As others have mentioned whien presenting their first post, I am hoping I am doing this according to the protocol.

On Wednesday of this last week I purchased a new S&W Bodyguard at a Sporting Goods store. I was in thie market for a Bodyguard .38 and while at the store the manager of the gun desk brought onie out brand new and freshh off the truck. I bought a box of Hornady rounds for the weapon fore carryiing and also purchased a box of Winchester steel jacketed 38 rounds for practice. I oiled the new pistol and headed for the gravel pit for a trial of that pistol a coupoe of hours after purchasing.

I fired the first 10 or 12 rounds of the target ammo at a target but was disappointed when the trigger jammed to the rear. releasing the trigger or significantly increasing trigger pressure sometimes would allow the revolver to fire while other attempts might not. It seemed to me that the cylinder was finding its appropriate position before failing but quite frankly maybe it was not.

Naturally, I was very disappointed with my newly purchased S&W Bodyguard. I prompltly called the Sporting goods store (Dunhams) and was told by the manager all sales were final and they would send the gun in fore me but the matter was now between myself and S & W. Still my first day of ownership I refused the offer from the store and called S&W to report the incident. He emailed me a fedex prpaid label and told me to call for a pickup. The gun is on it's way to the factory.

I told thie company that I wanted a new weapon or my amoney back because I can't trust the bodyguard. I know it's a mechanical device but I carried a Model 19 Smith for several years as I am a former State Trooper and never doubted that model 19.

I am interested in any observations about my troubles. Do you suppose S &W will refund my money so I can buiy something like a model 62 or anything but another polymer model.

Thanks for any comments..

shooter1240

Sorry to hear about the issues with your new gun. It has to be disappointing after expecting typical Smith reliability.

I doubt S&W will refund your purchase price, without at least an attempt at repairing the issue. You may be able to convince them to allow for a credit toward the purchase of another gun from them, as does happen infrequently.

They will make the gun right. What you choose to do after that is up to you.

Just to clear up a point, I mentioned that I carried a model 19. Recalling now, it was not a model 19. That I believe was a stainless 357. My issued sidearm was a model 10 which had a blued finish and a heavy barrel and frame. Now that gun was a workhorse that I staked my life on and it never let me down. I purchased that revolver when we went to 9 mm Sigs. The old revolvers of course were retired. I have since passed it on to my son.

I will be anxious to find out from S & W just what it was that broke down in my bodyguard .38.

shooter1240

I know this is a very annoying situation for you. If you can somehow get rid of the Bodyguard and get most of your money back, locate an old Model 36 or 60 and buy it. Either one will run forever and be dependable in any situation you may encounter. I've looked at the Bodyguards in the past. . .not a gun I would want to be stuck with.

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Dr. B

Using the search feature will reveal that many have had issues with the polymer frame Bodyguard 38 Special. I had one, and the cylinder simply would not advance on every pull of the trigger. It seemed random, but then I figured out that I could "cause" the problem by closing the cylinder in a certain way. S&W never resolved the issue. I have never had another one of the unfortunately designed revolvers, and never will. There are many threads on both the Bodyguard 38 revolver and the Bodyguard 380 auto pistol.

For those who just came in, I want to make it very clear that I am talking about the Bodyguard 38 revolver with the polymer frame, NOT the Bodyguard model that is a traditional J frame action with the hammer shroud, such as the Models 49 and 38, and their stainless or Airweight counterparts, such as 649, 638, etc. Those are fine, reliable weapons, and naming this new polymer revolver Bodyguard does a disservice to the original, in my opinion.

I have resolved my warranty claim with S&W. I won't say exactly how the company resolved this issue but I count myself as very lucky because S&W satisfied their warranty support of my new bodyguard completely. I am a very satisfied customer and my faith in this fine company is restored.

shooter1240

I agree with the post above, however new guns you buy will last as well IMO, there's always the possibility of some issues, always have been with any manufacturer. Smith has great customer service in honest, realistic issues