Any Bodyguard 38 revolver owners out there?

[Bud11]

I recently posted that I was interested in getting my first gun, and then my local range/gun store closed. Well, found another small gun shop locally, but their selection was pretty limited.

They did have the Bodygurad 38 revolver there and it seemed like a nice fit for my hand and was light at under a pound.

Would be interested to hear what owners thought of the gun. It has the built in laser that felt a little awkward to work, and a different type cylinder release that pushes forward on top of the gun. Having never owned any gun, it is all new to me though.

How are these two features working in real life? Thanks. Bud

 

[5Wire]

I think it's a good, serviceable personal defense gun. The cylinder release is clearly ambidextrous. The laser activation is easy and quick with practice but cleaning requires the removal of the laser, something of a PIA. You have to remember to fully release the trigger to avoid skipping a charge hole. It's not a target gun but it is a good buy for the bux, IMO.

 

[HiCap]

I like my Bodyguard so muchthat I sold my LCR and J frames.Once a week I put a box of shells through it. It's easy on the hands, very accurate for what it is, especially when the laser is used. It's easy to carry.I've had many guns in my lifetime, from 19/11 to the plastic pistols including Smith & Wesson in Springfield. Other revolvers are not a stranger. I replaced the front sight with the Hiviz in green.

As to having to take the laser off every time you cleaned the gun, this is misinformation.I don't know where that idea came from.

HiCap

 

[5Wire]

...As to having to take the laser off every time you cleaned the gun, this is misinformation.I don't know where that idea came from.

HiCap

It comes from the manual, just below the red warning.

 

[thegatman]

Bodyguard 38

I recently bought one used and had trouble with the laser. It seemed some solvent got on the lens from the previous owner. It affected the brightness of the laser in daylight.
I sent the laser back to Smith and they replaced it within 2 weeks. When I clean it I put a piece of tape over the lens or remove the laser completely. Not hard to clean such a short barrel.
I love the gun. It is a great pocket piece. The cylinder latch doesn't bother me. It is fairly accurate at short distances. I reload for practice but use Speer Gold Dots for carry.
Good luck with yours.

 

[ElsieFlynn]

That manual page #37 talks about the laser maintenance, not the gun maintenance. So, the word 'cleaning' pertains to the laser cleaning.

My BG 38 has a silky smooth action after 5 weeks of dry-firing

 

[5Wire]

That manual page #37 talks about the laser maintenance, not the gun maintenance. So, the word 'cleaning' pertains to the laser cleaning.

My BG 38 has a silky smooth action after 5 weeks of dry-firing

The language is not clear:

The Insight® Laser must be removed from the firearm before inspecting, cleaning, replacing batteries, or performing other maintenance functions.

elsewhere,

Never disassemble your BODYGUARD® 38 firearm. There are no user serviceable parts in or on this firearm.

and

CAUTION: Some cleaners can cause damage to your firearms.You should avoid immersion in solvent altogether and avoid ultrasonic cleaning of any type with your BODYGUARD® 38 revolver.

(Emphasis added)

In English, the antecedent is assumed to be the most recent term, in the "laser" maintenance paragraph, that would be "firearm". Sadly, the wording does not make a distinction about what is being cleaned. Either of us could be right or wrong.

However, there is no gasket to keep fluids from intruding around the sight or around the activation button. The laser's microcircuit board and tiny switch assembly surely would not fare well exposed to anything like water or cleaning fluids. None of us is going to clean the interior components of that little laser.

I attempted to call S&W Customer Service for a direct answer. Too long a wait. I may try again or email for an answer.

On the other hand, it's easy enough to clean around the sight with a Q-Tip or patch, after all, it's polymer and inherently grunge proof. That's what I do.

Until I have a definitive answer from S&W, If I feel the need to use a cleaner, MPro7 in my case, I'm not going to risk screwing up the laser. It's fairly simple to remove and reinstall.

 

[HiCap]

Elsie is right on the maintenance issue, and on the smooth trigger issue. As I've said, I have about 500 to 600 rounds through my BG, and it's a pleasure to shoot and is accurate for its purpose. In very rapid fire, using the laser, I can put five shots 25 feet in the black on an NRA target. Without the laser, there is a little more disbursement, but I never expect to need to use it much further away than 7 yards.

HiCap

 

[5Wire]

I agree about the accuracy. I practice emptying the cylinder as fast as I can reacquire the target with the laser and then the same without the laser. It took a bunch of dry firing to smooth the trigger but, like yours and Elsie's, mine is pretty smooth.

Elsie & you are also correct about the maintenance. I just got off the phone with S&W and it was confirmed with the caution of no dunking and to use polymer-safe, non ammoniated cleaner.

 

[HiCap]

Bob, I'm glad you got the official word.

As to the BG, if I had to have one gunman one alone, it would be my choice. At one time I had about 50 of them, but I'm down to a few 1911's, an XDm 3.8, a Makarov, a model 65 three-inch Smith and the BG.It's the gun I carry every day, and if I had to come and use it for house defense. Fortunately, I don't have to get rid of any other guns, and my 1911s are Colts. But I can't speak too highly about the BG.

HiCap

 

[dcyoung65]

I've read some reviews that states that the BG is a lousy gun and that it is very inaccurate. What are your thoughts on this. I'm considering getting one. I love the idea of having another option for a daily carry that is small enough to carry in my pocket.

 

[Rpg]

I like my Bodyguard so muchthat I sold my LCR and J frames.Once a week I put a box of shells through it. It's easy on the hands, very accurate for what it is, especially when the laser is used. It's easy to carry.I've had many guns in my lifetime, from 19/11 to the plastic pistols including Smith & Wesson in Springfield. Other revolvers are not a stranger. I replaced the front sight with the Hiviz in green.

As to having to take the laser off every time you cleaned the gun, this is misinformation.I don't know where that idea came from.

HiCap

I'd find a model 38 or 49.

The Tupperware bodyguards are poblems

Just my opinion , of course , but I've got real bodyguards

Have no interest in the new nanesakes

Get the real thing. You'll avoid a lot if trouble.
Jes

 

[ohiojerry]

Here is my Body Guard. Clearly you are referring to something else, with which I am unfamiliar.

 

[Donn]

Hate to throw a **** in the swimming pool, but my Bodyguard 38 was just that, a ****. Timing issues after less than 200rds. Sent it back to S&W, trouble returned after less than 20rds. The cylinder would loosen and couldn't be tightened to spec. At best, I could never put together a decent group, looked like buckshot patterns. Bottom line is, it was a SD gun I couldn't depend on. Traded it in for a Classic Model 36, a traditional J frame that's everything the BG38 wasn't, most importantly, dependable. Mine might've been the exception, and I'm sure other's opinions and results will vary, but I personally can't recommend the BG38.

 

[dsink]

I have about 300rds thru my new model Bodyguard and zero problems so far.
I love the smooth trigger and accuracy at 10yds is outstanding. Great little carry revolver to drop into your shorts pocket or coat pocket.

 

[Edmo]

Do a search for the Bodyguard... There are a few threads and some of us had problems with ours.

Mine had the action lock up and after two trips to S&W it was replaced with a J frame 642CT.

When mine did work, it was very accurate, had a much better trigger than an out-of-box J frame, was as light as the aluminum J frames, and was easy to shoot.

Good concept, but because I got a bad one I will never go back.

Edmo

 

[armybass]

I recently got one and have had no issues. It is a neat little gun. I am really into the classic revolver vibe so it is kinda weird to me still but it is a perfect carry gun. I have not had it long and have less than 100 rounds through it but I really like it. I will probably trade it for a older M36 just because that is more my style....but I like the BG38.

 

[RSKELLY]

I have had the bg foe about 4 months and fired 300 +rounds no problem pocket carries well , shot a steel challenge fun match besides reloading a lot had a respectable score.

 

[Crinko]

I picked up a used bodygaurd 38 a few weeks ago, so far I put 100 rounds down range with no problems. I love mine so far !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Smith686MandP]

As alternatives to the Bodyguard 38. look at the S&W:

Model 638CT - $699.00 MSRP, which I really like and have had for years serving as my EDC. (Product: Model 638CT)

or the:

638 LaserMax - $539 MSRP, but I do not care for the way S&W mounted the laser. Product: Model 638 LaserMax