I remember two things about the Night Guard when it was originally for sale all those years back. First, it looked absolutely amazing. Second, I didn’t think I could ever afford one. It still looks amazing, and while I’m still not sure if I can afford it, I now have a second opportunity thanks to S&W partnering with Lipsey’s to bring the series back from the dead.
This partnership, which also gave us the S&W 432 UC (which I love so much), has officially resurrected the line. While the original Night Guards were produced from 2008 to 2012, this year’s premiere features two distinct “flavors” with some significant upgrades over the legacy models.
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Night Guard Key Design Upgrades
The most notable change is the move to a 3-inch barrel. This is widely considered the “sweet spot” for a K or L-frame revolver intended for concealment. Beyond the ballistics, it allows for a full-length ejector rod. This significantly simplifies and speeds up reloads compared to the shorter rods on the old 2.5-inch models.
Furthermore, S&W has addressed a long-standing grievance by removing the internal safety lock. There is no more “Hillary hole” to assault your eyes or create a potential failure point. It seems S&W is slowly moving away from that feature on their enthusiast-grade guns, and the industry is rightfully cheering them on.
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Built for Durability: The Endurance Package
The new S&W Lipsey’s Night Guard series features a scandium alloy frame paired with a steel cylinder. This combination drastically cuts weight, making these “big guns” much more comfortable for daily carry. To ensure they can handle a steady diet of defensive loads, the guns come with the same Endurance Package upgrades found in the UC series.
Lightweight revolvers in heavy calibers have a reputation for beating themselves up over time. However, these enhancements—including strategically placed titanium pins, a ball detent lockup, and a reinforced forcing cone—aim to make these “heirloom” pieces that will last for generations.
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Sights and Ergonomics
The sighting system is built for high-stress engagements, featuring a bright tritium front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight. This provides a clear, high-contrast sight picture that works just as well in low light as it does on a sunny range.
For control, the Night Guard uses Hogue Bantam rubber grips. While they prioritize fighting ergonomics and recoil management over aesthetic “safe queen” looks, they fit the utilitarian nature of the gun perfectly. The trigger action is reported to be buttery smooth, with a rolling double-action and a crisp, clean single-action break.
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Models and Availability
The 2026 series debuts with two models:
- Model 386: A seven-shot L-frame chambered in .357 Magnum.
- Model 396: A five-shot L-frame chambered in .44 Special.
As a .44 Special enthusiast, the 396 is a fantastic surprise. Perhaps the most shocking part is the price. With an MSRP of $1,269, it stays within a realm that—while premium—isn’t as absurd as many other scandium-framed offerings.
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