I have a Smith & Wesson 642-2 with a Crimson Trace Lasergrip. And I have a Kel Tec P3AT (don’t judge me) with a Crimson Trace Laserguard. So I can attest to the utility of mounting a frickin’ laser beam on a small pocket pistol. These guns really don’t have any useable sights to speak of. They’re contact distance point-and-shooters. And if you do have to make a shot at 10-15 feet or so with adrenaline dumping into your system, that red dot can be pretty handy. Smith wasn’t born yesterday. They’re well aware of this, too. And now they’re offering their bodyguard .380 pistol and .38 revolver all fitted out with CT goodness. Press release after the jump . . .
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Smith & Wesson Corp. announced today that it has joined forces with Crimson Trace® to introduce enhanced, integrated laser sighting systems for the Company’s popular line of BODYGUARD® handguns. The newly launched M&P® BODYGUARD firearms deliver the performance, quality and reliability that has become the hallmark of these industry leading companies.
Easily activated and uniquely engineered with Crimson Trace’s signature tactile feel, the new laser sighting systems for the M&P BODYGUARD pistols and revolvers are seamlessly integrated, allowing for quick target acquisition and peace of mind with the push of a button. Featuring intuitive activation, longer battery life and high quality components, the integrated laser sights deliver an accurate and streamlined solution for those seeking effective sighting systems in their concealed carry and personal protection firearms.
“Through our partnership with Crimson Trace, consumers will benefit from a superior laser sighting system that is expertly integrated with our semi-automatic M&P BODYGUARD 380 pistols and our M&P BODYGUARD 38 revolvers,” said James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson. “Created using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques, these new M&P BODYGUARD firearms provide consumers with two exceptional choices when seeking dependability in personal protection.”
Precisely manufactured and repeatedly tested, the Crimson Trace integral lasers are designed to preserve the general shape and overall weight of the M&P BODYGUARD firearms. The integral lasers provide shooters with added confidence by enabling quick sight acquisition under stress or in low light conditions – making them especially well-suited for conceal carry and personal defense needs.
M&P BODYGUARD 380 Pistol
Compact, sleek and ergonomic, the M&P BODYGUARD 380 delivers personal protection in an easy-to-carry, comfortable platform. Chambered for .380 ACP, the lightweight pistol features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, matte-coated stainless-steel slide and barrel. The new M&P BODYGUARD 380 retains original design features including a 2 ¾-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 5 ¼ inches and an unloaded weight of only 12.3 ounces making it perfectly suited for concealed carry.
With its slim-line ergonomic grip, the pistol is comfortable in the hand and points naturally. On the lower portion of the frame, the pistol has been fitted with an integral Crimson Trace laser. The laser is easily activated and accommodates the needs of both left and right-handed shooters. To help aid in quick sight acquisition when the laser is not in use, the pistol is fitted with stainless-steel, drift adjustable dovetail sights. The M&P BODYGUARD 380 is standard with a 6+1 magazine capacity.
M&P BODYGUARD 38 Revolver
Chambered in .38 S&W Special +P, the M&P BODYGUARD 38 continues Smith & Wesson’s broad line of reliable, small-frame self-defense revolvers. The M&P BODYGUARD 38 delivers the optimal combination of accuracy and simplicity for personal protection needs. With its lightweight design, the M&P BODYGUARD 38 allows for discreet carry and its hammerless design provides a snag-free presentation. The five-shot revolver features a short 1.9-inch barrel, which contributes to a compact overall length of 6.6 inches and an empty weight of 14.4 ounces.
On the right side of the frame, the revolver has been fitted with an external module designed by Crimson Trace. The red laser sighting system features simple activation and precise shot placement in low light conditions. For fast target acquisition when the laser is not in use, the revolver sports a notch-style rear sight and a pinned black blade front sight.
For more information on the new M&P BODYGUARD 380 pistol or M&P BODYGUARD 38 revolver, visit www.380reasons.com or http://www.youtube.com/user/SmithWessonCorp for exciting new videos on all of the latest products.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the consumer, law enforcement, and military markets. The company’s brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P® and Thompson/Center Arms™. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
About Crimson Trace
Crimson Trace, the acknowledged industry leader for laser sighting systems and tactical lighting for firearms, is based in Wilsonville, Oregon. Its award-winning innovations include Lasergrips®, Laserguard® and Lightguard® –all with Instinctive Activation™. The company’s product line also includes the Defender Series® and Rail Master® platforms – all are proudly Made in the USA. More details are available at: www.crimsontrace.com or by calling 800-442-2406.
Thats nice. Too bad the laser activation is still in the same akward/hard too reach place.
Unless that weird bump on the grip is the mew activation button.
I played with an earlier Smith and Wesson revolver with an awkward laser switch, which made the laser more of a liability than an asset.
I bought a Centennial airweight 642 with factory installed Crimson Trace Lasergrips about ten years ago. At that time the laser added about $300 to the almost $600 price for the gun. Add a decent Wilson leather holster and you are over a grand with tax.
The laser on the new version is much closer to being in-line with the barrel. The original style had the laser very low on the frame.
The switch on mine is activated by your second (or middle) finger as you squeeze the grips. In my opinion that is the correct place for the switch.
There is also a “master” switch on the butt of the grip if you care to turn it off. Oddly the instructions say you don’t ever need to turn it off.
Nonetheless, the S&W snubbies are great guns and really shoot well for their size. This is true IF and only if you get a trigger job from a skilled gunsmith to deal with the HEAVY trigger pull. I did that and carried mine deeply concealed for years. I never felt “unarmed” with 38+p rounds on board, just gotta make them count…
So did you give up carrying the 642 for the XDs45? Does that fill your carry needs better?
I did, and so far I’m happy with the decision. I installed Crimson Trace Laser grips on the XDs. I carry the XDs in a remora holster IWB.
Like the laser on the 642, the XDs’ laser is useless in sunlight farther out than about ten feet, so when I practice with either weapon at the range, I only use the sights on the gun…and the XDs has really nice ones.
Ultimately I gained one round in the process (5 in the clip and one in the pipe, as opposed to 5 in the cylinder).
Good looking pistols. Hope they turn out to be winners. I’ve been considering a revolver. Might have to look into this if it gets good reviews.
I do like that internal hammer design, which I think the Ruger LCP also sports? Seems like that design would give the revolver greater potential as a concealed carry piece, having that much less to get snagged while presenting from IWB. I’ve never handled one of that design, though, so I’m not sure if the hammer can be cocked manually for single action firing or what.
No, it’s Double Action Only. Really though, why would you want or need Single Action on a defensive revolver?
Single action makes for easy aiming and consistent shots since the trigger pull is much lighter and shorter. Less pull on the trigger means you’re less likely to pull the shot low-left. Granted single action could be a detriment in a DGU situation since you’re likely not going to have the time to consciously cock the hammer before aiming. Probably the main reason why I prefer semi-auto for conceal carry (that and I can’t aim a revolver for squat).
Where’s my green laser?
You can get a green laser on March 17th.
Just an awkward toy to dazzle buyers into buying, but won’t have any positive practical impact. If anything, fumbling around to activate a laser, or the laser’s bulk partially defeating the purposes of a pocket pistol’s light weight, deep concealment and rapid presentation, could actually have some negative outcomes. To each his own, of course, but putting a laser on a firearm designed for extreme close range, usually last second, self-defense strikes me as being just silly. Why not a scope? Or 100 round drum magazine? Perhaps a bi-pod?
Soo… I’m confused. Didn’t these already have lasers on them? What changed?
I know the 380 used to have the laser. Then they changed it to the M&P model which didn’t have the laser. Now they’ve added the laser to the M&P model. I think.
Both Bodyguards had Insight lasers. Now they use Crimson Trace.
those things have horrible triggers on them.
The trigger on the .380 is okay. The trigger on the .38 is not.
After about 2-300 rounds, the .380’s trigger is noticeably lighter/smoother. Either my index finger is getting stronger, or the trigger has to be “broken in”.
I’m more excited about the new Shields that are now sans safeties than this, to be perfectly honest.
It’s a fricken laser beam uhm Kay!!
I thought TTAG wasn’t a fan of stories for “new items” that aren’t really new beyond a small change?
Having the same exact firearm with a laser made by a different company is still the same exact firearm…
It’s a press release, not a “story.” But you knew that.
The snubbie, the original point and click interface. Does one really need a laser to engage a threat at contact/bad-breath distance?…No. Period. Suckers. You’ve been had.
As TTAG’s resident Smith & Wesson weenie, I reviewed both of these Bodyguards back in the day.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/08/ralph/gun-review-smith-wesson-bodyguard-38-and-bodyguard-380/
I liked the .380 well enough. I didn’t like the .38. It’s kinda ironic, but as a snubby fan, I though it was going to be the other way around.
I bought a Bodyguard 380 several months ago. It included the laser and the lgs included an inside the belt leather holster. It is a handsome little gun and with defensive ammo, just what the doctor ordered.
The laser was pre-zeroed from Smith and did not need any adjustment.
The only things that I really hate is the double action only and the trigger pull takes quite a bit of effort. I was hoping after a couple hundred rounds it would become easier; no such luck.
I am considering the 38 but will try one first. No hammer bothers me and if the trigger pull is the same as the 380, it will be a deal breaker.
The trigger pull on the .38 is much worse.
I don’t understand S&W. Why offer the same gun with a couple of cosmetic upgrades and act like it’s a big deal? Why not release your M&P line in a new caliber, like 10mm, or maybe even throw everyone off and design an SA/DA M&P? How about a unique gas-piston rifle platform? That would qualify as something new and exciting in my book. Not a CT laser on a prettied up .380 bodyguard.
The world is not waiting for a new 10mm. Or a hammer fired M&P.
I know. But the point is that those are actual changes to a platform, not a simple cosmetic upgrade/change of laser manufacturer. While probably not in excessive in demand, it would be nice to have a 10mm, 😉 .
Even a good laser won’t overcome the god-awful trigger I experienced when shooting a range neighbor’s Bodyguard .380. Besides what’s so different about these Bodyguards from the ones already on the market?
Different laser supplier. Original was Insight.
Motorcycle carry help question, please:
On the bike, I have to carry the pistol in an outer backpack pocket (which I can access easily off the bike). No pocket carry for me – just not practical on it. Was ready to spring for the Ruger LCP CT or Bersa Thunder CC, then I see this. I like that it has a safety, particularly if I wipe out. The gun I get HAS TO be in the size range of the above for that specific pocket.
Any other current or former bikers out there to advise?
I carry an LCP in a Desantis Nemesis in my pants pocket when riding – even if I wipe out, a whole lot of things have to go very wrong for a gunshot to go off. The LCP has a smooth (after breakin) but long DA trigger pull. I like this pistol a lot more than I expected.
I’ll often carry a Glock, or a Beretta Nano, in a Smartcarry holster under my riding pants. A Glock 19 pokes in places it shouldn’t when riding, but the 26 and the Nano do much better 🙂
I carry on my belt, IWB or OWB.. I’m not sure why riding a motorcycle would require a different method of carry–and a motorcycle is my primary (only) means of transportation.
I’ll IWB appendix carry, with a holster that has good solid retention – Raven Vanguard with the strut system, or a PHLSter holster (great holster but a lonnnnnng wait. I like that all of my Glocks, 26/19/29/20, will fit in it). If I OWB it’s in fall and winter when I wont remove my jacket, and it needs to be a locking retention holster – I just worry about the one in a million chance of my riding jacket hooking onto the grip or something and my Glock goes skittering across the street.
I have a S&W Airweight 38. I find the Smart Carry Deep Concealment Holster comfortable when riding. As other have mentioned access is granted only when your off the bike. Otherwise it sits comfortably over your junk while your riding. Maybe something for you to consider. I like it because of this reason and also no print and access is easy enough after you practice a time or two. It’s not for everyone but I like it.
I have a Bodyguard .380, and while it’s not challenging to precisely fire it up to seven yards I find the laser to be as useless as teats on a boar hog. The side switches requires more attention than should be necessary, not to mention no small amount of effort due to the mushy buttons. I imagine that it would be all but impossible in an emergency scenario.
Alpo:
Loves revolvers.
Prefers 3″ or smaller.
Only buys Rugers and S&Ws.
Hates Bodyguard .38 (because the trigger).
That said, a laser on a snub .38 has its uses.
I can keep 5 shot groups under 4″ with my snub DAO SP101 @ 10 yards off hand with .357 mags. With .38s I’m consistently 2-2.5″.
A laser (and a good trigger job) can turn a small carry gun into legit a 20-25 yard defensive weapon.
Exactly, with a little love and attention, a S&W snubbie can be a good little pocket or back-up gun. In a proper pocket holster you can easily forget you even have it on you.
I good trigger job is crucial to your long term satisfaction.
Why would someone get a .38 bodyguard when they could get a 642?
This can’t be new, I recognise the profile of it. I’m confused here. I recently saw an advert for the Bodyguard 360 on TTAG and I thought it looked weird without the laserguard.
Had laser Crimson grip on Ruger .38 LCR with a 1.78″ barrel and hard plastic grip, just stung too much to be a good concealed carry. Changed to standard stock grip, added XS std. white dot front sight. Now carry every day in right front pocket in holster and make a point of firing off 5 to 10 rounds of defense hollowpoints at the range monthly. Dry fire weekly. Trigger is now smooth and crisp for a good concealed carry choice. By all rights guns (pistols/revolvers) should come from factory with better trigger pull but once I made modications I feel comfortable it will do the job if needed. One of these days I’ll sell the Crimson grip on EBay to pay for the better grip/front sight with enough left over for a box or two of hollow point ammo.
Activation button in wrong place. Do not want.
I hated everything about the original pistol. Can’t polish a turd.
Don’t tell Jerry that the BG .380 isn’t accurate – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fwb-9aYDa0
I have had a BG 380 with insight laser for last five months. I hate it! Sent back to S&W the whole pistol in for service for FTF and lazer problems. Then I called to S&W to say insight failed again and they sent me a new one without returning the old one. Then a month ago, failed again and now waiting for replacement insight and it’s back ordered for a month already! THEY WONT REPLACE WITH CRIMSON TRACE. Sorry yelling. As soon as I get that chitty new insight I’m dumping the gun.
I figured out what I “did” wrong. After range trips I throughly cleaned and placed one drop of #9 hopps on each rail in the back of the gun and it must have dropped down shorted out the circuit. Total POS! No gasket to protect circuit from lube. Geez should I have to remove lazer assembly to clean and lube the pistol?
Look on gunbroker you can get new ones for under $300 for insight and Crimson sights are going for 350?? If a crimson fits, smith should sub for free given that the chitty insight has many pee’d off users. Call customer service, nice enough they admit that smith should never have fired Crimson because insight underbid them two years ago
I shot 350-500 reds through the gun, trigger did soften with use and iron sights are good enough. Not FTF, The trigger rest was the problem I sent it in originally after 100rds. Wouldn’t fire during range session, held gun Palm up pointed up and the gun fired! Fortunately I was in range stall still when I was playing with trigger reset. That was the problem causing to send in gun, not FTF.
If you buy the gun avoid the up charge of the lazer gimmick. Also ridiculously hard to adjust with the smallest Allen key I ever saw. Peeps that have successfully adjusted, say it doesn’t hold your setting.
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