I walked into Buds Gunshop to look for a rifle case. I walked out with a new SW Bodyguard 38.
As most of you all probably know, this is a .38 spl revolver rated to shoot +P ammo and is DAO. Smith recommends test firing ammo to make sure the bullets aren't waling out of their cases due to recoil.
This revolver has an aluminum alloy upper frame and polymer lower frame. The cylinder latch is up top near where the hammer is typically found. It includes a built-in laser sight system along with standard fixed sights (a sighting groove and front, ramped sight).
MSRP is $625 but Bud's had it for $489. That's a pretty good price for a revolver with laser sight so I decided to spring for it. I tried the triggers out on a couple they had in the back. They were pretty close. The trigger is as as good as any of the "newer" J-frames I've tried. Heavier than my personal preference but acceptable. There was just a bit of grittiness. Just dry firing a couple of dozen times seems to have smoothed it out quite a bit. It is DAO.
The laser is bright and illuminates the length of my house on the inside. Outside, the bright sun kept meaningful sighting to maybe 5 to 7 yards. I usually shoot defensive guns point of aim/point of impact (or dead-on) The laser is higher. It looks like it is set to hit where you would aim using a six o-clock hold. I won't know for sure until I get to the range.
Subjectively, the gun felt a bit lighter than my alloy Model 637 but just a bit heavier than my Model 38 Airweight (Bodyguard). Not enough to write home about in either direction.
I tried the BG in a some holsters I had on hand. Since I plan to pocket cary it, I tried it in my DeSantis Nemesis. It fit great and will find a home there. Grips are slimmer but longer than those on my 637. They seem to conceal fine when I tried it in my pocket holster.
I also tried it on a Galco Speedmaster, an OWB holster without a retention strap. I also tried it in a no-name IWB clip-on holster I picked up at a gunshow once. The BG is actually just a tad thicker than my other J-frames. It fit but was tighter than either my 637, 38, or my Model 60. This is worth consideration if you want to share holsters with different J-frames. The BG may stretch out a holster just enough that it won't keep your other J-frames secure without a retention strap or other retention device.
Oh yes, no visible hole in the side of the frame. You may think the gun is ugly, but it won't be because of a hole in the side.
Overall, I think SW has a good revolver at a good price. The proof is in the shooting, however. I hope to be able to check that out romorrow.
As most of you all probably know, this is a .38 spl revolver rated to shoot +P ammo and is DAO. Smith recommends test firing ammo to make sure the bullets aren't waling out of their cases due to recoil.
This revolver has an aluminum alloy upper frame and polymer lower frame. The cylinder latch is up top near where the hammer is typically found. It includes a built-in laser sight system along with standard fixed sights (a sighting groove and front, ramped sight).
MSRP is $625 but Bud's had it for $489. That's a pretty good price for a revolver with laser sight so I decided to spring for it. I tried the triggers out on a couple they had in the back. They were pretty close. The trigger is as as good as any of the "newer" J-frames I've tried. Heavier than my personal preference but acceptable. There was just a bit of grittiness. Just dry firing a couple of dozen times seems to have smoothed it out quite a bit. It is DAO.
The laser is bright and illuminates the length of my house on the inside. Outside, the bright sun kept meaningful sighting to maybe 5 to 7 yards. I usually shoot defensive guns point of aim/point of impact (or dead-on) The laser is higher. It looks like it is set to hit where you would aim using a six o-clock hold. I won't know for sure until I get to the range.
Subjectively, the gun felt a bit lighter than my alloy Model 637 but just a bit heavier than my Model 38 Airweight (Bodyguard). Not enough to write home about in either direction.
I tried the BG in a some holsters I had on hand. Since I plan to pocket cary it, I tried it in my DeSantis Nemesis. It fit great and will find a home there. Grips are slimmer but longer than those on my 637. They seem to conceal fine when I tried it in my pocket holster.
I also tried it on a Galco Speedmaster, an OWB holster without a retention strap. I also tried it in a no-name IWB clip-on holster I picked up at a gunshow once. The BG is actually just a tad thicker than my other J-frames. It fit but was tighter than either my 637, 38, or my Model 60. This is worth consideration if you want to share holsters with different J-frames. The BG may stretch out a holster just enough that it won't keep your other J-frames secure without a retention strap or other retention device.
Oh yes, no visible hole in the side of the frame. You may think the gun is ugly, but it won't be because of a hole in the side.
Overall, I think SW has a good revolver at a good price. The proof is in the shooting, however. I hope to be able to check that out romorrow.
With a little practice, I'm sure I'll be able to shoot it better.