s&w mod 38 "bodyguard" vs Ruger LCR

[Fat Boy]

I recently came across a S&W model 38 "Bodyguard" (j-frame, snubnose in.38 special with the "shrouded" hammer) for sale and almost bought it. The gun was nickel finish in reasonably good shape. But, I have for awhile been considering the Ruger LCR...

My goal in this consideration is to obtain a small-frame revolver in .38 special; only one...(I know, I know...buy them both but that isn't going to happen

So, the considerations for me are:

S&W:
All steel gun
single action is available; not used often, but still there
correct size for pocket carry w/proper holster

RUGER LCR
Capable of Plus P rounds (I believe the Smith would handle plus P's, just not sure how many, how long, etc and the Ruger is specifically rated for them
Lightweight
Capable of typical carry wear...polymer vs. nickel finish, etc

What am I missing in my considerations?

Thanks!

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have shot limited +P in my old J frames for years. I have +P in my body guard at present. I would go with the Smith . Little more weight but in a pocket holster no big deal I use a Don Hume pocket holster for mine I own a couple nickle guns I pocket carry a Colt Mustang I have pocket carried a nickle J frame I always wipe my pistols down with a gun cloth at end of day never had trouble from nickle
S&W will gain in value as people seek more of the well made older S&W Ruger will not

 

[9mmepiphany]

they look pretty much alike, but i prefer the lighter weight of the Ruger LCR.

the LCR comes out of the box with a much light/smoother trigger ( i just handle both at my FFL last week)

in a gun that size, DA is the way you should always practice, there is very little that you can do with it in SA that you can't in DA...assuming you learn the DA trigger stroke correctly

 

[deputy tom]

The model 38 is an airweight not all steel.The model 49 is the all steel bodyguard,649 is the all stainless steel bodyguard.As for choosing which gun to buy it's buyer's preference.I would take the S&W because I'm familiar with their trigger.YMMV.tom.

 

[dirtpig67]

For me at least the S&W J-frame (various models) is a decades old proven weapon that has withstood the test of time.

The LCR is only a few months old. It may prove to be as reliable as the old j-frame but I no intention to buy one (or any other new model of firearms) until it has been around for a while.

The last few radically new designs from Ruger (LCP, SR-9) both were the subjects of recalls not long after their release. I have zero interest in being a beta-tester with a firearm thats sole purpose is CCW and self-defense. That might be fine with a range gun or something like that but not one for self-defense in my book. Chances are that the LCR will not have any issues at all and will be a great firearms - but I don't take chances in this area.

 

[Boxerrider]

I have a model 49, the all steel bodyguard, I've never even held an LCR. A little extra weight when shooting those +P rounds can be a good thing. Of course I'm a steel & wood guy and admit to bias. I would suggest shooting both if at all possible. If you shoot both well carrying the lightweight will be more pleasant.

Enjoy!

 

[kimberdad]

I bought a S&W bodyguard for my wife a few years ago. I found it to be a dependable weapon and easy to carry. I carry it myself, especially in summer when concealment is harder. You won't be disappointed with the Smith.

 

[snooperman]

For +P ammo ?

I would go with the all steel gun. Recoil is horrible in the lightweight guns and follow-up shots are more difficult as well.

 

[Guillermo]

Smith every day and twice on Sunday

 

[tdv]

I have various Smiths, and now a LCR in .357 mag. I waited to try the LCR until (1) no recalls were put out on the .38 Special model and (2) I prefer .357 in my snubnose revolvers. I agree, Ruger has had too many recalls of late on the LCP, etc. I don't take chances on a CCW gun either. But having plenty of CCW guns, I gave the LCR a try. I couldn't pass up the silky smooth trigger. After 400 rounds, I am sold on the LCR. In spite of the light weight, I can shoot full .357 rounds comfortably. The oversized Hogue grip tames the recoil well. All .38 Special loads including +P are no problem. I carry .357 mag 158 gr HP in the LCR. They are well regulated and shoot well in my particular LCR.
The negatives I found so far...the Hogue grip tends to grab your shirt and can print the gun. Also, the front sight can be difficult to pick up as the light fades. But overall, I found the LCR tough, and has a superb DA trigger. My LCR trigger is smoother than any Smith I have had tuned to date. Overall, my LCR is much more comfortable to shoot than my M640 with .357 mag loads. Whether the LCR proves to be as durable is yet to be determined?

 

[Lord Teapot]

i have the s&w bodyguard 38 with the little insight laser. it's very light, i'd take it ovr an lcr because i'd take a smith over a ruger.

 

[Remllez]

They are both great choices however the LCR's trigger sold me. I think the recall thing is a wash. LCR's have been out a while and the polymer thing is a non issue. Smith will market a polymer revolver some day, just so happens Ruger beat them to it.

They both carry well IWB or on the belt however I wouldn't carry either in a pocket because of size. Good luck and good shooting to you

 

[Guillermo]

Smith will market a polymer revolver some day

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766382_-1_757677_757677_757677_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[Girodin]

I own S&Ws (although not the precise model in question) and a LCR. I am happy with my LCR. I am yet to anyone actually state a real disadvantage, besides the fact they just don't like it, of the fire control housing being made of polymer.

I own heavier all steel snubs along with the light weight ones. For shooting I really prefer an all steel gun. The lightweight gun is of course nicer to carry. One is not better than the other, they just have a different set of trade offs. Which is better is highly subjective.

The thing you didn't mention, that others have, is the trigger pull of the LCR. It is the best of all the snubs I have and is better than any J frame trigger I've pulled. I have one J frame that comes close but the LCR's is still better. I do, however, prefer the reset of that J frame to the LCRs. That is more just an issue of shooting a gun and being used to one thing or another though.

 

[Remllez]

Delete

 

[earlthegoat2]

Just as long as your choice is not the new Bodyguard 38. Im not sure I have ever held a cheaper feeling revolver.

The LCR or the Model 38 will be fine either way. All a matter of feel.