Chuck Jones
Member
RE: the new bodyguard
Sorry, but I'd just as soon carry a turd in my pocket.
/c
Sorry, but I'd just as soon carry a turd in my pocket.
/c
Who else thinks the new bodyguard .38 is horrid looking!!
- Thread starter RightWinger
- Start date
5Wire
Member
What's your address?
I'd go along with a hurry-up to compete with the Ruger's $792 version at a lower price to keep market share. But there was definitely more than a little thought involved even if the cylinder turns the wrong way.
The both of them are nothing more than a gimmick.
Any modern Smith is not built like the older ones, that said though, I'm very impressed with my Bodyguard 38. My last range session I broke the 1000 round count and this thing really shoots well. When I first bought it I wondered how it would hold up, it has done so in good fashion and still looks new. I've carried the BG daily now and it is a very good personal defense revolver. Everyone who has shot it commented on how comfortably it handles recoil, even with +P loads. The Bodyguard may look flimsy, but believe me it is not. The BG fits in my J frame holsters and is very comfortable to carry. Smith did a great job with the design and I predict it will be a big seller.
5Wire
Member
By the same token, Glock, Springfield, et al are nothing more than gimmicks?
Gimmee a brake!
OP
RightWinger
Member
To each their own, I didn't start this post to belittle or bash anyone for owning one, I was just curious as to what niche this gun filled. I don't really think comparing it to a Glock or XD is a fair comparison because those guns...at least Glock for that matter introduced a new innovative concept in how a semi-auto operates, the new BG does not. An apple to apple comparison would be a plastic 1911 vs the BG, and I would dislike the plastic 1911 just as much I reckon. But for those who do own the new BG and love it I am happy, and I hope this gun works out well for you and you continue to have good results with it.
Moondancer
Member
Hmmm... good post.
Edited: never post while drunk.
Edited: never post while drunk.
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Because of the polymer back end, S&W was able to reshape the grip area. The frontstrap of the frame does not rise up behind the triggerguard, so your second finger is properly supported. I can also get a portion of my pinky on the grip with a higher purchase on the gun, more in line with the bore. All that helps w/ recoil, not to mention the forgiving nature of the polymer portion of the frame...and a smooth trigger.
The Laser is more in line with the bore of the gun vs. the crimson trace. The angle to target isn't nearly as steep...not to mention it is cheaper than buying a CT grip. The button might be harder to use vs. the CT grip, but the price is in line with a 642 or and LCR with out the laser.
What looks like the barrel is the frame, the barrel screws down into the frame, so the barrel is supported on its entire length.
There is a ratchet hub instead of the hand that rises to turn the cylinder. That apparantly is more beneficial?
...Woah, I sound just like the Guns and Ammo article on the BG 38.
The Laser is more in line with the bore of the gun vs. the crimson trace. The angle to target isn't nearly as steep...not to mention it is cheaper than buying a CT grip. The button might be harder to use vs. the CT grip, but the price is in line with a 642 or and LCR with out the laser.
What looks like the barrel is the frame, the barrel screws down into the frame, so the barrel is supported on its entire length.
There is a ratchet hub instead of the hand that rises to turn the cylinder. That apparantly is more beneficial?
...Woah, I sound just like the Guns and Ammo article on the BG 38.
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GyMac
US Veteran
The looks of the BG .38 do not appeal to me and the appearance of revolvers is one of the things that I like about them. But my revolvers are for fun. When it comes to .38 snubs, I prefer the looks of the Colt Detective Special or the Model 10. I also like the 3 1/4 inch SP-101. When I carry a gun for SD, it's usually an auto.
Chris
Chris
Have you seen the looks of a 442 or a 642 w/ a CT grip...looks like a J-Frame taking a poo.
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hunterfisher808
Member
I like the concept, and really want to test drive one. I like 1911s, Colt and S&W revolvers that are now fast becoming collectibles (They were all common stuff when I started shooting) and the plastic fantastic stuff of today. I saw glocks as too ugly to own, but have had a love affair with my .40 model 22 since that caliber was first offered. I'm open minded and this new S&W looks like it brings it home! But then again I have some really nice revolvers and pistols to fondle when my aesthetic desires need to be satisfied.
) and the plastic fantastic stuff of today. I saw glocks as too ugly to own, but have had a love affair with my .40 model 22 since that caliber was first offered. I'm open minded and this new S&W looks like it brings it home! But then again I have some really nice revolvers and pistols to fondle when my aesthetic desires need to be satisfied.
5Wire
Member
What grege33 posted!
bk43
Member
It's a great little pocket carry gun. Light, comfortable to shoot, accurate, durable finish and the laser is a nice plus. If I want to fondle and admire classic beauty I go to the safe and get out a 100 year old HE or #1911 or something like that. For every day carry this little sucker fills the bill.
One down side is that the stocks are not the same as J frames, say like a #642. They're a little different and held in place by a rolled pin near the bottom and not a centered screw.
Bob
One down side is that the stocks are not the same as J frames, say like a #642. They're a little different and held in place by a rolled pin near the bottom and not a centered screw.
Bob
Maximumbob54
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So the grip section of the frame is different then. I guess for the time being then we have to wait and see if the aftermarket wants to start offering grips for this. At this point I hesitate to even call it a J frame if it is that different. As for looks, beauty has always been in the eye of the beholder. I go more for looks combined with usage over either one alone. I will second the previous comments that even Glocks have their place. Something can be so rugged and reliable that it will take on a beauty all its own. To my eye this thing has a droopy little skinny grip on it that both looks funny and I don't see how you will have such a good grasp to hold onto with some +P. This is subjective though.
bk43
Member
Yes, the grips are different. I'm not the best with pics but this may help show why I actually like the Bodyguard grips over the #642. Although smaller the Bodyguard grips on the left have a slight swell in the middle like the Spegels on the right. It reminds me of the coke targets of long ago. The standard #642 grips in the middle, although thicker, do not give as good a hold when shooting, especially +P. I'm no engineer and can't tell you why but be assured it's true. The Bodyguard grips also cover the backstrap and go higher on the frame.
I will put Spegels on the Bodyguard as soon as he starts making them as I like the way the smooth wood clears the pants pocket. Plus, they're purdy.
Bob
I will put Spegels on the Bodyguard as soon as he starts making them as I like the way the smooth wood clears the pants pocket. Plus, they're purdy.
Bob
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Anton Chigurh
Member
The grip is the best I have ever felt on a J frame, even counting aftermarket stocks. Bigger than the wood splinter service stocks, not as stubby and fat as the Hogues (hey, I spelled it correctly) and Mike's.
It is alright by me.
It is alright by me.
Have you seen the looks of a 442 or a 642 w/ a CT grip...looks like a J-Frame taking a poo.
The new bodyguard serves a purpose. As to the 442 o 642 looking like it is taking a poo with a CT grip. Wait till your eyes can no longer focus on the front or rear sight. That hand full of "poo" beats the heck out of a sight that you can't see. That handfull of "poo" looks pretty good if it helps defend your life.....
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....
TLG, half blind, but still shooting.....
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Maximumbob54
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I'm not the first to do this but I cut the bottom finger off some Uncle Mikes three finger grips and sanded them until they had a good feel at the bottom. The three finger model covers the back strap unlike the two finger and goes as high as it should for a Chief's but on a Centennial nothing I have seen goes high enough. Scratch that, some European high price model has a wood grip that looked worthy until the mad money price tag laughed me away from the webpage. My dislike is that I (like many others) don't care for a finger being behind the trigger guard. It tends to whammy your middle finger. Are you saying the new BG doesn't do this to you? Or did you never suffer from that issue in the first place?
5Wire
Member
Excellent post Bob, I love the comparison photos. Great visual support!
