S&W Bodyguard 38, any problems??

ONE BIG PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!

upon reveiwing my post to see if their had been any updated posts, i noticed a big problem not previously addressed, their is not one photo of the discussed firearm up:(:( soooo, here is my recent purchase.

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sig 238 for size comparison
 
Thanks for docsspot's pics. I recently purchased the Sig 238 and the BG 38. While the Sig has a 6 rd or 7 rd mag capacity, and is smaller I have got to say I like the BG 38 better for feel in firing. I can get my hand higher on the grip on the BG.
 
Thanks for docsspot's pics. I recently purchased the Sig 238 and the BG 38. While the Sig has a 6 rd or 7 rd mag capacity, and is smaller I have got to say I like the BG 38 better for feel in firing. I can get my hand higher on the grip on the BG.

thats it!!! no more posting pics if its going to make people spend their money. :D
 
I have a Bodyguard 38 and can find no flaw with it. I often shoot it at the 25 yard range only because it is my favorite range, not that the BG38 is a range gun, or a 25 yard gun. I place all my shots on paper.

The trigger is great, better than my Ruger SP101, not as nice as my 686 or my Ruger Vaquero. I have never shot a J-Frame, so I have no reference.

If I needed to replace my S&W Bodyguard 38 with another 38 special revolver weighing in at 14 ounces, I would purchase another S&W Bodyguard 38.
 
This is my 1st post so please help me out... I have owned my BG38 as of 5/2012. Here starts my list, new unfired mailed back to S&W asking them to install a hiviz front sight. Gone 2 months was returned with note from bench tech "we don't have one for this model"... OK? As of 7/2012 Insight laser just goes dead, installed new batteries nothing. Returned to S&W they mailed me a new one still working. As of 2/2013 noticed that the frame metal (Al) is slowly but surly cracking and falling away from the cylinder rotation devise (steel). I can't find a parts diagram or, I would give you the part number. After talking to S&W-CS I was told this could just be from normal wear and "tear". I might have bought that but this BG38 has only fired about 50 rounds. It's now at S&W and according to them it could be returned to me untouched with a thank you for shopping at S&W... I paid $500 for my BG38 and it's not my only S&W. My M&P's are a nice escape when I'm waiting for judgement day on my Bodyguard 38 revolver. :confused:

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I do not recommend this gun. I suggest you sell it and apply the money toward a 642 or 442 with a Crimson Trace laser grip (if you feel you really need a laser).

Be sure to try the Apex Tactical spring kit if you decide to buy a 642/442.
 
I have a bodyguard so far I have no problems whatsoever with it...
I had a couple problems with the laser. S&W made it right. No problems since. Perfectly adequate self defense weapon. Definitely not a target gun, nor is my M642-1 or any of the M36s or the M38 I've owned.

Laser is good for practice, one cylinder on, one cylinder off to improve hand/eye coordination. No problem switching laser on with my weak side thumb (left), no problem with the ambidextrous cylinder catch, no problem with the direction of rotation of the cylinder. Slight speed bump getting into the habit of fully releasing the trigger.

You can clean the polymer with a damp rag, so no solvents interfere with laser electronic connections.
 
My wife owns a bodyguard...The only S&W I own is a model 27 .357 magnum, a bit more handgun than the polymer framed bodyguard, but that still doesn't detract from the .38, it has it's place. I've found it a more comfortable weapon to shoot with Hogue grips that are designed for the pistol. Less felt recoil and finger grooves seem to give it better pointability with those grips. Polymer is the material of the future. People laughed at the Glock when it came on the scene. They aren't laughing anymore.
 
I want to see more

I wish someone would post a picture of the cylinder ratchet (or connection point in this handgun?) on the back of the cylinder. With cylinder open. Also the frame below the firing pin hole.

To me the internal ratchet is the genius of this pistol, and maybe someone will photograph it inside and out.

Stated in other words - there is no visible hand rotating the cylinder. Therefore no slot for the hand. So the barrel can be rotated in the direction that pushes cylinder closed, if it used a hand. No doubt gives a little cranking pressure in the best direction.

I like a hammer to cock for the great S&W trigger. And I liked the cylinder unlock latch where it was. But for a covered hammer pistol this looks good.

If the engineer that designed this was to rearrange the keys on a piano, some old piano player would want to horsewhip him. Sorta how I felt after owning S&W revolvers for 50 years and handling one of these a year or so ago. Until I looked at how the cylinder rotates and locks.

Like new people on other mechanical things, new people will not complain about the cylinder latch up where hammer normally is on exposed hammer models. And unfortunately they will miss the new internal ratchet, at first.

If I cannot at least see photo's of the inside of this gun, I will never buy one. But years ago I had a S&W Chiefs Special with a loose crane. And the hand would push it open a little bit when cocking. (When looking below the barrel the seam between crane and frame opened enough to be more than obvious. So I sold it). I very much like the way this cylinder rotates. (So far - until I see the innards).
 
Last two bits

I get really amused at the number of people who buy lightest handguns and then load it with the hottest cartridges, and then complain about recoil.

Why can't people shoot target wadcutters at a target range anymore?

(Oops, that is what me and wife did when she bought her walther 380. It has been locked up in safe for about 30 years now. But she loves her Walther PPK in .22 rimfire. It has been shot many many times. So I assume we would have shot her 380 many times if we started off with the lightest target loads?)
(She also dearly loves shooting 38 special cartridges in her 357 with its 6 inch barrel).
 
Regarding getting a coin stuck in a Model 638 or Model 38 this is an old wives tale. It simply cannot happen and if you have one of these models try it, there is NO WAY any coin can get stuck in the slot for the shrouded hammer.
 
Bodyguard 38

Bought for ccw for pocket carry, I have put 150+/- rounds down range only problem is it should low and left, Crimson laser sighted in easily shoots very will and carries easily. but noticeable recoil with +p but it weighs 15 oz so recoil expected.
 
S&W 38 Bodyguard

I purchased this gun brand new approx. Six months ago.
Went to the range and after 25 shots, the cylinder no longer would index correctly and it would not fire.
Took it to my gun smith and he said he was just going to send it back to S&W. My suggestion to anyone purchasing this gun to go and put at least 200 rounds through it to make sure you have a good one. Otherwise you might want to carry a brick with you also.
 
I purchased this gun brand new approx. Six months ago.
Went to the range and after 25 shots, the cylinder no longer would index correctly and it would not fire.
Took it to my gun smith and he said he was just going to send it back to S&W. My suggestion to anyone purchasing this gun to go and put at least 200 rounds through it to make sure you have a good one. Otherwise you might want to carry a brick with you also.
I don't know how you worked the trigger but if it's not allowed to fully reset, it won't index correctly.
 
I just purchased my Bodyguard 38 in Jan. 2015. While getting familiar with the trigger pull, I notice a serious problem with the cylinder not lining up properly. This happened several times. I could pull the trigger and the cylinder would not be lined up with the firing pin. It only would happen with the first round. After that, the star ratchet would properly line everything up with the second pull of the trigger. I shipped it to S&W for repairs right away. I got it back yesterday (2/27). A service rep stated they replaced the cylinder. Of course I had to check it out as soon as I got it out of the box. It was better but I still have to jiggle the cylinder when I first close it, to make sure the star ratchet FULLY engages (making the cylinder release slide back to the fully locked position) the cylinder before firing that all important first shot. I have yet to fire a single round through it. I have always been a big fan of S&W products. I'm very disappointed with this purchase and will probable trade it in for a more reliable, tried and true, snubby!
 
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