380 bodyguard mag release issues

I sent mine back to smith they had to replace whole frame because nut for laser hold down screw broke out. So with this new one i have to push mag release buttoni in a little to get mag to go all the way in, wit seems to hold mag really good. Maybe its a mod? I shot 100 rounds through it the other daya and i had to tighten up the laser screw again. Thats something they got to figure out
 
I had the same issue with the magazine ejecting from the gun without being released and it got to the point where it won't even stay in. The plastic release latch got worn off from just inserting and ejecting the magazines from two visits to the range. I sent mine back under warranty for repair and they replaced the latch. Now it's getting to the point where it's popping out by just touching the bottom of the magazine. It needs to be made of metal because the magazines will wear a new plastic one down in no time imho.
 
I had my Bodyguard for a year and the mag release button broke on me while I was at the range. It would not catch any of my mags at all. I called Smith & Wesson and they emailed me me a shipping label and I shipped it out. I had it back within 2 weeks and it worked fine for another year but I noticed my mags would pop out while carrying it in my ankle holster. I actually had a mag drop to the floor once while walking. It has gotten so bad that now my mags won't stay in at all, they won't seat at all and immediately pop out. I guess I have to send it out again. I only fire the gun twice a year to qualify but wear it religiously. It is unfortunate that I will have to go back to carrying my Glock 26 which feels like carrying around a brick after carrying the BG until I get it back. I recently purchased an MP15 Sport in .556 and haven't fired it yet, I hope I don't have any problems with it.
 
Same problems

I've been carrying the BG380 for about 2 years now. I usually have it in my waistband in a DeSantis IWB holster. My mags frequently come out and was thinking about shaving the mag release button when I decided I would do some research first and found this forum. After reading some of the threads, I jiggled my magazine and it popped out without even touching the release!!!! I find I'm always checking the mag to see if it's seated and half the time it's not. I've only put about 75 rounds through the thing. S&W needs to step up and address this problem. I've been a Ruger man and only opted for this gun because of its size and features but if I wanted a single shot pistol I would have bought a single shot pistol!
 
Mag issues

Ed911 said:
No, I haven't tried a pocket holster...maybe I should. However, prior discussions in other forums also voice concern about the weak mag release spring. It doesn't take much pressure to accidentally release the mag. I've found it on many occasions popped out, when I thought there was no reason for it to be unlatched.

After looking at it closely, I think it's more than a spring tension issue. I think it's a design issue. The mag fits rather loosely and therefore has marginal contact with the mag release lug. So much so, that when the mag release is only partially depressed, it ejects the mag.

It would be nice to see a metal mag release that would more positively engage the detent on the mag. I know it's cheaper to produce the plastic ones, but sometimes you just need to give up and produce a better product.

Anyways, I like the gun, it shoots well...is well manufactured, but suffers from some design flaws.

And as i've talked about before, SW could take a hint from the mag release tension on the Ruger LCP 380.

Thanks for your recommendation. I'll look into pocket holster...and replacing the mag release with the aftermarket product referenced above.

When I have the new product in place, I'll post my thoughts.

I would like to note that the Galloway replacement mag release for the BG is not compatible with the new M&P version of the BG. So, maybe S&W has responded to complaints on the old BG's and fixed the issue on the new M&P BG's. If so, then I'd like them to fix mine...since it's most likely an issue that they know about...a DEFECT.
Click to expand...

The Galloway link is no longer viable.
 
I am having the same issue with my Body Guard, mags just pop out if pulled on , they come right out. I bought both of my sons Body Guards also. Will find out tomorrow if they are having problems also. If so S&W should not hesitate to repair for free. I just bought a M&P full size 45. I pray that doesnt have a magazine problem.
 
Same Mag issue with my 380 Body Guard

I just bought a extended mag 10 rounds and it is even worse then with the 6 round mag. I have tried carrying only 5 in the magazine and it still pops out. Empty and it will come out, If you pull on the empty it come right out, There is no where on the internet you can get a replacement spring or release, so S&W will have to fix this.

How would you like to have to use your weapon and pull it only to see you mag crash to the floor or ground? This is beyond belief.I bet since I have owned this gun I have only shot maybe 150 rounds thru it. I like the feel, I like how it carries, I like the thickness of this gun it is only 3/4 of a inch wide, I like the laser.

I don't like the magazine falling out????? I will call S&W, I hope I can stay nice.:mad:

Oh by the way has S&W contacted any owners of the BODY GUARD about THEIR Problem?

Seems to me they would have had a RECALL on this weapon!

Anyone else been successful dealing with S&W about THEIR DESIGN FLAW?
 
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S&W Body Guard Magazine issue

Sam Porter said:
I've been carrying the BG380 for about 2 years now. I usually have it in my waistband in a DeSantis IWB holster. My mags frequently come out and was thinking about shaving the mag release button when I decided I would do some research first and found this forum. After reading some of the threads, I jiggled my magazine and it popped out without even touching the release!!!! I find I'm always checking the mag to see if it's seated and half the time it's not. I've only put about 75 rounds through the thing. S&W needs to step up and address this problem. I've been a Ruger man and only opted for this gun because of its size and features but if I wanted a single shot pistol I would have bought a single shot pistol!
Click to expand...

Sam I will post what goes down from S&W about my Body Guard tomorrow.

You are MORE THEN RIGHT SIR! They S&W need to step up dealing with this serious problem!

WHERES the RECALL?:mad:

I have been a S&W buyer and believer?

7 weapons I have bought from them. And holsters and many accessories.

:mad:
 
I have the no-laser model BG purchased a year ago and have over 700 trouble free rounds of FMJ & HP absent any problems. My mag seats firmly and has never popped out w/o me hitting the button. From what I've read either I'm just lucky or S&W made design changes on the newer model.
 
Yes a design flaw on the laser models

Old cop said:
I have the no-laser model BG purchased a year ago and have over 700 trouble free rounds of FMJ & HP absent any problems. My mag seats firmly and has never popped out w/o me hitting the button. From what I've read either I'm just lucky or S&W made design changes on the newer model.
Click to expand...

Yes Old cop they must have changed the design after yours was made, I called S&W this morning explained my problem they knew they had a problem. Asked for my serial #. S&W didn't hesitate a second took my information emailed me a FEDX return postage label, Gave me the required information to send my Body Guard to them for repair! I unloaded my pistol wrapped it good, packed it good, boxed it up applied the FEDX Return labels they emailed to me, that I had printed, Took it to the local FEDX shop and shipped it for repair. The email had a FULL explanation every step to ship the pistol for repair! S&W paid the postage! So far so good!



I have to say I was impressed at the speed of the customer service person that helped me!

We will see when my pistol returns.

Until then friends stay armed and dangerous!:)


Sam I hoped this post helps you out! Call them ! Get your Body Guard fixed.
 
Howdy , same issue with mag release. I love the look and feel of my Bodyguard as well as the heavy trigger for pocket & ankle carry. It has been a great shooter and I love it as a back up. The mag release is just toast though-after my last trip to the range I notice I can just pull the mags right out without depressing the release. Fail, can't use it now. I am willing to just buy any upgrade to fix this issue. Please do keep us updated on any upgrades other than a replacement with the same part that will fail again. I wonder if the newer release button will fit the older original and if that would fix the issue? Thanks
 
Same issue with the mag release on the BG380. I spent today at Talon Training in Tallahassee utilizing one of their wallet holsters. Every time I went to draw, the mag would release. The first shot got off: however, the mag fell out every time I tried to fire the weapon. I tried another BG380 holster, but had the same results. Seems when trying to draw, my fingers would release the mag all the time. I have had past experiences using pocket holster with the same results with this particular firearm.
 
I have the similar issues with mine, & my Sister has A BG380 also (my reason for purchasing one myself, after accurately firing hers impressed me). My mag will drop during firing even with a thumbs up hold (which helps my accuracy). My serial is slightly newer of the two, and starts with; EAT10xx.
I would like to know;
a) if anyone notices any construction differences of 'repaired' ones?
b) knows of a metal replacement part?
c) should I mill my own from steel?
Thank you!
 
Would anyone be interested in a metal Mag Release?

I made my own, and it works really well! But I just find it hard to believe a mag release would continue to be made from polymer. At least one that small. Wears out everytime.

Anyway, Hope to learn many new things about my favorite firearm company here!
 
Spontaneous mag release

I have noticed that the mag will pop out at the most inconvenient times. Like getting out of the car while carrying it in an IWB rig. I have contacted S&W and hoping for a good response like the ones I have seen here. Like the gun and enjoy shooting it. I use it for backup so I would like to be able to rely on the mechanics of this piece.
 
Hi, Same problem as reported by others with their M&P BG380. I find it very disconcerting when I get home only to find that my mag has been disengaged and about ready to fall out after carrying it around all day. Mine is fairly new has only had about 100 rounds through it. I carry it in a full Kydex IWB holster at 4:30. The release button seems way too sensitive and I don't think that it should disengage while it's holstered. Anybody know of a fix? Seems like this should be a known issue. Is S&W recognizing it as such? Have not called them about it yet.

Edit: S&W sent me a shipping label to return it to them for inspection.
 
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Agreed with the previous threads. I sent my 380 back to Springfield about 6 months ago for the mag release issue. After the repair (and many parts replaced), I still have mag drops when using a wallet holster. As others have mentioned, a design flaw for using the BG380 with the wallet holsters seems to exist when trying to retrieve the firearm. I have tried several wallet holsters with the same outcome. Nice firearm, but not for wallet holster use.
 
prestonhadley said:
Would anyone be interested in a metal Mag Release?

I made my own, and it works really well! But I just find it hard to believe a mag release would continue to be made from polymer. At least one that small. Wears out everytime.

Anyway, Hope to learn many new things about my favorite firearm company here!
Click to expand...

Yes! I would be interested in a metal mag release. My son is the original owner, so S&W may not cover the problem for me, since it is now registerd in my name. I'm gonna call 'em and see what they say. BUT, If you have ideas on building, or if you want to sell a metal replacement, I'm all ears.
 
Purchase new mag release

Has anyone had any luck purchasing a new mag release? I just bought a brand new Bodyguard and have problems with it. I know it's a solid well built firearm which is why this mag release is just crazy.
 
I'd be interested in a metal mag release.

First post here. S&W recently replaced my worn mag release on my BG380 so I have the newest version. The magazine still randomly ejects while shooting. The mag engagement is solid so I'm guessing I'm activating the button with my thumb on recoil. My next step appears to be milling down the button a bit. I've re-contacted S&W for advice.

I'd be interested in a metal mag release button since I know this new plastic one will wear out. An alternate mag release would certainly benefit from a lower profile button.

My BG is a great shooting, completely unreliable weapon. This issue is a huge safety problem and should be a recall. I guess I could throw my bulletless gun at my attacker as a last resort.
 
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