bennettfam
Member
You enter your Shelby Mustang in a car show, and you drive your Ford Focus to work everyday. That Bodyguard is the Focus.
Who else thinks the new bodyguard .38 is horrid looking!!
- Thread starter RightWinger
- Start date
5Wire
Member
It was cheap and works well. The only thing I am not impressed with is the laser activation switch, I wish they would of put it in the grip. I will probably sell it and get a 642 or similar with CT grips.
I realized that the laser activation button is conveniently placed to be accessible to either thumb. A lefty's thumb can almost land right on it and a righty's thumb almost lands on it if the hold recommended by Jerry Miculek is used. There used to be video of using this grip, albeit with a 642, but I think you can get the idea of how the grip would ork with the BG38.
MICULEK2 scroll down.
5 Shot
Member
I bought a Bodyguard a few months ago, shot fine right out of the box. Laser was even sighted perfect. I just didn't like the beating my thumb and forfinger took using +P's loads. Wasn't real fun to shoot (IMO). I sold it and bought a S&W Model 60, 3 in., Stainless. Now this gun is much more fun to shoot, load with 135gr +P's. And very accurate at 7 yrds.
Duke426
Member
I was blissfully unaware that there was a problem with the airweight J-frame revolvers we have enjoyed all these years as CCW and BUGs.
Except for the integral laser sight, I see no compelling evidence that this Bodyguard .38 is an uprgade to the airweights of any vintage.
There is no appreciable difference in size or weight of the gun versus the older guns and I have yet to see a claim that the action is superior to the older guns. What was so wrong with the older design of the internal lockwork that necessitated a complete redesign of the weapon system? Does this BG38 have a DA trigger so superior that it makes the sweet old S&W feel like a Taurus? As for the grip size and shape, there are infinite options in aftermarket grips already for small revolvers...if you can't find one that fits you perfectly, you haven't looked around enough.
Different strokes and all that but I just don't see an "upgrade" here. Of course I'm still trying to understand the supposed advantages of the .308 and the "short" action over the .30-06...but I digress
Except for the integral laser sight, I see no compelling evidence that this Bodyguard .38 is an uprgade to the airweights of any vintage.
There is no appreciable difference in size or weight of the gun versus the older guns and I have yet to see a claim that the action is superior to the older guns. What was so wrong with the older design of the internal lockwork that necessitated a complete redesign of the weapon system? Does this BG38 have a DA trigger so superior that it makes the sweet old S&W feel like a Taurus? As for the grip size and shape, there are infinite options in aftermarket grips already for small revolvers...if you can't find one that fits you perfectly, you haven't looked around enough.
Different strokes and all that but I just don't see an "upgrade" here. Of course I'm still trying to understand the supposed advantages of the .308 and the "short" action over the .30-06...but I digress
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Maximumbob54
Member
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I look at the BG and get depressed...
I am going to sound a little rude here. These new models aren't made to be better or improved over previous models. They are the latest idea from the cost cutting think tank to produce what has been deemed to be an easier to produce more dollar bottom line friendly unit that minimizes hand fitting while maximizing profit available from sales. The most innovative part to either one is that the laser is made from the original design to be as integral as profit possible. They follow the same path as the MIM parts. It all functions just fine or the warranty system would explode and they would face major losses. But it's another step on the path from Smith and Wesson being known for its graceful and classic designs to you will only find grace in the fact of its functionality. Think of it like a Glock revolver. It would be ugly and yet the fact that you can take comfort in its shear reliability would still make it loved. And in the mean time everything that made Blued steel and finely grained walnut will die. But the fact remains that hand fitting, hazmat fees, lawyers, master craftsmen, materials, and everything involved cost more and more every year. Welcome to the future where more and more of us cling to the past, put up with the present, and hope for a better future for those who follow us.
I am going to sound a little rude here. These new models aren't made to be better or improved over previous models. They are the latest idea from the cost cutting think tank to produce what has been deemed to be an easier to produce more dollar bottom line friendly unit that minimizes hand fitting while maximizing profit available from sales. The most innovative part to either one is that the laser is made from the original design to be as integral as profit possible. They follow the same path as the MIM parts. It all functions just fine or the warranty system would explode and they would face major losses. But it's another step on the path from Smith and Wesson being known for its graceful and classic designs to you will only find grace in the fact of its functionality. Think of it like a Glock revolver. It would be ugly and yet the fact that you can take comfort in its shear reliability would still make it loved. And in the mean time everything that made Blued steel and finely grained walnut will die. But the fact remains that hand fitting, hazmat fees, lawyers, master craftsmen, materials, and everything involved cost more and more every year. Welcome to the future where more and more of us cling to the past, put up with the present, and hope for a better future for those who follow us.
bennettfam
Member
Nothing wrong with it. S&W is just trying to keep up with the Jones. (William Jones Ruger)
Is the 642/442 that beautiful...really? At the end of the day it's a snubnose revolver; it's made to carry, not for nostalgia.
Besides, I don't see this taking away from the traditional lines of S&W models, it's just a new product.
Besides, I don't see this taking away from the traditional lines of S&W models, it's just a new product.
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Centurian77
Member
A guy that carries a revolver could just as easily carry a piece of tupperware. However he doesn't. S&W is becoming junk.
I don't buy lock revolvers because I don't want some kid in a suit at a board meeting showing lock gun sales are up.
I certainly won't buy a plastic revolver.
Pre-Lock only.
7
I don't buy lock revolvers because I don't want some kid in a suit at a board meeting showing lock gun sales are up.
I certainly won't buy a plastic revolver.
Pre-Lock only.
7
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I actually think that they're getting away from the IL J-frames...from what I hear. Also, the BG 38 doesn't have a lock, but it does have plastic. I'm sure the 1911 lovers of old were just as upset when Glock introduced their line of polymer guns.
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5Wire
Member
I must be missing something. The little J-Frames have fulfilled a role as self-defense weapons since their inception. They are not intended to be minute of angle, or less, target guns, although there are probably some of the guns and some shooters who can make them perform as if they were.
Concealed hammer, shrouded hammer, exposed hammer variations each accommodating a different aspect of carrying and usage and they're really well designed and pleasing to the eye for us S&W aficionados.
Then along comes the Bodyguard 38 (BG38) and the loss of the good old days is bemoaned for whatever variety of MIM, "Plastic", screw-in barrel, different grip frame, different location for the cylinder release, and the cylinder turns the "wrong" way. Who with any sense of propriety and reverence for the J-Frame product line would stoop to own a BG38?
Me for one.
Ruger LCR-LG MSRP $792, $587 at Bud's
Ruger KSP-321XL-LG MSRP $864, not offered at Bud's
S&W 642 CT MSRP $901, $649 at Bud's
S&W BG38 MSRP $625, $499 at Bud's
So, there seems to be at least an advantage the the BG38 based on bux if nothing else. That does open up the possibilities for people with less money to spend. It also would seem that whatever is spent goes toward a perfectly serviceable self-defense firearm that stands a really good chance of not being seen by anyone except the owner and his or her pals. Why spend more?
Why get depressed about it? S&W has made a revolver that meets demand from new shooters, especially women I would guess, or people with older eyes, like mine, who can do quite well with this gun in a relatively short time. And I can tell you for sure, the BG38 in not junk.
Concealed hammer, shrouded hammer, exposed hammer variations each accommodating a different aspect of carrying and usage and they're really well designed and pleasing to the eye for us S&W aficionados.
Then along comes the Bodyguard 38 (BG38) and the loss of the good old days is bemoaned for whatever variety of MIM, "Plastic", screw-in barrel, different grip frame, different location for the cylinder release, and the cylinder turns the "wrong" way. Who with any sense of propriety and reverence for the J-Frame product line would stoop to own a BG38?
Me for one.
Ruger LCR-LG MSRP $792, $587 at Bud's
Ruger KSP-321XL-LG MSRP $864, not offered at Bud's
S&W 642 CT MSRP $901, $649 at Bud's
S&W BG38 MSRP $625, $499 at Bud's
So, there seems to be at least an advantage the the BG38 based on bux if nothing else. That does open up the possibilities for people with less money to spend. It also would seem that whatever is spent goes toward a perfectly serviceable self-defense firearm that stands a really good chance of not being seen by anyone except the owner and his or her pals. Why spend more?
Why get depressed about it? S&W has made a revolver that meets demand from new shooters, especially women I would guess, or people with older eyes, like mine, who can do quite well with this gun in a relatively short time. And I can tell you for sure, the BG38 in not junk.
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bmcgilvray
Member
Saw the article on the new Bodyguard in the latest "American Rifleman" and read the write-up. Sure it is innovative and high-tech in its manufacture but I was horrified and ashamed to think that this is a product of the Company. Cheapo-looking plastic, MIM, and Cast and laser equipped whether I want it or not! Not in this house! Looks like a "me-too" offering in answer to Ruger's loathsome and unappealing LCR. But "less is more" these days.
The new Bodyguard is not to the classic, traditional Smith & Wesson revolver what the classic, traditional Smith & Wesson revolver was to their earlier top breaks. No valid juxtaposition there, trying use such a comparison to say that some naysayers are slow to accept these new models. The generation living at the dawn of the 20th century likely recognized and appreciated the strength and superiority of design of the new Hand Ejector models and their new, better cartridges just then beginning to be loaded with smokeless powder. Now, 111 years later we are still flinging .38 Special bullets, but from revolvers made of much lesser materials. Granted the economy is different from that of 1899 to 1910 but "less is more" rules and we accept that we have to shoot guns made of plastic and non-ferrous materials, even to embrace them. Sort of like the tale of "The Emperor's New Clothes," many "ooh and ahh" but there really isn't anything there. If the new revolver employed a death ray then it would be something but it is still using old technology metallic ammunition, just like it's steel and walnut predecessors. So just why is it great? Because it's cheaper?
I'm grateful that I'm not required to own one. Glock and automatics of that ilk aren't flavor of the week around here either yet none of the plastic pistole manufacturers are in any danger of going out of business just because I refuse to buy one.
Only my views.
The new Bodyguard is not to the classic, traditional Smith & Wesson revolver what the classic, traditional Smith & Wesson revolver was to their earlier top breaks. No valid juxtaposition there, trying use such a comparison to say that some naysayers are slow to accept these new models. The generation living at the dawn of the 20th century likely recognized and appreciated the strength and superiority of design of the new Hand Ejector models and their new, better cartridges just then beginning to be loaded with smokeless powder. Now, 111 years later we are still flinging .38 Special bullets, but from revolvers made of much lesser materials. Granted the economy is different from that of 1899 to 1910 but "less is more" rules and we accept that we have to shoot guns made of plastic and non-ferrous materials, even to embrace them. Sort of like the tale of "The Emperor's New Clothes," many "ooh and ahh" but there really isn't anything there. If the new revolver employed a death ray then it would be something but it is still using old technology metallic ammunition, just like it's steel and walnut predecessors. So just why is it great? Because it's cheaper?
I'm grateful that I'm not required to own one. Glock and automatics of that ilk aren't flavor of the week around here either yet none of the plastic pistole manufacturers are in any danger of going out of business just because I refuse to buy one.
Only my views.
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bk43
Member
Hand fitting went away when S&W closed the Soft Fit Department in 1957. Everything today, be it forging in power presses or machining in one of the CNC pods, is automated. Doesn't matter which gun you're talking about. While the Bodyguard has some new, innovative design features there is nothing about the way it is made that is unique(at least that I have heard of).
Bob
one eye joe
US Veteran
I don't care for the looks of any of the plastic guns, including the new Bodyguard. That being said, the new BG revolver has some great innovations and if it performs well, it should make a fine self defense tool. For me, I'll stick with my no-lock 642 with Laser Grips. Too old for Tupperware......
I haven't read all of the posts here but, IMO, that thing is butt ugly and an answer to an unasked question. I just don't see where it does anything better than the existing metal j-frames. It seems that S&W came out with it in answer to the LCR, just to be able to say they can make an ugly plastic revolver too.
Most of the frame is aluminum, and if you didn't know that portions of it are polymer, it isn't noticeable. Polymer guns are proven, so it isn't a problem for me.
One man's trash is another man's treasure.
One man's trash is another man's treasure.
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Sportsterguy
Member
If it has a hole bored into it's side and needs a key it should be a non defensive weapon relegated to range and rodent use.
It is butt ugly!
It is butt ugly!
USAF385
US Veteran
I personally care more about how my carry gun functions than how it looks. I don't think the new bodyguard is all that ugly really. If A: I didn't have a 642 and B: the new bodyguard had been out and real word tested longer I'd buy one if the price was right.
Plus it would make a nice companion for my Glock 27.
Plus it would make a nice companion for my Glock 27.
