New Smith Products-Polymer revolver and .380 auto

[Plumbata]

Interesting, but the laser is a deal killer for me. I have no use for them.

 

[TiroFijo]

Both are ugly as hell, I hate plastic in revolvers (how strong can the metal/plastic interface be?), and I have absolutely no use for a laser on pistol.

The 380 has some promise.

 

[KMB]

I hate plastic in revolvers (how strong can the metal/plastic interface be?)

I don't see where you guys get that revolver is polymer. It says on the product description that frame is made of aluminum alloy.

 

[cjw3]

I don't see where you guys get that revolver is polymer. It says on the product description that frame is made of aluminum alloy.

BODYGUARD 38 Revolver

Chambered in .38 S&W Special +P, the BODYGUARD 38 continues Smith & Wesson's line of reliable small-frame self-defense revolvers. The BODYGUARD 38 delivers the optimal combination of accuracy and simplicity. With its lightweight design, the BODYGUARD 38 allows for discreet carry and its hammerless design provides a snag-free presentation. The five-shot revolver features a short 1.9-inch barrel, which contributes to a compact overall length of 6.6 inches.

Weighing in at 14.3 ounces, the BODYGUARD 38 features a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame along with a steel reinforced polymer lower frame. The barrel and cylinder on the revolver are both stainless steel. The stainless steel cylinder is coated with a durable, non-reflective, matte black PVD finish for long term carrying and low light presentation. Designed to accommodate both left and right-handed shooters, the revolver features an easily manipulated ambidextrous cylinder release on the top of the frame. The revolver is further enhanced with an ergonomic one-piece rubber grip and a smooth trigger pull.

On the right side of the frame, the revolver has been fitted with an integral INSIGHT laser, allowing precise shot placement in low light conditions. For fast target acquisition when the laser is not in use, the revolver sports a notch-style rear sight and a pinned black blade front sight. The BODYGUARD 38, with its double-action only design, can be easily concealed for discreet carry.

 

[revolvergeek]

BUT!!!!!! .........

...... the locking notches (bolt stops) on the cylinder indicate that the cylinder rotates clockwise. Am I wrong?

I was just wondering about that myself! Say it ain't so!

 

[Capt Steve]

That little .380 is as ugly as homemade sin!

You got that right, what were they thinking???

 

[Combat_Diver]

I give kudos to Smith for continueing new designs and products. The are not as hideious as the Tauras or Ruger. The designs do flow better and are more ambi. I do like the new .38 and if it doesn't have the ILS, even better. I had just order a 442 no lock from them on 30 Dec 09.

CD

 

[DAdams]

It's So

"I was just wondering about that myself! Say it ain't so!"

The end of the world as we know it.

 

[Gebe]

Here's another one that thinks they're both ugly as hell.

 

[cylinder]

Say what you like, but out of those three (Ruger, Smith and Taurus) I would buy the Taurus. I guess the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[sheriffoconee]

I guess someone will buy them..but these ain't the Smith and Wessons I know and love.....

 

[shawn mccarver]

Does anyone have the word on whether the slide will lock back on empty on that 380 auto? I have an LCP, and that is my only complaint. I do not think the addition of a safety on that model is needed, and the lasers should be optional IMHO in order to offer a lower MSRP. If I have to pull that little gun, I doubt I will take the time to flip on the laser switch up by the muzzle.....

I think they will 1 up Ruger on performance and quality, but I have a feeling that MSRP will be significantly higher. Just a hunch....

The slide will lock back on the last round, and there is a manual slide lock/release. Use of the safety is not required. Word was at the SHOW that both models would be offered without lasers at some point later in 2010.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Despite the ambi cylinder release, the cylinder will still open only to the left. BUT!!!!!! .........

...... the locking notches (bolt stops) on the cylinder indicate that the cylinder rotates clockwise. Am I wrong?

Correct. Clockwise rotation.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Hit the 360 degree button and I think the lock becomes obvious.
How about the ambidextrous cylinder release?

After looking at it again, maybe it's not the lock. Can't tell for sure.

There was no internal key lock on the ones at the SHOT Show.

 

[semperfi.45]

IMO 14 ounces is not lightweight. Bring back the weight of the 342PD and that would be appealing.

I hope the .380 is available without the laser. Not everyone thinks highly of them.

 

[Captain38]

BUT!!!!!! .........

...... the locking notches (bolt stops) on the cylinder indicate that the cylinder rotates clockwise. Am I wrong?

Danski,

You beat me to it!

The new S&W Bodyguard Cylinder Turns the WRONG WAY!!! As far as I'm concerned, THIS is the most radical departure from the classic Smith snubby design EVER!

 

[justicetyme]

So much if not all of handgun ownership is a matter of personal preference that it generally boils down to 'I like it, I'm paying for it and that settles it.'

As to why anyone would want a laser on a defense gun (especially a small pocket gun) perhaps a look at this video might shed some light on the subject.
YouTube - 018 Shooting the "Texas Star"

JNT

 

[Krull]

The slide will lock back on the last round, and there is a manual slide lock/release. Use of the safety is not required. Word was at the SHOW that both models would be offered without lasers at some point later in 2010.

They offer the .38 without a laser and I may buy one...

 

[arizonaguide]

perhaps a look at this video might shed some light on the subject.

Holy crap...was that Sipowitz?

 

[brucev]

Other than the heritage series, it has been a long time since S&W produced anything that interested me. I find both the pistol and revolver to be very interesting indeed. Both appear to be well thought out and designed with no extraneous features to get in the way.