Two days ago , I looked at the new Bodyguard .38 Spec. Plus -P in a local gunshop. The gun now comes in a new 2.5" barrel version that I think is an improvement over the usual Smith 2 and seven- eighth inch barrel length.  Across the board in a magazine test of the two , the 2.5" shows better accuracy and muzzle velocity . As an example the best load in the 2.5 " , Federal  + P HydraShok 129,  shoots 102 fps. faster at 951 fps. and into 1.42" from 10yds. as opposed to 3.14"  and 849 fps. for the 1 and seven eighths inch barrel  .  Overall accuracy between the two was  2.14" for the 1 and seven eighths  and 1.67" for the 2.5." This may not sound earthshaking, but it shows what a little more length can do.  I may think about this revolver as an addition to my other pet pistols in my collection, as it would be a great carry piece !

Hello again OG !  , Looks like the report is showing an aluminum alloy frame [ Matte ] and stainless  barrel and cylinder .  On the 2.5 " up front is a blued steel pinned sight, looks like a small roll pin ,   the shorter version has a molded stainless integral ramp front sight. Also the longer one has a thicker shrouded ejector rod, while the shorter one has an exposed style.  I ran the double action pull a couple of times and the timing of lock -up and hammer fall are easily felt and really smooth so it's easy to stage the trigger.  Short one is 6.3 inches  and longer one is 6.9 inches Weight is 14.6 ounces and 16.1 ounces. Lock up on everything is real tight and workmanship is first class and not like it was a few years ago when Smith sort of let us down. I think the alloy part will probably stand a lot of shooting as it's just . 38 Spec.+p  and not a 357 Mag.

   The article in G&A mag. for July 2010 shows the Gold Dot HP +P 125gr. jhp is going 906fps. out of the 2.5 for a gain of 68fps. over the  2" @ 838fps. That may make a difference in wetpack test. Also,the 110 Gr.JHP  Hornady Critical Defense does 966 fps. to 922fps. for a 44fps. gain. This is fair enough in my opinion in 38Spec. +P . Next time I visit the gunshop I'll have to see the 2.5 up against my Glock 26  that I carry in an IWB. and also in a pocket holster. P.S  I don't know why the guy doing the test didn't include the 135 Gold Dot  ?