2001gmc
Member
Does anyone have the 38 Revolver BodyGuard? Is it pretty accurate with the built in lazer on it? Thanks!!
38 BodyGuard
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RGMoore
Member
BG38 Laser accuracy
My BG38 was accurate with the laser, however with the irons it printed about 3-5inches left at 10 yards. If you are a southpaw the cylinder release on top would be an asset. After I sent mine to S&W to fix the sights and some other problems they replaced it and I swapped the replacement for a 642CT. I am much happier with the 642 including the placement of the laser button on the grip as opposed to where the laser button was on the BG. YMMV
My BG38 was accurate with the laser, however with the irons it printed about 3-5inches left at 10 yards. If you are a southpaw the cylinder release on top would be an asset. After I sent mine to S&W to fix the sights and some other problems they replaced it and I swapped the replacement for a 642CT. I am much happier with the 642 including the placement of the laser button on the grip as opposed to where the laser button was on the BG. YMMV
Pilgrim
US Veteran
I've got one but it don't got no stinking laser beam on it !
Edmo
US Veteran
I bought one in January and ended up sending it back to S&W twice for functional issues in the two months I owned it.
First, the action locked up on it and after repairs it would misfire with light primer strikes. When I sent it back the second time S&W told me it was unrepairable. I'm still waiting for S&W to send me a replacement. Instead of another BG38 I asked S&W to send me a standard J-frame 642. We'll see how that one works out... It seems S&W has had a few issues with quality control of late and the CS guy at S&W said they have had issues with the BG38's frame-mounted laser.
When it functioned, the gun was extremely accurate for a small revolver and my laser worked as advertised. The design is more user friendly than the standard J-frame for a lefty and seems like a good idea which was not full developed and tested.
My suggestion: If you want a light weight 38 snubbie avoid the BG38 and instead get a J-frame 442 or a 642. They should actually be functional!
Pilgrim: Common mistake. Although you have a "Bodyguard" it is a standard J-frame gun. The new BG38 Bodyguard is a new action design and isn't a J-frame... It is similar in size, shape, caliber, and use, but it is a totally different (and IMHO inferior) action design.
Sorry about ragging on the BG38... I hope this post doesn't get deleted like some of my others!
Edmo
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Pilgrim
US Veteran
No mistake..it is a model 38 and it is a bodyguard.
I do know the difference between the 'New" version and the original.
Some people may not know that there was a Model 38 Bodyguard before there was a Model 38 Bodyguard.
Edmo
US Veteran
No mistake..it is a model 38 and it is a bodyguard.
I do know the difference between the 'New" version and the original.
Some people may not know that there was a Model 38 Bodyguard before there was a Model 38 Bodyguard.
Sorry, from your post it appeared you were confusing the old version and the new *** version of the Bodyguard...
as you know, your version is a much, much better gun.
Edmo
captbahbah
Member
I have a 649 that I purchased in 1991. Shot the heck out of it. Broke the hammer stud. S&W braised it back on and I've continued to shoot the heck out of it. Your're better off buying a used J frame from the 80's to mid 90's. One made before the lock came into being.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Here are photos of my Model 60-7 (top) and Model 38-0 (no dash). A donor Model 38 (nickel) provided the hammer for the Model 60, and the cylinder for the Model 38. The Model 60 is equipped with CT #105 lasergrips, while the Model 38 wears CT #405 grips. The #105 are no longer made. They are hard plastic and do not have an on/off switch. They work fine on the all steel Model 60. The #405 grips have a small air pocket on the back of the grips which does much to absorb the recoil - especially on the lightweight (airweight) Model 38.
Best regards,
Dave
Best regards,
Dave
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bobbyjack
Member
Are you saying the new BG-38 is no good?
I just purchased one,and hope I didn't get duped!
Bob
I just purchased one,and hope I didn't get duped!
Bob
Edmo
US Veteran
I really wished mine had worked out, but I have to say my Bodyguard was "no good".
My BG38 was light, extremely accurate for a snubbie, easy to shoot, and lefty friendly. It was everything I wanted in a light weight snubbie except for that pesky "it has to function and fire" thing. After returning it to S&W twice for failure to fire issues I'm done with that model. Maybe mine was a Monday/Friday gun or a just a fluke. I'm tracking the FEDEX shipment of my "post-lock" model 642CT replacement and I'll have it by tomorrow.
If I were you, I would get some snap caps and give the action a workout. Use your laser to gauge your ability to hold on target throughout the trigger stroke and dry fire the snot out of it.
This will do several things: 1) You will slick up the trigger pull and action; 2) You will get a good feel for the trigger and your range sessions will be more accurate; and 3) It will build confidence in your gun. If the action is going to lock-up like mine did, you will find out with snap caps and hopefully not in a self-defense encounter. More is better.
Good luck. I hope your revolver is a Tuesday-Thursday gun!
On edit: After dry firing it, get to a range to make sure it will go bang... That was my second return issue.
Edmo
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No, you didn't get duped. I'm sure it's a good gun, thousands have been sold. Just because a few guys weren't happy, doesn't mean a whole lot. You have it, shoot it and decide for yourself. I own a Dodge diesel dually, I heard for years how the 727 trans was junk.... I am also a mechanic and in all my years, and it's been a long time, I think I saw maybe 1-2 Dodge truck trannys go bad... and for good reason. I can't tell you how many chevy truck trannys or Ford trannys I've done... I have close to 275,ooo miles on 2 different Dodge duallys, hammering them all the way towing a 30plus ft race car trailer, lots of miles oh ya and we have had 4 other Dodge trucks with the same trans and only one my 20 something year old nut of son killed four wheeling finally..
Enjoy your new gun
Edmo
US Veteran
...
Some people may not know that there was a Model 38 Bodyguard before there was a Model 38 Bodyguard.
The "new" version's model number is "BG38" I guess in an attempt to solve any confusion between it and the older model 38.
Why they couldn't be more distinctive between the model numbers on these two guns... Especially with the action designs being so different.
Edmo
I have had the Bodyguard .38 revolver for a little over a year. I fire 100 to 150 rounds a nearly every week. Rarely does it fail to fire and when it does, I believe that I set the primer a tad low when re-loading; I've not noticed the problem with factory. I like it, it is accurate at 21 feet, reliable with factory ammo, light weight, easy to open and the laser works after slight adjustment with a laser bore light. It may not be the "best gun" but it does the things that I bought it for - conceal, carry and shoot. What more would I ask?
gonzogeezer
Member
Bought a used BG38. After installing fresh batteries, adjusted laser @ 7yds and it works very well. Hate the iron sights, can't really see them under indoor range lights. But for what it's designed for, iron sights are superfluous, IMO. Good carry gun. YMMV, Gonzo
