S&W Bodyguard 380 Pistol and 38 Revolver

Steve Johnson
by Steve Johnson

One of the major product launches at SHOT Show was the launch of the S&W Bodyguard Series.

Smith & Wesson have applied the Bodyguard name to a variety of lightweight wheel guns over the past 50 or 60 years. The latest iteration of the Bodyguard brand again includes a light weight revolver but also, cleverly, a light weight pistol (offering something for everyone).

The Bodyguard 380 pistol and Bodyguard 38 Revolver were both designed with similar objectives in mind. Both are lightweight compacts, both are chambered in low-powered .38 caliber cartridges, both have a similar black finish and, notably, both come standard with a built-in laser sight.

The laser sight is a feature S&W will be marketing heavily. The INSIGHT manufactured lasers feature ambi control, constant and pulse modes, windage and elevation adjustment and three hour continuous operation.

The booth was lit up with red lights (emphasizing the laser capability)
The Bodyguard ad is SEXY. You are going to want to watch it more than once.

S&W Bodyguard 380 Pistol

This pistol is a brand new design. It is lightweight at 11.85 ounces, although not quite as light as the Kel-Tec P-3AT which weights in at just 8.3 oz. Its polymer frame with integral laser has a cool futurist look to it.

It is double action, has an external safety and can hold 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition.

Specifications
Caliber.380 ACP
Capacity6+1
Finishblack Melonite coating
Barrel2.75″
Total Length5.25″
Height4.1″
Width0.75″
Weight11.85 ounces
Rear Sightdrift adjustable
Other FeaturesLaser sight
MSRP (Price)$575
AvailabilityMay 2010

S&W Bodyguard 380 Revolver

The Bodyguard 380 is a lightweight J-Frame with aluminum/polymer frame and steel cylinder. While less exciting than the above autoloader, it is a decent compact revolver. It features an ambidextrous cylinder release on top and fully enclosed hammer for snag-free drawing. The laser is mounted on the left side (laser switch is mounted on top for ambidextrous use).

Specifications
Caliber.38 Special +P
Capacity5
FrameOne-piece aluminum alloy upper frame. Steel reinforced polymer lower frame.
Barrel1.9″
Total Length6.6″
Height4.39″
Width1.36″
Weight14.3 ounces
Finishmatte black PVD finish
Gripone-piece rubber grip
Sightsnotch-style rear sight. Pinned blade front sight.
Other FeaturesLaser sight
MSRP (Price)$625
AvailabilityMay 2010
Guns America TV have published a video about the new Bodyguards.
Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson

I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!

More by Steve Johnson

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  • Burnungreviews Burnungreviews on May 01, 2012

    Video review

    http://www.youtube.com/watc...

  • Cleaning services bolton Cleaning services bolton on Oct 10, 2012

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