Help ID this revolver CONFUSED

[El Gran Capitan]

I have come across this revolver, which I have searched and searched and found no pictures of this exact one on net in order to ID this gun. Please excuse my ignorance as I am a new to fire arm ownership.

It looks to be Nickel-plated and a Bodyguard-style hammerless revolver (rounded top at hammer)

Has SMITH & WESSON on left side of barrel, and has the S & W emblem to the lower right of the cylinder. On right side it has AIRWEIGHT 38 SPL CTG. on the barrel and the following written just below the cylinder:

MADE IN U.S.A.
MARCAS REGISTRADAS
SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

Upon opening the cylinder, it has the following written:

MOD 38

73517
CI

If you take the rubber Pachmayr grip off it has the following at the base of the frame:

J943706

Thanks in advance.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.

You have a Bodyguard Airweight (Model 38) from the early 1980's. It has an aluminum alloy frame and a steel barrel and cylinder. It was offered in nickel, so I'm sure yours is.

 

[Goony]

First off, welcome to the forum

As it is stamped, you have a Model 38, also known as a Bodyguard, marked Airweight because it has an alloy rather than a steel frame. J943706 is the serial number. The other numbers in the frame recess are of no importance. It most likely shipped in 1982.

 

[linde]

You've pretty well identified what you have . . . a nickel-plated, aluminum-alloy Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight in 38 Special caliber. The J743706 serial number indicates it was manufactured circa 1982.

The Bodyguard is considered a "shrouded hammer" rather than "hammerless" because the hammer can be cocked and operated in single as well as double action. A Model 42 Centennial Airweight is a true hammerless.

The Bodyguard is a great revolver . . . congratulations . . . enjoy!

Russ

 

[El Gran Capitan]

Thank you all for your very informative replies.

Regards.

 

[El Gran Capitan]

In the last few months, I have put 40 or so rounds through this revolver. I used the ammo I was given with this revolver and it was Remington 38 Special 158 Grain Lead R38S5. I can only assume that there is better ammo for self-defence for this revolver. I am going to a gun show tomorrow and since I am about out, can you tell me what would be your recomendation for target and self defence rounds for this gun? Thank in advance.

 

[Doug M.]

Good hard target wadcutters from a good manufacturer. I happen to prefer Black Hills and use their ammo in most of the calibers if it is available. The wadcutter shape will cut more tissue than other shapes, the mild load kicks less (a factor in a a lightweight J frame), and you can't recall count on a hollow point load to expand anyway.

 

[murphydog]

Standard pressure 158 gr lead SWC, regular or HP (should be easy to find), Speer 135 gr Gold Dot (may be hard to find), or Federal Nyclad (difficult to find). 148 gr WC is fine for target work and is not a bad choice for defense too as Doug M. mentioned.