I have an EAJ model and decided to make my own notes on the disassembly and assembly since the manual notes did not work for me. The levers and buttons are VERY stiff in this model and I often find myself using a popsickle stick as a helper. Before I made my notes I would often get surprised by the slide lock releasing and causing the slide to fly forward nearly catching my fingers. So here is what works every time for me:
S&W 380 Bodyguard
Fieldstrip
Disassembly:
1- Pull slide back & lock it.
2- Turn takedown lever straight down.
Note: Keep upward pressure on slide lock to keep slide from rapidly moving forward.
3- Rotate takedown lever clockwise until it releases, then pull out.
4- Push slide slightly back.
5- Move slide forward & remove.
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Assembly:
1- Place slide on rails.
2- Move slide back until barrel is flush with front of gun by pressing front of gun against table top.
3- Press in takedown lever until it stops.
4- Push back slide & lock.
5- Turn takedown lever straight down, then rotate clockwise to lock position while pressing in.
Note: May need to jiggle barrel to seat lever.
Note: Keep pressure upward on slide lock to keep slide release from rapidly moving forward.
6- Push slide back to release slide lock.
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