Handguns > Revolver

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 (Page 2)

Never a company to rest on its laurels, Smith & Wesson continues to refine the 174-year-old revolver design with its new Bodyguard.

By Dave Campbell (RSS)

October 07, 2010

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson; (800) 331-0852; www.smith-wesson.com  
Model: Bodyguard 38
Type: Double-action-only revolver
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Barrel Length: 1.9 inches
Capacity: Five rounds
Rifling: 1:18.5 RH
Sights: Fixed metallic and integral laser
Safety: Hammer block
Grip: Rubber
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 14.3 ounces
Finish: Black Matte
Accessories: Allen wrenches to adjust and remove laser sight, lock
Suggested Retail Price: $625

Read another take on the Bodyguard 38 revolver and Bodyguard .380 ACP pistol.

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Tags:  dave campbell,  handguns,  revolver,  s+w bodyguard 38,  smith & wesson bodyguard 38,  smith and wesson bodyguard

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24 Responses to Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 (Page 2)

Ron wrote:
June 05, 2013

I love this Lil popper. I use Hornady 110g +p self defense ammo (red balistic tip) with great accuracy. Yes I have found most ball ammo is pretty scattered for anything over 10 yds. I'm about to start reloading some 158g cast lswc and see what happens. I don't feel any great discomfort in recoil at all, fits great in my hand, conceals extremely well. Yes, 5 rnds in a snubby is not a bank heist shoot out gun- it is however a great ohshit defend myself piece of protection. I also have a Sig .40, and a Springfield Operator .45, great heavy firepower and deterrent in open carry Louisiana- not so great for concealment. Just sayin. Best practice- try many, choose what fits you best and is comfortable, and practice constantly and consistently.

sean g wrote:
December 15, 2011

anyone know where i can find a bigger/more comfortable aftermarket grip?

andrew wrote:
November 26, 2011

STEVE The bodyguard 38 does not have the 'hillary hole' aka internal lock im just waiting for my handgun permit to come in in new jersey to get mine a friend bought 2 and asked if I would want the one since he owes me a few favors

Taylor wrote:
July 01, 2011

Scootercommuter, probably a little to late to answer your question, but if it isnt hope this helps 1.Stainless steel barrel 2.One-piece aluminum alloy upper frame 3.Ergonomic one-piece rubber grip 4.Stainless steel cylinder (PVD coated) I just purchased one a few weeks back, and it has great release. I havent had a single shell get stuck yet *knock on wood*

Lori wrote:
June 25, 2011

I just got my bodyguard revolver today. shot 45 rounds throw it loved it but notice the laser sight shout off on me a few time. has any body else have the same thing happen.

Dale wrote:
March 22, 2011

Since the cylinder revolves opposite of all other S&W revolvers and the cylinder release is also different, I would only recommend this model to those who don't use other S&W revolvers. In a stress situation your manual of arms should say the same so that it is an automatic response to the particular controls and operations of this revolver.

FLETC Firearms Instructor wrote:
March 22, 2011

For Sootercommuter when ejecting spent brass turn the revolver with the barrel facing up and strike the ejector with the palm of your shooting hand. Slap it and the brass should completely eject. This is an old "Fed" trick taught at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Snowman741 wrote:
February 11, 2011

I have been shooting my bodyguard and noticed I was also High and Left. So dry firing it with a buddy watching we noticed that due to the heavy trigger pull when spinning the cylinder I have been unknowingly pulling the gun high and left when the trigger gets past the cylinder rotation. After knowing that I have been pretty well on target. Just need more rounds through the gun. My main problem is sight picture with out the laser. The Black on Black on such a small gun I tend to strugle with my front sight in my sight picture.

Michael Nerren wrote:
February 05, 2011

Shot the gun today for the first, and currently having the same problem, shooting high and to the left 5" just as you described. Any non-laser solutions?

Rafael wrote:
January 23, 2011

I tried a friends bodyguard today and like Rick all the ammo we tried shot high and to the left. We were very dissappointed and no matter what we did, aside from pointing low and to the right ,did anything get better. He tried my M&P9 and loved it. He is now considering trading it for a M&P9. He originally got the bodyguard for his wife, but she is recoil shy and the bodyguard has bit too much bite for her.

Tyler wrote:
January 04, 2011

Just picked one up for #389 http://www.jetguns.com/bodyguard-wlaser-black-p-1413.html

Rick wrote:
January 03, 2011

Yea, great gun. I love the laser sights they are great for indoor or lowlight situations. However, I'm having a terrible problem with the iron sights. They seem to be shooting groups high and left 5" respectively for a distance of only 10 feet. I've corrected it with the laser, but I can't always rely on the laser in the middle of daylight. Anyone know if S&W will readjust the front sight or do I need to fork out some cash to have a gunsmith do it. I'm in phoenix, AZ. If any S&W reps are out there, feel freely to speak out! Comments are appreicated. I've been using both Remington 140 grains and Winchester 138 grains. iron sights still off, same groupings.

James wrote:
December 15, 2010

I love it....Very light, easy to shoot, easy recoil and .38+P is more than enough for those are there that only believe you must carry a 44 or 45!

Steve wrote:
December 04, 2010

Why do they always show the right side of their revolvers? Oh yeah! To hide the God-forsaken "Hillary Hole" that the morons running S&W still insist on including. BOYCOTT SMITH PENDING ABOLISHMENT OF MANDATORY INTERNAL LOCKS!!!

BK# wrote:
October 19, 2010

The real problem I have with it is the laser. You have to cycle it from off to on to strob and back to off again with your thumb. I much prefer the squeeze on and instant off on release of the Crimson Trace laser on the Ruger LCR. I want that thing off when I need it off quickly. It can reveal my position. Go for instant on/instant off.

RAH wrote:
October 18, 2010

I think this would be perfect for my wife. As I prefer the GLOCK 27 for my CC. Would also be a great trunk gun.

Kevin Rasmussen wrote:
October 16, 2010

Wish it was single/double action like the original. What does this model do that the centennials(40, 442, 340, 342, and 640) don't?

scootercommuter wrote:
October 16, 2010

It would be nice to know whether the ejector system fully ejects the empty brass. The only issue with the 642 and some similar guns is that the short stroke of the ejector does not fully clear the brass from the cylinder, and the user often has to pull the empties the last 1/4 inch out by hand. Also what is the composition of the barrel and cylinder, is it stainless or what?

TJ wrote:
October 15, 2010

Good review & the pistol looks like a winner. Anybody know what the poundage is on the trigger pull?

jlp wrote:
October 15, 2010

What a piece of junk. You failed to mentioned the junk MIM cast parts Smith is using for internals and what a high failure rate they are noted for. I once had an "original high quality body guard made in the 60-s and am sorry i sold it. Now I cannot get another one and certainly would not waste my hard earned money on a "plastic and cast iron modern junk body guard".

Earl Phares wrote:
October 15, 2010

I wanted to replace my fathers Model 36 which I traded years ago, but found this one and am very happy. As a Retired Sheriff, most gun battles are within 21 feet and this works fine and handles like a dream.

Jeff Klawitter wrote:
October 15, 2010

Great review, thanks Dave.

Double Eagle wrote:
October 15, 2010

Impressive review! Benn looking for CC weapon, think I found it. Got to get to my seller and get it on order. Thanks for the review.

Paul Hirsch wrote:
October 14, 2010

Sounds interesting. As an owner of an old M38, I am looking to get it a companion -- so I can send mine back to S&W for refinishing. I like the 438 except for the locking device. Does this one have the locking device?