SMITH & WESSON M&P BODYGUARD 38 SPECIAL...IS 5 ROUNDS ENOUGH?

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

When you said "god forbid you ever had to use it" you got an instant thumbs up and sub. Everyone else is all gun crazy and shooting at everything that moves, no questions asked. But you have a calmer, more rational outlook, and I'm the same way. Thanks for the video!

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

You are most welcome. Thanks for you comments and welcome aboard!

[@comeoncents3288]

Liked and subscribed for the very same reason. Was searching for videos about S&W 442 and came across this video. Comfort is #1 and the very reason I’ve changed to the S&W442. My S&W3913 is great but I found myself not carrying it as much as I’d like due to comfort. ( It’s like a 1911 because of my body frame size ) Concealed Carry Channel made that point as well. I’ve ordered the classic panel J frame round grips because that will free space up top giving allowing all fingers to wrap around grip thus keeping a short length. Would like to see you make a video on the S&W442.

[@truthseeker1833]

@@comeoncents3288 carry the same for same reasons. I use the clip draw and carry everywhere including gym shorts just sitting around the house

[@comeoncents3288]

@@truthseeker1833 thank you, I did not know about the clip draw before your comment. I just got my 442 this winter and use a Holster Pro fitted pocket holster which I love. The clip draw might be the way to go in the summer time. Stay safe!

[@Bravo-Too-Much]

“God forbid I don’t get to use it” is what a real man would say. I can’t wait for some punk ass douchebag to try and victimize me so he can learn the lessons his shitbag father never taught him. Well, realistically, it would be a pretty short lesson. Only a second or two is just long enough for it to sink in so he can think, “I’m a stupid fuck” to himself as his vision starts closing in and he dies.

[@reynosamanA3]

5 rounds is better than 0 all day.

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

I agree completely!

[@BrianJohnson-tz6xl]

Amen to that

[@THEWATCHMAN864]

Hell yea

[@Bobs2cents]

When I think of all the times past when I walked around with nothing but lint in my pocket, I couldn’t agree with you more! I have nothing but respect for those who carry, no matter what the capacity. 5 rounds from the world’s smallest gun will do more to protect you than your fists ever could.

[@christopherlink6256]

Amen! David took care of business with 1 well placed stone.

[@JossinJax]

Liked when I heard, “The best defensive handgun is the one you have on you.” Amen brother.

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

I have always believed that. I don't care if it's rusty old .22 it beats nothing every time!

[@glennlanphier4824]

I had a model 638, until my wife decided she liked it better than me. I love small revolvers, I pocket carry. Also I'm a true lefty. Decided to give this model a try. Was super easy to adapt to the cylinder release. Much more natural. I painted the front sight, as I don't want to rely on the laser in a pinch. But,,, the laser does help with dry fire point shooting. After 2.5 years as my primary carry weapon, I wouldn't trade it. Better trigger than the 638 I used to have.

[@GoldieGold-dk5zr]

I really enjoy this gun, it's lightweight and easy to handle. one of the best guns I ever bought

[@ChazTagg]

How's recoil?

[@michaeldaltonsr8954]

My wife broke her wrist when she was 5y.o. Back then, surgery was not where it is today. With decreasing strength, she no longer able to rack( even EZ AND work safety, slide lock, etc) She used MY(MINE!!) Colt Det Spcl for years. But now, she new owner of BG-38 w/laser! Wife Happy/Life Happy!! Furthermore, as a survivor of real-life FTF shoot-out, one well-placed slug is all it takes to win. ALSO, just that laser light sweeping strikes fear, which ends bravado, ( and adds flight, not fight). So, this baby gets 3.5 thumbs up(My two+ wife😂!)

[@jeffcolwell8459]

My wife has one .she loves it and it's a work of art

[@steveh.3370]

My wife bought one. The ambidextrous cylinder latch is nice since she is left handed. Well thought out in my opinion.

[@dereksmith2750]

one hand, left hand, failed rotator cuff, want spouse to shoot, easy reload, close quarter, defensive, concealed carry, light weight, hope not to need it...IDEAL

[@mikem2132]

Best thing about the Bodyguard 38 is just how comfortable it is to carry, it’s something you can carry without even noticing it’s there. Perfect edc for me👍

[@scottbutkowski5803]

I made the same comment elsewhere on this thread. I often forget I have it on given how light and comfortable it fits in appendix position.

[@code3responsevideos872]

In the words of James Yeager , “ the J frame is an experts gun”

[@ricklavoie3703]

I like the top cylinder release much better , it also gives the revolver a much cleaner appearance , just my opinion

[@podsmpsg1]

In a real life, self defense situation, you're probably only gonna get three shots, two of which will hit center mass.

[@Just1American1966]

I bought one off someone who was moving out of the country. She purchased it "just to have" during the early part of the "pandemic", but never shot it. Neither have I yet, but it does have a neat feel to it. My carry snubs are all old Charter Arms Undercover revolvers, so I have no real place for this one. I am anxious to try it out one day, though. Incidentally, this is not a J-frame. It's an entirely different gun, and actually doesn't fit in quite all J-frame holsters. With the possible exception of the front sight blade, there are no parts compatible with the J-frame. Even the cylinder rotation mechanism is different, using an intriguing star pawl instead of a hand to engage it.

[@jaydo1879]

I got the one without the laser. You’ll never use the laser under stress in a defensive shooting.

[@kingelvis5502]

no but you will while at the range familiarizing yourself with the platform.

[@exo333dus6]

mine has the integrated laser, i only use it to practice technique. you can easily see how the gun kicks and the motion of your wrist by watching how the laser moves, then adjusting next shot.

[@liquidsword601]

Ok?

[@HeliPadUSA]

not true - a rabid raccoon approached me, i had time for the laser - it worked well....he was unarmed just diseased. it was a defensive shooting.

[@humpterdink]

@@HeliPadUSA poor little guy! just needed some hugs!

[@dlsmpsn]

I don't recall you mentioning that it is +P rated. It is actually printed on the barrel.

[@apologist3574]

I noticed right away that the cylinder turns "clockwise" (like a Colt detective special) which is the first S&W revolver that I've seen to do this. I have not seen anyone mention this on KZbin videos.

[@ButchRichardson-d8s]

If you will notice,it doesn't have a hand to rotate cylinder uses interlocking star.

[@robertwilliams1254]

I carry 1 in my front pocket often. When an Officer in 1970's, had a 6 shot S&W Stainless 64 on belt, plus a Stainless 60 in front pocket as a backup/Fast Reload.

[@waynesewell8355]

I hear a lot of people talking about how the cylinder release mechanism is on the top and how it is a little different in getting to it. I have not heard any mention of how that same release mechanism also works very easily when pushing it from the side. I find it much easier to release the cylinder from the side. I also installed a pair of Hogue Grips on mine which makes is much more comfortable to hold and shoot.

[@Just1American1966]

That's probably why they made it so wide and included the little "wings" on it.

[@misterfilmguy]

I’m a left-handed fan of revolvers and I’m interested to see how other left-handed shooters have done with this particular setup. Smith & Wesson is advertising this as an ambidextrous cylinder release, which it is, but the cylinder still slides out to the left side, which is decidedly NOT ergonomic for lefties, at least for me. If I release the cylinder with my dominant hand, I would have to cross over the gun and load with my weaker, right hand while my trigger finger tried to stay out of the way. In that case, it would be faster for me to activate the cylinder release, swap the gun to my right hand, hit the ejector rod and reload with my left hand and then transfer it back to my dominant hand after locking the cylinder back up. I already can do that quickly using the side of my trigger finger in a traditional cylinder release setup (at least on the Rugers that I own), so it doesn’t feel like it would be a net gain for me. It’s cool to have the option of a different release mechanism, but I’m just not convinced the end result here is actually equitable for left-handed users. Or at least not for those left-handed users who already have muscle memory from adapting to a traditional revolver reload.

[@apologist3574]

I have read that the release on the top allows for both left and right handed shooters, which is a good point.

[@Just1American1966]

Yep. Would have been cool to have been available back when I was still on the job as a left-handed cop. Admittedly, though, my .38 snub was a backup and off-duty gun, for which I never carried a reload. I would likely do so these days.

[@Brett235]

Yes, I believe that 5 rounds is plenty for the everyday Joe or Jane. It makes a really nice backup for security and police officers. We need to remember that criminals don't want to be shot either. My daughter in law has one of these m&p revolvers and she really likes carrying it. I carry a 437 with the external hammer but I wouldn't mind carrying this one either.

[@shadowwolf9503]

My reload for my 642 is another 642. I figure grabbing another loaded revolver is much faster than reloading.

[@P.HATHCOX]

Thanks for the honest review. I bought this bodyguard and had the same problem with the cylinder release at first because I was used to normal revolver controls. But after a little while it was no big deal to operate. My wife has decided she likes it now (you DID say these guns are popular with the ladies after all) so I had to give it up to her.

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

I ended up really loving this gun. It gets carried more than I would have ever thought.

[@tomsmith2215]

@@TheConcealedCarryChannel i feel like a lot of the negatives were from early production of it, years ago, and purists not liking the trigger setup or polymer concept early on. i think this gun has won awards in the recent years and has been out for 11 years now. i think im going to get this (im a lefty) instead of the 442 or 642. you still like yours? any issues with misfired from cylinder not being set? thanks. - tom

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

@@tomsmith2215 No issues to date. Still a winner as far as I’m concerned.

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

Minor quirks of guns should never be a problem. Because you need to be familiar enough and practiced enough with your weapon that your are intimate with it's quirks.

[@patriot3431]

This is my secondary carry with the Taurus G3 as my primary. With the capability to use plus p ammo is another great feature.

[@Gieszkanne]

The ejector rod also changed. Its slim and straight now. The front sight has two pins. That is a big + over the 442 and 642 which ave no interchangeable sights. Also the Bodygard has a grip with a closed back. That is also better for recoil.

[@terryflick5108]

There are a head-spinning variety of handguns out there because everyone is different. Those that gripe about guns they don't care for really need to get a life.

[@allensharp6876]

Well, you know how some folks are, they are only happy when they are unhappy. Some people want to tell you how experienced they are and how much they know. Oh well, “Peoples is peoples.”

[@johnsnyder5470]

Interesting video, I had not seen or heard of this model until your video educated me. Thanks!

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

Glad it helped you. Thanks for watching!

[@hardtruth2039]

I carry this and 2 spread loaders as a backup to my officers model 1911 or my XDS 45.

[@carbonfibercrypto2919]

I have this revolver but the trigger is so bad it chews up my finger on both sides and is WAY too heavy right at the breaking point. My wife can't even dry fire it without first shifting her grip.

[@ag2158]

Is a Taurus Revolver or a Charter Arms revolver better? Would you recommend any of those other the S&W M&P 38 spl bodyguard?

[@mehmedii7594]

So, the firing pin block on mine broke and my revolver jammed. I sent it back to S&W and they fixed it but it has given me second thoughts about trusting my life to it now.

[@kbkesq]

Try the ClipDraw such a great way to carry IWB and no holster.

[@albertptran]

The cylinder release on my LCR is my favorite

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

The LCR has a great cylinder release. I prefer it over the design of the Bodyguard.

[@Just1American1966]

As a left-handed shooter, I have to engage a cylinder release with my trigger or middle finger. I have found the Ruger release to be the easiest of the three common types. With this model, I would have to use my thumb. It's not a major concern for me, as I do not carry a reload when carrying a snub .38; I carry a second gun (usually an LCP-MAX.)

[@taylorreynolds2339]

This is my first gun buy didn't get the laser though.

[@nickmiller2204]

I carry a airweight 38.Chief special and it's not let me down yet.

[@shadowwolf9503]

I carry 2 S&W 642's. I trust them much more than any of the micro 380's.

[@williamgalicia6219]

Ruger and Smith are both great Revolvers, own both.

[@danofiremano]

My wife wants one of these because her Taurus Judge is a bit too heavy for EDC, she'll keep it as her home defense pistol & carry the Bodyguard.

[@Scorpio1025]

The location of the cylinder release worries me. Do you know of anyone that has had the cylinder opened by mistake when drawing the weapon?

[@samuelthurman2731]

I got the 642 air weight which I absolutely love, I put a Laser enhanced hogue grip on it and a apex trigger kit, now I got revolver fever, I always wanted a revolver, so now this is my next buy along with a performance center model 627 v comp

[@ScampCamper]

I had the 642 and then saw this one on sale (without laser) so I grabbed it. I actually prefer the trigger on the Bodyguard 38 better than the one on the 642 and this is now my primary 38 caliber carry weapon. Fit's nicely in my jeans pocket in a pocket holster.

[@An2oine]

Street price on this is $430 last night during the price gouging that is going on right now. What did you pay?

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

I paid around $380. This was pre-pandemic.

[@johnsmith-oh9is]

I'm just shocked it so cheap but a good gun. It worries me

[@An2oine]

@@johnsmith-oh9is You are probably like me, just so used to being ripped off, it seems normal.

[@johnsmith-oh9is]

@@An2oine exactly man. Got that mc1sc and have had nothing but problems with it. Since then I research for like 3 months till I get the gun.

[@antonchigurh7820]

My wife purchased one today for 389.00

[@MrPearlsareforever]

Great review of a great revolver I've owned many a j-frame not that one yet, but I like it.

[@oldschoolcop8568]

You can always carry speed loaders.

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

Exactly.

[@mr.browning7.624]

You know what we call someone that carries a J frame with a speed loader? An optimist

[@oldschoolcop8568]

@@mr.browning7.624 🤣😂

[@9909AZ9]

I've got this pistol and I'm happy to have it. In my training for CCW, after 15 shots fired, I had blood that formed in the web of my thumb and index finger. It's a BRUTE and was so loud.

[@allensharp6876]

Yep. This is a “one box of ammo “ type pistol. To reduce recoil I have always shot 148gr wadcutter target load. I use it for both carry and practice. I been carrying a Bodyguard since the late ‘80’s.

[@dinglebhound7635]

5 rounds that fire every pull... I think it’s a great option for me until I have got my muscle memory for reacting to misfires etc...

[@jamescruse3544]

Revolvers can have failures.

[@mr.browning7.624]

@FolkzForDayz IAmThatIAm yes. If you look at the Internals of a revolver, there are a lot of little parts. Levers and springs, things like thst. If any of those parts stop working for any reason. You have a paperweight. Another common issue is getting grit underneath the extractor star, if thst happens it'll usually jam up the cylinder when you close it. Just a couple of examples, the biggest thing with revolvers is that, although they may not have failures often, when they do, it almost always requires a gun smith. Rarely is it something you can fix by beating on the gun like a semi automatic.

[@KR-go4yx]

I bought this for my wife.. because the release is ambidextrous. she works it better then I do , so I stick with my other revolvers 😁

[@tylercollins9355]

When your in a bad situation simplified operation goes a long way

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

Exactly. When my life is potentially on the line, simple is good.

[@dcee966]

This would be the only gun I’d ever buy

[@kenmcclain1499]

Well said.

[@fatjeezussouthtexasoutdoor5244]

5rds of 38= good 5rds of 38+ P reloads = better

[@windvale]

You compared the Bodyguard to the LCR for size. Obvious question: which do you prefer ?

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

I like the LCR better. It has a finger grooved grip (more secure grip), controls are in the normal place for a revolver and I think it has a much better trigger.

[@BOB-wx3fq]

You'll find these cheaper but the lcr or a regular jframe is superior... theres nothing wrong with this revolver minus the looks and I don't like how the cylinder latch works

[@shadowwolf9503]

​@@BOB-wx3fq You are correct. I recently picked up another S&W 642 at my local Academy. The 642's were going for $519. The Ruger was about the same. But they gave me a 20 percent discount, along with a $50 rebate from Smith. They did have a Bodyguard too. It was priced just under $400. With the rebate, and the 20 percent off they offered me, I could have bought the Bodyguard for well under $300. But I chose the 642. It was the display model, so it had a few scratches on it. That didn't really bother me. But as soon as I got it home, I had to send it back for repairs, and new grips. But Smith paid shipping both ways, and repaired the revolver under their warranty. And from the time I sent it in and got it back was right at 2 weeks. I was very pleased with their customer service.

[@فواز-ن5ف]

How much is this weapon?

[@ricjona1069]

They are small and light. Carry 2 or 3, use a NY reload and carry a speed strip or 2. Done...

[@9909AZ9]

And there was a recall on the laser. I didn't do anything about it. And my laser isn't awkward at all. My hands are small. I'm 5'2. 110 lbs. Perfect for me. And it's no fun for target practice cuz it's such a brute. Recoil isn't joking.

[@allensharp6876]

I use 148 grain wad cutter ammo because of the light recoil and reduced muzzle blast. They are as effective as any other load when it comes time to shoot.

[@drkalowski256]

I carried Phoenix Arms HP 22A for a while until I could afford to purchase a Glock 19 which I ended up getting a p80.

[@shadowwolf9503]

I've carried 3 different Phoenix 22's over the years. Just seeing that little auto saved me and my daughter in law from being carjacked - or even worse. The guy, very obviously strung out on something, immediately changed his mind about attacking us, when he seen I was armed. We were sitting in my truck,waiting for my son to get off work. I called 911 and watched the police apprehend him less than 100 yards from us. They got him just as he was getting ready to walk into my son's work place. I was honestly very impressed with the cops speed of showing up. I was on the phone with 911 as it went down, giving them his description and location. And that little auto did it's job !

[@paulv4130]

Has a heavy trigger pull. I don't like the small grip so I'm going to change that. 4 rds for defense, not a fire fight.

[@lelandstronks319]

Got one, great gun😬👍

[@neiljohnson6815]

It's a hell of a lot better than a sharp stick.

[@montioscuro]

Excelente

[@MoonInPisces1962]

The 5 shot, snub nose revolver is the best carry gun that most people will never practice with. Therefore, most people should not buy one!

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

In a home invasion IF you can't do the job with 5 rounds ..Then the chances are you are in more difficulty than you can handle anyway. FORGET stupid James Bond movies where he gets his way out of difficulty against 8 bad guys with one handgun.. This is NOT real life. For a home invasion...This is an excellent self-defense tool that would save your life. You also have revolver simplicity no racks to slid and no "Jam ups" the "Tradeoff" is only 5 bullets against say 17 bullets with a semi-automatic pistol. But if you can't stop the threat with 5 bullets... You are going to be killed anyway ..Real-life is NOT a James Bond movie. Make EVERY bullet count .. Be ruthless ..Aim for the face...The neck and the eyes. You owe that home invader NOTHING! Remember ..Him or You survive... Pick YOU. You blast a home invader in the face with this at 7 yards and they WILL drop to the floor and they won't be getting back up... Even with standard pressure ammo.

[@StillPooh62]

In a home invasion scenario, I have a Glock 45 with 17 round magazines, and an aftermarket integrated Crimson Trace laser in the grip. But it's not a gun I would try to carry concealed. This little revolver looks like just the ticket, for that purpose.

[@steveb8001]

I agree. Who wants to be spewing 17 rounds of 9mm through their house. Train to hit what you’re aiming at, and like you said, be ruthless. Simple, easy and effective.

[@JamesBritemusic]

@@steveb8001 it's called accuracy by volume, train? Yes! Practice accuracy? 100% but having 17 rounds gives you more of a chances to screw up. I have 21 rounds in my firearm I can hit a man sized target easy in under 3 easy but the extra rounds might help.

[@steveb8001]

@@JamesBritemusic I also have a tactical handgun that has high round capacity. I think they have their place. For me, that place would be outside the home. But I’m not necessarily envisioning a prolonged fire-fight in my home. I can only envision two scenarios in my home: multiple possible intruders outside my home in some sort of mob-gone-wild scene, possibly trying to breach the entrance. In that case, I reach for the Benelli M4, backed up by a .223 semi-auto. The other scenario is an intruder(s) in my home. For that I alternate between my 1911 .45 or my Ruger SP101 .357. I want a heavy round that will stop someone in their tracks. That’s just my thought process.

[@joey160000]

Only five shots well aleast it handles +p ammo. And plus it's hard to get a model 327 eight shit wheel gun.

[@bignumbanine]

Does it shoot .357 also?

[@P.HATHCOX]

No it doesn't. Just 38s

[@schuhmann2401]

nope

[@oinkjohnson2871]

Smith and wesson 360 does.

[@erikwaters4672]

I've been looking for one of these lately. My LGS had one without the laser a few months ago. I want the laser on the revolver, if I'm going to get one.

[@tobieTyler6007]

It is if you're a good shot Practice Practice Practice

[@SPLITTINIMAGE]

Alright s&w, time for a bodyguard .357 with a scandium frame

[@randallbryant9456]

Somebody needs to tell SMITH & WESSON, & The other Companies to put THREE FINGER HOGUE GRIPS on all the REVOLVERS...Look at this BODYGUARD Grip,, It SUCKS...I'm Sorry..All Shooters must feel Comfortable when handling a pistol.🤟

[@randallbryant9456]

@Patrick O'Brien "HOGUE" Grips are Better & More Comfortable. So Tell All Companies to do it.. Don't Forget !!!💥💥💥💥👍

[@d2nasty696]

If you miss all 5 it's not gonna look so good for you.

[@halsmith3771]

I don’t pull up to the gas pumps to fill up without it….

[@channeellll7623]

Id rather have a weapon light than no light…

[@nickdee5764]

You mean I can’t take out the Abrams tank at football fields distance in one go!? Literal garbage! Nope, I carry this for the mental defects in the aisles of certain non named super stores.

[@Cos.....]

Carry 2 of them

[@kingelvis5502]

I carry a 442 and I can conceal in flip flops and board shorts:)

[@alisavepnada8277]

Oh enough I carry 3 speed loaders.

[@joewest1972]

Thx for the review... MAYBE I MISSED IT, shame on me if I did, but, now let me go search for the actual weight. For the life of me I dont know why reviewers talk about "it's really light weight" or "even when loaded it's very light weight". DAMN, just buy a cheap scale and show us. Yeah yeah, I know the weight is listed on the s&w website but for christ sake, I'm here now for the purpose of watching a review, kinda counter productive to have to go to another sight to see what you are actually and currently talking about. You show a visual comparison of size you specifically talk about the barrel length you specifically talk about the capacity, but not the weight. But don't feel like you missed something, for whatever reason most reviewers talk about the weight but never say what it is. Ironically, very often on EDC reviews where it's important. It's a head scratcher for me cause in an EDC that will be a major factor in making a final decision. I don't get it, it almost seems intentional like some unwritten cult rule to frustrate viewers.

[@screwgle7914]

no. its not. i get even a little rattled and im guaranteed to miss the first 4!

[@TheConcealedCarryChannel]

Lol. That's awesome...

[@lynnrandall5150]

Mfs ain't that gangster they hear one shot rang off and there they go running with a gun on their hip, 💯🏃🤔🤷‍♂️

[@screwgle7914]

@@salty_terminal_civilian5374 ok ace. under pressure, out of nowhere, you are ready to save your life and headshot 3 bad guys while holding groceries in one hand? youve seen too many movies. theres a reason you want mor boolets! ive never heard a cop say this firearm hold too many rounds for me. you arent edgy, youre just a salty pole.

[@solomonmarcus5496]

S&W is being cheap and their trying to skimp on the metal by not making it a standard 6 shot gun!

[@MrJancarlo55]

THENK YOU FOR M&P BODIGURD VIDEO , I JUST BOAT THIS REVILVER AFTER I WATCHED YOUR VIDEO, THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR, CINCERELY CKB007 , I ALWASE WATCH YOUR VIDEOS ,

[@JamesBritemusic]

Stop yelling

[@anthonypowell1658]

Of course

[@devilpig6]

5 shots equals five chances... If you need a 6th shot, you don't need ANY, until you can shoot a pistol worth a eff...