Smith & Wesson Bodyguard

This article is about the line of revolvers. For the semi-automatic pistol, see Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380.
Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard .38 Special

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is a family of small J-frame revolvers with shrouded hammers manufactured by Smith & Wesson. They are available chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum.[1]

Models

Model 38

The Model 38 is aluminum-framed, has a carbon steel barrel, a carbon steel cylinder with a five-round capacity, and is chambered in .38 Special.[2]

Model 49

The Model 49 is an all-carbon-steel-framed revolver chambered in .38 Special.[2]

Model 638

The Model 638 is aluminum-framed with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. Chambered in .38 Special.[2]

Model 649

The Model 649 is an all stainless-steel framed revolver. Chambered in .357 Magnum or .38 Special.[2]

M&P Bodyguard 38

For the pistol, see M&P Bodyguard 380.

The M&P Bodyguard 38, introduced in 2014,[3] is the latest incarnation of a Smith & Wesson revolver using the Bodyguard name. It is a polymer framed revolver chambered in .38 Special, and available with a Crimson Trace (previously Insight) red-dot laser sight integrated in to the grip.[4] Like previous Bodyguard models, it has a five-round cylinder and a concealed hammer but unlike the previous models, the hammer cannot be cocked for single action fire.[5][6] The lockwork is different than any other Smith & Wesson revolver and the model has no parts interchangeable with the J-frame series.[7] In 2018, S&W announced a new version of the Bodyguard which lacks the integrated laser sight. It is most closely related to the Centennial models.[7]

History

Users

Former users

See also

References

  1. ^ Boorman, Dean K. (1 December 2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot. p. 78. ISBN 978-1-58574-721-4.
  2. ^ a b c d Ahern, Jerry (2010). Armed for Personal Defense. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 47. ISBN 978-1-4402-1643-5.
  3. ^ "First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard Handguns with Crimson Trace Lasers - Guns & Ammo". Guns & Ammo. 2014-07-15. Retrieved 2016-05-21.
  4. ^ "Smith & Wesson® Introduces New M&P® BODYGUARD® Handguns with Crimson Trace® Laser Sights" (PDF) (Press release). Smith & Wesson Corp. July 15, 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
  5. ^ Shideler, Dan (20 August 2010). Guns Illustrated 2011: The Latest Guns, Specs & Prices. Iola: F+W Media, Inc. p. 58. ISBN 978-1-4402-1624-4.
  6. ^ "Smith & Wesson(R) Introduces New BODYGUARD(R) Line. Company Launches New Compact Pistol and Revolver with Integrated Laser System" (Press release). Smith & Wesson. 2010-01-19. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
  7. ^ a b Wiley Clapp. "S&W's New Bodyguards". American Rifleman. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
  8. ^ Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2007-01-03). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. F+W Media, Inc. ISBN 978-0896892934.
  9. ^ Buckley, Tom (April 1972). ""Portrait of an Aging Despot"". Harper's.
  10. ^ Nonte, George (1980). Combat Handguns. Stackpole Books. p. 345. ISBN 0811704092.
  11. ^ Locke & Cooke, Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia 1965-80 (1995), p. 3.