Smith & Wesson Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight .38 Special J-Frame Revolver, 2 in. Pinned Barrel, DA/SA, 5-Shot (1971–1972)
This early-1970s Smith & Wesson Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight stands out with its lightweight aluminum-alloy J-frame, hump-back shrouded hammer with exposed spur, and classic five-shot .38 Special configuration. It features a pinned carbon-steel snub barrel, a blued fluted cylinder, fixed sights, and period-correct rollmarks. It is fitted with aftermarket rubber finger-groove grips.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver shows minimal handling marks from previous use. Please refer to the photos for a close look at the surfaces, finish, and markings.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight revolver
The Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight is a J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special with a five-shot fluted cylinder and DA/SA operation. It uses a swing-out cylinder with the standard left-side release and a knurled ejector rod for positive extraction. The snub configuration uses a 1 7/8 in. pinned barrel.
Built for light carry, it pairs a blued carbon-steel barrel and cylinder with a black-anodized aluminum-alloy frame. The Bodyguard’s hump-back profile incorporates a shrouded hammer with an exposed spur, enabling both snag-resistant carry and single-action capability when desired.
Sight regulation is straightforward with a fixed setup: a serrated ramp front sight and a top-strap groove rear. Factory markings include the S&W logo on the right-side frame, "MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS.," "AIRWEIGHT 38 SPL. CTG." on the right side of the barrel, "SMITH & WESSON" on the left side of the barrel, and "MOD-38" on the yoke cut.
This example falls into the early 1970s "floating J" serial range, placing manufacture circa 1971–1972. Made in the USA, it is configured with aftermarket rubber finger-groove grips that provide a secure hold.