Smith & Wesson S&W Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight .38 Spl 2″ DA/SA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2001
LSB#: 220126EH001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 38, Bodyguard Airweight
Serial Number: J860096
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action/Single Action 5-Shot Swing Out Cylinder and Shrouded Hammer
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “AIRWEIGHT / 38 SPL. CTG.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas address. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The yoke cut is marked “MOD. 38”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The butt is marked with the serial number. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped with a number that does not match the serial number.
Barrel Length: 2” Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to the tapered barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch before a U-channel in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood magna stocks with S&W monogram medallions. There are some light handling marks. The checkering is mostly strong with light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Black Alloy
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple scattered light marks in addition to light handling wear. There is a thin faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some light side-to-side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a holster.
Our Assessment: The Bodyguard series, later named the Models 38, 49, 638, and 649, offered a compromise not found in many other revolvers. Typically, you can either have a fully enclosed hammer to prevent snags, which prevents use in single-action, or you can have an exposed hammer that can snag but allows precise single-action use. These models, with aluminum, steel, and stainless steel frames respectively, allow both by having a shroud that leaves only the serrated hammer spur exposed. This prevents snagging and allows for single-action use, the best of both worlds. This Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight is a compact and lightweight, snag-free revolver that is still capable of precise shooting when necessary. This one has seen only light use and still looks great for a carry revolver and is ready to serve faithfully for years to come. Please see our photos and good luck!