Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380. Is there a consensus on these pistols? - Page 2

Carl the Floor Walker · April 18, 2018, 09:26 PM

Well said. I shoot pocket guns each week. For one, I do not want a light crisp trigger on one. Two, you shoot a heavier trigger a lot and it is amazing how you can adjust to the point it is just a natural pull. I never or very seldom shoot these guns as target pistols, which I believe is a waste of my time and my ammo. I always shoot fast, point and shoot. If I was to just target shoot and bought a pocket pistol for a target gun, then I will buy a light crisp trigger.
I simply do not NEED a light trigger. On fast action you are pulling fast, and forget a short reset. I never ride a reset on any gun.
I shot thousands of rounds through the LCP's, four of them. But I can do so much better with my Beretta Pico. The gun is milder, has less muzzle and just a lovely shooter. Trigger pull is deliberate, about 8.1 lbs of pull, but smooth. Not too long, not to short.
For me, it is the perfect fit for carry. And I can carry Apex without a holster. Just use the clipdraw. Pocket is perfect. Nice light weight, slim design, snag free.
Carry light, shoot fast. Forget target shooting. Learn point and shoot skills.
Train often enough and you more than adjust.

adamBomb · April 19, 2018, 08:37 AM

The consensus is that its a great pocket pistol. I love mine. Small, manual safety (which is optional), hammer fired, and carries just like my phone or wallet. To the people complaining about the trigger on a pocket gun

redraif · April 19, 2018, 12:57 PM

I have a no gun work policy in a office setting. I have been carrying a LCP since 2013 in a front pocket. I would rather have something then nothing. Little thing has been dirty nasty with pocket lint and has never failed to go bang at the range. Yes I have tested it out fully packed with a year of lint.

Cosmodragoon · April 19, 2018, 11:04 PM

Quote:

To the people complaining about the trigger on a pocket gun ...

Why can't a pocket gun have a good trigger? Yeah, even with a decent pocket holster, a lot of people won't be comfortable with a hair trigger. Still, there is no reason that the trigger has to be as bad as it is with the Bodyguard. For instance, I routinely pocket carry an LCR. It has an excellent double-action trigger. Sure, it's bigger than the Shield but it still rides well in a pocket holster. (Admittedly, the smaller-framed .38 special versions ride a lot better than the steel-framed .357 and .327 versions.)

In my case, that bad Bodyguard trigger caused a critical failure. That's on top of semi-regular jams. Yeah, could have been that particular model or my particular hand geometry. Yeah, I probably only put 500 rounds through it. It's just that I've never had that kind of trouble with any other gun. It's a shame too, because it really was easy to carry and really did feel good in hand, when not pulling the trigger.

BTW, I started a thread on exactly this topic about a month ago:
"Tiny Guns with Good Triggers?"
https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=594478

briandg · April 20, 2018, 04:50 AM

I still snicker every time I see the title of this thread. The guy has been here for eight years and has 6,000 posts.

oddly enough, he asked the members of this forum if there was a 'consensus'? Is the word to use "roflmao"?

You don't need a good trigger but it will be nice, you need reliability, should you have to run twenty boxes of ammo through it before you can count on it? Can you get a good sight picture, can you use it for can plinking, etc? It's a defense gun, yet we still have a lot of debate over items that many people don't even consider to be worthy of arguing about.

Personally, I find it to be as ugly as snot on a waffle. I have refrained from saying so because I don't really think that anyone else cares. Not one tiny bit!

dgludwig · April 20, 2018, 04:25 PM

I think it was on this site (and others too, I suppose) that someone posted a very helpful and informative "chart" describing a variety of pocket pistols, including their relative sizes, weights, configurations, etc. Can anybody here find this again and repost it? Thanks.

youngridge · April 20, 2018, 11:05 PM

Ran into the same problem. I needed something for conceal ability. Not trigger pull, not looks, not capacity.

I ended going with the BG380. I have a LCP that I just don’t care for all that much, had a sig 938, it wasn’t very reliable....I wish I would have kept it longer and gave it a better shot or sent it back to the factory....but I am not a big 1911 fan to begin with, let alone a micro 1911. So my search does still continue for a pocket 9. I really want to get my hands on a kimber solo, haven’t seen much for good reviews on them though. Something tells me that I will have another sig 938 again in the next couple years....any ways off topic.

I went with the BG380 because I have to be in a professional work setting, wearing less than comfortable clothes, along with a tie every once in awhile that I really enjoy to strap on.....out side of work I carry a Glock 26 or 43. The body guard made sense because first of all it is small, second of all with the right holster you will make it disappear in your pocket, thirdly it is a double action(horrible trigger, lots of practice, I got the hang of it) and to me that is a bit more reliable than a SAO, fourth reason I went with it is because of manual safety because I carry it in my back pocket.

My holster of choice is the talon wallet holster, works awesome, looks like a wallet. No one has ever questioned it. Secondary holster is an uncle mikes #4 for the front right pocket if for some reason I can’t carry it in my back pocket.

Highly recommend the talon wallet holster for this set up though. It is very very concealed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

youngridge · April 20, 2018, 11:08 PM

I should add for me to carry at work it was either find something that will ever print and that no one will ever notice or do not carry at all. That is why I went with the BG. Employers and guns is a very touchy subject in a lot of work environments, and mine isn’t anti gun....it sure isn’t pro gun on the flip side.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mosin44az · April 21, 2018, 12:11 AM

Dgludwig, I think you mean Los’ charts at mouseguns.com

3Crows · April 21, 2018, 10:06 AM

Satisfied with mine. It is great for tummy carry in summer cloths and snug clothing. I use the add on clip with no holster to further reduce bulk.

I like the safety and slide lock back on last round.

I have a trigger kit.

I have had no issues with any ammo.

I do not have the laser option.

3C

Big Shrek · April 22, 2018, 10:45 PM

Thunderwear hides a variety of sins...big and small...due to the nature of the holster.
Not sure if I use mine any different from anyone else, velcro strap around the hips, over the shirt,
lining up the backstraps of the pistols (often two) with my belt...then lean back a little
and let the shirt come up a little to create a little cover flap sorta thang.
So in shirt & tie you look a little relaxed, but it's for a good reason

THICK material on the pants, can't use anything thin...
or it'll look like you've got a stiffy pointing at yer belt buckle

A Medium carries two Star M45's comfortably...
or an M45 and a S&W CS45...
or a Firestar Plus & extra mags...
or a pair of Ultrastar's...
or a S&W CS40 & a CS45...
or a Commander 1911 and a Micro 1911

With your belt holding the grips they're not moving unless you're doing some wild stuff...

3Crows · April 23, 2018, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl the Floor Walker

Well said. I shoot pocket guns each week. For one, I do not want a light crisp trigger on one. Two, you shoot a heavier trigger a lot and it is amazing how you can adjust to the point it is just a natural pull. I never or very seldom shoot these guns as target pistols, which I believe is a waste of my time and my ammo. I always shoot fast, point and shoot. If I was to just target shoot and bought a pocket pistol for a target gun, then I will buy a light crisp trigger.
I simply do not NEED a light trigger. On fast action you are pulling fast, and forget a short reset. I never ride a reset on any gun.
I shot thousands of rounds through the LCP's, four of them. But I can do so much better with my Beretta Pico. The gun is milder, has less muzzle and just a lovely shooter. Trigger pull is deliberate, about 8.1 lbs of pull, but smooth. Not too long, not to short.
For me, it is the perfect fit for carry. And I can carry Apex without a holster. Just use the clipdraw. Pocket is perfect. Nice light weight, slim design, snag free.
Carry light, shoot fast. Forget target shooting. Learn point and shoot skills.
Train often enough and you more than adjust.

I agree, I do not want a light trigger. The heavy trigger pull and the safety are exactly why I bought the M&P BG380. I like it without the holster, just the clip for retention. I am 5-11, 158 pounds and have difficulty carrying large weaponry in summer clothing unless I dress like a bag person/hobo. I prefer my G19 in an IWB holster, appendix carry, but it just does not always work. That is when the BG380 comes into play.

3C

Carl the Floor Walker · April 23, 2018, 09:43 PM

Never could understand the need for a light crisp trigger on a pocket gun. Unless of course it is for the vast majority of pocket gun shooters I see all the time at the range. The take your time, get the proper stance, focus on the bulls eye, slowly squeeze the trigger crowd. (The Target Shooters)
These guns are meant for fast action and quick to center mass.
I cannot speak for the Body guard, as I have never shot one. But they have been around for a long time and I would not mind owing one.
I hear a lot about LCP's. Have owned 4 of them and moved on. I shoot pocket guns each week and have been for about a decade. I needed a good gun for heavy use and the Pico more than met that need, while being one of the mildest pockets guns I have shot. Trigger is strong, but smooth and deliberate. For me, it is perfect.
Train often and a heavier trigger becomes natural. And I can shoot the Pico better than I ever could with the LCP's. And It handles Plus P or Hot ammo like most pocket guns shoot standard ammo. I quite counting how many flawless rounds at 2500 and that was quite a while ago.
Liked it so much I bought a second one, which has well over a 1,000 rds without one hiccup.
Each to his own. But I would not discount the Body Guard. A little big, but I bet it is a nice gun.

April 20, 2018, 04:50 AM	#30
briandg Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5,468	I still snicker every time I see the title of this thread. The guy has been here for eight years and has 6,000 posts. oddly enough, he asked the members of this forum if there was a 'consensus'? Is the word to use "roflmao"? You don't need a good trigger but it will be nice, you need reliability, should you have to run twenty boxes of ammo through it before you can count on it? Can you get a good sight picture, can you use it for can plinking, etc? It's a defense gun, yet we still have a lot of debate over items that many people don't even consider to be worthy of arguing about. Personally, I find it to be as ugly as snot on a waffle. I have refrained from saying so because I don't really think that anyone else cares. Not one tiny bit! __________________ None.

April 20, 2018, 04:25 PM	#31
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	I think it was on this site (and others too, I suppose) that someone posted a very helpful and informative "chart" describing a variety of pocket pistols, including their relative sizes, weights, configurations, etc. Can anybody here find this again and repost it? Thanks. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

April 22, 2018, 10:45 PM	#36
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	Thunderwear hides a variety of sins...big and small...due to the nature of the holster. Not sure if I use mine any different from anyone else, velcro strap around the hips, over the shirt, lining up the backstraps of the pistols (often two) with my belt...then lean back a little and let the shirt come up a little to create a little cover flap sorta thang. So in shirt & tie you look a little relaxed, but it's for a good reason THICK material on the pants, can't use anything thin... or it'll look like you've got a stiffy pointing at yer belt buckle A Medium carries two Star M45's comfortably... or an M45 and a S&W CS45... or a Firestar Plus & extra mags... or a pair of Ultrastar's... or a S&W CS40 & a CS45... or a Commander 1911 and a Micro 1911 With your belt holding the grips they're not moving unless you're doing some wild stuff... __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

April 18, 2018, 09:26 PM	#26
Carl the Floor Walker member Join Date: June 3, 2017 Location: South Posts: 1,422	Well said. I shoot pocket guns each week. For one, I do not want a light crisp trigger on one. Two, you shoot a heavier trigger a lot and it is amazing how you can adjust to the point it is just a natural pull. I never or very seldom shoot these guns as target pistols, which I believe is a waste of my time and my ammo. I always shoot fast, point and shoot. If I was to just target shoot and bought a pocket pistol for a target gun, then I will buy a light crisp trigger. I simply do not NEED a light trigger. On fast action you are pulling fast, and forget a short reset. I never ride a reset on any gun. I shot thousands of rounds through the LCP's, four of them. But I can do so much better with my Beretta Pico. The gun is milder, has less muzzle and just a lovely shooter. Trigger pull is deliberate, about 8.1 lbs of pull, but smooth. Not too long, not to short. For me, it is the perfect fit for carry. And I can carry Apex without a holster. Just use the clipdraw. Pocket is perfect. Nice light weight, slim design, snag free. Carry light, shoot fast. Forget target shooting. Learn point and shoot skills. Train often enough and you more than adjust.

April 19, 2018, 08:37 AM	#27
adamBomb Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2015 Location: coastal NC Posts: 645	The consensus is that its a great pocket pistol. I love mine. Small, manual safety (which is optional), hammer fired, and carries just like my phone or wallet. To the people complaining about the trigger on a pocket gun

April 19, 2018, 12:57 PM	#28
redraif Member Join Date: January 3, 2013 Posts: 59	I have a no gun work policy in a office setting. I have been carrying a LCP since 2013 in a front pocket. I would rather have something then nothing. Little thing has been dirty nasty with pocket lint and has never failed to go bang at the range. Yes I have tested it out fully packed with a year of lint.

April 20, 2018, 11:05 PM	#32
youngridge Member Join Date: February 22, 2018 Posts: 57	Ran into the same problem. I needed something for conceal ability. Not trigger pull, not looks, not capacity. I ended going with the BG380. I have a LCP that I just don’t care for all that much, had a sig 938, it wasn’t very reliable....I wish I would have kept it longer and gave it a better shot or sent it back to the factory....but I am not a big 1911 fan to begin with, let alone a micro 1911. So my search does still continue for a pocket 9. I really want to get my hands on a kimber solo, haven’t seen much for good reviews on them though. Something tells me that I will have another sig 938 again in the next couple years....any ways off topic. I went with the BG380 because I have to be in a professional work setting, wearing less than comfortable clothes, along with a tie every once in awhile that I really enjoy to strap on.....out side of work I carry a Glock 26 or 43. The body guard made sense because first of all it is small, second of all with the right holster you will make it disappear in your pocket, thirdly it is a double action(horrible trigger, lots of practice, I got the hang of it) and to me that is a bit more reliable than a SAO, fourth reason I went with it is because of manual safety because I carry it in my back pocket. My holster of choice is the talon wallet holster, works awesome, looks like a wallet. No one has ever questioned it. Secondary holster is an uncle mikes #4 for the front right pocket if for some reason I can’t carry it in my back pocket. Highly recommend the talon wallet holster for this set up though. It is very very concealed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

April 20, 2018, 11:08 PM	#33
youngridge Member Join Date: February 22, 2018 Posts: 57	I should add for me to carry at work it was either find something that will ever print and that no one will ever notice or do not carry at all. That is why I went with the BG. Employers and guns is a very touchy subject in a lot of work environments, and mine isn’t anti gun....it sure isn’t pro gun on the flip side. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

April 21, 2018, 12:11 AM	#34
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Dgludwig, I think you mean Los’ charts at mouseguns.com

April 21, 2018, 10:06 AM	#35
3Crows Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2017 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 220	Satisfied with mine. It is great for tummy carry in summer cloths and snug clothing. I use the add on clip with no holster to further reduce bulk. I like the safety and slide lock back on last round. I have a trigger kit. I have had no issues with any ammo. I do not have the laser option. 3C

April 23, 2018, 09:43 PM	#38
Carl the Floor Walker member Join Date: June 3, 2017 Location: South Posts: 1,422	Never could understand the need for a light crisp trigger on a pocket gun. Unless of course it is for the vast majority of pocket gun shooters I see all the time at the range. The take your time, get the proper stance, focus on the bulls eye, slowly squeeze the trigger crowd. (The Target Shooters) These guns are meant for fast action and quick to center mass. I cannot speak for the Body guard, as I have never shot one. But they have been around for a long time and I would not mind owing one. I hear a lot about LCP's. Have owned 4 of them and moved on. I shoot pocket guns each week and have been for about a decade. I needed a good gun for heavy use and the Pico more than met that need, while being one of the mildest pockets guns I have shot. Trigger is strong, but smooth and deliberate. For me, it is perfect. Train often and a heavier trigger becomes natural. And I can shoot the Pico better than I ever could with the LCP's. And It handles Plus P or Hot ammo like most pocket guns shoot standard ammo. I quite counting how many flawless rounds at 2500 and that was quite a while ago. Liked it so much I bought a second one, which has well over a 1,000 rds without one hiccup. Each to his own. But I would not discount the Body Guard. A little big, but I bet it is a nice gun.