The 2009 Smith’s are finally hitting the stores. This evening I picked up the new S&W 438 Bodyguard .38 + P. According to the paperwork…it was born on March 12, 2009. This is the 638 Bodyguard with the 442’s matte black finish. I noticed that it has a stainless barrel like the 642 and the recent run of no-lock 442s. I do not know if the cylinder is stainless, but don’t think that it is.

The 438 did not come with the Uncle Mike’s boot grip / stock which has been a J-Frame standard for the past few years. I understand that the contract ran out and another company supplies the stocks. The grip is comfortable, but requires something like an Allen wrench to remove. I need to search for an Allen wrench because I always remove rubber stocks and replace them with classic wood and a Tyler T-Grip.

The fit an finish is very good. I prefer the matte black finish to anything S&W produces these days, “Classic” models excluded. I put 50 rounds (158 gr. LSWCHP) down range to point of aim. The action is smooth. I am glad to add this bodyguard model to my collection / carry rotation. It will go in the pocket when it gets wood and T-Grip.




A sleepy beagle is awakened for her traditional new gun photo. She does not appear impressed with the 438...but beagles have no interest in non-hunting firearms.

The 2009 Smith’s are finally hitting the stores. This evening I picked up the new S&W 438 Bodyguard .38 + P. According to the paperwork…it was born on March 12, 2009. This is the 638 Bodyguard with the 442’s matte black finish. I noticed that it has a stainless barrel like the 642 and the recent run of no-lock 442s. I do not know if the cylinder is stainless, but don’t think that it is.

The 438 did not come with the Uncle Mike’s boot grip / stock which has been a J-Frame standard for the past few years. I understand that the contract ran out and another company supplies the stocks. The grip is comfortable, but requires something like an Allen wrench to remove. I need to search for an Allen wrench because I always remove rubber stocks and replace them with classic wood and a Tyler T-Grip.

The fit an finish is very good. I prefer the matte black finish to anything S&W produces these days, “Classic” models excluded. I put 50 rounds (158 gr. LSWCHP) down range to point of aim. The action is smooth. I am glad to add this bodyguard model to my collection / carry rotation. It will go in the pocket when it gets wood and T-Grip.




A sleepy beagle is awakened for her traditional new gun photo. She does not appear impressed with the 438...but beagles have no interest in non-hunting firearms.

That is pretty cool.

Cute beagle, too.

Rub a rabbit against that 438, And see your beagle perk right up! I know my beagle would!
Nice 438, Not I have to go see one myself!
Peter

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Need 1/2 moon Chiefs special

that my friend is a nice looking bodyguard, love the matte finish! mind telling us what you paid??? And also, did you have a choice on 438 models with/without the internal lock?

Nice looking new gun. Cool dog.

Hey, post some pics when you replace the grip. I want to see how it looks with wood.
THanks

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Semper Fi

I do not believe that the 438 is available w/o lock. I paid $479.00 plus tax. All of the new J-Frames at my local shop went up in price at least $20

man, I know what you mean. I just bought my 442 in October for $399.00 and got the $30.00 rebate off of that. My 642 I got a few days ago cost $419.00, so your right they did go up $20.00. Nice catch though, I would have ran with that thing out the door at your price, it is a sharp looking gun...

I know you prefer wood (me too, mostly) but those grips look interesting. Who made them and, are they comfortable?

The black rubber grips are comfortable, and they came on the gun from S&W. I am not sure of the manufacturer.

I really like her and the 438 isn't bad either.

My 340PD has what I believe to be the same finish, it started out matte black but after about 6 years of carry in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster, most of the finish is a semi-gloss black that looks even nicer.

Here is the M438 with a proper wooden stocks and Tyler T-Grip. Also pictured, a nickel Model 38 and a Model 638 (no dash).









Here is the M438 with the optional "tactical" package...

638 no dash...nice!

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Centennial Every Day