The current Smith and Wesson 38 Special price depends on whether you are shopping for a complete revolver or just purchasing ammunition. If you are looking for a brand new revolver, prices typically range from $449.00 for the modern Bodyguard 38 up to $1,099.00 for specialized Performance Center models. Used models offer a great budget alternative, with standard preowned revolvers averaging around $350.00 to $500.00. For ammunition, expect to pay roughly $0.36 to $0.65 per round for practice loads and up to $1.92 per round for premium defensive hollow points. Whether you need a highly concealable J-Frame or bulk target ammunition, knowing these current market values ensures you get the absolute best deal.
Smith and Wesson 38 Special Revolver Price
| Smith and Wesson 38 Special Revolver | Manufacturer | Barrel Length | MSRP | Current Retail Price |
| Bodyguard 38 2.0 | Smith & Wesson | 1.87 in | $449.00 | $449.00 |
| Bodyguard 38 2.0 Crimson Trace | Smith & Wesson | 1.87 in | $549.00 | $549.00 |
| Model 642 America 250 Edition | Smith & Wesson | 1.87 in | $579.00 | $579.00 |
| Model 642 Ultimate Carry | Smith & Wesson | 1.87 in | $769.00 | $769.00 |
| Performance Center Model 36 | Smith & Wesson | 1.88 in | $1,099.00 | $1,099.00 |
38 Special Ammo Price
| 38 Special Load | Bullet Weight | Box Size | Price | Price Per Round |
| PMC Bronze FMJ | 132 grain | 50 | $25.99 | $0.52 |
| Sellier & Bellot Round Nose | 158 grain | 50 | $27.49 | $0.55 |
| DoubleTap Match Wadcutter | 148 grain | 50 | $30.99 | $0.62 |
| Winchester White Box FMJ | 130 grain | 50 | $31.99 | $0.64 |
| Federal Premium Hydra-Shok JHP | 110 grain | 20 | $38.49 | $1.92 |
Based on current retail listings, the lowest price found for a brand new revolver is $449.00 for the Bodyguard 38 2.0. The highest price found among standard production models is the Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos DAO, which retails for $1,099.00. The typical price range for a reliable new carry revolver like the Model 642 sits comfortably between $579.00 and $769.00.
For ammunition, the lowest current price is $25.99 for a box of 50 PMC Bronze FMJ rounds, translating to $0.52 per round. Premium defensive loads like Federal Premium Hydra-Shok represent the highest price found at $38.49 per box of 20, which equals $1.92 per round. The typical price per round for target practice sits around $0.55 to $0.65.
Prices vary widely based on frame materials, cylinder capacity, and factory tuning. The Bodyguard 38 utilizes a polymer lower frame and aluminum upper, keeping manufacturing costs remarkably low. Classic J-Frame models like the 642 use lightweight aluminum alloys, while Performance Center models feature expensive hand fitted actions and custom aesthetics. For ammunition, basic full metal jacket bullets are produced in massive quantities, while specialized expanding hollow points require tight quality control and costly materials. The standard Bodyguard 38 offers the best overall value for concealed carry, while Sellier & Bellot provides the most cost effective practice ammunition.
How Much Does A Smith and Wesson 38 Special Cost?
Getting into this legendary platform requires a moderate budget. The initial firearm purchase will typically cost you between $449.00 and $769.00 for a new revolver. If you add a quality leather or Kydex holster and a few boxes of defensive ammunition, your total carry setup will easily cost roughly $600.00 to $900.00. While this is more expensive than many budget imported revolvers, Smith and Wesson handguns retain their resale value far better than almost any other brand.
38 Special Ammo Price Per Round
When calculating your ongoing shooting expenses, breaking down the cost per round is the most effective metric.
- Bulk Target FMJ: $0.36 to $0.50 per round.
- Standard Commercial Target: $0.52 to $0.65 per round.
- Match Grade Wadcutters: $0.62 to $0.80 per round.
- Premium Defensive JHP: $1.45 to $1.92 per round.
Because it is a highly popular cartridge with extensive domestic production, practice ammunition remains highly affordable compared to large magnum calibers.
Smith and Wesson 38 Special New vs Used Price
Buying a used Smith and Wesson is a very common strategy, but the savings are sometimes minimal due to the extreme durability and collector appeal of the platform.
- New Models: Average around $449.00 to $769.00 depending on the exact frame and configuration.
- Private Party Used: Average around $350.00 to $450.00 for standard models like the 642 or 442 in very good condition.
- Vintage Collectibles: Older pre lock models or classic Model 10 revolvers frequently sell for more than brand new production revolvers.
Because these handguns are built for reliability, a well maintained used model will function exactly like a new one, making the used market a highly practical option.
Smith and Wesson 38 Special Price Compared With Alternatives
If you are shopping for a premium 38 Special revolver, it is helpful to see how Smith and Wesson compares to its direct competition.
| Product | Example | Retail Price | Price Per Round If Applicable |
| Smith & Wesson | Model 642 1.87 inch | $579.00 | N/A |
| Ruger | LCR 38 Special 1.87 inch | $619.00 | N/A |
| Charter Arms | Undercover 2 inch | $289.00 | N/A |
| Taurus | Model 856 2 inch | $315.00 | N/A |
Smith and Wesson sits perfectly in the premium middle tier of the market. It is priced very similarly to its primary competitor, the Ruger LCR, while significantly outpricing budget options like Taurus and Charter Arms. The premium price buys a much smoother factory trigger and superior resale value.
What Affects The Price?
Several variables dictate what you will pay at checkout for a Smith and Wesson revolver.
- Frame Material: Polymer and aluminum alloy frames are highly cost effective to produce. Models incorporating exotic materials or heavy forged steel often command a higher price.
- Performance Center Upgrades: Factory tuned actions, specialized grips, and custom aesthetics add hundreds of dollars to the final price.
- Integrated Lasers: Models equipped with factory Crimson Trace lasers typically cost exactly $100.00 more than their standard counterparts.
- Internal Locks: Some purists are willing to pay a premium for models completely devoid of the internal safety lock mechanism.
Availability
Smith and Wesson operates massive production facilities, making their small frame revolvers highly accessible. Availability is outstanding across all major online retailers and local gun shops. Because the 642, 442, and Bodyguard are some of the most popular concealed carry revolvers in existence, finding a base model is incredibly easy. Ammunition is also heavily stocked worldwide.
Pros And Cons
Smith and Wesson 38 Special Price Pros
- Exceptional resale value ensures you will rarely take a massive financial loss if you decide to sell or trade the firearm.
- Massive aftermarket support allows you to easily find holsters, specialized grips, and speedloaders.
- Practice ammunition is incredibly affordable compared to magnum calibers.
- Excellent factory warranty and legendary customer service support.
Smith and Wesson 38 Special Price Cons
- Significantly more expensive than entry level polymer framed semi automatic handguns.
- Performance Center models push the price over $1,000.00, which is steep for a five shot pocket gun.
- Vintage pre lock models carry collector premiums that price them out of the budget for casual shooters.
Smith and Wesson 38 Special Price: Final Answer
The typical price range for a new Smith and Wesson 38 Special revolver is between $449.00 and $769.00 depending on the exact model. The lowest researched price for a brand new standard model is $449.00 for the Bodyguard 38 2.0. The highest price found among production models is $1,099.00 for Performance Center tactical variants. If you are shopping the used market, typical prices average around $350.00 to $450.00.
For ammunition, expect a typical price per round around $0.55 for practice and up to $1.92 for premium defensive loads.
| Category | Current Finding | Explanation |
| Typical Revolver Price | $449.00 to $769.00 | Covers the vast majority of standard J-Frame and Bodyguard models. |
| Lowest Price Found | $449.00 | Brand new Bodyguard 38 2.0 base model. |
| Highest Price Found | $1,099.00 | MSRP for the Performance Center Model 36. |
| Typical Price Per Round | $0.52 to $0.65 | Standard commercial FMJ practice ammunition. |
| Availability | High | Standard models and ammo are heavily stocked at most retailers. |
| Value | Excellent | Premium manufacturing that holds its value over time. |
FAQs
How much does a Smith and Wesson 38 Special cost?
A brand new model typically costs between $449.00 and $769.00, while used models average around $400.00.
What is the price of 38 Special ammo?
A box of 50 rounds generally costs between $25.99 for basic practice ammunition and over $38.00 for a box of 20 premium defensive loads.
How much does 38 Special ammo cost per round?
You can expect to pay around $0.36 to $0.65 for bulk practice ammo and $1.45 to $1.92 for premium hollow points.
How much is a Smith and Wesson 642?
New Model 642 revolvers typically retail for around $579.00 to $769.00 depending on the specific edition and grips.
How much does a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38 cost?
The standard Bodyguard 38 2.0 is the most affordable option, usually retailing directly at its MSRP of $449.00.
Is a Smith and Wesson 38 Special a good investment?
Yes, Smith and Wesson revolvers are widely considered excellent investments that hold their value exceptionally well.
Is 38 Special more expensive than 9mm?
Yes, 38 Special ammunition is generally slightly more expensive than 9mm practice ammunition due to the larger brass casing and lower overall production volumes.
What is the cheapest 38 Special ammo?
The cheapest options are usually bulk packaged full metal jacket rounds or remanufactured ammunition, often found around $0.36 per round.
What is the cheapest Smith and Wesson 38 Special revolver?
The Bodyguard 38 series offers the lowest entry price in their entire catalog.
Why are Performance Center models so expensive?
They feature extensive hand tuning, custom aesthetics, and specialized components that require skilled gunsmithing to assemble.
Is 38 Special ammo easy to find?
Yes, due to its massive historical popularity, it is heavily stocked by nearly all major online ammunition retailers and local gun shops.
Can I save money buying a used Smith and Wesson?
Yes, purchasing a used Model 642 or Model 10 can often save you over $150.00 compared to buying a brand new model at retail price.