I just bought this gun today. I am a new gun owner and just applied for my CCH in NC. This review was very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time.
Sharon Hebert Shot my moms bodygaurd today. Heavy recoil but not to bad. I am a child but once you get used to it it is great. I also shot a .357 magnum in .38 special and a .380, it was a tiny gun so it had more recoil than the .38 bodygaurd. Then I shot a Lee enfield mk.4 and a m1 Garand sniper
Try to go once a month and do 50 rounds minimum. No point to do every day carry if you don't know how to shot it and hit your target. I know retired guys who go every week. Though I wish I had the time only able to go about 1 time a month and sometimes it is a job to even just go once a month though live with in 10 minutes of 3 to 4 indoor ranges. Go figure.
For 5 yrs it looks brand new. Mine's only a few weeks old and already has a nice silver ring on the cylinder from rubbing against the cylinder stop/latch. I have a Shield 9mm for my EDC but bought the bodyguard for summer carry or a quick run to the grocery store where I can just slip it into my pocket. It's about 8-9oz lighter than the Shield with ammo.
I have one, picked up new 4 months ago, BG38-1. After firing about 250 rounds, the spring that connects the firing pin block, broke, fell out of the gun. And the firing pin block broke. Causing the trigger to get stuck and the firing pin would not breach the face of the gun. I love the gun with those Hogue grips, was my favorite to take shooting. But I lost confidence with it. I was able to fix it ordering a repair parts kit, but if I had to send it to SW for repair it would have been out of my hands for 4+ weeks. Hopefully mine is not reflective of every other Bodyguard 38. All the best
holy shit he just said he puts 500 rounds through a revolver in one range session good lord lol i know personally heck its rare that i even fire that many rounds through my AR in one range session lol
Yes indeed. I don't go all that often, so when we do go, we burn through a lot of rounds. If I was going more often there's no way I'd be spending that much on ammo.
@@RideByNight ; I got the xs big dot night sight. I took it it the the local gun smith and they changed it out for me. Love it. To be honest it's not mine but I got it for my wife but I still have fun with it.
@@darkknightlight I had a smith put a big dot on mine as well. Made a night and day difference. The bullet goes right where you point it. I have Hogue grips on the way. It's a great little shooter!
You know, I just checked one of these out, and noticed they have a totally different lock work than any other S&W revolver. It had like a disc instead of a tradition hand that rotated the cylinder. To me, it seemed like a better trigger than other J frames.
I tried the Bodyguard and didn't like it. It was the poor grips and terrible cylinder release. I thought it felt "plasticy" and cheap. Having said that I knew it could be a better revolver with some good grips installed. I later got the model 642 and absolutely love this gun. I put some Hogue grips on it and it shoots 100% better now. Draws from the holster better too! Next thing will be a trigger job.
Great review have owned mine for more than 5 years. Have one of the first 2,000 ever made sent it back a time or two and both times the people of S&W repaired it for free and paid for the shipping both ways. One time was cylinder rotation problem. The other was light primer strikes from so much use. The way it is set up now after 2nd repair the trigger is still a hard pull but has a sweet spot hammer drop. This makes it really accurate once you know the sweet spot. Yes with stock grip about 50 rounds is all you hands can take. I only shoot +p with it so that dose not help with the recoil. Tried shooting regular loads and reloads but it is not as accurate. Going to order the Hogue grip today after watching your video.
Thanks for the info on how S&W took care of your issues. It's great to hear for a fellow S&W fan. Let me know what you think of the Hogue grip when you get it.
Like the Hogue grip. Trigger is nice failure to fire is mostly gone. The other day I did about 150 rounds on the range and had one or two light primmer strike FTF. Healthy diet of +P loads. Good grouping and accurate. Lower left side screw is now backing out after range time. Not sure what to do, such as put some thread locker on it, send it back, or sell it. Mine was one of the first 2,000 of this gun ever made. When I sent it back to S&W for a second time on light primer strike they paid for shipping both ways no cost to me and upgraded the laser for free too. Great service from S&W but wish didn't have to send it back twice and now maybe a 3rd time. Now just bought a 642. Due to their great customer service but have thought about maybe trying out a Ruger or Colt and buying one of them. The comfort of carry and ease of concealment on the BG38 is top notch. Some people say they have shot 1000's of round through their S&W's and never had a FTF. Sorry to report on such a lemon wish this was not the case with mine.
The Hogue grip is a must if your shooting +P ammo you can do a comfortable 100 to 200 range session little bit bigger than stock making it slightly harder to conceal but easier to shoot with more accuracy. Going to be sending it back again. . . . For light primer strikes. Some times it hit the primers way deep. Other times barely puts a dent in the primer. This will be #4 going back. Last time they changed out the old original laser for the new one free of charge. But . . . After 1 to 2 range sessions need to be sent back. :-(
S&W has the best warranty. After sending it back 3 times for the light primer strikes they sent me a new pistol BG38-1 M&P version. Just had to pay for a new background check on the new pistol. The Hogue grips a must have. The old original BG38 they don't make any more and that is due to design problems. Shoot the sh*t out of this gun with +P and and a Hogue grip if you can handle it. Timex watches use to say take a licking and keep on ticking. I know some old farts who have the time to go shoot every week. I try to go once a month with my EDC and do 100+ rounds or more. If you go every month and every time you have misfires with your EDC you got problems send it back. S&W will look out for you if your the original owner and didn't void the warranty by cutting springs or thinking you know more than they do and you can make their stock gun better. Also really dumb to mod any edc gun away from stock. The jury don't like that.
@@RideByNight Maybe mine was a lemon. After sending it back for a 3rd time FTF they sent me a brand new M&P BG38-1 for FREE! And the trigger on this M&P is real nice with a sweet spot.
Heavy trigger? The Bodyguard .38 has a trigger pull of about 6.5 pounds according to S&W's website and several reviews. Most j-frame are in the 12 pound range, with the Ruger LCR being the exception. Even the Taurus 856, which is touted as having an excellent trigger is about 10 pounds. 6.5 pounds is considered exceptional for a j-frame.
Revolvers...super reliable. Looking at this and a ruger lcr. I wont get a laser. These are meant for close up, life or death situations and I think trying to activate a laser just gets in the way.
For the most part, I think lasers are an unnecessarily expensive gimmick. When I got my permit the range instructor said that too many people were wasting time trying to find the little red dot when they should've been putting rounds downrange. Waste of time, good way to get your shot by the bad guy. No thanks.
One night my home alarm went off at 4am-and signaling garage side door open-i was like holy crap. I got my bodyguard and pointed laser out there first and said -this is what’s coming- anybody out there! I also checked my back yard with laser pointing only. I see it as a possible first warning to scat -in the end it was the alarm sensor popped off the door (at 4am of all times) damn-stressed me out.
I just got one. When you squeeze the trigger and her the initial click, then you will feel it lock back into the same position as a Single/Double action would, then you squeeze it home.
I think you said it wrong, there's a click that turns the cylinder, then a "chunk" I don't know a better word and the cylinder is home then the sa pull. Pretty sure that's what you mean unless mine is different, with a little practice this gun has a far better trigger than any 8# polymer semi in my humble opinion.
This gun is better than most any gun because u will carry it all the time. Unlike a Glock 19 or something that your dress might not allow u to comfortably carry. Some people think 5 rounds isn't enough. And it's not the kinda handgun you wanna find yourself up against a gang of BG,S w but let's get real. No handgun is great for that and how likely is that to happen. Or even if it did... Do u really think all of em are gonna hang tough when u start bustin? And I know in a home invasion I'm gonna be using my riot shotgun. Or using my handgun to work to it. Also I keep a speed load on me for the unlikely situation I need it
Good points, but I'll say my edc is a G26 so there's that. I do have a suede iwb holster for my bg38 that you could carry in pajamas, it's an edc lil piece and it does the job it's designed for very well. I'd say if you disagree you don't "get" the guns purpose
The trigger pull is certainly heavy but you gotta train so you naturally stage the trigger. Like when you initiall pull back and you hear that first click at 4:58, that’s how you know it is staged and that’s how you should stage it before shooting. Once you’ve staged it, it doesn’t take much to finally fire it.
I also have the bodyguard for 5 years and probably have put as many rounds down range as you. Like you I also believe it's a long trigger pull, but once you get used to it I think the feel goes away. I carry this weapon everyday and feel very confident in with it. I just wanna see your thoughts with the crimson trace laser on it? Can you get sight on target fast? I feel the button at the top is a pain in the butt. I wish it could have been place on the grip. Your thought? I've also followed suit and replaced the grips on it almost immeadatly. Thanks for Your time.
Regarding the laser - you nailed it - the button is a pain to press. I wish there was a sensor installed on the grip or by your thumb at least. That button is a tiny target to hit, especially if/when you're under extreme stress.
How does it jam? Is that your personal experience? I just heard this reviewer say he’s had no problems after thousands of rounds fired. So I’m curious to know why you say that.
I sent my S&W 36 to S&W for repair in early July, I got it back in February. First off, they got my contact information wrong so I never got the estimate so I could approve the work. Then they had my gun down for the wrong work and not what I asked for. Then my gun got misplaced!Then in late January when I called to ask about the progress of the work, I got a very combative customer service representative. I AM NEVER BUYING ANOTHER S&W AGAIN!!!
It might be tough, but not impossible to hit targets up to 100 yards away with this gun. I've seen it done. Just practice. It actually is REALLY accurate in the right hands.
@@MrManwiththehands Haha, was wondering the same thing. A barn... yes. A frying pan... ehh maybe not. Still a decent little concealable revolver though
are you still using this rig? 10 years ownership? i love mine, for 4 moths, maybe 500 rounds thru it. hoping it will be good for long term like a 642 or 442. thanks. or i will get a second one, i find it very accurate for its size. i even hit 1 for 2 regularly at 35' on 6" metal and i hit 8" metal 1 for 5 at 120'
I do still own it and use it, but not very often. It's still a fun gun to shoot with and I enjoy hitting distant targets with it. I have no complaints. Maybe I'll do a 10 year video!
@@RideByNight cool...would enjoy a ten year update. there does seem to be evidence of long term performance and reliability with it. so maybe i will keep the one BG and my p365 and keep training with the sig for winter carry (even though its almost or more compact than the BG lol) because dropping the safety in an emergency has me concerned and different grip style...been contemplating moving it all to the BG and getting rid of the sig. such a tough call
I preferred the look of the Bodyguard over the 642 and thought the laser would be a nice addition. As for the LCR... truth be told, the trigger pull on the LCR is better in my opinion. It's extremely smooth. But the LCR handle did not fit my hand very well at all. I'm sure they make aftermarket grips for the LCR though.
I do not, sorry. I think it's just two screws to take it off. Just pop it off and see what it needs. If you want to post on here so I know that'd be awesome. I also was just reading about how S&W is using Crimson Trace on this gun now instead of Insight Lasers.
RideByNight. I've had several j frames over the years. Great carry guns. I've only had one bodyguard version. It wad an old pinned barrel model. Wish I would have kept it. Never did carry that one. I've thought about getting a New airweight, stainless bodyguard. But I have one concern. I'm worried about debrie and pocket lint getting into the gun in the area where the hammer shroud is. I keep my guns clean but have been wondering if this could be an issue. Have you had a problem with this? Great video.
I have not had any problems with lint or debris, but when I carry this gun, it's in a holster so there isn't much that's going to get in there anyways.
RideByNight. Thanks for the fast reply. I always carry s pocket gun in a holster too. I have a couple pocket 22's I carry quite abit. They do seem to get crud on them around the hammer area. I've carried a couple hammerless SW model 442's as my pocket gun And never had to worry about that issue with them. But I like the idea of having a hammer if I want to take an aimed, single action shot. Sometimes I think I worry too much lol. Just something I been thinking about. I'm deciding on which model I'm getting to be my next pocket 38. Thanks for your time.
Anytime. I've thought about that, too. And one of the things I liked about this bodyguard is the hammerless design. There's nothing to get caught when retrieving it and there is less room for lint or whatever to get in the way. I think the airweight can come with an internal hammer - not sure if the design is different from this one. But like you said, you give up the option to use a hammer if it's hidden/missing.
In a calm state with a steady hand I can get accurate shots 10 meters out. In a panic state with shaking hands... maybe 2 or 3 meters : ) It's a short, short barrel so the smallest movement is going to sent the round off-target.
I think revolvers are great for first-time gun owners. They are less complicated to operate and shoot. Just be sure to buy some rounds and go practice. You can always take a class as well to ensure you learn good habits.
Owned my bodyguard for 8 years now, and probably only put 100 rounds through it in total. Great gun but i still don't know if its a good CC as it only holds 5.
I just bought this gun today. I am a new gun owner and just applied for my CCH in NC. This review was very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time.
Glad it was helpful!
Sharon Hebert Shot my moms bodygaurd today. Heavy recoil but not to bad. I am a child but once you get used to it it is great. I also shot a .357 magnum in .38 special and a .380, it was a tiny gun so it had more recoil than the .38 bodygaurd. Then I shot a Lee enfield mk.4 and a m1 Garand sniper
Congrats on using your second ammendment rights!
Try to go once a month and do 50 rounds minimum. No point to do every day carry if you don't know how to shot it and hit your target. I know retired guys who go every week. Though I wish I had the time only able to go about 1 time a month and sometimes it is a job to even just go once a month though live with in 10 minutes of 3 to 4 indoor ranges. Go figure.
So first day as a shooter?
Excellent video on the S&W bodyguard 38 revolver it's best to replace the grip also if you could find one buy it they are hard to find 💯👍
For 5 yrs it looks brand new. Mine's only a few weeks old and already has a nice silver ring on the cylinder from rubbing against the cylinder stop/latch. I have a Shield 9mm for my EDC but bought the bodyguard for summer carry or a quick run to the grocery store where I can just slip it into my pocket. It's about 8-9oz lighter than the Shield with ammo.
Great little gun. Mine has the integrated laser and I find mine extremely accurate.
I have one, picked up new 4 months ago, BG38-1. After firing about 250 rounds, the spring that connects the firing pin block, broke, fell out of the gun. And the firing pin block broke. Causing the trigger to get stuck and the firing pin would not breach the face of the gun. I love the gun with those Hogue grips, was my favorite to take shooting. But I lost confidence with it. I was able to fix it ordering a repair parts kit, but if I had to send it to SW for repair it would have been out of my hands for 4+ weeks. Hopefully mine is not reflective of every other Bodyguard 38. All the best
My BG38 has been a good firearm, no issues. Thank you for the good upload. Very helpful.
holy shit he just said he puts 500 rounds through a revolver in one range session good lord lol i know personally heck its rare that i even fire that many rounds through my AR in one range session lol
Yes indeed. I don't go all that often, so when we do go, we burn through a lot of rounds. If I was going more often there's no way I'd be spending that much on ammo.
Expensive for 38ammo
I put the hogue grips on mine and also the big dot sight with tritium. Pretty cool.
Very nice. Which big dot sight did you get?
@@RideByNight ; I got the xs big dot night sight. I took it it the the local gun smith and they changed it out for me. Love it. To be honest it's not mine but I got it for my wife but I still have fun with it.
@@darkknightlight I had a smith put a big dot on mine as well. Made a night and day difference. The bullet goes right where you point it. I have Hogue grips on the way. It's a great little shooter!
New bodyguards must have a different trigger, I looked at a new one today and man that trigger was smooth and fairly light with good staging
Very interesting. I'll check them out next chance I get.
You know, I just checked one of these out, and noticed they have a totally different lock work than any other S&W revolver. It had like a disc instead of a tradition hand that rotated the cylinder. To me, it seemed like a better trigger than other J frames.
budget gamer2017 ya I just tried one today and the trigger was very light and smooth
Yes I bought mine because of the trigger being lighter than another pistol that I was looking at. With grip upgrade it's a great gun
I have experienced this as well. Smooth light trigger pull.
I tried the Bodyguard and didn't like it. It was the poor grips and terrible cylinder release. I thought it felt "plasticy" and cheap. Having said that I knew it could be a better revolver with some good grips installed. I later got the model 642 and absolutely love this gun. I put some Hogue grips on it and it shoots 100% better now. Draws from the holster better too! Next thing will be a trigger job.
I have the one without the laser. I ordered a Houge grip for it.
Hogue tamer grip ftw! I hear ya man! I put one on mine too. Pleasure to shoot now.
Great review have owned mine for more than 5 years. Have one of the first 2,000 ever made sent it back a time or two and both times the people of S&W repaired it for free and paid for the shipping both ways. One time was cylinder rotation problem. The other was light primer strikes from so much use. The way it is set up now after 2nd repair the trigger is still a hard pull but has a sweet spot hammer drop. This makes it really accurate once you know the sweet spot. Yes with stock grip about 50 rounds is all you hands can take. I only shoot +p with it so that dose not help with the recoil. Tried shooting regular loads and reloads but it is not as accurate. Going to order the Hogue grip today after watching your video.
Thanks for the info on how S&W took care of your issues. It's great to hear for a fellow S&W fan. Let me know what you think of the Hogue grip when you get it.
Like the Hogue grip. Trigger is nice failure to fire is mostly gone. The other day I did about 150 rounds on the range and had one or two light primmer strike FTF. Healthy diet of +P loads. Good grouping and accurate. Lower left side screw is now backing out after range time. Not sure what to do, such as put some thread locker on it, send it back, or sell it. Mine was one of the first 2,000 of this gun ever made. When I sent it back to S&W for a second time on light primer strike they paid for shipping both ways no cost to me and upgraded the laser for free too. Great service from S&W but wish didn't have to send it back twice and now maybe a 3rd time. Now just bought a 642. Due to their great customer service but have thought about maybe trying out a Ruger or Colt and buying one of them. The comfort of carry and ease of concealment on the BG38 is top notch. Some people say they have shot 1000's of round through their S&W's and never had a FTF. Sorry to report on such a lemon wish this was not the case with mine.
The Hogue grip is a must if your shooting +P ammo you can do a comfortable 100 to 200 range session little bit bigger than stock making it slightly harder to conceal but easier to shoot with more accuracy. Going to be sending it back again. . . . For light primer strikes. Some times it hit the primers way deep. Other times barely puts a dent in the primer. This will be #4 going back. Last time they changed out the old original laser for the new one free of charge. But . . . After 1 to 2 range sessions need to be sent back. :-(
S&W has the best warranty. After sending it back 3 times for the light primer strikes they sent me a new pistol BG38-1 M&P version. Just had to pay for a new background check on the new pistol. The Hogue grips a must have. The old original BG38 they don't make any more and that is due to design problems. Shoot the sh*t out of this gun with +P and and a Hogue grip if you can handle it. Timex watches use to say take a licking and keep on ticking. I know some old farts who have the time to go shoot every week. I try to go once a month with my EDC and do 100+ rounds or more. If you go every month and every time you have misfires with your EDC you got problems send it back. S&W will look out for you if your the original owner and didn't void the warranty by cutting springs or thinking you know more than they do and you can make their stock gun better. Also really dumb to mod any edc gun away from stock. The jury don't like that.
@@RideByNight Maybe mine was a lemon. After sending it back for a 3rd time FTF they sent me a brand new M&P BG38-1 for FREE! And the trigger on this M&P is real nice with a sweet spot.
Heavy trigger? The Bodyguard .38 has a trigger pull of about 6.5 pounds according to S&W's website and several reviews. Most j-frame are in the 12 pound range, with the Ruger LCR being the exception. Even the Taurus 856, which is touted as having an excellent trigger is about 10 pounds. 6.5 pounds is considered exceptional for a j-frame.
Revolvers...super reliable. Looking at this and a ruger lcr. I wont get a laser. These are meant for close up, life or death situations and I think trying to activate a laser just gets in the way.
I agree. Maybe a laser could come in handy in some situations. Currently I have my laser dialed in for around 30 yards - just for fun.
For the most part, I think lasers are an unnecessarily expensive gimmick. When I got my permit the range instructor said that too many people were wasting time trying to find the little red dot when they should've been putting rounds downrange. Waste of time, good way to get your shot by the bad guy. No thanks.
One night my home alarm went off at 4am-and signaling garage side door open-i was like holy crap. I got my bodyguard and pointed laser out there first and said -this is what’s coming- anybody out there! I also checked my back yard with laser pointing only. I see it as a possible first warning to scat -in the end it was the alarm sensor popped off the door (at 4am of all times) damn-stressed me out.
The lasers are great for practicing your trigger pull. Worth the extra cost.
@@steveh.3370absolutely it's a nice feature to have
I just got one. When you squeeze the trigger and her the initial click, then you will feel it lock back into the same position as a Single/Double action would, then you squeeze it home.
I think you said it wrong, there's a click that turns the cylinder, then a "chunk" I don't know a better word and the cylinder is home then the sa pull. Pretty sure that's what you mean unless mine is different, with a little practice this gun has a far better trigger than any 8# polymer semi in my humble opinion.
This gun is better than most any gun because u will carry it all the time. Unlike a Glock 19 or something that your dress might not allow u to comfortably carry. Some people think 5 rounds isn't enough. And it's not the kinda handgun you wanna find yourself up against a gang of BG,S w but let's get real. No handgun is great for that and how likely is that to happen. Or even if it did... Do u really think all of em are gonna hang tough when u start bustin? And I know in a home invasion I'm gonna be using my riot shotgun. Or using my handgun to work to it. Also I keep a speed load on me for the unlikely situation I need it
All good points! And I agree - this is an easy gun to carry - especially if you don't put on that aftermarket grip like I did.
Good points, but I'll say my edc is a G26 so there's that. I do have a suede iwb holster for my bg38 that you could carry in pajamas, it's an edc lil piece and it does the job it's designed for very well. I'd say if you disagree you don't "get" the guns purpose
I love the gun hate the grip. Going to change mine. Nice review
Definitely getting one for my mother soon
The trigger pull is certainly heavy but you gotta train so you naturally stage the trigger. Like when you initiall pull back and you hear that first click at 4:58, that’s how you know it is staged and that’s how you should stage it before shooting. Once you’ve staged it, it doesn’t take much to finally fire it.
I also have the bodyguard for 5 years and probably have put as many rounds down range as you. Like you I also believe it's a long trigger pull, but once you get used to it I think the feel goes away. I carry this weapon everyday and feel very confident in with it. I just wanna see your thoughts with the crimson trace laser on it? Can you get sight on target fast? I feel the button at the top is a pain in the butt. I wish it could have been place on the grip. Your thought? I've also followed suit and replaced the grips on it almost immeadatly. Thanks for Your time.
Regarding the laser - you nailed it - the button is a pain to press. I wish there was a sensor installed on the grip or by your thumb at least. That button is a tiny target to hit, especially if/when you're under extreme stress.
Probably the only revolver made that jams and happens a lot
How does it jam? Is that your personal experience? I just heard this reviewer say he’s had no problems after thousands of rounds fired. So I’m curious to know why you say that.
Awesome video!
I sent my S&W 36 to S&W for repair in early July, I got it back
in February. First off, they got my contact information wrong so I never
got the estimate so I could approve the work. Then they had my gun down
for the wrong work and not what I asked for. Then my gun got
misplaced!Then in late January when I called to ask about the progress
of the work, I got a very combative customer service representative. I
AM NEVER BUYING ANOTHER S&W AGAIN!!!
That's terrible! They owe you an apology it sounds like.
@@RideByNight he has put this on every video out there. I wouldn't give it much thought.
THANKS A LOT FOR GRIP EDVISE: I JUST BOAT THE SAME GRIP & FILLS GRATE , THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEO:
So this gun takes standard S&W snub J frame grips? AWESOME! I thought that those grips wouldn't fit because it is a polymer frame.
I'm not sure that this particular grip from Hogue will fit all J frames. I think there is a J frame with a rounded butt, so I would double-check.
Does not take standard smith j frame grips.
Thanks for sharing!
Did your cylinder not rotate on first trigger pull right after closing the cylinder?
It might be tough, but not impossible to hit targets up to 100 yards away with this gun. I've seen it done. Just practice. It actually is REALLY accurate in the right hands.
That would be a very impressive feat with such a short barrel. True skill. If you get to see it again take a video - I'd love to watch it happen.
Dito! It is accurate, but with a hard trigger and short barrel it would be impressive.
If the opponent is 100 yards away, there is not threat to you, just walk away. unless there's a .308 in the other guy's hand.
@@MrManwiththehands Haha, was wondering the same thing. A barn... yes. A frying pan... ehh maybe not. Still a decent little concealable revolver though
are you still using this rig? 10 years ownership? i love mine, for 4 moths, maybe 500 rounds thru it. hoping it will be good for long term like a 642 or 442. thanks. or i will get a second one, i find it very accurate for its size. i even hit 1 for 2 regularly at 35' on 6" metal and i hit 8" metal 1 for 5 at 120'
I do still own it and use it, but not very often. It's still a fun gun to shoot with and I enjoy hitting distant targets with it. I have no complaints. Maybe I'll do a 10 year video!
@@RideByNight cool...would enjoy a ten year update. there does seem to be evidence of long term performance and reliability with it. so maybe i will keep the one BG and my p365 and keep training with the sig for winter carry (even though its almost or more compact than the BG lol) because dropping the safety in an emergency has me concerned and different grip style...been contemplating moving it all to the BG and getting rid of the sig. such a tough call
And i dont know about you but it was hurting my hand just because the handle was too small for me to get a solid grip on.
What made you choose this over something like the S&W Model 642 or Ruger LCR? I've narrowed my choices down to those 3.
I preferred the look of the Bodyguard over the 642 and thought the laser would be a nice addition. As for the LCR... truth be told, the trigger pull on the LCR is better in my opinion. It's extremely smooth. But the LCR handle did not fit my hand very well at all. I'm sure they make aftermarket grips for the LCR though.
@@RideByNight you are correct, there are several different grips on the market for the LCR. I have a few different styles for my LCR collection.
In one day at the range you reloaded 100 times? Are you sure
It's not often, but yes. Spend the whole day at the ranch hanging out.
Do the grip fit over the old grip, to put it on is it easy?
It replaces the old grip. Knock a little pin out, swap grips, put pin back in. It's easy for sure.
Which is your favorite J-frame?
Do you happen to know how battery the laser takes? I need to replace mine
I do not, sorry. I think it's just two screws to take it off. Just pop it off and see what it needs. If you want to post on here so I know that'd be awesome. I also was just reading about how S&W is using Crimson Trace on this gun now instead of Insight Lasers.
Takes two # 357 batteries
Replace annually!
Can you change the front site to a big dot?
Yes, you can. In fact, I'd like to do so but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Is it +P rated?
Yes it is.
The one I have wasn't shot but 100 times and the laser button doesn't work.
How many rounds you’re done in total did you had any malfunction s😊
No idea on the rounds. I did sell it recently after about 10 years of ownership. Great revolver.
@@RideByNight but could you tell roughly? 3 thousands rounds ?
@@zilvyc definitely more than 2k rounds.
How do you clean this gun
do you pocket carry with that new grip on it?
I don't, but you could. I usually opt for a single-stack like the Shield 9mm for carry. The Hogue grip does add thickness but it's not bad.
Does it have a safety on it like the 380
It does not have a safety. It is double action only, so it's pretty safe since there is no external hammer that can be cocked.
Till you get some metal shaving down in the action and it locks up solid. Then you can use it as a club instead, im just fine eith a single stack 9mm
Metal shavings from what?
@@RideByNight from the brass, what the military arms channel he'll be glad to explain why yoi dont carry a revolver
@@dondownriver3464 I'm looking. I just started his video "9mm spanks .38 special" and he said he carries a S&W 340PD.
@@RideByNight revolvers are good back ups but there are much better choices for carry today
Many carry small revolvers. You would be surprised. Simple and reliable.
I sold my lcr and bought bodyguard and trigger feels similar
So how many rounds when you go now and days lol
I don't shoot it too much anymore, but the Hogue grips make a huge difference in comfort.
Check out Eagle Grips... Secret Service Grips... they work great on my original Model 38 Airweight/Bodyguard
The finish looks great from the In the video, how does it look in person after 5 years? Is this gun +p rated?
Allen Helton The finish looks like it did from the factory. But I admit I clean it after each use. And it is +p rated.
RideByNight. I've had several j frames over the years. Great carry guns. I've only had one bodyguard version. It wad an old pinned barrel model. Wish I would have kept it. Never did carry that one. I've thought about getting a New airweight, stainless bodyguard. But I have one concern. I'm worried about debrie and pocket lint getting into the gun in the area where the hammer shroud is. I keep my guns clean but have been wondering if this could be an issue. Have you had a problem with this? Great video.
I have not had any problems with lint or debris, but when I carry this gun, it's in a holster so there isn't much that's going to get in there anyways.
RideByNight. Thanks for the fast reply. I always carry s pocket gun in a holster too. I have a couple pocket 22's I carry quite abit. They do seem to get crud on them around the hammer area. I've carried a couple hammerless SW model 442's as my pocket gun And never had to worry about that issue with them. But I like the idea of having a hammer if I want to take an aimed, single action shot. Sometimes I think I worry too much lol. Just something I been thinking about. I'm deciding on which model I'm getting to be my next pocket 38. Thanks for your time.
Anytime. I've thought about that, too. And one of the things I liked about this bodyguard is the hammerless design. There's nothing to get caught when retrieving it and there is less room for lint or whatever to get in the way. I think the airweight can come with an internal hammer - not sure if the design is different from this one. But like you said, you give up the option to use a hammer if it's hidden/missing.
Welcome back
Thanks! Only took me 5 years! If you don't count a couple knife steel videos anyways.
Thinking about getting one of these, how far can you shoot accurately with it?
In a calm state with a steady hand I can get accurate shots 10 meters out. In a panic state with shaking hands... maybe 2 or 3 meters : ) It's a short, short barrel so the smallest movement is going to sent the round off-target.
do they jam
I have not had any jams or malfunctions on mine.
What kind of Hoge grips
The link is in the description - they're just called "Hogue Rubber Grips".
The kind for the J frame but buy it new it comes with extra inserts you have to use for it to work on the BG revolvers.
Folks say Hogue "tamer" grips. Haven't got the piece yet, but that's where I am going.
This gun is designed to kill. Not a range gun. Close range personal protector aka bodyguard 😈 🔫
I agree it's a personal defense weapon, but you should take it out and practice with it (hence using it at the range).
Nice grip I wanna get one for mine
you sound so exited dude
I'll let you know as soon as Carrot Top starts doing gun reviews. He's probably exciting enough for you.
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Would this be a good first time owner gun
I think revolvers are great for first-time gun owners. They are less complicated to operate and shoot. Just be sure to buy some rounds and go practice. You can always take a class as well to ensure you learn good habits.
Owned my bodyguard for 8 years now, and probably only put 100 rounds through it in total. Great gun but i still don't know if its a good CC as it only holds 5.
Sulucion 6Tone it’s a back up ccw gun
The average defensive shooting is 1-3 rounds, per the FBI