SMITH & WESSON BODYGUARD 2.0

Smith & Wesson took the classic snubbie and gave it a long-overdue tune-up. The Bodyguard 38 2.0 keeps what made the J-frame a pocket-carry legend — five rounds of .38 Special +P, 14.2 ounces of “forget it’s there” weight — while fixing what needed it. The ambidextrous center cylinder release means lefties no longer do reload gymnastics. An orange-dot front sight gives your eye something to grab. The boot grip fills the hand without printing through a t-shirt.

Proof a J-frame can learn new tricks.