Welcome back to Wheelgun Wednesday, our weekly article series that covers everything about revolvers. This week's edition is a product news piece as Smith & Wesson has announced the Bodyguard 38 2.0, an updated version of its compact carry revolver chambered in .38 S&W Special +P. The new model is available in two configurations, standard and with an integrated Crimson Trace red laser pre-installed, priced at $449 and $549, respectively. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new! The small-frame carry revolver market has always been a competitive one, and S&W has been a fixture in it for decades. The J-frame platform, which first appeared in the 1950s, has spawned countless variants across the years, and the original Bodyguard 38 was a natural evolution of that tradition. It brought a factory-integrated laser option to a segment where aftermarket additions had been the norm, and it found a loyal following among everyday carry shooters who valued simplicity and compactness. The Bodyguard 38 2.0 builds on that foundation with updated materials and refined features. Seen from above, the Crimson Trace red laser makes nothing but a subtle difference. Even from the side, it’s hard to see it apart from the red button. Who in the Wild West would have imagined compact revolvers with built-in electronics? The 2.0 is a double-action only, 5-shot revolver built around a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame and a 1.875-inch stainless steel barrel. The combination keeps weight down to 14.2 ounces, which sits in a practical range for all-day carry. Overall dimensions come in at 4.6 inches in height and 1.35 inches in width, keeping the profile appropriately compact for concealment. The trigger is set at 8 lbs. One of the more practical updates on the 2.0 is the ambidextrous, center-mounted cylinder release, which allows operation with either hand without an awkward grip shift. Sights consist of a machined U-notch rear paired with an orange partridge-style front sight, a setup that aids target acquisition in lower light without requiring an electronics-dependent solution. Factory grips are a polymer boot-style, included from the factory. In a carry revolver market that continues to see pressure from lightweight micro-compact semi-autos, the Bodyguard 38 2.0 positions itself as a straightforward, low-maintenance option for shooters who prefer the simplicity of a wheelgun. At under half a pound and with a 5-round capacity in .38 Special +P, the tradeoffs should be well understood by anyone who has spent time with small-frame revolvers.S&W Bodyguard 38 2.0 Specs:Caliber: .38 S&W Special +PAction: Double-action onlyCapacity: 5 roundsBarrel: 1.875 in, stainless steelFrame: One-piece aluminum alloy upperWeight: 14.2 ozHeight: 4.6 inWidth: 1.35 inSights: Machined U-notch rear, orange partridge-style frontGrips: Polymer boot-styleCylinder release: Ambidextrous, center-mountedMSRP: $449.00 (standard) / $549.00 (with integrated Crimson Trace red laser)S&W prepared a video for us that goes through the various new features: For more information on the standard model, visit Smith & Wesson's webpage here. For the integrated Crimson Trace laser version, click here.As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. At a $100 premium, would you opt for the integrated Crimson Trace laser version straight from the factory, or keep the standard model and rely on the iron sights? To me, it’s an easy choice. I care more for lasers than money.