M&P 38 Question

[Tennc]

I have some interest in a snubby 38 and found something new to me. Smith and Wesson make the M&P 38 Special revolver that sort of looks like their version of a Ruger LCR using a combination of metal and polymer in the frame and grip. It is further different in that it does not use the traditional cylinder rotating and latching mechanism. The few web reviews I have seen are complimentary after these oddities are discussed and dismissed as different but ok. It shoots well in the reviews. It is less expensive than its conventional counterparts.
Does anyone have first-hand experience with this revolver?

 

[Hawg Rider]

I believe that you're talking about the S&W M&P Bodyguard .38 Special revolver...first introduced in 2014. As I understand it, S&W originally designed this revolver with the female shooter in mind, and included an integrated Crimson Trace laser sight. Since then, the BG .38 Spl. has become a popular CCW handgun. Like the J-frames, it only has 5 shots, but modern .38 Spl. rounds are very potent and dependable for self defense situations. The top-mounted cylinder release and some other unusual features (for S&W revolvers) may take some getting used to, but like all snubbies proficiency takes practice. I do not own one, and have never shot one, but I see no reason why you shouldn't check out the BG .38 Spl. Good luck with your decision.

 

[413Maxwedge]

I don't understand the purpose of the BG. My scandium framed M&P340 weighs a hair less and accepts any J-Frame grip on the market (The BGs have very limited aftermarket support).

What is the intended purpose/market of this little semi-poly revolver?

 

[Beju]

I don't understand the purpose of the BG. My scandium framed M&P340 weighs a hair less and accepts any J-Frame grip on the market (The BGs have very limited aftermarket support).

What is the intended purpose/market of this little semi-poly revolver?

The point was probably to compete with cheaper revolvers like Taurus's offerings.

Your M&P 340 has a $1149 MSRP, while the Bodyguard 38's starts at $449, and you can find them for a hundred less if you shop around. Even a basic 642/442 starts at $539.

I wouldn't buy one, but enough people must be buying them for S&W to have kept them around for this long. The kinds of people who buy BG38s probably aren't enthusiasts who talk about guns online. They likely just want something simple, cheap, and from a brand they recognize for self defense.

 

[911JWG]

I have some interest in a snubby 38 and found something new to me. Smith and Wesson make the M&P 38 Special revolver that sort of looks like their version of a Ruger LCR using a combination of metal and polymer in the frame and grip. It is further different in that it does not use the traditional cylinder rotating and latching mechanism. The few web reviews I have seen are complimentary after these oddities are discussed and dismissed as different but ok. It shoots well in the reviews. It is less expensive than its conventional counterparts.
Does anyone have first-hand experience with this revolver?

I have one with me evey day. Love it. Shoots plenty well for its purpose, light, doesn’t scratch up and great price point.