With Insight Laser (109380)

Sorry the revolver is $60 lower here...
GilbertsGuns.com - Handguns - Smith & Wesson - *Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 Revolver With Insight Laser (103038)
Click to expand...

Not surprising. The shop I saw it in is alway above internet pricing. For me it doesn't really matter. I'm not ready to buy one and retire my satin nickel 442.
 
I like the laser on my Bodyguard 38, it is very easy to activate it while drawing the revolver, all it takes is practise. Crimson Trace laser grips are great on medium and large framed guns but I don't like them on J frame sized revolvers since I grip my revolvers as high as possible. The BG 38 is a joy to shoot and even though I have large hands, I really like the thin grips on it. I think it is a very well designed revolver and to me the laser positioning is excellent.
 
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I played with the revolver at a gun store yesterday. It seemed OK, but for the fact that the laser was off by about a foot at about 10 yards. Low and to the right. I tried a second one and it had the same problem. The gun store guys (who know their guns) said that all the ones they have had in the store have had the same problem -- the laser hits low and to the right.

I don't know whether these things are customer adjustable. If so, then it might not matter. As I'm happy with my 640 no dash, I wasn't quite curious enough to ask more questions on a busy day at the store.

Otherwise, they looked (to me) like a nicer looking gun than the Ruger. But trying their actions side by side, I could not feel a difference.

I like the idea of an integral laser, but like Mr. Sipowicz I'm wary of a laser that you need to hit a special button to turn on.
 
I saw one today at a local range while I was checking on availability of the new Model 15. I still can't get used to the idea of a polymer revolver -- but that's just me. The little Bodyguard does seem to be well made though.
 
tocohillsguy said:
Not surprising. The shop I saw it in is alway above internet pricing. For me it doesn't really matter. I'm not ready to buy one and retire my satin nickel 442.
Click to expand...

Buy locally and support a bisiness in your home town. If you and enough others don't, eventually you will lose it!

Besides, when you compare an Internet price remember you will have to pay shipping and a transfer fee on top of the price, and it will probably be at least as much as buying locally before you get done.
 
The one I bought two weeks ago locally for $439.00 plus tax required laser adjustment which I did at the store prior to purchase. Works fine and the revolver is a nice shooter.
 
My local gun dealer has several in stock ($519.00) although they're not jumping from the showcase. I handled one while nobody was looking. Meaning, I wouldn't dare want my gun buddies to think I was actually considering one of those for myself. The trigger feels smooth and the gun it is very light. Sadly, it feels just how it looks...
 
Yes the BG 38 does fit in J frame holsters, I've been carrying mine in a Don Hume Jit Slide. When I first got my BG I was concerned about how comfortable it would be to shoot. After one range sessions those concerns quickly evaporated. I don't know how S&W did it but this revolver is a lot more comfortable to shoot then any J frame I've ever owned. I'm sure it has to do with the geometry of the polymer grip frame and the grips themselves. I couldn't believe how comfortable hot +P loads are in this revolver, so whatever they did they executed this new design correctly.
 
Alk8944 said:
Buy locally and support a bisiness in your home town. If you and enough others don't, eventually you will lose it!

Besides, when you compare an Internet price remember you will have to pay shipping and a transfer fee on top of the price, and it will probably be at least as much as buying locally before you get done.
Click to expand...


Sometimes shipping is included in a sale, and I've only paid $15-20 transfer fees and also no sales tax.
 
Couple more questions. Is the plastic part just the sideplate and the grip-frame? Or, is the entire window around the cylinder also plastic?

Second. Is it available without the laser? THanks.
 
The frame around the cylinder is aluminum, behind that is polymer. For those who don't want the laser, it is easily removed. This is my first pistol with a laser and after shooting it with the laser activated really aided accuracy from the hip. In low light it is a good option to have and I think it would also be a good deterrent for any bad guy with half a brain.
 
Lots of good info here, but I do have a few more questions ....

1. does this have a J size frame and can the grips be swapped out with the wood style grips ?
2. lifetime S&W warranty on this right? (except the laser Im guessing)
3. Why in the world is this so cheap?

Thanks
 
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