One thing about the Bodyguard is that it is extremely lightweight.  At 14.3 oz it is not a gun you will want to shoot all day at the range.  However, it deserves a closer look because the design is unique in several areas.

One is that the cylinder release is ambidextrous.  It is positioned on the back of the frame making it easy for lefties.  The cylinder design is different as well.  In a traditional Smith the rotation is counterclockwise.  The Bodyguard has a  clockwise rotation without a traditional ratchet system on the cylinder.

While it may look like a J-frame, it is more of a hybrid.  Springs are different.  Takedown is completely different.

On the plus is side is the integrated laser with several functions.  Many people have really liked the way it is mounted to the right side plate.  Obviously lasers have their place.  Some don’t like them, but I find them very useful in several situations especially if eyesight is a problem.

While I like the Bodyguard, I don’t know if I’m ready to get rid of my J-frames just yet.  Only time will tell, but it appears with a new design things will go one of two ways:  1.They will become standard for the industry.  You will see more and more revolvers go to this type of configuration.  2.  The Bodyguard will end up like the Glock 36.  It will have a small but dedicated following.  I tend to think you will see option 2 take place.  Those who love it will be sold forever.  The mainstream will find it hard to get rid of the tried and true.

By the way here is a picture of the Mark 12 sniper rifle described in the book.  This photo is from one of the guys at Sniper’s Hide Forums who gives a good explanation of the specs.

Why should this concern you?  In the following article a woman was arrested and faces felony charges for carrying in New York State.  I’m not sure why she thought that would be a good idea, but she did it anyway.  Check the following article out and be reminded.  She will likely face the same penalty Plaxico Burress faced a few years ago for carrying a weapon.  His was discovered when he accidentally shot himself.  He received a felony conviction and mandatory jail sentence to go with it.  BE CAREFUL!

Last month I was customizing a PPC revolver for a customer when I discovered the mythical floating hand.  The gun was a 686-1 in .357 magnum.  It was the perfect candidate for a PPC gun.  If you are not familiar with PPC, they are competitions that were originally designed for Law Enforcement officers.  They are great tests of accuracy with the handgun.

In the initial bench tests of the 686-1 that was sent to me, I was encouraged that we had a good gun that could be tuned for PPC.  However, when I removed the side plate, I found something that I had heard about, but not seen; the floating hand.

This image from the S&W forums shows the differences in the two hand styles.

Smith introduced these in some of their models during the mid 1980′s.  The thought may have been to save time in assembly and fitting.  Thankfully the changes did not last.  Within about 3 years the original hands were back.

The biggest drawback to the floating hand for my purposes was that it did not allow for a consistent trigger pull.  It was simply too sloppy.  When trying to achieve a consistent pull you need things to be the same every time.  The problem of the floating hand was remedied by installing and fitting an oversize hand and the trigger pull was greatly improved.  While it is not detrimental to someone just plinking around, it would not have allowed me to achieve a desirable trigger pull.

Can you see why they call it a funnel?

The photo below shows a standard mag with the DP Glock extension installed.  This adds about 4 rounds of 9mm to the mag.  It also makes it easier to load and reload as you are shooting at the range.  They cost $32.95 and come with a new spring.  We can modify the follower for you so they function reliably when we install the base pad.

So, are you ready to bling out your Glock?

Today Christmas means more than ever to me as I am trying to bring home the importance of the Savior’s birth to my own children. Sure there will be toys, maybe even some nerf guns, but I hope they will get a foundation that will help them as they grow older so they may become Christ followers as well.

As you look at the Christmas lights this winter I hope you will enjoy the “Light” of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

One question that was asked was, “what type of gun should I get?”  As you know there are several great options for someone looking for the all around gun.  I’ve argued before that the Glock 19 may be my favorite Glock.  You won’t go wrong with any of the S&W M&P line or the Springfield XD.  When I mentioned one of the guns above, my friend said he didn’t know why, but he just didn’t like the gun.  That reminded me that you must never believe the hype because the worst gun is the gun you didn’t like but you bought because someone talked you into it.

When you look to buy a gun there are some undeniably better guns than others.  However, with the top makers you really can’t go wrong.  Find one you will be happy with, trust, proud to own, and excited to shoot.  You won’t be disappointed.  Do not buy a gun because JeffJeff2@mcc told you to.  Do not buy a gun because American Handgunner had it as a feature.  Research your options and buy what you like.

By the way, I really put the Wild Things Tactical Soft Shell through the paces.  It was raining, windy and about 40 degrees all day.  Expensive stuff, but it works!

I’m often asked, “Is it worth it to modify my Glock frame?”  This question normally revolves around stippling the frame or texturing the frame to give it a unique and better grip.  I think this is a great modification on several levels.

1. It gives a better grip than is currently available.  I’ve tried A-Grip, Hogue grip sleeves and they don’t seem to cut it for me.  Stippling or texturing the frame will increase your grip on the gun and it won’t add any bulk to the gun.  This is especially good for those of us with smaller hands.  Another thing we can address is getting a higher grip angle by relieving the trigger guard.

2. We can do as much or as little as you like.  My personal gun has a lighter treatment.  I like stippling for memory of grip.  Both sides of the frame are stippled for my thumbs forward grip. Others like the full treatment.  Some simply want the natural checkering removed and improved.  From $20-$200 its up to you.

3. It definitely gives you a unique gun.  For those of you looking to customize that Glock one more way this is a great way to do it in an attractive way.

Check out the AR-15 pistol grips.  A definite improvement.