At the range, I fired both guns in the standard American Rifleman protocol, which produced results acceptable for the guns’ intended purpose, but inconsistent with other Smith & Wesson firearms. In fairness to the test guns, the relatively large 25-yard groups might be as much a function of very small guns and long, fairly heavy trigger pulls. I also tried something new by moving the target into the FBI standard 7-yard line. At this range, I repeated the five consecutive, five-shot groups exercise, using the laser sight exclusively. As the tabulation suggests, accuracy was markedly better. As a purely firearm matter, I found the trigger pulls to be a bit awkward and unlike typical S&W firearms. This may well be because they are atypical S&Ws—they are completely new and original guns. The concept of an integral laser sighting system is radical enough, but the Bodyguard project also involves S&W’s first venture into polymer revolvers and sub-compact pistols. As has been the case with Smith & Wesson for a century and a half, the intent is to provide Americans with the means of defending themselves in times of grave need. I’m betting that these latest ’Smiths are going to be well-received.

Specs:

Manufacturer: Smith &Wesson; (800) 331-0852; www.smithandwesson.com
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P (BG 38); .380 ACP (BG 380)
Action Type: double-action-only (BG 38); recoil operacted semi-auto (BG380)
Frame: cast aluminum upper, polymer lower (BG 38); polymer (BG 380)
Barrel: 1.90” (BG 38); 2.75” (BG 380)
Rifling: 1:18.75” LH twist (BG 38); 1:16” RH twist (BG 380)
Capacity: five (BG 38); six (BG 380)
Sights: fixed, square-notch rear and ramp front (BG 38); front ramp, drift-adjustable square-notch rear (BG 380); both have integrated lasers
Trigger Pull: double-action only 12 lbs. (BG 38); double-action only 10 lbs.
Overall Length: 6.60” (BG 38); 5.25” (BG 380)
Width: 1.35” (BG 38); 3.62” (BG 380)
Height: 4.50” (BG 38); 3.62” (BG 380)
Weight: 14.3 ozs. (BG 38); 11.85 ozs. (BG 380)
Accessories: zipper case, lock, owner’s manual
Suggested Retail Price: $625 (BG 38); $575 (BG 380)

Read another take on the Bodyguard 38 revolver.