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back to topREVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Lightweight (23)
- Compact (22)
- Easy to use (19)
- Accuracy (16)
- Easy maintenance (15)
Cons
- Accuracy (4)
- Poor quality (3)
Best Uses
- Home protection (19)
- Shooting ranges (11)
- Concealed carry (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Homeowner (20), Enthusiast (17), Beginner (7), Hunter / fisherman (6), Collector (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (21), Yes (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great for concealed carry
Great concealed carry revolver from S&W.
The Bodyguard .38 is my latest S&W J-Frame and has quickly become one of my favorites. It is light even when loaded which mak...Read complete review
Great concealed carry revolver from S&W.
The Bodyguard .38 is my latest S&W J-Frame and has quickly become one of my favorites. It is light even when loaded which makes concealed carry very comfortable. I prefer to carry mine in an inside the waistband holster in the 1 o'clock (appendix) position, and I can do so with comfort all day.
The new ambidextrous cylinder release makes it easier to release the cylinder than the traditional setup. The trigger is a lot lighter than that of a model 642, which allows for faster, smoother, and more accurate shooting. The grip is a little longer than the standard factory grip on a 642 allowing three fingers to be on the grip. The back of the grip also comes up higher on the revolver which makes firing more comfortable. As with any enclosed hammer revolver, the Bodyguard can be fired from a concealed location, such as a coat pocket, without the risk of snagging or jamming.
The laser is easy to sight in and easy to operate. One push with the thumb turns the laser on, a second causes it to pulse, and a third shuts it off. While not necessary for a snub nose revolver intended for close range encounters, the laser will help beginners feel more comfortable about using the Bodyguard in self defense situations.
Recoil is what you would expect from a light J-Frame when using +P ammunition, but is not at all uncomfortable to shoot.
The Bodyguard .38 does not have the internal lock, which many S&W enthusiasts will be happy to hear.
Overall, this is a great option for concealed carry for everyone from beginners to long time enthusiasts.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not what it's made out to be.
While I am a fan of S&W and I like the idea behind the weapon, it did not prove to be what I thought it would. The weapon is a little smaller t...Read complete review
While I am a fan of S&W and I like the idea behind the weapon, it did not prove to be what I thought it would. The weapon is a little smaller than a traditional J-Frame revolver, and the grip is a bit shorter resulting in a pretty harsh recoil.
Another problem that I'm now hearing about after I experienced it myself; the laser that is installed on the weapon from the factory is notoriously unreliable and shuts off sometimes permanently while firing.
You would be better off spending the extra money to go with a more stable Taurus or S&W revolver that doesn't have that worthless laser.
Reviewed by 25 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
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Pros
- Accuracy
- Compact Design
- Durable
- Easy Maintenance
- Easy To Use
- Great For The Female Enth
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Concealable
- Home Protection
- Shooting Ranges
Comments about Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson® Bodyguard® Handgun:
no complaints
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accuracy
- Compact Design
- Durable
- Easy Maintenance
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Protection
Comments about Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson® Bodyguard® Handgun:
Planning on using regurly
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Accuracy
- Compact Design
- Durable
- Easy Maintenance
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Protection
- Shooting Ranges
- Wife~~~apos~~~s Personal Protectio
Comments about Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson® Bodyguard® Handgun:
Great personal protection handgun for my wife.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy Maintenance
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Accuracy
Best Uses
- Home Protection
Comments about Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson® Bodyguard® Handgun:
This is the perfect ccw! Not a range accurate competition league type of weapon, but for a lightweight ccw, you can't find better. The recoil is not at all harsh and the laser, while not factory sited accurate, can be fine tuned pretty easily with the included tool. I've shot at the range with this one just to keep fine tuned, but it's a personal defense gun, not a range gun. It's intended use is for personal safety. It's ease of use and weight alone make it well worth the dollars spent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy Maintenance
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Accuracy
Best Uses
- Home Protection
- Personal Protection
Comments about Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson® Bodyguard® Handgun:
Would recommend this great little revolver for someone looking for a simple, light, and reliable CC weapon. Put over 100 rounds through it at range without a problem except everything was to the left of center between 7 and 10 o'clock. Looked at reviews and some claim this is a common problem with the S&W Bodyguard. Need to shoot more to see if I can overcome this. Great gun for your money. Laser is pretty useless, expecially because of button location,
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-5
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q & a
back to topDo you have questions about this product? 4 easy ways to get the answers you need:
get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.
Q:
is there a safety on this gun?Asked on 6/26/2012 by Jay0 answers
Q:
how do you turn the laser on/off?Asked on 5/8/2011 by razor from mpls, mn5 answers
A:
button where the hammer should be.Answered on 3/3/2012 by Diann5050 from Ft. Lauderdale, FLA:
There is a small gray button located next to the cylinder release on the right side of the weapon. Push it once for a steady beam, again for a pulse, and a third time to turn it off.Answered on 3/4/2012 by Matt from Fayetteville, NCA:
Button on the top of the laser Push on, second push is pulse laser, third is off. Stays on for 5 seconds if not turned off.Answered on 2/2/2012 by Charlie from Las Vegas, NVA:
switch.Answered on 2/18/2012 by pooh from compton caVERIFIED BUYER
A:
PUSH THE BUTTON THAT IS ON TOP OF THE LASERAnswered on 5/15/2012 by GEORGE from BELOIT WI.
Q:
what does " +P " stand for on the smith & wesson .38 special +P revolverAsked on 12/11/2010 by Anonymous2 answers
A:
+p means extra powerAnswered on 2/21/2011 by db from ohioA:
It's used on a lot of rounds and designates a cartridge with a more powerful powder load than the regular rounds. Therefore higher velocity.Answered on 2/2/2012 by Charlie from Las Vegas, NV






