New S&W Revolver FAIL!!!

[Edmo]

My new Bodyguard BG38 snubbie locked up on me yesterday. This is after only one month and one box of ammo since new. At least it failed during a practice session and not when I needed it for protection.

The trigger is locked to the back, the cylinder is locked up, and it will not release and swing out of the gun. I've got a warranty return request in with S&W... We'll see how they take care of business. I've never needed their service with any of my other revolvers so this is new for me.

I've owned S&W revolvers since the mid 1980s and currently have three others besides the Bodyguard. All of them are "lock-less" actions and have generally been used as hunting and hiking guns. They include a 4" Model 629 Mountain Gun, a 6" Model 686, and my first a Model 60 38 Special (non +P) snubbie. The Bodyguard beat this Model 60 in four of the five pocket pistol categories I look for: 1) light weight; 2) accuracy; 3) caliber; 4) snag free design; 5) reliability. Unfortunately, the category it lost is the most important... RELIABILITY !!

With one of my Glocks at my side I'll keep you posted on how S&W handles this recalcitrant little revolver.

Edmo

 

[mag318]

S&W will take care of you. I've had mine since they first released them and it's been troublefree through over 1K rounds.

 

[kennyb]

like anything mechanical...things happen...yes..to those wonderful plastic glocks as well...three police agencies in this area have discontinued those glocks...why?to many mechanical failures!before you sound so oppressed about sending your s&w in for repair...why not give them a chance?

 

[J D Allen]

locked up 38

I had a problem with my 40 cal. and sent it to the service center in texas. They repaired it at NO CHARGE. They will take care of the issue.

 

[Pote]

recalcitrant |riˈkalsətrənt|
adjective
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline: a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds.

I DO learn something new everyday on these forums.

 

[Edmo]

like anything mechanical...things happen...yes..to those wonderful plastic glocks as well...three police agencies in this area have discontinued those glocks...why?to many mechanical failures!before you sound so oppressed about sending your s&w in for repair...why not give them a chance?

Not "oppressed", just disappointed... Very disappointed.

I was carrying this revolver only hours prior and when I function check it after cleaning, the action grinds to a halt. This isn't a malfunction I could fix and get back into action if needed. This malfunction turned the gun into an aluminum and plastic paper weight (albeit a light one).

I will likely keep this revolver out of the carry lineup for quite a while. Maybe after many successful rounds I'll have faith in it again... Maybe, but I doubt it. It went from "smooth as butter" to STOP with no build up or warning. I guess it goes to show the "always reliable" revolver isn't quite 100% these days.

Yes I'll give S&W a chance to make this right and I'm sure they will get the repaired gun back to me in short order. At least that is the bare minimum I expect at this point. In reality, I expected a better product from S&W in the first place. Hopefully their customer service and repair shop works better than this revolver.

Not to make this a S&W/Glock, revolver/auto, apples/oranges debate, but since it was brought up I'll retort. Reference the Glock, yes anything can fail and there will always be antidotal stories discussing malfunctions of any make/model of firearm you can name. I'm not the Glock soapbox guy, but since it was brought up I'll give my experiences.

I've owned Gen2, Gen3, and Gen4 Glocks starting in the mid 1990s through today with thousands of rounds fired down range and I have never had one glitch. None...

I guess some would say my S&W revolvers have only had one more malfunction than that experienced by my Glocks. Numerically that is true, but depending on the circumstances that one malfunction could be extremely significant with dire consequences.

Edmo

 

[allglock]

I predict the bodyguard will be discontinued. It seems to be nothing but problems.

 

[Edmo]

recalcitrant |riˈkalsətrənt|
adjective
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline: a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds.

I DO learn something new everyday on these forums.

re·cal·ci·trant [ri-kal-si-truhnt]

adjective
1. resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory.

2. hard to deal with, manage, or operate.

I went with the second definition in this context...



Edmo

 

[texagun]

...three police agencies in this area have discontinued those glocks...why?to many mechanical failures!

Exactly WHICH police agencies would you be talking about?

Inquiring minds...............................

 

[StatesRightist]

The problem with Gen 4 Glocks is quite well documented. I'm sure they will overcome it, but so far the Gen 2's are head and shoulders above the following generations, particularly Gen 4's.

 

[blujax01]

As big a fan I am of the M&P polymer autofeeders, hear way too many stories like this from BG 38 and BG 380 owners. I don't know if AllGLock's prediction will come true but certainly won't be entertaining the thought of owning one in this lifetime.
I suppose as long as there are people willing to buy them, they will be available ...

 

[markush]

My new Bodyguard BG38 snubbie locked up on me yesterday. This is after only one month and one box of ammo since new. At least it failed during a practice session and not when I needed it for protection.
Edmo

I was carrying this revolver only hours prior and when I function check it after cleaning, the action grinds to a halt.
Edmo

Send it in S&W may make it right eventually.

I don't know if it's more common to not run a revolver through a workout before carrying it or not. But I personally would not trust any gun enough to carry it, pistol OR revolver, before putting several hundred rounds through it! Certainly way more then a box of 50...20? Your post illustrates why!

 

[StatesRightist]

Send it in S&W may make it right eventually.

I don't know if it's more common to not run a revolver through a workout before carrying it or not. But I personally would not trust any gun enough to carry it, pistol OR revolver, before putting several hundred rounds through it! Certainly way more then a box of 50...20? Your post illustrates why!

You are dead on, 400 rounds is minimum.

 

[Edmo]

Send it in S&W may make it right eventually.

I don't know if it's more common to not run a revolver through a workout before carrying it or not. But I personally would not trust any gun enough to carry it, pistol OR revolver, before putting several hundred rounds through it! Certainly way more then a box of 50...20? Your post illustrates why!

I guess more is better, but the next guy might say shoot at least 500 or even 1,000 rounds before it has proven itself... What if it fails at "several hundred rounds" + 1? I guess everyone has their break-in rules and rituals to make them feel comfy.

I've always associated the break-in period with handguns being a pistol thing, not a revolver issue. Some semi-auto pistols have parts which might need to wear into each other for the gun to function properly.

Are we now saying S&W quality is such that their revolvers require several hundred (on edit read: 400) rounds to make sure the parts work together?

Edmo

 

[StatesRightist]

We're saying anything mechanical can fail and that anything that you may need to save your life should be extensively tested before you trust it.

Semi's need broken in, revolvers do not, unless you are talking about the trigger smoothing out. I'm not suggesting revolvers need broken in, but rather do the prudent thing and verify it works as it should by doing a large enough number of events to verify it's dependable, nothing mechanical is 100% certain.

 

[MR.G]

I had the same thing happen in 1980 with a new Colt Cobra. Tested the gun with a couple hundred rounds, cleaned and lubed it. Kept it loaded for PD. I was showing the gun to a friend and it locked up tight. Even some of the best revolvers fail. Didn't turn me against revolvers though.

 

[willy]

I sure hope S&W makes it right for you.
And I hope you are happy with it when you get it back.
(Because I don't need anymore competition from other buyers horning in on my used S&W no-lock revolvers )

 

[Edmo]

I sure hope S&W makes it right for you.
And I hope you are happy with it when you get it back.
(Because I don't need anymore competition from other buyers horning in on my used S&W no-lock revolvers )

Thanks willy!

We'll see... I'm sure they'll make it right. I'm still waiting on the email/shipping label from S&W.

I don't think I'm in the market for another wheel gun anytime soon. They apparently require too many rounds to get it good and broken-in (sorry, couldn't help myself!).

However, if I find a used USAF model 15 just like I carried back in the day I'd have to get that one.

Edmo

 

[kennyb]

Not "oppressed", just disappointed... Very disappointed.

I was carrying this revolver only hours prior and when I function check it after cleaning, the action grinds to a halt. This isn't a malfunction I could fix and get back into action if needed. This malfunction turned the gun into an aluminum and plastic paper weight (albeit a light one).

I will likely keep this revolver out of the carry lineup for quite a while. Maybe after many successful rounds I'll have faith in it again... Maybe, but I doubt it. It went from "smooth as butter" to STOP with no build up or warning. I guess it goes to show the "always reliable" revolver isn't quite 100% these days.

Yes I'll give S&W a chance to make this right and I'm sure they will get the repaired gun back to me in short order. At least that is the bare minimum I expect at this point. In reality, I expected a better product from S&W in the first place. Hopefully their customer service and repair shop works better than this revolver.

Not to make this a S&W/Glock, revolver/auto, apples/oranges debate, but since it was brought up I'll retort. Reference the Glock, yes anything can fail and there will always be antidotal stories discussing malfunctions of any make/model of firearm you can name. I'm not the Glock soapbox guy, but since it was brought up I'll give my experiences.

I've owned Gen2, Gen3, and Gen4 Glocks starting in the mid 1990s through today with thousands of rounds fired down range and I have never had one glitch. None...

I guess some would say my S&W revolvers have only had one more malfunction than that experienced by my Glocks. Numerically that is true, but depending on the circumstances that one malfunction could be extremely significant with dire consequences.

Edmo

from what you say...probably best to simply sell it..LOL,what do you do if your car breaks a belt and leaves you stranded? sell it?

 

[RGMoore]

My BG38 had problems in the first 100 rounds. I sent it to the factory and they told me it was unrepairable. I bet they tell you the same thing. Since their is a "trust" issue with a PD firearm, I replaced it with a 642CT. I frankly like it a lot better than the BG. The laser on the CT grips is automatic or you can tun it off, you don't have to reach over with your thumb if you want it. The cylinder release is in the same spot as every other revolver, not up on top. You can buy aftermarket grips for every other J frame, I couldn't find anybody who makes aftermarket grips that fit the BG.
Best of luck whatever you do.

 

[Edmo]

...LOL,what do you do if your car breaks a belt and leaves you stranded? sell it?

Maybe... The answer to that question is based on how they handle the issue with their faulty product.

I'm not brand myopic and therefore the ball is in their court. They have the opportunity to sell me future firearms based on how they fix their mistake. I've already met my obligation and paid hard earned money in trade for a reliable handgun. They failed to deliver on their side of the deal and gave me one that totally failed.

If they don't treat me appropriately, I will never show up at their door again!

Edmo

 

[Edmo]

My BG38 had problems in the first 100 rounds. I sent it to the factory and they told me it was unrepairable. I bet they tell you the same thing. Since their is a "trust" issue with a PD firearm, I replaced it with a 642CT. I frankly like it a lot better than the BG. The laser on the CT grips is automatic or you can tun it off, you don't have to reach over with your thumb if you want it. The cylinder release is in the same spot as every other revolver, not up on top. You can buy aftermarket grips for every other J frame, I couldn't find anybody who makes aftermarket grips that fit the BG.
Best of luck whatever you do.

Of the light snubbies, the selling points for me with this handgun were the top cylinder release and the top mounted laser. As a lefty, the standard cylinder release is not located in a good spot and the grip lasers are blocked by my grip.

We'll see what they do... I'm still waiting on their shipping label. If they want to replace it with a different model I may just ask for my money back and go elsewhere.

Edmo

 

[mbliss57]

I am sorry you have to send it in. I am sure S&W will make it right. Not that this helps but I had to send a brand new Ruger SR9C back to the factory after many FTL problems from the 1st day. My M&P .45 has never had 1 problem. My only point is that all mechanical devices can fail. But when it happens to you it is very frustrating.

 

[kennyb]

i dont think anything will work

 

[Edmo]

i dont think anything will work

Yup, I've tried everything with this BG38, and it still doesn't work...

Edmo

 

[RGMoore]

Since you are a southpaw, the BG has definite advantages. I hope they can get you one that works. You for sure want to run a couple hundred rounds through it before you trust it.
Good Luck!

 

[shawn mccarver]

My new Bodyguard BG38 snubbie locked up on me yesterday. This is after only one month and one box of ammo since new. At least it failed during a practice session and not when I needed it for protection.

The trigger is locked to the back, the cylinder is locked up, and it will not release and swing out of the gun. I've got a warranty return request in with S&W... We'll see how they take care of business. I've never needed their service with any of my other revolvers so this is new for me.

I've owned S&W revolvers since the mid 1980s and currently have three others besides the Bodyguard. All of them are "lock-less" actions and have generally been used as hunting and hiking guns. They include a 4" Model 629 Mountain Gun, a 6" Model 686, and my first a Model 60 38 Special (non +P) snubbie. The Bodyguard beat this Model 60 in four of the five pocket pistol categories I look for: 1) light weight; 2) accuracy; 3) caliber; 4) snag free design; 5) reliability. Unfortunately, the category it lost is the most important... RELIABILITY !!

With one of my Glocks at my side I'll keep you posted on how S&W handles this recalcitrant little revolver.

Edmo

I got rid of my BG38 after only a short time as there is a problem with the revolver that I found. It is repeatable and others have noticed, although it has been minimized in the gun magazine articles and on this forum.

The problem is apparently inherent to the design and repeatable. When you close the cylinder, you can close it in such a way that the first pull of the trigger will NOT advance the cylinder to the next charge hole. This is readily discoverable through observation and is only noticeable during shooting if you load a single round in the cylinder so that when it advances it is the first round fired. Open and close the cylinder and carefully watch for the cylinder to advance - don't just assume it is. Eventually, you will hit the "sweet spot" and your cylinder will not roll when you pull the trigger.

I know all sorts of people will jump on here and act like it has not happened to them, but it was possible to repeat it with every one of these revolvers I have tried.

The standard J Frame is less expensive and has not exhibited this problem in the 40 years I have been shooting the J Frames. I went back to those models as I lost all trust in the new BG38.

 

[wrangler5]

Thanks willy!< snip >

I don't think I'm in the market for another wheel gun anytime soon. They apparently require too many rounds to get it good and broken-in (sorry, couldn't help myself!).

< snip >

It's pretty easy to do a lot of that breaking in with snap caps. I've gotten off as many as 200 shots in my 442, single handed, without reloading. (Hollywood has nothing on me.) It's coming up on a year old, and while it's had hundreds of live rounds through it, I'm sure there have been a thousand or two dry fire cycles. And it's getting awfully smooth.

I'll be curious if you hear what went wrong internally in yours. Although as others have said, even if they fix it I think it would take an awfully long time before I trusted it again.

 

[Edmo]

It's pretty easy to do a lot of that breaking in with snap caps. I've gotten off as many as 200 shots in my 442, single handed, without reloading. (Hollywood has nothing on me.) It's coming up on a year old, and while it's had hundreds of live rounds through it, I'm sure there have been a thousand or two dry fire cycles. And it's getting awfully smooth.

I'll be curious if you hear what went wrong internally in yours. Although as others have said, even if they fix it I think it would take an awfully long time before I trusted it again.

Wrangler, although this revolver has only 50-60 live rounds through it, I do the same and fire my handguns often with snap caps. It has easily over 150 snap cap shots (more like 300) and I routinely work on my trigger pull and the smoothing up the gun while watching TV. I do this with my semi autos as well. Snap caps are also great at the range to induce a failure to fire requiring a "Tap-Rack-Bang" clearing drill.

I'll let you know what they find. I submitted my return label request this past Friday, so I expect something from S&W early this next week. Hopefully they have a more detailed repair description than some I've heard of in the past... "repaired gun - function check good."

Shawn Mc, my BG38 would do the same rotation thing you found on your revolver. None of my other revolvers (S&W or Ruger) have this trait. Back when this paper-weight worked it would always aligns a hole with the barrel before it snapped the firing pin... However, the hole may not be the next one in the logical rotation.

Edmo

 

[Kavinsky]

My new Bodyguard BG38 snubbie locked up on me yesterday. This is after only one month and one box of ammo since new. At least it failed during a practice session and not when I needed it for protection.

The trigger is locked to the back, the cylinder is locked up, and it will not release and swing out of the gun. I've got a warranty return request in with S&W... We'll see how they take care of business. I've never needed their service with any of my other revolvers so this is new for me.

I've owned S&W revolvers since the mid 1980s and currently have three others besides the Bodyguard. All of them are "lock-less" actions and have generally been used as hunting and hiking guns. They include a 4" Model 629 Mountain Gun, a 6" Model 686, and my first a Model 60 38 Special (non +P) snubbie. The Bodyguard beat this Model 60 in four of the five pocket pistol categories I look for: 1) light weight; 2) accuracy; 3) caliber; 4) snag free design; 5) reliability. Unfortunately, the category it lost is the most important... RELIABILITY !!

With one of my Glocks at my side I'll keep you posted on how S&W handles this recalcitrant little revolver.

Edmo

hmm sounds like the 686 that needed an M modification all over again, 10 to 1 once its back and working your going to get rid of it like my father did with that 686 in 83'

as after something like that happens with it you never trust that gun ever again.

so it'd probably be best to request a new gun from smith and wesson to replace it saying I dont feel I could ever trust that particular gun again and that I hope it was just a one off lemon.

from what you say...probably best to simply sell it..LOL,what do you do if your car breaks a belt and leaves you stranded? sell it?

that's a simple mechancial failure that can easily be remedied on a car of a 1000 parts that works properly if used all of the time and its not abused


a revolver is a much smaller device with alot less parts thats prided on being more reliabile and trustworthy than a semi auto regardless of the ammo choice and it shouldnt have a break in period, period.

atleast not like that!

it is a revolver, not a semi auto after all, if you cant trust a revolver what can you trust?