New guy with questions and issues on my new .38 BG

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Hello, all.

I have some questions about my new .38 Bodyguard that I just received for Christmas. Specifically, the trigger.

I also own a 642 and a 637 but perhaps I shouldn't be comparing their triggers to the newer Bodyguard with the composite frame.

First, should the gun fire when the cylinder is open? My BG does and my other two do not. (Edit: 2/24/11, Of course, I meant to ask, "Can the trigger be pulled when the cylinder is open?")

Second, I've been able to get the trigger to hang twice while dry firing. Is that a new safety feature? I just received the gun on Christmas eve so I haven't taken her to the range yet. But while I was dry firing and getting a feel for the trigger, the trigger hung back on me twice after a slow and deliberate trigger pull. (Slow on the pull and slow on the release). I had to depress the trigger to get it to return.

Thirdly, and perhaps most odd, if I depress the trigger about a quarter of the way through the double action several times, I can get the cylinder to stop in between chambers so that the trigger locks up and I have to rotate the cylinder slightly into position before the trigger becomes functional again. Is that normal and to be expected?

When I experienced these issues with the BG, of course, I went to my other two J frames to see if I could replicate the issues. I could not.

Is the BG so different that it doesn't share the same characteristics with the older J frame revolvers when it comes to the trigger?

I'm just curious. I'd hate to have to send this to S&W before I've even fired a round through it.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

... should the gun fire when the cylinder is open?

Lord, I hope not!

 

[Hmebuildr]

I can pull the trigger on mine when the cylinder is open.

Never had the trigger hang but have had the cylinder not rotate to the next round when shooting. Happened once so far we will see what it does this week.

It is a different animal then a J frame gun so yes things are different.

So far I have found that the Desantis SOF TUK Holster fits the BG just fine

 

[Speedo2]

Hello Mr.Fahrenheit and welcome to the forum. I'm not sure about the differences in the lock-mechanism between the BG and J-frames, but that sure doesn't sound like typical S&W design. I'll be heading off to my LGS where they've got a couple of BG's set out, so I'll check that out and report back. If so, then it bodes ill for my opinion of the BG's. Regarding the hang-fire problems that you reported; to me it sounds like maybe there's some cosmolene (or whatever they're preserving them with these days) left in the lock works. Maybe try spraying it down with brake-free, or CLP? I'm not sure about removing the side plate from a BG, but that's where I'd start. Otherwise, it sounds like you BG should head back to the S&W ranch. You may want to give their customer service people a call. -S2

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Thanks, everyone.

The earliest I can get to the range is Wednesday so I'll put it away until then. Perhaps it just needs to be broken in. Though, to be honest, I've always found anything that needs to be broken in, other than a baseball glove, never really breaks in.

I'm looking forward to your experience at the LGS, Speedo. I'd appreciate the feedback. The gun did come out of the box dry as a bone. I'll have to lube it up a bit before the range.

As circumstances would have it. My friend liked the BG enough to order one on Christmas Day from an online dealer. Now, I too am eagerly awaiting the arrival of her gun so I can compare the two revolvers.

Again, thank you.

 

[Speedo2]

Mr.F: I'm back from the LGS and I got to fondle one of those BG's. As reported by Hmebuilder, the trigger could be pulled while the cylinder was open. The gun that I looked at wasn't gunked-up with preservative; it was pretty dry as was yours. I suspect that they're no longer gunking-up their polymer-framed guns. I didn't want to spend too much time dry firing the new BG in the shop, but it didn't seem to have any issues the few times that I did try it. Regarding its overall design, I must admit that I'm a bit reactionary to it; it just didn't feel much like a S&W to me. I suppose that's what they wanted; and maybe I'm just too used to carrying around a small boat anchor in my pocket.

On a side note, being off work for the rest of the week, my shop-owning buddy asked for some assistance with grading and pricing a bunch of old S&W's that he's had lurking in his inventory and now wants to sell. I promised to help him out. It should be great fun, but from what I saw today, Wednesday could be rather expensive for me. -S2

 

[gregC.]

Mr.F, my wife's does the same thing , did it at the range sunday morn. , needless to say we're both let down after hearing all we've heard about S&W . It's going back right after the holidays . Less than 50 rounds were shot from this revolver . After a good cleaning and spray with gun cleaner, and a light lube with gun oil it still did it. Just as you described . Not what a ccw should ever do . Let us know what happens , we'll do the same , good luck .

 

[jed]

BG 38

I am looking for information on this model of revolver.
Does they cylinder have 5 or 6 rounds?

If I could be given a link to information on this revolver,
it would be appreciated. Something a long the lines of specifications
or gun reports is what I have in mind.

jed

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

I am looking for information on this model of revolver.
Does they cylinder have 5 or 6 rounds?

If I could be given a link to information on this revolver,
it would be appreciated. Something a long the lines of specifications
or gun reports is what I have in mind.

jed

Here's the link to the Smith and Wesson site:

Product: BODYGUARD® 38

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

I took the gun to the range today. She functioned flawlessly through 70 rounds. Not a hiccup. Any apprehensions I had about the trigger failed to materialize. Of course, 70 rounds is hardly taxing, but I had neither the endurance nor ammunition to go further. So hopefully she'll perform just as reliably on future visits.

The BG was a gift to me from my wife for Christmas. I had been trying to decide between getting a 442 or the BG for a while. Since I already had a 642 and a 637 I put in my request to Santa for the BG.

Something new and different, right?

In hindsight, I think I'd be happier with a 442. For some reason, I'm just not thrilled about the trigger on the BG. It feels gritty to me. Gritty, but not cheap.

On a slow pull, it's almost like I can feel every mechanical action going on inside the frame. I'm not trying to imply that I'm some super sensitive "Princess and the Pea" type, but compared to my other S&W triggers, which are smooth as butter, the BG trigger leaves me unenthusiastic. But as has been mentioned. The BG is a different animal than the 442. If I was ignorant about the triggers, I may very well have not noticed anything unusual.

The laser is pretty cool. But ultimately a little gimmicky for me. I zeroed the laser in at home before going to the range and I shot about three inches low at 10 yards. Nothing an adjustment couldn't fix, except I left the hex tool at home...on my desk...idiot.

Regardless, my shot groups were consistent with the laser and I was happy with my accuracy with the iron sights. No better or worse than I expected. I will have to paint the front sight since it was a little tough for me to get on target. A couple of times I had to raise my head and ask, "Wait, where the heck is the front sight?"

The only real surprise I had was when I shot a cylinder's worth of +P. Holy smokes! It hurt more than I expected. Strangely, not only did I feel it in my hand, but I also felt it in my nose. Weird, right?

Anybody ever get hit in the nose and get that stinging sensation that you never forget? I've had at least three occasions that I can remember.

I boxed when I was way, way, young, around middle school back in the late 70's. I'll never forget the shot to my nose where the pain just brought me to my knees. When I was in the army we were unloading tools off a duece and 1/2 and I turned around just in time to take a cardboard box full of manuals straight to the nose. When my son was in diapers and I was putting on his powders and lotions I took a cute little baby foot right to the schnoz.

Firing the +P seemed to vibrate through my arms up, to my skull, and back down to my nose where the sensation was magnified by the cartilage. Freakin' bizarre. Five rounds of +P was more than enough. (Hornady)

I tell ya' what, though. 65 rounds of Winchester White box target rounds was as comfortable to shoot as the +P was painful. No blisters, no cuts, no numbness. Go figure.

Well, sorry to take so much of your time. Thanks for everyone's help and I'll report back with anything new.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

One more thing. After 70 rounds I noticed that the laser light was getting dull. I thought all my messing around at home had weakened the batteries. The manual states that the batteries will only last about three hours. I read or heard somewhere that keeping the laser on pulsate mode doubles the battery life. Anyway, when I got home and cleaned the gun, I was surprised at how much powder residue had accumulated on the laser lens. It came off easily enough and the laser was bright as new. I would prefer not to have to take the laser off to clean the gun, but the reverse side of the laser housing is not water tight and cleaning solvents could easily find their way into the interior and come in contact with the circuit board.

As far as I can tell, removing the laser does not dramatically change the zeroing when it is reinstalled.

 

[Hmebuildr]

Weather was nice today and I was able to get out with the BG again. I purchased this gun the beginning of Dec from a local shop.

I was shooting Remington and Hornady +P ammo for a total of 50 rounds down range.

I am not pleased with this gun and I had high hopes for it as a carry gun.

The plus side is that it carry's nicely in a Desantis SOF TUK iwb holster there is a slight cut out for the laser to fit into and the holster is very adjustable.

The issues with this gun are the laser is not bright enough, Shooting in a shaded area at 7 yards you could not see it on target I even made sure that the lens was clean. Shooting another gun with a CT laser it was plainly visible at 25 yards.

The biggest problem is I had 2 failure to rotate issues with the cylinder both times this happened the hammer fell on a empty cartridge.

Due to this reason I would not trust it as a carry gun until this is fixed so as soon as S&W is back from the holiday I will contact them about sending it back.

 

[jed]

38 BG

Mr. Fahrenheit,

Thanks for the link to the 38 BG. I have basically lost interest on this model.

jed

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Weather was nice today ...

SNIP!

The biggest problem is I had 2 failure to rotate issues with the cylinder both times this happened the hammer fell on a empty cartridge.

Due to this reason I would not trust it as a carry gun until this is fixed so as soon as S&W is back from the holiday I will contact them about sending it back.

I had a fear that I would experience a failure to rotate. It didn't happen, though.

Please let me know how S&W handles your issue.

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Mr. Fahrenheit,

Thanks for the link to the 38 BG. I have basically lost interest on this model.

jed

I would recommend a different model over the BG. My 642 is still my favorite. Maybe I'll pick up a 442 much later in 2011.

 

[dallascj]

I really like my BG. I have carried and shot it for about 3 months now and had no issues. As was mentioned by another poster, this is not the same as a J-frame. Completely redesigned lockwork; the cylinder rotates CW. I find the sights work very well for me and only have the laser as a nighttime backup.

 

[Wayne M]

Sounds like some of those BG's need a good lube and break in period.

 

[bad4dad]

i have the same issues with misfires +cylinder hanging up purchased the gun dec 20 and will be contacting s+w tomorrow

 

[bad4dad]

bodyguard 38 cylinder

got my 38 back from smith today and i can still lock up the trigger by staguing it 2 or 3 times cons. called smith back there sending me another shipping label this is disgusting is anyone else having the same problem

 

[mikerault]

Be careful as you have surmised the laser is not sealed and any moisture that gets into it will damage it and make it non-operational. I think I have been given free laser pointers that are more weather proof than the one on the Bodyguard.

 

[stuch77]

thats funny. i took an 2yr foot to the nose when channging him last week.