Model 438

[Jwright1234]

Hello all, I just purchased a model 438. My question is my gun does not say bodyguard, instead it reads airweight. I know from the frame design with the shrouded hammer that it is a bodyguard style. Every other model 438 I have seen reads bodyguard where mine says airweight. I was just wondering if there was any difference. Also the gun shop where I purchased my 438 had it listed higher than the new bodyguard 38, with the laser, which I found odd. I ended up getting the gun for the same price as the new bodyguard 38 though.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

You have posed very good two questions in your first two posts on this board. All I can tell you is the more you ask the more interesting stuff you learn. The next question you ought to ask is whether the lock is a good or bad thing.

Most members here regard it a sacrilege that Smith named their new plastic revolver "bodyguard" as that hallowed term belongs to the model 38 and in your case the model 438. I don't care what they call it, a model 38 is a Bodyguard. It was and is built on an aluminum alloy frame. The Model 49 (and 649) is also a Bodyguard but they are built on a steel (stainless steel for the 649) frame.
Airweight is what they used to call the model 37 (which is a model 36 Chief special with an aluminul frame).
Apparently Smith has run out of guys with creativity in names bacause they have recently named modern guns after the old ones.
the old 520 vs the new 520 immediately comes to mind as does the chief special monicker put on some compact semi autos. Blasphemy I tell you.
Since Ruger calls their plastic revolver the LCR (little crappy revolver)-Smith ought to call theirs the LPR (Little Plastic revolver) But nobody asked me.
Anyway welcome aboard and never feel afraid to ask a question as you will get a definitive answer.....Just like the answers you got in your thread asking about Tylers http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/211637-tyler-t-grips.html

 

[photoman]

It doesn't make any sense to name a Centennial styled gun a Bodyguard. Goofballs!

Regarding your new 438 Bodyguard, I'm not sure why some are marked one way and some are marked another way. Smith & Wesson does that all the time.

 

[VaRecon]

The old bodyguard title has since been moved to polymer guns with laser's built in.
Not to knock the BG38 to it's respectable fans. I have a 638, and see no point for a lighter j-frame.

 

[Cujohunter]

Got my 438 new last year and it says "Bodyguard" on the frame. This is by far my favorite carry revolver....it's also my avatar.