SMITH & WESSON M&P BODYGUARD 38

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 is a revolutionary handgun, designed for personal protection, concealed carry, and everyday use. Known for its lightweight, compact design, and rugged reliability, this revolver is a favorite among those who require a reliable firearm that is easy to carry and capable of delivering effective stopping power. With its unique combination of advanced features, including a Crimson Trace laser sight and a double-action-only (DAO) trigger, the M&P Bodyguard .38 stands out in the personal defense market. This revolver offers both functionality and durability, making it ideal for self-defense purposes.

In this extensive review, we will explore the key features, specifications, performance, design, and handling characteristics of the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38, providing a thorough understanding of why it has become a trusted tool for personal safety.

1. The Legacy of Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson, established in 1852, has become one of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry. Known for producing firearms that combine performance, quality, and innovation, Smith & Wesson has continually met the needs of law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters. The M&P (Military & Police) line is one of their most successful, providing a range of modern, highly functional weapons. The M&P Bodyguard .38 is a continuation of this legacy, designed specifically for those in need of a small, reliable, and easy-to-carry self-defense revolver.

The M&P Bodyguard .38 is part of the M&P Bodyguard series, which also includes semi-automatic pistols, and was created to fill a specific niche within the self-defense market. It targets individuals looking for a revolver with a modern design, enhanced features, and excellent concealability without sacrificing reliability and performance.

2. Key Features of the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 revolver is built for quick and simple deployment, making it a perfect choice for personal defense. Here are some of the essential features that set the M&P Bodyguard .38 apart from other similar revolvers in its class.

2.1. Lightweight and Compact Design

One of the primary selling points of the M&P Bodyguard .38 is its compact size. With an overall length of 6.6 inches and a height of just 4.3 inches, this revolver is designed for maximum concealed carry comfort. Weighing only around 14.3 ounces (unloaded), it is lightweight enough to carry all day without being cumbersome, making it ideal for those who need to keep their firearm concealed in an inside-the-waistband holster or pocket.

This compactness allows the M&P Bodyguard .38 to be easily carried in a variety of concealed carry setups, whether on the hip, in a purse, or in an ankle holster. Its small size does not come at the cost of durability, however, as it is still capable of handling demanding situations with ease.

2.2. .38 Special Caliber

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 is chambered in .38 Special, one of the most popular calibers for personal defense revolvers. Known for its stopping power and manageable recoil, the .38 Special delivers a balanced combination of performance and shootability. While not as powerful as some larger calibers, such as .357 Magnum, the .38 Special is an ideal self-defense round due to its consistent performance and effectiveness at typical self-defense distances.

This caliber is widely available and offers a range of ammunition options, from standard FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds for practice to hollow-point ammunition for personal defense. The hollow-point rounds are especially favored for self-defense because they expand upon impact, increasing stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration.

2.3. Crimson Trace Integrated Laser Sight

A standout feature of the M&P Bodyguard .38 is the Crimson Trace laser sight that comes integrated into the frame of the revolver. This laser sight provides a red dot that projects onto the target, helping shooters improve accuracy during low-light conditions and stressful situations. In a self-defense scenario, having a laser can be invaluable, as it allows the shooter to quickly and accurately engage the threat without needing to align the sights of the revolver.

The Crimson Trace laser is activation-activated, meaning that it will automatically turn on when the shooter grips the revolver, providing immediate feedback when aiming. This feature ensures that the user is ready to engage with minimal delay, making it ideal for personal defense situations where every second counts.

2.4. Double-Action Only (DAO) Trigger

The M&P Bodyguard .38 uses a double-action-only (DAO) trigger, which means that every time the shooter pulls the trigger, it both cocks and releases the hammer. This is a critical feature for concealed carry revolvers, as it eliminates the risk of an accidental discharge due to an exposed hammer being snagged during a draw.

The DAO trigger is designed to be smooth and consistent, ensuring that each pull is predictable and requires a moderate amount of effort. For many shooters, this provides a safer shooting experience, as there is no need to manually cock the revolver before firing. While some shooters may prefer the lighter trigger pull of a single-action revolver, the DAO system is widely regarded as a safer option for personal defense.

2.5. Polymer Grip

The M&P Bodyguard .38 features an ergonomic polymer grip that is molded to fit comfortably in the user’s hand. The grip is textured to provide a secure hold, even during rapid shooting or in challenging weather conditions. The design of the grip allows for better control of the revolver, reducing felt recoil and improving overall shooting accuracy.

In addition to providing a comfortable and secure hold, the polymer grip contributes to the overall lightweight nature of the M&P Bodyguard .38. The grip is also designed to accommodate both large and small hands, making it versatile for a wide range of users.

2.6. Integrated Safety Features

Safety is always a priority when designing self-defense firearms, and the M&P Bodyguard .38 includes several important safety features to ensure secure operation. The revolver comes with an internal safety lock that can be activated to prevent unauthorized use. This feature is particularly useful if the firearm is stored in a home with children or other unauthorized users.

The M&P Bodyguard .38 also incorporates a grip safety, meaning that the gun cannot be fired unless the user is gripping the revolver properly. This prevents accidental discharges when the revolver is holstered or being carried.

3. Specifications of the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38

The following specifications outline the key measurements, features, and performance characteristics of the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 revolver.

3.1. General Specifications

• Model: Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38
• Caliber: .38 Special
• Operation: Double-action-only (DAO)
• Frame Material: Stainless steel (frame) and polymer (grip)
• Barrel Length: 1.9 inches
• Overall Length: 6.6 inches
• Height: 4.3 inches
• Width: 1.3 inches
• Weight (Unloaded): 14.3 ounces
• Capacity: 5-round cylinder
• Sights: Fixed front and rear sights
• Laser: Integrated Crimson Trace laser sight (red dot)

3.2. Performance and Handling

• Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 800–900 feet per second (depending on the ammunition type)
• Recoil: Low to moderate (due to the lightweight frame and .38 Special caliber)
• Trigger Pull: Approximately 10–12 pounds (depending on individual gun and break-in period)
• Accuracy: Effective at distances of up to 15–25 yards, with enhanced accuracy at closer ranges (due to the Crimson Trace laser sight)
• Shooting Mode: Single shot per trigger pull (DAO)

3.3. Materials and Finish

• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Barrel Material: Stainless steel
• Finish: Matte black (for most models)
• Grip Material: Polymer, with textured surfaces for secure handling
• Laser: Crimson Trace integrated laser sight (requires a CR2032 battery)

4. Performance and Handling

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 is designed for personal defense, and its performance in that role is exceptional. The compact size allows for easy concealment, while the fixed sights and integrated laser ensure quick aiming in any situation. The Crimson Trace laser sight enhances accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions, ensuring the user can effectively engage a threat. The revolver is capable of handling .38 Special ammunition, delivering adequate stopping power without excessive recoil.

With its smooth DAO trigger and ergonomic grip, the M&P Bodyguard .38 offers a comfortable and controlled shooting experience, even in stressful situations. The revolver’s low recoil and consistent trigger pull make it easy to manage, especially for new shooters or those who need to use the firearm under duress.