Got the S&W Bodyguard 380

motorhead0922 · January 30, 2011, 01:55 AM

After studying several pocket pistols over the past couple of months, I actually found a local shop that had a BG380 in stock, so I tried out the trigger. About all I can say is I found it “acceptable”. It is a long pull for sure, but there is a little feel to it (firms up just a bit) when it is ready to fire. The motions of the slide lock were very positive; that is, it didn’t so much click as “snap” into the rear position. Same for the magazine. Snapped in and out in a manner that said it was gonna stay put. I decided to go for it for $379.

It was a close decision to go BG380 over the Ruger LCP. In the end, the BG felt a little more substantial and fit my hand better. Well, at least as good as such a small gun can fit a hand. The BG has a slightly bigger grip (length and fore-aft) that I could get two fingers on. The LCP seemed like a finger-and-a-half grip, even though I have fairly skinny fingers. And the BG slide locks open when the magazine is empty, and I like the option of using the safety or not. The safety makes a fairly loud click in either direction. There’s no way it will change position in a pocket.

I had scheduled a trip to the range with a couple of buddies, so off I went today with a box of Magtech 95gr FMJ. I’ve never used Magtech before, but that’s what the shop owner suggested, and I figured it didn’t matter for FMJ.

The first thing I noticed is that the magazine is easy to load. Usually it’s a pain to cram the last couple of cartridges in, but not this one. Of course it only holds six.

So, time to make noise. The sights are easy to see and use. There is a fair amount of snap to the gun. After six quick rounds, I had what I would describe as mild discomfort in the web of my thumb. After a second mag full, I was used to the recoil and it never bothered me after that. I do think the 3 extra ounces it weighs over the LCP is a plus. They are both plenty light. In fairness, I have not fired an LCP.

After about 5 or 6 magazines I was making 4 to 5” inch groups at 21 feet. With the laser, I made 2 to 3” groups. I hadn’t really been overly interested in the laser, but I figured it would serve the purpose of extending the range of the little gun, and that’s exactly what it does. It goes on and off easily enough, but requires a firm push. The gun does shoot about 3” high at 21 feet with the laser though, so I’ll have to adjust it. No such problem with the sights.

I let my friends try it out of course. The first didn’t mind the recoil at all, but the second fired 2 shots and said “wow!” and shook his hand, then shot a few more times. Both liked the laser; none of us had ever used one before. Some people might just think it’s a novelty, others will get more use out of it.

So far, I’m pleased with the little gun. Not one hiccup of any kind with the first box of ammo. If it eats hollow points just as well, it will be ready for that situation I hope never occurs.

Tactical Jackalope · January 30, 2011, 02:00 AM

Nice!!! Can we please see some pics?!! I really want to get one for my girlfriend

Congrats on it.

motorhead0922 · January 30, 2011, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Can we please see some pics?!!

Sure. The camera battery is dead though. I'll charge it overnight.

motorhead0922 · January 30, 2011, 10:10 PM

Here are the pictures. The serial number is EAHxxxx. Notice that the laser buttons now have a ring around them. I think that showed up around the EAD models.

Tactical Jackalope · January 31, 2011, 12:36 PM

Nice, I like it a lot. Good ankle gun and a great gun for my girl to carry too. She needs to practice with it a lot. It's not a .22 lol Thanks for sharing!

Kreyzhorse · January 31, 2011, 01:01 PM

Great review and pics.

crackshot10 · February 7, 2011, 02:49 PM

I just purchased one to. Can you engage your lazer with one finger in shooting position?

TX_Pipeliner · February 7, 2011, 02:58 PM

I won a Bodyguard 380 in a contest and I really like the weapon.
I have carried an LCP both as my primary carry weapon and as a BUG for a good while. I like the LCP very well, but I like the Bodyguard more.
It feels better in my hand. I put a Crimson Trace laser on the LCP.
I wish the Bodyguard had the same pressure switch as the CT. I find the button(s) for the laser on the BG clumsy.
In a defense situation, I would never take the time to activate that laser.
With the CT laser, it activates when you grip the weapon.
That is my only gripe about the Bodyguard.
Besides, I got it FREE !!

crackshot10 · February 7, 2011, 03:10 PM

By clumbsy do you mean hard to press?

LordTio3 · February 7, 2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

I just purchased one to. Can you engage your lazer with one finger in shooting position?

If you just bought one... wouldn't you know this?
Kind of makes your post suspect. Like a lot of your other posts.
_____________________________________________

I LOVE the new S&W Bodyguards. It's a subcompact .380 that finally feels like it has some meat to it. I like the controls and the Low-Low bore axis. Great weapon. Congrats. And is that your method of carry? I don't see a lot of Dayplanner Carry going on. Though, maybe I do and don't know it.

Great purchase. She'll serve you well.

~LT

crackshot10 · February 7, 2011, 03:26 PM

I was wondering because mine seems hard to press. I was wondering if his was the same. If it was i wasent going to send it back.

Now can you mind your buisness.

motorhead0922 · February 7, 2011, 03:59 PM

crackshot10, with my hand on the grip in the shooting position, it is difficult to press the button hard enough with the index finger, without the gun squirming sideways, if you know what I mean. I don't know what the sweet spot is between being easy to turn on intentionally and hard to turn on unintentionally, but S&W has made sure the laser doesn't come on when you don't want it.

Since the button is some sort of rubber, it may loosen up.

motorhead0922 · February 7, 2011, 04:03 PM

txpipliner, I agree that in a defensive situation, this laser would not be suitable. To me, it's only there to extend the accurate range of the gun.

LordTio3 · February 7, 2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

txpipliner, I agree that in a defensive situation, this laser would not be suitable. To me, it's only there to extend the accurate range of the gun.

Very true, but you can still use it and quickly if you need to. You shouldn't be using your index finger to actuate the laser with a single hand. Support the weapon with your off hand and use your "sandwich" pressure to actuate it. It should be much easier.

~LT

motorhead0922 · February 7, 2011, 04:32 PM

One problem I had is that when removing the slide for cleaning, the pin that holds it in place is very hard to get out, and resulted in the slide lock slipping down. This makes the slide hit the lock pin, so you've gotta re-lock the slide. I think next time I'll leave the magazine in place (after making darn sure it's not loaded) to keep the slide lock up while removing the slide retainer pin.

LordTio3 · February 7, 2011, 04:33 PM

How does the manual suggest field stripping take place? Can you even do it with the magazine in place?

~LT

motorhead0922 · February 7, 2011, 06:34 PM

LT, I'm just going to leave the magazine in until I get the slide pin out. Then remove the magazine, lower the slide lock, and remove the slide off the front.

los · February 7, 2011, 07:06 PM

CONGRATS on your newly acquired Bodyguard 380.!!

motorhead0922 · February 8, 2011, 06:43 PM

Los, your diagrams are fantastic!

SteveBonning · February 13, 2011, 07:32 PM

Congrats on your new acquisition! I got the Bodyguard with SN EAFxxx a short while ago and love it. Shoots everything I feed it, and the stiff safety and takedown pin loosen up a bit with use. I put some glow-in-the-dark sight paint on my sights and that really makes low light situations better. No other mods really necessary. Great little weapon

motorhead0922 · February 20, 2011, 09:17 PM

I've done a few things in the past couple of weeks with my BG380.

I ordered a second mag from S&W. For whatever reason, this one takes a little more effort to lock it into the gun. Gotta slap it in there. No biggie.

I bought a pocket holster off of ebay seller holsterpro1244. I figured for $20 I could give it a try. It's leather and covers the back completely for zero printing. Works well in the back pocket; looks just like a wallet. Fits front pocket okay, but does not stay in the pocket when the gun is drawn. Not good for quick access. Maybe that will get better, but I'm not counting on it. I'll probably try something else for front pocket. No printing allowed though.

I adjusted the laser to match the sights. Easy to do with the supplied Allen wrench.

I also picked up some hollow points and went to the range today to enjoy the 70° weather. The BG380 ran perfectly again. So far it has 98 rounds of a variety of ammo:
Magtech FMJ
Remington FMJ
Speer Gold Dot HP
Winchester bonded PDX1 HP

Gobbled 'em all up with either magazine.

It's a nice little gun. Easy to forget you're carrying.

January 30, 2011, 01:55 AM	#1
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	Got the S&W Bodyguard 380 After studying several pocket pistols over the past couple of months, I actually found a local shop that had a BG380 in stock, so I tried out the trigger. About all I can say is I found it “acceptable”. It is a long pull for sure, but there is a little feel to it (firms up just a bit) when it is ready to fire. The motions of the slide lock were very positive; that is, it didn’t so much click as “snap” into the rear position. Same for the magazine. Snapped in and out in a manner that said it was gonna stay put. I decided to go for it for $379. It was a close decision to go BG380 over the Ruger LCP. In the end, the BG felt a little more substantial and fit my hand better. Well, at least as good as such a small gun can fit a hand. The BG has a slightly bigger grip (length and fore-aft) that I could get two fingers on. The LCP seemed like a finger-and-a-half grip, even though I have fairly skinny fingers. And the BG slide locks open when the magazine is empty, and I like the option of using the safety or not. The safety makes a fairly loud click in either direction. There’s no way it will change position in a pocket. I had scheduled a trip to the range with a couple of buddies, so off I went today with a box of Magtech 95gr FMJ. I’ve never used Magtech before, but that’s what the shop owner suggested, and I figured it didn’t matter for FMJ. The first thing I noticed is that the magazine is easy to load. Usually it’s a pain to cram the last couple of cartridges in, but not this one. Of course it only holds six. So, time to make noise. The sights are easy to see and use. There is a fair amount of snap to the gun. After six quick rounds, I had what I would describe as mild discomfort in the web of my thumb. After a second mag full, I was used to the recoil and it never bothered me after that. I do think the 3 extra ounces it weighs over the LCP is a plus. They are both plenty light. In fairness, I have not fired an LCP. After about 5 or 6 magazines I was making 4 to 5” inch groups at 21 feet. With the laser, I made 2 to 3” groups. I hadn’t really been overly interested in the laser, but I figured it would serve the purpose of extending the range of the little gun, and that’s exactly what it does. It goes on and off easily enough, but requires a firm push. The gun does shoot about 3” high at 21 feet with the laser though, so I’ll have to adjust it. No such problem with the sights. I let my friends try it out of course. The first didn’t mind the recoil at all, but the second fired 2 shots and said “wow!” and shook his hand, then shot a few more times. Both liked the laser; none of us had ever used one before. Some people might just think it’s a novelty, others will get more use out of it. So far, I’m pleased with the little gun. Not one hiccup of any kind with the first box of ammo. If it eats hollow points just as well, it will be ready for that situation I hope never occurs.

January 31, 2011, 01:01 PM	#6
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,464	Great review and pics. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 7, 2011, 07:06 PM	#18
los Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2005 Posts: 502	CONGRATS on your newly acquired Bodyguard 380.!! Last edited by los; February 7, 2011 at 07:14 PM.

February 20, 2011, 09:17 PM	#21
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	Update I've done a few things in the past couple of weeks with my BG380. I ordered a second mag from S&W. For whatever reason, this one takes a little more effort to lock it into the gun. Gotta slap it in there. No biggie. I bought a pocket holster off of ebay seller holsterpro1244. I figured for $20 I could give it a try. It's leather and covers the back completely for zero printing. Works well in the back pocket; looks just like a wallet. Fits front pocket okay, but does not stay in the pocket when the gun is drawn. Not good for quick access. Maybe that will get better, but I'm not counting on it. I'll probably try something else for front pocket. No printing allowed though. I adjusted the laser to match the sights. Easy to do with the supplied Allen wrench. I also picked up some hollow points and went to the range today to enjoy the 70° weather. The BG380 ran perfectly again. So far it has 98 rounds of a variety of ammo: Magtech FMJ Remington FMJ Speer Gold Dot HP Winchester bonded PDX1 HP Gobbled 'em all up with either magazine. It's a nice little gun. Easy to forget you're carrying.

January 30, 2011, 02:00 AM	#2
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,454	Nice!!! Can we please see some pics?!! I really want to get one for my girlfriend Congrats on it.

January 31, 2011, 12:36 PM	#5
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,454	Nice, I like it a lot. Good ankle gun and a great gun for my girl to carry too. She needs to practice with it a lot. It's not a .22 lol Thanks for sharing!

February 7, 2011, 02:49 PM	#7
crackshot10 Junior member Join Date: February 7, 2011 Posts: 16	I just purchased one to. Can you engage your lazer with one finger in shooting position?

February 7, 2011, 02:58 PM	#8
TX_Pipeliner Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: Baytown, TX Posts: 47	I won a Bodyguard 380 in a contest and I really like the weapon. I have carried an LCP both as my primary carry weapon and as a BUG for a good while. I like the LCP very well, but I like the Bodyguard more. It feels better in my hand. I put a Crimson Trace laser on the LCP. I wish the Bodyguard had the same pressure switch as the CT. I find the button(s) for the laser on the BG clumsy. In a defense situation, I would never take the time to activate that laser. With the CT laser, it activates when you grip the weapon. That is my only gripe about the Bodyguard. Besides, I got it FREE !!

February 7, 2011, 03:10 PM	#9
crackshot10 Junior member Join Date: February 7, 2011 Posts: 16	By clumbsy do you mean hard to press?

February 7, 2011, 03:26 PM	#11
crackshot10 Junior member Join Date: February 7, 2011 Posts: 16	I was wondering because mine seems hard to press. I was wondering if his was the same. If it was i wasent going to send it back. Now can you mind your buisness.

February 7, 2011, 03:59 PM	#12
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	crackshot10, with my hand on the grip in the shooting position, it is difficult to press the button hard enough with the index finger, without the gun squirming sideways, if you know what I mean. I don't know what the sweet spot is between being easy to turn on intentionally and hard to turn on unintentionally, but S&W has made sure the laser doesn't come on when you don't want it. Since the button is some sort of rubber, it may loosen up.

February 7, 2011, 04:03 PM	#13
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	txpipliner, I agree that in a defensive situation, this laser would not be suitable. To me, it's only there to extend the accurate range of the gun.

February 7, 2011, 04:32 PM	#15
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	One problem I had is that when removing the slide for cleaning, the pin that holds it in place is very hard to get out, and resulted in the slide lock slipping down. This makes the slide hit the lock pin, so you've gotta re-lock the slide. I think next time I'll leave the magazine in place (after making darn sure it's not loaded) to keep the slide lock up while removing the slide retainer pin.

February 7, 2011, 04:33 PM	#16
LordTio3 Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2010 Location: Bloomington, Indiana Posts: 850	How does the manual suggest field stripping take place? Can you even do it with the magazine in place? ~LT

February 7, 2011, 06:34 PM	#17
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	LT, I'm just going to leave the magazine in until I get the slide pin out. Then remove the magazine, lower the slide lock, and remove the slide off the front.

February 8, 2011, 06:43 PM	#19
motorhead0922 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 635	Los, your diagrams are fantastic!

February 13, 2011, 07:32 PM	#20
SteveBonning Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2011 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 137	Congrats on your new acquisition! I got the Bodyguard with SN EAFxxx a short while ago and love it. Shoots everything I feed it, and the stiff safety and takedown pin loosen up a bit with use. I put some glow-in-the-dark sight paint on my sights and that really makes low light situations better. No other mods really necessary. Great little weapon