Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0, a modern concealed carry revolver
Smith & Wesson announces an update to one of their best known concealed carry revolvers with the Bodyguard 38 2.0 model, also available with an integrated Crimson Trace laser sight
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0, a modern concealed carry revolver
Officially announced on the US market, the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 enhanced small frame double-action revolver is a purpose-built design to provide dependable personal protection in a compact, lightweight platform.
With 29 US States out of 50 having Constitutional Carry laws in place – meaning, any citizen who's not legally barred from purchasing and owning firearms is not required to obtain a separate license to carry a firearm for defensive carry, either concealed or open depending on local laws and regulations – the market for defensive firearms has been at an all-time high in the United States for years, and even in Europe where admittedly the market for concealed carry guns is much smaller, those designs find acceptance among smaller-handed shooters who prefer more compact, manageable options.
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 represents the latest entry in the Company's long-established, highly successful Bodyguard line of J-Frame, double-action only revolvers, first introduced in 1955 and since expanded to include numerous models that to this day still set the standards by which all concealed carry snubnose revolvers are judged.
More specifically, the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 is a new take on the M&P Bodyguard 38 model, first introduced in 2018 and currently listed as discontinued, but to this day recognized as the pinnacle of the Bodyguard line's technological evolution.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 .38 Special revolver – right side
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 .38 Special revolver – left side
Just like the earlier M&P Bodyguard 38, the new 2.0 variant is chambered to fire the ubiquitous .38 Special round, and feeds though a 5-shots cylinder that is manufactured out of steel and coated in a strong black PVD finish.
The cylinder release is mounted on the top center portion of the frame, where the hammer crest would be in a non-shrouded hammer design, in form of a black ribbed polymer lever that allows the cylinder to be opened easily with either hand, supporting intuitive operation for right or left handed shooters.
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 mounts a 4,7 cm (1.875") barrel, and is built around a two-parts frame whose front-upper part consists in a very sturdy black finished, single-piece aluminum component, while the rear bottom part – trigger guard included – is manufactured out of black high-strength polymer.
The overall sturdy construction of all key components – including those made out of polymer – allows the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 revolver to safely handle any type of ammunition, including hot +P loads.
An enhanced black polymer boot-style grip offers improved ergonomics and provides better control and superior shootability while maintaining a compact footprint for concealed carry and ensuring a snag-proof extraction.
Standing at 16,5 cm / 6.5" in overall length and weighing in at approximately 459 grams (14.2 oz) when empty, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 features a Partridge-style front sight with an orange dot, paired to a slightly raised machined U-notch rear sight to enhance sight picture and improve target acquisition in varied lighting conditions.
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 is also available in a version with a factory-issued red light laser sight manufactured by Crimson Trace. Manufacturer's suggested retail price on the US market is set at $449.00 for the baseline model and $549.00 for the laser sight model.
Visit the official Smith & Wesson website for further information; all inquiries concerning local availability and pricing on the international markets are to be addressed to the official authorized Smith & Wesson distributor for your Country.
