My first one was a lemon,NIB.It experienced misfires and poor accuracy. Sent it back to S&W with their provided FedEx pre-paid label. About two weeks later a S&W tech called me and said it was doing everything I stated in my letter. He said they could not repair it and S&W was willing to give me a new gun,I accepted.
The new gun has been 100% reliable. Accuracy:my gun seems to favor 110/125gr jacketed ammo. It does not like any of my old FBI 158gr +P LSWC,prints high and left(3-4").Hornady Critical Defense and XTP bullets shoot to point of aim. Speer Gold Dots shoot about 1" left and 1" high.
Industry response to the BG38 has been slow,it is not a traditional J-frame,if one at all. Normal J-frame grips will not fit the BG38. Hogue now makes grips for it.
http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=22_35
http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=22_35_729
The INSIGHT laser is ok,not in the same class as Crimson Trace IMHO. It is very small and compact.The laser button is small and can be difficult to activate,with practice it is usable. You cannot see the laser dot in daylight. It has held its zero and has been reliable.
The new cylinder release has not been an issue for me. At first I thought it would pose a transitional problem,not the case,at least for me.
Since the BG38 is a wee bit longer than a true J-frame the longer ejector rod is nice to punch out the empty cases.
Only time will tell how well it holds up.