Smith & Wesson Ships Bodyguard Pistols

Smith & Wesson has begun shipping its pair of Bodyguard pistols introduced at SHOT Show, including its Bodyguard 380 6 + 1 pistol and Bodyguard 38 revolver. The firearms arrive with built-in laser sights.

"The new Bodyguard 380 pistol and 38 revolver combine our company's innovative design and manufacturing techniques with the technology of one of the industry's leading laser-optic companies, Insight Technology," said Tom Kelly, Smith & Wesson's vice president of marketing. "The Bodyguard products are unique as they are the first handguns designed with built-in lasers. Both the pistol and the revolver are lightweight, compact and concealable for personal protection and concealed carry."

Chambered in .380, the lightweight Bodyguard 380 pistol features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite-coated stainless steel slide and barrel. The new Bodyguard 380 is standard with a 2 3/4-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 5 1/4 inches and an unloaded weight of 11.85 ounces.

The new pistol features a double-action fire control system, manual thumb safety and an external take down lever and slide stop. On the lower portion of the frame, the pistol has been fitted with an Insight laser, which is easily operated by left- and right-handed shooters. To aid in quick sight acquisition when the laser is not in use, the pistol includes black, Melonite-coated, stainless steel, drift adjustable dovetail sights.

Chambered in .38 S&W Special +P, the Bodyguard 38 revolver's hammerless design provides a snag-free presentation for concealed carry. The five-shot snubby revolver features a 1.9-inch barrel, which contributes to a compact overall length of 6.6 inches.

Weighing in at 14.3 ounces, the Bodyguard 38 features a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame and a steel-reinforced polymer lower frame. The barrel and cylinder on the revolver are both stainless steel. The stainless steel cylinder is coated with a durable, non-reflective, matte black PVD finish for long-term carrying and low-light presentation. Designed to accommodate both left- and right-handed shooters, the revolver features an ambidextrous cylinder release on the top of the frame.

On the right side of the frame, the revolver has been fitted with an integral Insight laser, allowing precise shot placement in low-light conditions. The revolver sports a notch-style rear sight and a pinned black blade front sight. The Bodyguard 38, with its double-action only design, can be easily concealed for discreet carry.

The Bodyguard 380 pistol retails for $575 and the Bodyguard 38 revolver retails for $625.