New S&W Bodyguard 38 with no laser

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearm...rd-38-no-laser

The .38 Bodyguard was a swing and a miss in my book; integrated laser adding cost and complexity I didn't want, goofy cylinder release, goofy grips, and $70 more than an equivalent 642/442. Reference: https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearm...-crimson-trace

Now S&W has released a new "No Laser" version, and it's MSRP is $385, $84 less than a 642/442. Add in that there is no lock (642/442 is available with no lock, but they are a bit rarer), it has a full underlug, and weighs almost an ounce less, and now we're talking. Getting down to the 12-13oz range doubles the price in the case of the Scandium frames, but losing most of an ounce here actually saves you money.

Only hickup is that goofy grip still. Need to find a nice boot grip that follows the backstrap. Does anyone know if these accept J-frame grips? Hogue seems to list them separately from the Js.

I am at least interested in looking at them; if I can get one for around $300, its hard to turn down a no-lock J-frame at that price.

That picture gives me a sad because I remember what a Model 38 Bodyguard really looks like.

Not just a pinned front sight, but DOUBLE pinned. Anyone making a NS that could be used as a replacement? If so, I might be able to overlook the goofy cylinder release to make a #poorfag 340PD-ish j-frame...

Interested in trying one out. Already have a 442 and an LCR but variety is the spice of life and I’m sorta intrigued by the higher grip. Had a set of Siegel centennial grips in the past that went that high and it did make a favorable difference.

Near as I know the only grip other than the factory ones are the centennial specific Hogues.
https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/smith...ame/centennial

Found more. Also from hogue.
https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/smith...-bodyguard/g10

I recall LSP 972 (RIP, Sir) having a poor opinion of those particular model revolvers that came across his bench. Hope the current ones are at least usable. The grips, as another poster stated, appear to be intriguing. Woudn't mind trying one just the same.

If a cheap J frame is your only criteria, grabagun is selling the no lock 442/642 for $315 + 7.99 shipping. https://grabagun.com/s-w-442-1-8725-...-bl-wo-il.html

If the no laser bodyguard can be had for less than that, that would be a great deal.

@psalms144.1 a quick search for night sights mainly turned up XS sights selling their standard and big dot tritium front sights for the bodyguard. https://www.xssights.com/Products.aspx?CAT=8371

I had one and had about 600 or so rounds through it without a problem. Didn’t like the clunky laser hanging off the side. I will get one of these new ones. Needs more grips options, that factory grip was thin, and although it covered the backstrap, your hand still took a whack. Rubber boot grips would be the bomb. The Hogue tamers work well but are a tad big.

Wish they would offer it in a 6 shot .327