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Old 08-04-2010, 07:09 PM
robbo323 robbo323 is offline
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Default Bodyguard 380 trigger pull

Finally got my BG380. Very excited & loving this gun until I put the first shots through it. Something must be wrong. The trigger pull is soooo long. As in pulling with all my might, trigger pulled all the way back against the rear of the guard & its still not kicking over! I know its supposed to have a long travel, but this is really ridiculous. If I pull with BOTH index fingers and hold it as tight as I can against the rear, it will roll over and fire, but with a delay and almost only as you're giving up and releasing tension - then it kicks. I was able to put 10 rounds through this way and not one more. You have to pull so hard its downright dangerous. I'm an average size/strength guy so its not me on this one. Have an SW99 that shoots like a dream. Anyone else having this issue? Do I have a problem gun here? Not sure what to do, whether I talk to dealer or S&W about this. Thanks for any help.

UPDATE: Got my gun back from S&W. Fixed! Based on FedEx tracking info, it only spent one full day with them before they had it out the door back to me. Put 150 rounds of various ammo thru it tonight with no problems whatsoever (and yes, I watched the takedown pin somewhat fearfully the whole time - never moved). Whatever they did to the trigger made a night vs day difference. I think they did some other fine tuning as well. The laser is dialed right in now, where before it was way off right/low & I had not yet adjusted it. They did throw in an extra free magazine, which I think is the least they could do after really disappointing me with a brand new gun that messed up. Very happy with their customer service though. Reminder of why I spent a little extra on the Smith name & warranty I guess. Will report back with any issues as more rounds are put through it. Hope the other issues I'm seeing here clear up. It really is a great little gun.

Last edited by robbo323; 09-01-2010 at 08:16 PM. Reason: Update
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Old 08-04-2010, 08:12 PM
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Someone else posted that S&W is off for the next couple of weeks. You might have to wait but they will send you a shipping label to send it back to the factory. Mine is still on back order, so I can't tell you anything other than I have read all of the BG380 posts on here and this is the first post with your problem. I hope I get a healthy one.
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Old 08-04-2010, 08:14 PM
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Sounds to me like that one needs to go back to the mother ship for some attention. No gun should be that hard to fire. I would call S&W and they will no doubt make it right for you.
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Old 08-05-2010, 12:57 AM
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The trigger pull on my now nonfunctional BG 380 is long and somewhat stiff, but nothing like what you described. I have smallish hands, but I still can operate the weapon without any difficulty. If you call S&W, as I did on Monday, they will send a shipping label to you, although I still am waiting to receive my shipping label.
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Old 08-05-2010, 10:11 AM
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Absolutely, send it in for service. Mine has a long pull as well, but it kicks over reliably. I must admit that I wish the trigger pull was a little shorter and smoother. I was hoping it would be more like my Kahr PM9, but instead, it is more like my Ruger LCP...maybe even a bit longer than the LCP. In general I like the pistol, but my complaints would be the trigger pull and the laser. I have been practicing with dry firing with laser turned on. By focusing the laser on a target while I pull the trigger I am trying to improve my ability to keep the laser steady and without wobble. I wonder if there are any "gunsmithing" adjustments that could be done to improve the trigger. Not saying I would attempt it, but maybe a trained gunsmith would know how to smooth it out.
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Old 08-05-2010, 10:51 AM
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If you were to put a "shoe" in front of the trigger would you still be able to get your finger on the trigger. Try a thick piece of leather that would reduce the apparent distance of pull by moving it foward a 1/4 inch. Just a work around. If that works maybe you can have a shoe made from aluminum or epoxy that would fit on the trigger.
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Old 08-13-2010, 09:04 AM
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I just purchased my Bodyguard 380. Went to range yesterday, first trigger pull, I thought , like robbo, something was wrong.
I had pulled it so far back, I thought it had bottomed out. What was actually happening, the trigger doesn't actually begin rollover until it is about 1/16" from the frame, at which point the full pressure is felt. Your finger is so far back, you really think nothing is going to happen. The next 1/32" is where the pin actually deploys, which lets the trigger actually bottom out on the frame. Like robbo said, you feel as if you have to pull harder, because nothing has happened, and when it fires seems a surprise at times.
I shot 100 rounds, never even got use to having my trigger finger in that arkward position, being so far curled back, on such a small gun, to fire. I have shot pistols all my life, never have felt such a ackward trigger pull on a pistol... ever.

Last edited by kcwood; 08-13-2010 at 09:09 AM.
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Old 08-13-2010, 11:19 AM
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Hmm. Robbo yours sounds like something is amiss. The pull is long, yes. But not like what you describe and pulling hard is not really needed.

I don't know, maybe my LCP has already trained my hand, but I have no problems ripping off shots/double taps consistently and the pull doesn't seem super long to me. But I'm 6'5" and have pretty large hands, so maybe that has something to do with it.
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Old 08-13-2010, 01:03 PM
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Thanks for the input everybody. I brought the gun back to the dealer and also showed it to a firearms instructor who both agreed its messed up and needs to go back to Smith. A shame it came out of the box like this. Figured there would be a little tighter testing before it left the factory. Its been a full week now and I'm still waiting for the return shipping label from S&W. Right now I'm stuck with a laser-equipped paperweight.
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Old 08-13-2010, 02:12 PM
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They will take care of your problem in a jiff once they get back to work next week. I really don't like the weight of the trigger pull but I like the long follow through -- I can two stage it, pausing for a split second just before it trips over and the hammer falls and giving me time to fine tune my aim. Kind of like shooting a revolver DA. In any case, I don't think I will be using the manual safety since the BG380 seems to have a "safer" trigger pull than the P3AT I am currently carrying. I tried to measure the trigger pull on my two gauges (an RCBS spring scale and a Lyman electronic) and it is way off the scale. Mine is probably close to 15#.
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Old 08-13-2010, 07:39 PM
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I have the same issue with the Colt Pony Pocketlite. Always functions but the pull is ponderous. I believe that many of the double action only are like that. I still cary it frequently because it is so reliable.

regards

yashua
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Old 08-14-2010, 08:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Loco Weed View Post
They will take care of your problem in a jiff once they get back to work next week. I really don't like the weight of the trigger pull but I like the long follow through -- I can two stage it, pausing for a split second just before it trips over and the hammer falls and giving me time to fine tune my aim. Kind of like shooting a revolver DA. In any case, I don't think I will be using the manual safety since the BG380 seems to have a "safer" trigger pull than the P3AT I am currently carrying. I tried to measure the trigger pull on my two gauges (an RCBS spring scale and a Lyman electronic) and it is way off the scale. Mine is probably close to 15#.
Loco... are you saying the trigger pull is greater than the max pull that registers on 2 gauges? I knew it takes a heck of a squeeze on mine, but one could assume, if it is more than the max on gauges to measure such, then it really exceeds what would be considered by the industry to be normal.
I really feel I have to squeeze so hard, I have no control of the actual shot. Love the shape and the feel of the gun, but firing it has not been a pleasant experience.
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Old 08-14-2010, 11:14 AM
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Quote:
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Loco... are you saying the trigger pull is greater than the max pull that registers on 2 gauges? I knew it takes a heck of a squeeze on mine, but one could assume, if it is more than the max on gauges to measure such, then it really exceeds what would be considered by the industry to be normal.
I really feel I have to squeeze so hard, I have no control of the actual shot. Love the shape and the feel of the gun, but firing it has not been a pleasant experience.
Yup, the trigger pull far exceeds the capacity of both my gauges.
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Old 08-16-2010, 06:39 PM
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I think I have finally figured out what is happening. Yes the trigger pull is VERY long, then it tightens up right at trigger rollover. My finger at that point is very tight, pulling real hard, makes the skin tight. The trigger becomes so close to the frame, the tight finger skin actually wraps around the trigger, so tight the finger, wrapping around the trigger, bottoms out on the frame.

Either S&W will correct this problem, or I will have a gun for sale. My gun dealer has sold 4, and has complaints on all 4.

Dang... low serial numbers
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Old 08-18-2010, 11:46 AM
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I think I have finally figured out what is happening. Yes the trigger pull is VERY long, then it tightens up right at trigger rollover. My finger at that point is very tight, pulling real hard, makes the skin tight. The trigger becomes so close to the frame, the tight finger skin actually wraps around the trigger, so tight the finger, wrapping around the trigger, bottoms out on the frame.

Either S&W will correct this problem, or I will have a gun for sale. My gun dealer has sold 4, and has complaints on all 4.

Dang... low serial numbers
I don't know why they want to market a self defense gun (Bodyguard) and such with a overly heavy trigger pull (15lb). They are doing the same thing with revolvers. I guess you need to be five feet from the target not 15. This explains why the people with these and the Ruger at the range can't hit anything even at 15 feet. My boss offered to let me take his new Bodyguard to the range for a test run, when he was unable to go, guess I should have taken him up on it. That way I could see for myself.
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Old 08-18-2010, 04:54 PM
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While I am loyal to Smith & Wesson, I couldn't wait any longer and picked up a Ruger LCP. The trigger pull, as you describe the Smith, is extremely long. It too was rough at first but after dry firing it a lot and applying a moly lube, it smoothed out. Given so many complaints about the Bodyguard, I suspect it won't be too long before Smith issues a recall.

By the way, Ruger says over and over again, NOT to use +P rounds. Does the Smith?
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Old 08-18-2010, 10:22 PM
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No, the BG380 manual advises that +P ammunition may accelerate wear, but it doesn't prohibit +P. My understanding, though, is that there is no SAAMI (SAAMI | Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) standard for +P in 380, which makes it kind of risky in my largely uninformed opinion. FWIW.

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Old 02-16-2011, 02:07 PM
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Default problem with trigger pull on new body guard 380

need info on phone number or address to send to smith and wqesson for some work on the trigger
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Old 02-16-2011, 02:29 PM
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Old 03-08-2011, 04:12 PM
matthew g matthew g is offline
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Angry .380 trigger

I too have some definite issues with the long trigger pull on my newly purchased .380 bodyguard, serial # EAH... I read many of the posts when I was first in the market for a personal protection pistol. I was hoping these trigger issues would have been resolved, unfortunately, they aren't.
I picked the gun up last Saturday, March 5, and fired 50 rounds through it with my dad last Sunday. It misfired 6 times and the trigger pull makes it next to impossible to shoot accurately even at 7yards.
Now I'm waiting for S&W to email my Fed-ex return label which I requested yesterday morning. If I get it back and the problem still exists, I will return it to Cabela's with out hesitation. I'm hoping this won't be the case and S&W will take care of the issue.
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Old 03-08-2011, 05:52 PM
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Whether the long trigger pull on the BG380 is a problem or a feature is open to interpretation. Some people like the fact that it takes a very deliberate action to fire the little pocket pistol. Others rely on the safety to keep them out of trouble. Some like both (I'm in this camp).

Also, it's probably a good idea to define "accurately" when you're talking about such a tiny gun. I find it pretty easy to consistently keep the holes inside a 6" circle at 20-25', which is plenty good for anything I'd ever use the gun for (any farther than that, I have other options). Part of being able to do so required me to learn how to control that trigger (not difficult, but it does take a little technique to get it right). The good news is that you can dry fire the gun using the laser and see when your technique is good (or not). Just put the dot on something across your living room, and see if it moves as you dry fire.

I've only ever had misfires when using cheap Russian steel ammo, and even then, they all went bang after an extra attempt or two. I've only had one round out of many hundreds of rounds of "good ammo" FTF the first time, and that was one of the first couple rounds out of a brand new gun. Failure to release the trigger fully can also cause a FTF (by not allowing the trigger mechanism to reset). That's not an uncommon problem, though it's an operator error issue more than a gun issue, IMHO.

If you're expecting your BG380 to come back with a shorter, lighter trigger, you may as well return it to the gun store now... the way the trigger works is the nature of the beast, and by design... no "repair" is going to fix that. The one proviso is that it's always possible that your trigger actually has a problem that makes the pull harder than normal (it can't be longer, since it's designed to fire only after being pulled almost all the way to the trigger guard).
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Old 03-09-2011, 01:41 AM
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Thumbs up took your advice

I'm happy to report that I returned my bodyguard .380 today. A good friend invited me to the local range afterwards to try out his new Diamondback .380. What a superior handgun! Nice trigger that's for sure as well as great sights, balance...like a mini Glock! Ordered one tonight though Bud's for $375 out the door including the local gun shop transfer fee!!! Keep your Bodyguard because it's junk!
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Old 03-09-2011, 11:28 AM
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Good luck with your new gun - I sincerely hope you like it.

Personally, I wouldn't want to carry a pocket pistol with a 5 pound trigger and no safety, but if that's what you're looking for, it sounds like you've found it.
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Old 03-11-2011, 01:48 PM
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My BG 380 has a long trigger pull too, but it is only stiff at the first of the pull. After it breaks, the trigger comes back very smoothly till it fires. I also noticed that when rapid firing the gun I do not even notice the long pull or stiffness. When trying to sight gun and holding on target it seems you pull forever to fire. Long pull is just a safety factor, really don't want a hair trigger on it.
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Old 03-11-2011, 02:27 PM
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Exactly my point. While some will find the long, hard trigger on the BG380 mildly annoying at the range trying to drive tacks or perforate bullseyes, I predict that none of us would so much as notice if we had to use the little pocket pistol in anger.

So yeah, if I had bought the BG380 as a target pistol, I'd probably be disappointed. OTOH, it precisely fulfills the mission I actually bought it for (or could, that is... hopefully it won't ever have to).
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Old 03-11-2011, 06:48 PM
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I didn't buy it for a range gun, I have others that are more fun to shoot, and I really will only put a few rounds through it occasinally to make sure it still functions properly. It's my carry gun not a target pistol.

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Old 04-01-2011, 05:37 PM
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I figured out how to shoot the 380--If attacked, point at the ground in front of you, pull the trigger, and try to hit your assailant with the shell casings as they eject from the top!
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Old 04-07-2011, 05:24 PM
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I purchased a .380BG this month. Got it home and the laser would not activate. tried new batteries with no luck. Called the store, and the manager said he would issue a new pistol. Not only did he do that, but he also paid for two boxes of ammo I was going to buy. I like that kind of service! When I took the pistol to the range, the laser would activate, but only by pushing on the buttons fairly hard. I found the trigger pull to be very hard. I know this is a DAO gun, but the pull was still unusually long. I sent S&W email and they said there was no fix for the trigger pull, that it was set at the factory to 10-12 pounds. Feels more like 15 pounds. They are going to send me what they described as better laser activation buttons. As far as accuracy, I was able to shoot 2" groups at 7 yards using the laser from a sandbag rest. My neighbor was able to shoot 1 1/2" groups from a free standing position. So, it is very accurate for a pocket gun. I just don't know if I can put up with the trigger pull. I may trade for a Ruger LCP .380 with a grip activated laser. Trigger pull is acceptable. Nice little pistol. Maybe the hard trigger pull will improve on the BG the more I shoot it.
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Old 04-07-2011, 11:25 PM
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First off, my trigger pull did get smoother but it will remain a long squeeeze. At the range try getting used to "staging" meaning to pull it back almost to where it wants to release, then finalize your sight picture and finish the smooth squeeze. When you need this gun for the real thing the adrenaline will overcome the perceived problem. You'll think it was a hair trigger while you are explaining the shooting to the detectives.
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Old 04-08-2011, 11:47 AM
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I was lucky enough to get to fire a .380 Bodyguard that a close friend had recently purchased for his wife to carry. I was looking for a gun for my own wife, and this one seemed like a no brainer.

After that experience at the range, and because of the same issues discussed on this thread, we ended up choosing a M&P Compact .9mm for her, which she has become very comfortable with. Just my .02
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Old 04-08-2011, 05:43 PM
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I was lucky enough to get to fire a .380 Bodyguard that a close friend had recently purchased for his wife to carry. I was looking for a gun for my own wife, and this one seemed like a no brainer.

After that experience at the range, and because of the same issues discussed on this thread, we ended up choosing a M&P Compact .9mm for her, which she has become very comfortable with. Just my .02
I have to say that I find some of the posts here pretty hilarious. An M&PC 9mm is anything BUT compact. A Bodyguard .380 is so much smaller it's not even a comparison. It's like saying, "Yeah I didn't like the Ruger LCP, so I got an assault rifle instead, and the trigger is much nicer."

OK? So?

It seems to me a lot of people here don't really understand the point of the Bodyguard .380. Is the trigger "easy" to pull? No. But so what? Do any of you think you're going to actually notice this in a SHTF situation? Of course not! I find the BG.380 a very competent weapon, and does not require a constant safety because of the trigger pul. I like knowing that I don't have to fumble with a safety in the event of an emergency where fine motor skills go out the window. Do I LOVE firing it like I do my 686 or M&P9? No of course not! No small-frame gun with a long trigger is that much fun to fire hundreds of rounds from. However, get good with it, put it in your pocket and forget about it. Practice with it some, and it could save your life one day.

An M&P9C is just way too big to be a pocket gun like the BG.380 is. Is the M&P9C a good choice for a CC gun? Absolutely! But it requires very different carrying procedures than the BG.380.
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  #32  
Old 04-09-2011, 12:21 PM
Duxdrummer Duxdrummer is offline
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Originally Posted by WilliamG View Post
I have to say that I find some of the posts here pretty hilarious. An M&PC 9mm is anything BUT compact. A Bodyguard .380 is so much smaller it's not even a comparison. It's like saying, "Yeah I didn't like the Ruger LCP, so I got an assault rifle instead, and the trigger is much nicer."

OK? So?

It seems to me a lot of people here don't really understand the point of the Bodyguard .380. Is the trigger "easy" to pull? No. But so what? Do any of you think you're going to actually notice this in a SHTF situation? Of course not! I find the BG.380 a very competent weapon, and does not require a constant safety because of the trigger pul. I like knowing that I don't have to fumble with a safety in the event of an emergency where fine motor skills go out the window. Do I LOVE firing it like I do my 686 or M&P9? No of course not! No small-frame gun with a long trigger is that much fun to fire hundreds of rounds from. However, get good with it, put it in your pocket and forget about it. Practice with it some, and it could save your life one day.

An M&P9C is just way too big to be a pocket gun like the BG.380 is. Is the M&P9C a good choice for a CC gun? Absolutely! But it requires very different carrying procedures than the BG.380.
Point taken.
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  #33  
Old 04-10-2011, 07:44 AM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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FWIW, I found that a drop of CLC lube on the hammer pivot and a LOT of dryfireing improved the trigger quality on mine quite a bit. That, coupled with a little practice makes the trigger very acceptable for the intended purpose and ranges of the bg380.
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  #34  
Old 04-13-2011, 11:42 AM
Nitromethane Nitromethane is offline
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Default BG 380 trigger Pull

For those who live outside of Massachusetts (lucky you)..The state dictates what the trigger pull has to be in order to be "MASS COMPLIANT". Their way of handling gun violence is to put restrictions on the legal gun owner. Manufacturers have to submit 3 of each model they want to sell in Mass, pay thousands of dollars per gun, let them drop them from many heights and angles to see if they fire accidentally, have a round in chamber indicator and then MAYBE they will approve it. You cannot buy any new Colt, Glock, or many other weapons. Some you cannot buy new, only used and made pre 98 (Glock). SW is located in Mass, so they are probably making some hanguns ONLY Mass compliant so they don't have to make models for as many states (NY, CA, MA ) among others.

Approved Weapons Rosters - Executive Office of Public Safety
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  #35  
Old 04-13-2011, 03:08 PM
cevtv cevtv is offline
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Originally Posted by Nitromethane View Post
For those who live outside of Massachusetts (lucky you)..The state dictates what the trigger pull has to be in order to be "MASS COMPLIANT".

This does not apply to handguns with an external safety......
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  #36  
Old 04-14-2011, 02:39 PM
Nitromethane Nitromethane is offline
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Default Trigger Pull

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Originally Posted by cevtv View Post
This does not apply to handguns with an external safety......

The Bodyguard is DAO..Requires 10lb trigger.Mass consumer protection regulations require that a double action handgun have a trigger pull of at least 10 lbs. in double action mode.
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  #37  
Old 04-15-2011, 08:32 AM
glocki glocki is offline
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I owned the Ruger LCP and really liked the gun and dare say even enjoyed shooting it. It was very accurate which is improbable considering its iron sights are practically non-existent. Mine was not equipped with a crimson trace. I just bought the Bodyguard 380. My initial impressions of the design are positive. I shot 40 rounds through this gun and absolutely hate it. Because I have the LCP to compare it too, and my shooting partner has his, I was really unimpressed with the gun. The laser was off (expected), but manually adjusting it was sure a challenge. The thing moves really weird and it seems you would need an extensive amount of time to get it dialed perfect. I put this gun for sale and will be purchasing a new Ruger shortly. Finally, I had a ton of issues with my M&P 15-22 as well and it was new. Starting to really reconsider this brand.
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  #38  
Old 04-15-2011, 11:39 AM
WilliamG WilliamG is offline
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You may want to consider a Sig P238, too. Fabulous little gun.
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  #39  
Old 04-15-2011, 02:17 PM
glocki glocki is offline
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You may want to consider a Sig P238, too. Fabulous little gun.
Thats actually what I'm after, but cant seem to find them anywhere for under 600
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  #40  
Old 04-15-2011, 02:24 PM
WilliamG WilliamG is offline
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I picked up a new black one with night sights for $539.99 exactly. You may want to shop around.
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  #41  
Old 04-15-2011, 07:51 PM
WilliamG WilliamG is offline
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As an addendum, I'll say the Sig P238 is a great gun when it works. Which mine is failing to do within 4 days. But that's another story for another thread. The Bodyguard .380 is considerably more reliable, and hasn't needed 3 magazine designs to mostly work...
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  #42  
Old 04-16-2011, 12:54 AM
Snoguy Snoguy is offline
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Originally Posted by glocki View Post
I owned the Ruger LCP and really liked the gun and dare say even enjoyed shooting it. It was very accurate which is improbable considering its iron sights are practically non-existent.
So why did you get rid of your LCP?
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  #43  
Old 04-16-2011, 08:20 AM
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Got my new BG380 last week, very nice. Didn't get to shoot too many rounds as the Range officer up at S&W was having a Napoleon complex day.. so I just left. But it felt good, very comfortable in my hand for such a small gun in my meat hooks.. Everything was tight, the trigger is a strong pull but, somewhat smooth and very easy to find the take up spot and then squeeze it off. I broke it down last night, slide wasn't bad at all to remove, contrary to a few I read about not being able to turn the TDL.. it's tight, supposed to be.. Overall, I look forward to getting another 100 rounds or so through it and call it good to go for CCW. I'm not looking for a 500-1000 round gig as it's not what it was made to do.. It's a little bitty pocket gun, designed to protect us with a little bitty bullet. If I want to target practice or really defend myself I'll play or carry one of my larger caliber guns.. Love my MP40c
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  #44  
Old 04-18-2011, 03:56 AM
glocki glocki is offline
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Originally Posted by Snoguy View Post
So why did you get rid of your LCP?
It was a principles thing. Long story short someone took it and by the time I got it back it was all scratched up and I just didn't like someone else handling it. It was homeland security lol. Anyway, I'm in the market for a new one
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  #45  
Old 08-08-2011, 02:13 PM
alme111 alme111 is offline
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Default Bodyguard .380 Trigger Pull

Hi all:
This is my very first post so I hope I'm doing it right. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I have the same issue with my Bodyguard .380. There is a slight area at the beginning with no tension, then a long trigger pull. I'm going to call Smith & Wesson and see if they have any fix for this and if not, perhaps a gunsmith can make it better.
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  #46  
Old 08-08-2011, 11:57 PM
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I just bought my 2'nd Bodyguard 380, my dealer got several in and I looked at each one. I noticed a couple of improvement as they tweaked the design. First the trigger pulls were much smoother and lighter than earlier BGs and 2'nd the lasers were much easier to activate. This batch had EAR and EAS serial numbers. So I surmise that S&W has been making subtle improvements over time just like they did with the M&P series. I like my EAA (now EAB) Bodyguard but the new EAR one has definately been upgraded and improved.
Perhaps the forum members who always say never buy the first run of any new handgun have a point.
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  #47  
Old 08-09-2011, 12:32 AM
BuckeyeChuck BuckeyeChuck is offline
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I rented an LCP and the BG to shoot side-by-side before I made my decision.

I have an EAR series BG. I've had no troubles with the trigger, which is smooth (and heavy) and predictable.

The laser, however, has not been my best friend. The left side button is virtually useless (though the right side button works pretty well). Worse, the laser worked intermittently while shooting at the range last week. I practiced using the sights, which is never a bad idea since there are plenty of scenarios in which I'll only have the sights.

I took it apart and removed the laser. (The takedown lever was nearly impossible!) The contact switches on the laser body worked with a light touch, so the problem is obviously the rubber contact pads. I'm thinking about calling S&W and asking for another pad to see if that helps. Also, I can't troubleshoot the intermittent operation because the laser now works all the time. Go figure.

I put 100 rounds through it. My hand hurt by the end of that. I started by practicing slow and steady shots. This gun is not easy to shoot, but what makes it difficult to shoot is what makes it a great carry gun for me. By the end, I was putting double and triple taps into the target. I found that aiming at the silhouette's chin gave me shots in the neck and torso, which is great. It's hard to rapidly pull the trigger on this gun and keep the sights perfecly aligned, but it is easy, easy, EASY to put back on target after the muzzle flips.

It's true that you can buy a lot of guns that are easier to shoot. For a CC gun, I consider that to be so much stuff and nonsense. When scared out of your mind, you'll not be concerned with fine motor skills because you won't have any. You'll rely only on practice and repetition to hit the bad guy, and that will be true regardless of the gun in your hand.

You know, we could have this debate (and probably have) about the M&P line. I also own an M&P9 full size, and compared to my father-in-laws STI GP6C, it's difficult to shoot because the trigger is lousy. For a while I thought "I should have bought a better gun" but I eventually rejected that mentality. My job is to get good shooting whatever is in my hand, regardless of how cooperative the weapon is. And if I only practice with an easy gun, I think I'm not expanding the limits of my skill. I'm now as good with the M&P as I am with the GP6C, even though I find one much easier to shoot than the other.
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  #48  
Old 08-11-2011, 07:36 PM
greybeard43 greybeard43 is offline
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My neighbor just bought one. I own one. We took them to the range today, him for the first time. 0 problems. Trigger pull long DA as it's supposed to be in a pocket gun. He and I both went through a hundred rounds quickly. The pistol works as it is designed. It has decent sights and if you want to gripe about a trigger pull, get an AMT backup. That one (if I remember correctly) is about 18 lbs. If you want a target pistol, the backup ain't it. If you want a reliable, safe pocket carry pistol, look no further. Take some time to check out other products before you buy. My LGS allows testing the trigger and things like that on all of their guns for sale. Buying one, not liking it and immediatley jumping on the internet to nitpick it to death is IMHO counterproductive.
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  #49  
Old 10-05-2011, 05:44 AM
Bob & Wife Bob & Wife is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xzhync View Post
Absolutely, send it in for service. Mine has a long pull as well, but it kicks over reliably. I must admit that I wish the trigger pull was a little shorter and smoother. I was hoping it would be more like my Kahr PM9, but instead, it is more like my Ruger LCP...maybe even a bit longer than the LCP. In general I like the pistol, but my complaints would be the trigger pull and the laser. I have been practicing with dry firing with laser turned on. By focusing the laser on a target while I pull the trigger I am trying to improve my ability to keep the laser steady and without wobble. I wonder if there are any "gunsmithing" adjustments that could be done to improve the trigger. Not saying I would attempt it, but maybe a trained gunsmith would know how to smooth it out.
There is a fix, saw it on a homemade video. I think I was looking for a complete stripping of the S&W bodyguard. It was a bad quality video but he really did a complete stripping and the spring you are referring to he cut in half and than stretched it out to the original size, making it less of a HARD pull. I'm betting in another year or so we will have a few of those videos around the net to do our own repairs. That trigger does suck, but there is something about that 380 that everyone seems to really love. I'm buying another for the wife, but waiting for the price to come down a little. Bought mine for $414 and have one on order for $289 (internet price).
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  #50  
Old 10-06-2011, 11:05 PM
QuadCam QuadCam is offline
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Originally Posted by Bob & Wife View Post
Bought mine for $414 and have one on order for $289 (internet price).
Would you mind sating where I can buy a BG380 for $289. That's an amazing deal. The best I have seen, including shipping, is around $340.
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