Smith & Wesson Bodyguard
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is a family of small J-frame revolvers with shrouded hammers manufactured by Smith & Wesson. They are available chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum.[1]
Models
Model 38
The Model 38 is aluminum-framed, has a carbon steel cylinder with a five round capacity and barrel. Chambered in .38 Special.[2]
Model 49
The Model 49 is an all carbon steel-framed revolver chambered in .38 Special.[2]
Model 638
The Model 638 is aluminum-framed with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. Chambered in .38 Special.[2]
Model 649
The Model 649 is an all stainless-steel framed revolver. Chambered in .357 Magnum or .38 Special.[2]
M&P Bodyguard 38
The M&P Bodyguard 38, introduced in 2014,[3] is the latest incarnation of a Smith & Wesson revolver using the Bodyguard moniker. It is a polymer framed revolver chambered in .38 special, and is only available with a Crimson Trace laser sight integrated in to the grip. Like previous Bodyguard models, it has a five round cylinder and a concealed hammer but unlike the previous models, the hammer cannot be cocked for single action fire.[4][5] The lockwork is different than any other Smith & Wesson revolver and the model has no parts interchangeable with the J-frame series.[6] Chambered in .38 special, it is only available with a Crimson Trace (previously Insight) red-dot laser sight integrated in to the grip.[7] It is most closely related to the Centennial models.[6]
History and usage
Clyde A. Tolson, special assistant to FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover, owned a Model 38 Airweight, serial number 512236, with his name engraved on the side.[8]
Nguyễn Ngọc Loan, South Vietnam's chief of National Police, was photographed using a Model 38 Bodyguard to execute a Viet Cong prisoner, Nguyễn Văn Lém, during the Tet Offensive of 1968.[9] The picture, which earned photographer Eddie Adams a Pulitzer Prize, is credited with increasing public antipathy towards the Vietnam War.[10]
On December 22, 1984, Bernhard Goetz used a Model 38 Airweight in the shooting on a New York subway train of four men who he believed were about to rob him.
References
- ^ Boorman, Dean K. (1 December 2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot. p. 78. ISBN 978-1-58574-721-4.
- ^ a b c d Ahern, Jerry (2010). Armed for Personal Defense. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 47. ISBN 1-4402-1643-6.
- ^ "First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard Handguns with Crimson Trace Lasers - Guns & Ammo". Guns & Ammo. 2014-07-15. Retrieved 2016-05-21.
- ^ Shideler, Dan (20 August 2010). Guns Illustrated 2011: The Latest Guns, Specs & Prices. Iola: F+W Media, Inc. p. 58. ISBN 1-4402-1624-X.
- ^ "Smith & Wesson(R) Introduces New BODYGUARD(R) Line. Company Launches New Compact Pistol and Revolver with Integrated Laser System" (Press release). Smith & Wesson. 2010-01-19. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
- ^ a b Wiley Clapp. "S&W's New Bodyguards". American Rifleman. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
- ^ "Smith & Wesson® Introduces New M&P® BODYGUARD® Handguns with Crimson Trace® Laser Sights" (PDF) (Press release). Smith & Wesson Corp. July 15, 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
- ^ Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2007-01-03). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. F+W Media, Inc. ISBN 089689293X.
- ^ Berryhill, Michael (2011). The Trials of Eroy Brown: The Murder Case That Shook the Texas Prison System. University of Texas Press. p. 34. ISBN 9780292742185.
- ^ Goldberg, Jonah. "'There Are Tears in My Eyes', Eddie Adams & the Most Famous Photo of the Vietnam War". National Review Online. Retrieved 13 November 2014.