Bodyguard

[Buford57]

I came across, and passed on, a M38 at my LGS last week. It got me thinking about the "other" Bodyguard, the laser sighted job with the latch on the top. Does anybody use one? What are the pros & cons?

 

[Baxter6551]

I have no personal experience but heard they were junk.

 

[GerSan69]

They aren't worth it. They're nothing like a steel or alloy-framed J-frame.

 

[Model46]

I'm not a fan of the newer J frames. I do like the older M38 and M49 guns. If you pursue a M38, be sure to check it for the dreaded frame crack beneath the barrel.

 

[Buford57]

I'm not a fan of the newer J frames. I do like the older M38 and M49 guns. If you pursue a M38, be sure to check it for the dreaded frame crack beneath the barrel.

I probably missed a deal on the M38. It was a mechanically sound no dash with minor wear on the high points for $400. No cracks. My next J frame, if any, will be a steel frame, just because. Never really considered the new Bodyguard, but hadn't heard anything about them after the introduction.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Humpbacks

My EDC is a 49 no dash. It has been Metal-life refinished before I bought it in the mid 90's.

I have had people complain about the "Excessive" weight of steel frame J-Frames. My response has always been: Put one on your belt or in your pocket non-stop for 2 weeks, then tell me if you even notice that it is there.

I did try a 36 in an ankle holster, that took 3 weeks to no longer notice, and when I quit that carry, I couldn't walk right for a few weeks!

My suggestion is and always has been: Buy the gun you shoot best, you will adjust to carrying it! (My 49 is the best shooting J-Frame I own, even better than my 4" 34-1)

Ivan

 

[haywood]

I worked in a few Gun Shops when the "New" Bodyguard Revolver came out. Not many people liked them. We would not order them unless we got money up front. I think I remember one being sold. At that time the 642 was # 1 seller. I liked the 442.

 

[Old Corp]

I was also working p/t in a large, busy LGS when the new 'BG38' came out.
Sold very many of them - but they never out-sold M642's and 442's.

Once a year we'd have a big sale event called 'S&W Days'. All S&W's discounted and S&W Reps as well as a senior Performance Center foreman on-site.
The PC guy was soon to retire (~34 years at S&W) and I really enjoyed getting to talk with him.
Asked him about the new Bodyguard.
His reply, paraphrased was on the order of "Phhtt - those things.....disposable revolver.....the inside lockwork is like a Chineez puzzle..."
That was all I needed to hear.

 

[hostler]

I came across, and passed on, a M38 at my LGS last week. It got me thinking about the "other" Bodyguard, the laser sighted job with the latch on the top. Does anybody use one? What are the pros & cons?

I had one of the new bodyguards for a short time. I had high hopes, it felt good in my hand, it even shot well, then I noticed the cylinder and trigger would lock up under certain circumstances, so it was no longer of use for me so I traded it in. There are threads explaining the details.

 

[Buford57]

I had one of the new bodyguards for a short time. I had high hopes, it felt good in my hand, it even shot well, then I noticed the cylinder and trigger would lock up under certain circumstances, so it was no longer of use for me so I traded it in. There are threads explaining the details.

Thanks. My EDC is a 642. From time to time I feel the urge to pickup an understudy. When my brother and his wife took the neighbor lady gun shopping last year she ended up with "new" Bodyguard because the action was easier for her to handle than the J frames she tried. Just curious. I'll keep looking for a decent used steel J.

 

[smoothshooter]

I had one a few years ago. Was a decent gun, but it was so light weight that even 148 grain HBWC loads pounded the base of my thumb so bad I sold it.
My Taurus 85 Ultralite in .38 is much more pleasant to shoot and has a slightly longer ( I think ) ejector rod.
I suppose I could have tried some different grips, but was not in the mood to do so at the time.

 

[smoothshooter]

I had one a few years ago. Was a decent gun, but it was so light weight that even 148 grain HBWC loads pounded the base of my thumb so bad I sold it.
My Taurus 85 Ultralite in .38 is much more pleasant to shoot and has a slightly longer ( I think ) ejector rod.
I suppose I could have tried some different grips, but was not in the mood to do so at the time.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I have had people complain about the "Excessive" weight of steel frame J-Frames. My response has always been: Put one on your belt or in your pocket non-stop for 2 weeks, then tell me if you even notice that it is there.

I stopped carrying a M642 years ago because the difference in weight between that and my M649 was insufficient for me to notice and the 649 is so much more pleasant to shoot which means I can practice more and be way more accurate in an emergency.

Shown with a pocket holster but I often belt carry it as well:

 

[Buford57]

Well this is now in the wrong section. I went back to the shop today and the M38 was still there. I thought it had sold earlier but it had just been rotated into the back of the case. Long story short the consignor was getting tired of waiting after 3 weeks and accepted my offer, which was about $100 less than I would have paid for a "new" Bodyguard. Looks to be an early 70s production and wearing Pachs. Pics to follow (in the pre-80 section) after I bring it home Friday. Thanks to all who responded.