S&W Bodyguard 380 Pistol and 38 Revolver
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.
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 |
| Capacity | 6+1 |
| Finish | black Melonite coating |
| Barrel | 2.75″ |
| Total Length | 5.25″ |
| Height | 4.1″ |
| Width | 0.75″ |
| Weight | 11.85 ounces |
| Rear Sight | drift adjustable |
| Other Features | Laser sight |
| MSRP (Price) | $575 |
| Availability | May 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 |
| Capacity | 5 |
| Frame | One-piece aluminum alloy upper frame. Steel reinforced polymer lower frame. |
| Barrel | 1.9″ |
| Total Length | 6.6″ |
| Height | 4.39″ |
| Width | 1.36″ |
| Weight | 14.3 ounces |
| Finish | matte black PVD finish |
| Grip | one-piece rubber grip |
| Sights | notch-style rear sight. Pinned blade front sight. |
| Other Features | Laser sight |
| MSRP (Price) | $625 |
| Availability | May 2010 |
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!
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