New to Me S&W 38 Bodyguard

[Husker_Fan]

I've wanted an S&W airweight for some time and have handled and shot several 642s and 442s. I've also been drawn to older Smiths. Now I have both with a 38 no dash.

I asked about the age in the DOB thread and know it was made between '57 and '62. I am a big fan of the looks of the flat latch J-frames and the original diamond grips seem to work just fine for me. This one has been shot very little, but I suspect it may have been refinished at sometime. It's hard for me to tell as this is the only "blue" alloy frame revolver I've ever handled.



I have nothing against the new airweights, but the craftsmanship on this one is way beyond anything made now. No off-center barrel, great trigger, very tight construction, and the lands and grooves end at a well machined muzzle. Even the case hardened trigger has retained some great color. Almost none of these affect performance, but they sure make for a nice looking gun at a price that was a fraction of a new one. I can't imagine picking up a new one these days if these are still available.

 

[Ala Dan]

The S&W model 38's make for a great CCW piece~! Long ago, I use to own
a NIB factory nickel S&W model 38; but it got traded off too fund another
gun related project~!

 

[Husker_Fan]

Here are some more photos. Let me know what you folks think of the finish. The sideplate to frame fit made me suspicious, and the lettering on the frame looks filled in a bit. On the other hand, the lettering on the barrel is very crisp.

I'm very happy with it whether the finish is original or not. It is supremely reliable and easy to shoot with reasonable accuracy. It hits right at PoA with my reloads of 158gr SWC.

 

[Creature]

In my humble opinion, there is no better CCW piece than a vintage bodyguard. Even a refinished one.

 

[Husker_Fan]

As you can guess from the first pic, it's a carry gun, not a safe queen. As far as I'm concerned the finish is functional to protect against corrosion. Though it would have been a bonus to find one in this condition originally, I could never have touched it for the price. I paid $260.

 

[doc2rn]

You have a keeper in that mod 60!

 

[rcmodel]

Looks like orginial anodizing to me.

The sideplate damage is from someone prying it off that didn't know how to do it properly without damaging it.

rc

 

[earlthegoat2]

I like mine to.

Mine dates to around 1968-9



Someone on this forum said it looked as if it had been used as a garden implement.

 

[bdb benzino]

Nice find and congrats!

I did buy a new 638 about 6 months ago and could not be more pleased. Although I did remove the ILS. The cylinder locks up as tight as can be and shoots really nice. The trigger is actually pretty good for a MIM trigger. I like it so much that if I get any more J frames, they all will be the Bodyguard style with the shrouded hammers! Amazing CCWs.

 

[9mmforMe]

Very nice find! I love .38 snubbies and having the option of DA or SA fire is one of the great features of these reduced snag frames. I had a stainless bodyguard that I had to sell during lean times and wish I had it back.

 

[sloman]

Creature speaks the truth!

 

[jad0110]

I paid $260.

Nice, that gun would have been at least $125 more in my area!

 

[Lucky Derby]

Nice Bodyguard. congrats.

 

[jhvaughan2]

I see no evidenced it was refinished, however it is rare to see one that is used without one gash in the finish. Good find great price. I recently added a m38 to my rotation, but only because I'm hooked by the nickel. (Although mine is from the 80's and does not have the cache of your diamond-stocked friend)
My m37 is still my favorite J. I'm on the lookout for a "pre" model.

I agree with you on the feel of the older pieces. I have had 2 642s and a 637 and nether feels as nice as my 37. (Don't get me wrong, I be happy to Cary them but the older ones are just nicer in the hand.)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Very nice M38. I'm sure it will serve you well for a lifetime.

 

[Husker_Fan]

Thanks for the input as to finish. I suppose the anodized aluminum might not have as crisp of lettering as the blued steel.

I just got lucky finding this in a sea of overpriced guns at a local pawn shop I cruise through from time to time.

 

[bannockburn]

Husker Fan

That's a great gun you've got there, and at a fantastic price too. Like Ala Dan, I also had a nickeled Model 38 that I let get away. Later redeemed myself by getting a stainless Model 649 when they first came out. While not as light as an Airweight, it's may all-time favorite snubbie. Thanks for sharing and enjoy that new gun of yours.

 

[huntershooter]

NICE revolver!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

jhvaughan2,
What grips are on your M37? They look like they are comfortable to shoot with...