Guns International #: 102904542
Seller's Inventory #: 467276

Category - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - .38 Special Revolvers

Category
Smith & Wesson Revolvers
.38 Special Revolvers

SMITH & WESSON BG38 .38 SPL

Description:
Guns Listing ID: 467276



The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 Special is a compact, snub-nosed revolver designed for personal defense and concealed carry. Known for its sleek design, lightweight frame, and ease of use, the Bodyguard .38 Special is a popular choice for individuals seeking a reliable, simple-to-operate revolver for self-defense situations. It is part of Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard series, which is built with a focus on compactness, concealability, and ease of conceal carry.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 Special:

1. Frame and Construction
Material: The Bodyguard .38 Special features an alloy frame, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The frame is typically made of airweight alloy, which helps to reduce the weight of the revolver without sacrificing durability. The alloy construction is tough and resistant to corrosion, which makes it a good option for everyday carry.
Finish: The standard finish is usually matte black, which provides a tactical, low-profile look. Some models may have an option for stainless steel or a two-tone finish, depending on the version.

2. Size and Weight
Overall Length: Approximately 6.6 inches.
Barrel Length: The Bodyguard features a 1.875-inch barrel (snub-nose), making it very compact and easily concealable.
Weight: The revolver weighs around 14 ounces (unloaded), which makes it exceptionally light, ideal for concealed carry in a pocket or on an ankle holster.
Compactness: The small frame and short barrel make the Bodyguard .38 Special very easy to conceal, even under lightweight clothing. Its compact size makes it a top choice for those who need a carry gun that won‚‚t print (show through clothing).

3. Caliber
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is chambered in .38 Special, a round known for its proven reliability in self-defense situations. The .38 Special round is powerful enough to provide stopping power while being manageable in recoil for shooters of all skill levels.
It can fire both standard .38 Special and +P (high-pressure) ammunition, though you should consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for regular use of +P ammo. +P ammo provides increased stopping power but comes with more recoil.

4. Revolver Type
The Bodyguard .38 Special is a double-action only (DAO) revolver. This means there is no single-action mode (cocking the hammer manually), so the trigger pull is used to both cock the hammer and fire the round. DAO revolvers like the Bodyguard are popular for concealed carry because there’s no external hammer to snag on clothing, and they generally have a smoother profile.
The trigger pull is heavier, typically around 10-12 pounds, which is common for DAO revolvers. The long, consistent pull is considered a safety feature, preventing accidental discharges.

5. Sights
The Bodyguard is equipped with fixed iron sights—a front blade sight and a rear notch sight. These sights are simple and reliable, though they may not be as precise as adjustable sights found on larger revolvers.
The sights are designed for close-range defensive use, typically within 15-20 feet (5-7 yards), which is a typical engagement distance for self-defense situations.

6. Grip
The grip of the Bodyguard is rubberized, providing good comfort and traction. It is designed to fit well in the hand, even with its compact size, helping to reduce recoil during firing. The rubber grip also provides some cushioning, which is important given the relatively stout recoil of .38 Special rounds in such a small frame.
The grips are small but ergonomic enough for most hand sizes, and they are designed to keep the revolver easy to conceal without adding extra bulk.

7. Cylinder Capacity
The Bodyguard .38 Special features a 5-round cylinder, which is typical for a revolver of this size. It is designed for quick, simple reloads, and while 5 rounds may seem limited compared to modern semi-automatic pistols, revolvers are generally regarded as highly reliable with fewer mechanical failures.

8. Performance and Recoil
The .38 Special round in the lightweight Bodyguard revolver will produce noticeable recoil, but the rubberized grip helps absorb some of the shock. While not as comfortable as shooting larger revolvers, the recoil is manageable for most shooters, especially in a defensive context where the shooter’s focus is on quick, accurate shots rather than sustained accuracy over long distances.
The short barrel length of 1.875 inches reduces the overall velocity of the .38 Special round, but the round is still effective for self-defense at typical engagement ranges. The revolver’s design prioritizes ease of use, quick draw, and point-and-shoot accuracy over long-range precision.

9. Safety Features
The Bodyguard .38 Special features a internal lock system (often referred to as a \"lock feature\"), which is an internal mechanism designed to prevent the gun from firing unless the lock is disengaged with the provided key. This is a safety feature aimed at preventing unauthorized use of the firearm (though this feature is often disliked by some gun owners).
The revolver’s DAO trigger provides an additional level of safety, as the heavy trigger pull reduces the likelihood of an accidental discharge.
There are no external safeties, hammers, or levers, which simplifies the revolver’s operation and makes it easy to carry without worrying about inadvertently engaging or disengaging a safety.

10. Ease of Use
The double-action-only (DAO) design makes the Bodyguard .38 Special simple to operate. The absence of a manual safety or external hammer means there’s no need to worry about safety disengagement or cocking a hammer before firing. Just point and pull the trigger.
The revolver‚‚s compact size and simple design also make it easy to maintain and clean, requiring minimal upkeep compared to semi-automatic pistols.

11. Concealed Carry Suitability
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 Special is widely regarded as an excellent option for concealed carry due to its small size, lightweight build, and ease of concealment. Whether carried in a pocket holster, inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, or an ankle holster, the revolver’s discreet size makes it ideal for everyday carry.
Its small frame also allows for better comfort when carried, especially in situations where a larger pistol might be cumbersome or impractical.

12. Price and Availability
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 Special is typically priced in the budget to mid-range category for revolvers. As of recent years, it generally falls in the $350-$450 range, depending on the configuration and any special features like finishes or accessories.
It is widely available from gun retailers and comes with a limited manufacturer warranty (usually lifetime).

Conclusion:
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 Special is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a lightweight, reliable revolver for concealed carry or personal defense. Its compact size, ease of use, and simple design make it ideal for those who prioritize discretion and reliability in a self-defense firearm. While it may not offer the firepower or capacity of a semi-automatic pistol, the Bodyguard .38 delivers in terms of simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of carry—qualities that are vital for a defensive handgu

SOLD

Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON
Model: BG38
Condition: Used - Non-Certified
Barrels: 1.87
Gauge Info: .38 SPL
Finish: black