Manual

17
FIRING
WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN
A SAFE DIRECTION.
WARNING: WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION SPECI-
FIED FOR FIREARM USE EVERY TIME YOU DISCHARGE
YOUR FIREARM. MAKE SURE OTHERS IN THE VICINITY
OF WHERE YOU WILL BE SHOOTING DO SO AS WELL.
WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY
FROM THE AREA BETWEEN THE CYLINDER AND
THE BARREL DURING FIRING. PARTICLES AND HOT
GAS WILL BE FORCED OUT FROM BETWEEN THE BARREL
AND CYLINDER IN ANY REVOLVER DURING NORMAL USE.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING WILL CAUSE SERI-
OUS PERSONAL INJURY.
• Always use the proper grip as shown for a two-hand hold
(Figures 10 & 11). This keeps hands and fingers away from
the barrel/cylinder gap.
• Never allow hands or fingers to extend beyond the front of the
cylinder when firing (Figures 12 & 13). This is an improper
hold for any revolver.
The Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD
®
38 is a double action only
mechanism, wherein the shooter fully pulls the trigger to the rear,
causing the internal hammer to fully cycle rearward, the cylinder
to turn and then the internal hammer to release - firing the car-
tridge. There is no external hammer spur. This revolver cannot
be fired in single action mode by manually cocking the hammer.
• Never touch the trigger until you are ready to fire.
• To fire the handgun, pull the trigger fully to the rear. The inter-
nal hammer will move rearward and then fall forward to fire
the revolver. After firing, you must allow the trigger to move
forward fully before you can fire another shot. Failure to do so
will prevent the lockwork from fully cycling and will prevent
you from being able to fire the next shot.
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 11
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 12