Tuesday, August 10, 2010

More Plastic from S&W...

PISSED sent me this article, courtesy of his inside sources at Insight Technology, located just over the border in Free America, NH...

Video Sneak Peek: Smith & Wesson Bodyguards
Smith & Wesson has built a hard-earned reputation for quality since its inception in the mid-19th century. As a side effect of its lengthy history, the brand is often associated in the minds of shooters with very traditional firearms like its beloved double-action revolvers. However, the company has also been developing cutting-edge designs such as the M&P series of rifles and pistols as well as its Scandium-based ultra-lightweight handguns.

Furthering this theme, the company has recently released what may be two of its most significant and modern offerings—the Bodyguards. I recently had an opportunity to visit the S&W headquarters in Springfield, Mass., for the unveiling of these two pocket powerhouses.

The first video at the link highlights the laser sights from Insight. It's a cool set-up, with the revolver's laser in the traditional spot over the trigger finger (for a right-handed shooter) and the pocket auto having the laser built into the frame. Both require activation via a separate button like the LaserLyte or LaserMax units reviewed previously here; the point has been made that it's an additional step in preparing a defensive gun to fire to consciously turn on a laser vs. having it automatically turn on like the Crimson Trace variety (and yes, Crimson Trace, I'm still available for reviews if you're interested...) :)

All indications are that the Bodyguard series will be made MA-compliant at some point; I am quite interested in the Bodyguard 380 as a companion/replacement for the P3AT. The revolver offers little advantage over the Snubbie from Hell™; none if I were to put CT grips on the SfH. Having a new, warrantied pocket pistol with a built-in laser sight would be a fantastic addition to the armory; at the very least it'd be nice to give each gun a try.

Maybe a trip to Smith & Wesson might be in order?

That is all.

3 comments:

Weer'd Beard said...

Did you try to open the Cylinder on the snubbie at the NRA show?

I'd say they totally dropped the ball with that one.

Also the snubbie is a DAO revolver with no external safety....the .380 is a DA Semi...and somehow you need a thumb switch to make that gun "SAFE".

WTF is wrong with people?

Robert McDonald said...

I'd like to get some hands on with the .380. It's an interesting little gun, the only little gun besides the Sig P238 that's caught my attention lately.

Kevin H. said...

I think S&W screwed up the design of the revolver and missed a marketing oppertunity on the semi-auto. Also, I don't want a laser that I have to conciously turn on (i.e. forget) when I need it "right now".

Looks like I shall retain my "Smith-free" lifestyle.