S&W Bodyguard/38

24 Jan 10

One More Thing:

I've been asked about S&W's "Bodyguard/38"

It was indeed on display at this week's SHOT Show, along with the " Bodyguard/380" (upon which I did comment).

Both are small, personal pistols, with integral lasers.

The 380 version is interesting, and I can see its merit for some consumers. At the time, I didn't think the revolver was interesting enough to comment on, but I was apparently wrong, so here they are:

I struck me that the Bodyguard/38, with its simplified mechanics and liberal use of plastic, is similar to Ruger's LCR. Price is similar too.

The cylinder-release latch is on the top of this little pistol, rather than on the left side, where S&W has put it since 1895. As I handled the gun, it took me the better part of a minute to figure out how to load it!

I'm sure it is perfectly functional, but, who want a snubby revolver for concealed carry, will probably be better served by S&W's existing 340PD.

Between Crimson Trace and Lasermax, one can now easily retrofit nearly any pistol with a laser.

/John