M&P Bodyguard 38 special value?

[BullRunBear]

Cabelas is having a sale on the Smith M&P bodyguard revolver in 38 special without the built-in laser: $290. The comparable Ruger LCR is two hundred bucks more.

My question is the LCR so much better that it is worth the extra bucks? I'm looking for a light DA piece for pocket carry. Practice distances would be 7 to 15 yards. I need reliability, of course, and want to be able to just pull the trigger in need, not have to rack a slide or worry about safeties. Also, I like revolvers.

Thanks for any help.

Jeff

 

[1KPerDay]

Try both if you can. The Ruger has less felt recoil, a lighter trigger, and a larger and bulkier grip, which is one of the things that helps it feel better to shoot. It’s not as small in a pocket, though.

 

[SteadyD]

I owned a bodyguard for a brief while and the grip didn’t fit my hand well at all, making it punishing to shoot. There are very few grip options for replacing it, unlike the other j frame Smiths. At least that’s how it used to be. Additionally, the laser doesn’t seem as useful as one that engages automatically when grasping the gun, such as a crimson trace, but that’s just my personal opinion. These observations may have no bearing whatsoever on your decision but I thought I’d share. Good luck.

 

[tbob38]

If you like it, get it. Good price, I think.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for the feedback. We got to the store and handled both the LCR and Bodyguard. The decision was made. My wife decided she liked the Smith and Wesson better, especially at the sale price. (After 40 years I don't argue about such things. Sometimes age brings wisdom.) They both felt about the same to me.

Hope everyone is having a nice Thanksgiving.

Jeff

 

[BullRunBear]

I finally got to the range to try out the S&W Bodyguard 38 special without the built-in laser . Not bad. The trigger is heavy but I'm spoiled by the triggers on my target revolvers and muzzleloaders. At about eight yards, my usual distance for SD practice, I was able to keep 2 to 2.5 inch groups once I got a feel for the gun. The elevation was right out of the box and I was slightly left of the bullseye. My wife was feeling a bit of arthritis and the trigger was tough but she kept a 3 inch group, slow fire. This was with the Winchester white box 130 grain FMJ which is not my favorite but is reliable. We're both happy with the new piece. Also, the recoil was very manageable, better than I expected. The Hogue replacement grip apparently did it's job.

Oddly, my best group came shooting rapid fire. No doubt there is a physics, or psychology, dissertation to explain that but I'm just pleased with the result.

Jeff

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I have a 638 airweight, shoots pretty well. Cost me $70 at l9cal gun shop, the gunsmith did some honing on the internals, installed an Apex spring kit. DA pull went from gritty 13 1/2lbs. to a clean, smooth, 9lbs. Something to think about.

 

[BlueHeelerFl]

Oddly, my best group came shooting rapid fire. No doubt there is a physics, or psychology, dissertation to explain that but I'm just pleased with the result.

Jeff

My Taurus 44 spl snubbie is like that with rapid fire DA shooting.