Just picked up a Bodyguard in 380 and then read all the bad news about this pistol. Is this just a Smith thing or does the old rule of "never buy it the first year" still hold. Now I am somewhat fearful of this little automatic. Thoughts?

Not sure of the S/N on your Bodyguard-could be one with the new improved frame. If it isn't and you have problems with the take-down lever coming out while shooting or your trigger is not resetting, S&W now has the cure with the new frames-I believe the new frames have a "B" in them-EEAB something to that effect. So if you do have to send your's in it will be fixed properly

I've been reading a lot of the new frames being EAB but my frame was replaced with an EAA number.

So maybe your frame was replaced before they started issuing the new improved frames. Have you had any problems with the replaced frame so far?

Just because he has an EAA number doesnt mean he doesnt have a new and improved frame. They could have started the new frames at EAA9500, let's say, and then ran out of EAA numbers which rolled the number to EAB0001.

That's why I said "maybe." Anyway is there any way to tell whether the frame is the new and improved frame if we ignore the S/N?

go shoot it.

Well I bought two of them and they are both going back because of the take down lever coming out of the frame. The guy I talked to said no problem, send them in and we will fix them. I really hope they do on the first try but is seems they don't do the frame fix until after you send them in several times.

I had an early model, had problems with the laser and the pin and just gave up on it.

It is unfortunate that as much as many of us would like to stay loyal to the S&W brand, they have not been loyal to us by introducing several of their latest plastic junky products. There are better options on the market.

Where is the video? I would like to see some of the problems.

I bought one BG and after running several hundred rounds thru it without a problem I bought one for my wife.

She has a hundred rounds thru hers with the same no problems result.

My sn starts with EAA and hers EAB.

Would have liked the Laser button on the grip like my Beretta 96 but just had to learn it.

Thanks

Frank

I have an EAA - bought it probably a week or two after it was first released. Over 500 trouble free rounds down range. Very pleased with it so far.

I hope for the best but my two are being returned because of the take down lever coming out. I sure hope they don't get me in the "send it in several times mode".

I noticed a difference in the spring on my new frame (EAA) and after 200 rounds I have had no problems. Also the take down pin had a bounce to it not loose as before. It is my belief that both replaced EAA and EAB frames that have been serviced by S & W will work.

Does anyone know if there is a way to look at the gun and tell if it has an improved frame?

Guy meaning a guy at S&W?

reason I ask is the gun has a warranty and they are to send you a FedEx 2 day shipping label.. I just got done with a 2 week battle over the phone with them about my BG and what was needed to do to get it repaired. I got 4 different answers from 4 different people at S&W..

as of now they have the gun and know the problem. from my understanding I am getting a new gun.
won't know for a few more days though.

Yes Brent a guy at S&W. I got my shipping tags yesterday and will be shipping them back on Monday.

I've been singing the praises of this pistol along with the Bodyguard 38 since they first came out. I've found the 380 to be accurate, reliable and very comfortable thru over 600 trouble free rounds. The other day I was letting some friends shoot both my Bodyguards and they were very impressed. Then while shooting the 380 the slide flew off the frame and the takedown pin was nowhere to be found. To say I was upset was an understatement, I'm just glad this happened at my range and not while I was carrying it on the street. In my 50+ years of shooting this is the first time I've ever had a pistol come apart. The 380 is now back at the factory were I'm sure they'll fix or replace it, but now everytime I shoot it I'd be looking at the takedown pin to make sure it's in place. I've therefore lost confidence in this pistol, which is a shame.

This is a prime example of "Never buy anything in the first year of production".These problems should have been fixed during the research and developement phase of production not by people who are relying on it in the street.I think that Smith and Wesson is caring more about the money to be made as opposed to making a reliable self defense handgun.It is miraculous that someone didn't get hurt or killed.......Mike

I think the same thing. They have been really lucky no one has sued them yet. When dealing with a firearm and someone's safety, bottom line is this thing should have been recalled. I already stated in a different thread, if someone wants to get something started, contact the Consumer Protection Unit at your state's District Attorney or Attorney General's office (depending on the state).

I had the same problem with a Ruger SP 101, the people at Ruger new about the problem, but it took me several phone calls and about 5 weeks to solve the problem. It just seems to me more and more companies are driven by there marketing departments (get the new model out) and could care less about testing and quality control. I now only buy clean older firearms with a good reputation. I am sounding like a real old gezer now, but they just don"t build them like they used to.

I absolutely agree.The last "New" gun I got was my Model 640 which was a replacement for one that blew up in my hands using standard 38 special loads.When I got it direct from S+W and tested it @ the range it felt like there was sandpaper in the action.When My FFL and I cracked open the side plate there were metal shavings all over the place.It took 2 hours to flush out all that junk.We corrected the problem that never should have left the factory.I seriously doubt it was test fired because someone would have felt that problem immeadiately.Now in a way it was a blessing because my gunsmith did a killer trigger job while we were in the neighborhood.It seems QC is thrown out the window.My next 3 guns were a 1977 West German Walther PPK/S,a 1968 Detective Special and a 1966 Nickel Detective Special that looks like it has been carried alot and shot very little.Let's hear it for the OLD GEEZERS.....God Bless....MIke

After 600 rounds and it happened and that isn't good. I now have over that with my serial number EAB04##. The take down lever does seem to hold on my new gun and when I snap the take down lever into position I give it a tug and it seems to fit better than the original. Was yours a EAA or EAB model? I would love to here if this is happening with anybody with the EAB serial number. I see in another post that they are still working on the problem for the old frames.