New Bodyguard & Hickock 45

[buckshotshorty]

I just purchased a new Bodyguard 380 non laser, and haven't been to the range yet, but after watching Hickock 45's review, I must admit I am a little apprehensive.

In his follow up video he uses two different Bodyguards, and both suffered from either light strikes or failure to lock back on last round. This has me wondering if I made a good purchase?😳

I hope to go the range this week and wring it out a bit, but until I do, I hope my own results are better.

[ATF]

I don't believe light strikes are the problem. The big problem is the trigger is a ***. It's far worse than a DA pull on most larger pistols. There must be a trigger mod out there to do the BG justice. It shoots really well. I could hit 3" groups at 10 yds offhand without any effort. Just be careful not to fall asleep while you're waiting for the trigger to engage

[USAF385]

Originally Posted by ATF

I don't believe light strikes are the problem. The big problem is the trigger is a ***. It's far worse than a DA pull on most larger pistols. There must be a trigger mod out there to do the BG justice. It shoots really well. I could hit 3" groups at 10 yds offhand without any effort. Just be careful not to fall asleep while you're waiting for the trigger to engage

I don't recall if it was for the new BG or the older model, but I remember hearing a lot of complaints of light strikes after installing trigger kits.

[ATF]

Originally Posted by USAF385

I don't recall if it was for the new BG or the older model, but I remember hearing a lot of complaints of light strikes after installing trigger kits.

I really don't know except the travel is way excessive. I don't mind a heavy trigger in such a small gun but the BG I shot had travel of close to an inch and heavy too. Follow up and reset is also lacking. I never experienced any light strikes but the BG wasn't modded.

[MrJT]

Originally Posted by USAF385

I don't recall if it was for the new BG or the older model, but I remember hearing a lot of complaints of light strikes after installing trigger kits.

We put the Galloway short stroke kit in my brothers M&P 380. We had constant light strikes. One or two per mag at times. We worked on it for a while and couldn't get it to be reliable. It came out that same day.

[ggibson511960]

I too have watched those Hickock45 videos with dismay as I am considering "upgrading" my Ruger LCP to a BG because I like the BG's other features and size. There is a fundamental difference between triggers on these two guns. They are both hammer fired, not striker fired, but the Ruger presets part of the hammer arc as the slide closes on a fresh round, giving up second strike capability. The BG is pure DAO with all of the cocking effort from the shooter's pinkie, yielding the advantage of second strike. Modern ammunition is so reliable that having second strike capability is like having insurance from meteorite collision. Plenty of other more probable stuff to worry about. LCP's have no safety except a long, fairly soft trigger pull. This approach is almost universal in modern polymer autos. It seems to me that S&W has chosen a pure DAO trigger/hammer (with an external safety) but softened up the trigger and hammer springs to make the trigger pull manageable on a small gun. I like the features and size of the BG but wonder if S&W has a fundamentally flawed design that a trigger kit can't cure as evidenced by the Galloway kits flop. What do experienced BG owners think?

[CaptRon956]

No, the problem is watch that video again, he states that both pistols do not have the original triggers. They have been replaced by aftermarket triggers. The pistol stock is perfect for concealed carry & self defense, and that is exactally what it was intended & designed for.

Buckshotshorty, You made a great choice in a 380. Give it a good cleaning & lube before you hit the range, use quality brass FMJ and clean & lube again real good after each outing at the range..
I highly suggest taking the mags apart and clean the red plastic follower & inside of the magazine with gun cleaner & a old toothbrush & wipe dry after each shooting as well...
I hold a CHL in Texas & this same pistol you have is my EDC.

[Ranger98]

I added a trigger shoe to mine,seemed to help the travel issues quiet bit.Also added a Pachmayr grip glove.Between the two,it is almost an enjoyable range gun


I also used snap caps and dry fired it quiet a bit for a week or so.it really did smooth out the trigger pull..

[Fepa13]

Most modern firearms are reliable. The majority of failures that I have seen, regardless of manufacturer, is due to aftermarket parts. Leave it stock and it will be fine. I know several people with hundreds of rounds through their bodyguards with zero problems. The handguns in the video have aftermarket parts in them.

[CaptRon956]

I did add a Pachmayr rubber slip on grip to my Bodyguard and I like it. It helps to use a paper towel & some rubbing alcohol & wipe down the pistol grip and the inside of the rubber slip on before putting it on so it wont twist around on you as much. It helps.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by buckshotshorty

I just purchased a new Bodyguard 380 non laser, and haven't been to the range yet, but after watching Hickock 45's review, I must admit I am a little apprehensive.

This is going to sound harsh, and it's meant to at least a little so get ready...

Why on God's green Earth do you care what happened with some gun on a youtube video? Then, if the video is causing you concern, why did you buy the gun? If you bought the gun, and then in your excitement went to watch some youtube videos about it, why do you care what they do or what happens to their gun?

Just go shoot yours. Worry about problems when they develop, not before. You'll only lose sleep for no reason. It's not a problem until it's a problem.

Allow me to add to your anxiety...
The BG .380 is a tiny gun. People buy it because it's small. Then they want to carry it for self-defense. But, when they get to the range, they can't hit the broad side of a barn. Hmmm, which is more important, easy to hide and carry or being able to actually hit the bad guy?

Now, I'm just some guy on the internet. Do you really care what I say? You don't know me. I could tell you that I teach defensive pistol classes and CCW classes. So what? Does that give me some power over you? It's your gun. Stop obsessing over what someone you don't know says. Just go shoot the thing and learn to shoot it well.

[mark32812]

After reading about all the trouble with the BG-380, I am not going to get one. I have been thinking about it, but too me it doe not feel good in my hand and I do not like the trigger pull.

[radar1972]

To each his own. I have one of the older BG380s with a laser (which I have never used nor will ever use). I have sent more ammo downrange with the BG than any other pistol I own. Never the first failure of any kind. A sweet little gun that is easy to shoot and accurate as can be. The more I use it, the better the DA trigger becomes.

The BG380 is in my regular carry rotation along with an Xds-9 and a couple of different SW j-frame snubbies.

[eagle1944]

I have a M&P Bodyguard 380 (w/o laser), s/n KBVxxxx, with a production completion date of 5-31-2014, purchased new from an Air Force Base Exchange the end of Dec. First time out, fail to fire on first round, a Blazer 95 gr FMJ. Only FTF out of a box of 50. Next Blazer box of 50: three fail to fire. BTW, between the first and second Blazer boxes, I fired 47 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 90 gr HP ... Zero FTF and of the brass I was able to recover, zero light strikes! There were numerous light strikes with the Blazer, even those that fired the first time. All but one fail to fire rounds fired on the second pull. One Blazer took three pulls! A second visit to the range, I fired a box (50) of Federal American Eagle 95 gr FMJ. Zero FTF! My next range visit will be to fire another Speer Gold Dot box of 50. (Question I have is ... if CCI primers are hard and they're used in both Blazer and Speer Gold Dot, then why didn't I have issues with the Gold Dot?) Will let you know the results. If I have zero issues, I'm going to settle back and consider the BG worthy of being my "bodyguard!" BTW, about the trigger pull: yes, long but smooth, no grit, no stacking. At 7 yds combat range, double and triple taps to upper torso and head, no problem! In fact, I can place shots at that range as well as with my Glock 23! And I like a long pull for a pocket gun. Plus, you don't need to worry about using the safety (if it's in a holster like my Remora 2R). Don't like the Ruger LCP (except for trigger pull). It doesn't lock back after last round, harder to field strip, not as comfortable in the hand, crummy sights, no hardened Melonite finish, no stainless slide or barrel, as far as I know, and comes with just one mag! AND, the LCP owners manual says it can fire if dropped with a round in the chamber. Apparently, no firing pin block! About Hickok45's YouTube first test with the Galloway trigger: Many more light strikes/FTF with that trigger mod. Why? He explained. The Galloway mod keeps the hammer from going as far back, so not as much energy or force when the hammer falls. It's a physics kind of thing! If you have fail to fire issues, stop using cheap Blazer or the cheapo stuff some indoor ranges sell (reloads I imagine). Shoot name brand ammo like Winchester, Federal, Speer. Stay away from Remington's cheap UMC!! Remington's standard ammo is fine, IMHO. Bottom line: Great pocket piece. (And sorry for the long post.)

[Johnmuratore]

Shorty
+1 on Ras. He knows of which he speaks.

Shoot it and make up your own mind. I got mine before I knew about this forum. Liked it then and still do.

[tjhodges310]

1000+ rounds through mine and not a single problem. Very reliable.

[JWH321]

I bought one last week. It's had nothing but a good cleaning and some frog lube. The trigger is long, but it can be smoothed a lot. I did not buy the gun to shoot bulls eyes at 25 yards or to hit the gong at 100. It's a .380 for crying out loud. I bought it because I can stick it in a pocket and know that I've got something to fight back with if the need ever occurs. I expect the little gun to perform just like every other S&W gun I've used over the preceding 40 years. Boringly reliable. Go shoot yours. Shoot it a lot, and get to feel about it like you do your tooth brush. Nothing exciting, but very necessary and extremely well suited for its intended purpose. I think you'll grow to like it.

[CaptRon956]

Just took my non lazer M&P .380 to the range several days ago and fired another 150 rounds. That's a total of 550 problem free rounds fired thru it. With practice, its quite accurate up to 15 yards. I'm talking about being able to consistantly hit inside the 7 ring on a standard B-27 silhouette target. At 3-5 yards I can easily chew a 3" hole in the NRA B-16 targets I use.

[buckshotshorty]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

This is going to sound harsh, and it's meant to at least a little so get ready...

Why on God's green Earth do you care what happened with some gun on a youtube video? Then, if the video is causing you concern, why did you buy the gun? If you bought the gun, and then in your excitement went to watch some youtube videos about it, why do you care what they do or what happens to their gun?

Just go shoot yours. Worry about problems when they develop, not before. You'll only lose sleep for no reason. It's not a problem until it's a problem.

Allow me to add to your anxiety...
The BG .380 is a tiny gun. People buy it because it's small. Then they want to carry it for self-defense. But, when they get to the range, they can't hit the broad side of a barn. Hmmm, which is more important, easy to hide and carry or beingable to actually hit the bad guy?

Now, I'm just some guy on the internet. Do you really care what I say? You don't know me. I could tell you that I teach defensive pistol classes and CCW classes. So what? Does that give me some power over you? It's your gun. Stop obsessing over what someone you don't know says. Just go shoot the thing and learn to shoot it well.

Thank you for your reply and being candid. You are correct, I'm fretting over something that hasn't happened yet. As someone mentioned the guns with light strikes in that video had triggers that were aftermarket. I keep all my guns stock.
I have an LCP and shoot it quite accurately, so that's not a concern of mine. In fact, my range gun is a Sig 250 and I'm sure you have read about the long double action trigger pull on that one.

[Rickgus]

Eagle 1944 - I agree with staying away from the Remington UMC ammo.
My BG had several FTfeeds with the UMC brand. We have since moved on to PMC Bronze ammo and have had very good results with it!

[ATF]

I like Hickock 45 and he gives good reviews even if he is a Glock whore. However just check out his grip. It's not a combat grip. Anyone could pull his gun straight out of his hand. The real world isn't YouTube

[CaptRon956]

I've been shooting literally 1000's of WWB & UMC and I dont recall having any particular issues related to the ammo per se, Um I can tell you that I can feel the difference in recoil between these brands and lets say, a higher quaility ammo.WWB especially, I think they load them from the factory light, ei, not a lot of powder.. For economical target shooting/plinking/breaking in a new pistol, they're fine.

I'm surprised by Monarch ammo (the brass, not the steel cased) found at my local Academy store. It feels more "punchy" and a bit more sooty than the national economy brands however my bodyguard functions flawlessly with it. I'm gonna give Winchester Train & defend in 380 a shot soon. Hornady "American Gunner" XTP is my carry ammo. Again, functions beautifully in the lil' pistol.

Hickok45 gives decent reviews however I would like him to talk more about the pistol from a consumer stand point, that is, show us what box it ships in, what comes with it, warranty, field striping/lubing and then shoot the thing... I cringed while watching the video on the BG380, (the first video) that shows him struggling & hammering on the take down pin back into the slide....After field stripping it a couple times I can put it back together blind folded in 5 seconds.

And finally, to the OP, Congrats on your choice of pistol, the BG 380 is a great little carry piece. Take it apart as shown in the booklet, clean it, lube it shoot it...

I have noticed that around 100-150 rnds it does get sooty to the point where sometimes my mag would stick, I think that is most of the 380's problems lay. I keep on saying this. but when cleaning the pistol after shooting, take the mags apart and clean them inside with your favorite brand gun cleaner and put a toothbrush & cleaner to the red plastic mag follower and wipe dry, no lube needed.

Ok, I'm done

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by ATF

I like Hickock 45...
However just check out his grip. It's not a combat grip.

I'm not familiar with this term. Please post a picture of what a combat grip looks like.

[ATF]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

I'm not familiar with this term. Please post a picture of what a combat grip looks like.

A combat grip is where your left thumb covers your right thumb, if you're right handed. It makes it almost impossible for someone to pull the gun out of your hand.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by ATF

A combat grip is where your left thumb covers your right thumb, if you're right handed. It makes it almost impossible for someone to pull the gun out of your hand.

Like this?


If that is indeed what you mean, then I don't teach that either. Crossing thumbs like that tends to cause the shooter to pull the shot off line. This is the grip I, and most other instructors, teach:


If you think it's easy to grab the gun out of my hands with this grip, I'd love to do a demonstration. More to the point, if you think the "combat grip" (pictured above) will prevent someone from taking the gun out of your grip, I'd love to demonstrate that too.

Someone who knows what they're doing will get the gun. Someone who doesn't know the proper technique will not get the gun with either grip. Further, if the bad guy is close enough to get the gun away, something else has gone wrong anyway.

[ATF]

I'll have to take a pic but basically the grip I use has two thumbs pointed forward, left thumb covering the right thumb both pointing forward with my left index finger gripping the trigger guard. Works for me.

[Rastoff]

The grip really has only one purpose; ensure the hits are on target. If you're hitting the intended target, whatever grip you're using is right. This is why I wouldnt criticise Hickock's grip, he usually hits the target.

[buckshotshorty]

Originally Posted by buckshotshorty

I just purchased a new Bodyguard 380 non laser, and haven't been to the range yet, but after watching Hickock 45's review, I must admit I am a little apprehensive.

In his follow up video he uses two different Bodyguards, and both suffered from either light strikes or failure to lock back on last round. This has me wondering if I made a good purchase?😳

I hope to go the range this week and wring it out a bit, but until I do, I hope my own results are better.

UPDATE

Went to the range yesterday with 6 different brands of ammo, and fired a total of 135 rounds: Hornady XTP, Rem Golden Sabre, Gold Dot, PMC FMJ, Blazer Aluminum, and Geco FMJ .

I had numerous light strikes with the Blazer and Geco; none with the other 4 brands. The brands that had the light strikes accounted for about half the total rounds fired. So, out of 70 rounds of Blazer/Geco i had roughly a dozen light strikes. All fired on the second strike.
Regardless of the fact that light strikes seemed limited ti 2 brands, I think I should have had none! I'll shoot another 150 rounds before I contact S&W .

[CaptRon956]

It's no secret that the BG 380 is ammo sensitive. I would add PPU, Wolf and Tula to the list of hard primer ammo. This should tell you that it is NOT the pistol, but ammo related failure's.
But if you expect a small pistol to fire all brands of ammo, it aint gonna happen. It is just the nature of small pocket pistols, especially a hammer fired one.. You have to find ammo that it likes & stick with it. With me, you cant go wrong with Monarch 95 gr. fmj for target & Hornady "American Gunner" XTP's for self defense.

[buckshotshorty]

I'm sorry, I don't think it's acceptable that certain brands of ammo will give you light strikes, especially since Blazer is American made and I assume uses CCI primers which I use almost exclusively in my reloading.

If it continues with the light strikes, it's going back to Smith.

[ATF]

Originally Posted by buckshotshorty

I'm sorry, I don't think it's acceptable that certain brands of ammo will give you light strikes, especially since Blazer is American made and I assume uses CCI primers which I use almost exclusively in my reloading.

If it continues with the light strikes, it's going back to Smith.

Good Luck with that Americans make some **** products just like any other country.

BTW I was talking about the ammo not the BG

[CaptRon956]

Originally Posted by buckshotshorty

I'm sorry, I don't think it's acceptable that certain brands of ammo will give you light strikes, especially since Blazer is American made and I assume uses CCI primers which I use almost exclusively in my reloading.

If it continues with the light strikes, it's going back to Smith.

Good luck..... But it's just the nature of small pistols due to their size. Especially hammer fired ones.

[Harley88]

I watched Hickok,s video too. The BG he used just had the trigger bar in. When you watch the update video where he has the BG with the Galloway trigger bar plus the stronger hammer spring, there was no FTF. Galloway no longer sells just the trigger bar. It comes in a kit with all the springs you need too.

[Old cop]

I watched Hickcock 45 (watch him often & like his reviews) and almost gave the S&W a pass b/c of it. I did pick up the no laser model and it's been great, no problems. I gave it a thorough cleaning at home and took it to the range. One hundred fifty rounds of Glazer FMJ and everything worked as designed. It's also very accurate. The trigger pull feels like my 442 but smoother. It's a keeper for me.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

Stop obsessing over what someone you don't know says. Just go shoot the thing and learn to shoot it well.

There you go.

[lmacrichter]

I fired 350+ rds in mine from 5 or 6 brands of ammo. They all had 10%+ light strikes/FTFire, numerous slide lock failures and self racking after the last rd. Everything on the gun was stock and purchased new. I sent it back to S&W and they replaced the slide. When I got it back the front sight was pushed so far left you couldn't have hit the wall at 10 yds. Rather than spend another $100 on ammo and range time I traded it for a Sig. Cost a little more but it goes BANG every time I pull the trigger and the groups are pretty tight. I just have to get used to having a SA gun in my pocket.

I don't think the BG is a bad gun. I just happened to get a lemon. Find an ammo it likes and enjoy it.

[Elliot45]

I bought my BG about 1 1/2 years ago. When I first got it, I had a couple of ejection problems. The place I got it does work on guns so the gunsmith polished the barrel and ramp free of charge. Since then I have put hundreds of rounds through it without a jam. This includes all kinds of ammo, some even very old and also hollowpoints. Once I got over accepting that this is not a target gun, I was fine. That doesn't mean it isn't accurate, it is, but I don't like the long trigger pull. When discussing this with a friend, he reminded me that if I'm shooting this for self defense, I'm going to be pulling the trigger as fast and hard as I can and I won't be concerned about the long trigger pull . If you want to see a good YouTube video on the BG, pull up the Jerry Miculek video on the BG. He not only shoots fast, he can hit a target 200 yards away! Every time I think about selling mine, I find it too easy to carry, especially in the summer. If you accept the BG for what it is, I think you will be happy. Regards, Jim

[KYM&PGuy]

Like you I was a little hesitant buying the BG after viewing the Hickok45 videos but I took the plunge and I just bought the BG M&P w/o laser last Sunday. Brought it home, cleaned and lubed it and took it to the range. Shot 100 rounds of Remington UMC 95 grain FMJ, 25 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense and 20 rounds of Federal Hydra-Shok. Only had one round of the Remington that took three trigger pulls to fire, all other rounds fired flawlessly. I am not giving up on it just yet. I will keep testing different ammo and hopefully find some cheaper target stuff that works reliably for range time and the defense stuff continues to prove reliable. I am hoping it just needs to break in and or it was just that ammo. I bought the gun specifically for pocket carry with a holster when carrying my Shield in an IWB is not practical. I looked at the LCP and the G42 but I was concerned they would be too big for my needs. I hope everything works out for us!

[Rickgus]

KYM&PGUY - Last year, I too purchased a new Bodyguard 380 for my wife. At the same time, I purchased a new Ruger LCP for myself. My first purchase of ammo was the Remington UMC FMJ. The Bodyguard did not fair too well with the Remington ammo. Had 3 magazines, middle of the mag, which had FTFeed issues. The LCP, however, fired anything I could throw at it! Our LGS determined the problem with the Bodyguard was an ammo issue. He fired it with Perfecta (inexpensive Walmart ammo), reloads a friend of his supplies to him, and PMC Bronze. Many rounds of these and not one issue with the Bodyguard! We have since moved on to the PMC Bronze and have had no problems. I have also read where others are having good luck with the American Eagle brand?

If you have any Remington UMC rounds left, next visit to the range, fire some with someone behind you and see if you don't have an excessive amount of sparks coming out of the ejection port. I never noticed it when we first went to the range, but our LGS pointed it out! He did not give us any specific reasons why that was happening, but asked that we not continue using the UMC rounds due to the issues we were having with the pistol. Whatever UMC rounds I have left, I will gladly load them in the LCP and get rid of them!

Don't give up on the Bodyguard 380. I believe it's a well built pistol. It's just one of those things you will have to put more rounds thru it and find the ammo that works best for it!

Good luck and happy shooting - Rick

[JWH321]

I'm shooting reloads with mine. I use CCI primers and Titegroup.

I've not had any issues with light strikes. I'm carrying with Hornady or Gold Dot. Not issues with those either (except they are 'spensive little buggers). I have zero issues with mine. The only thing that bugs me is that this is the loudest gun in my collection. Strange.

[ATF]

Originally Posted by JWH321

I'm shooting reloads with mine. I use CCI primers and Titegroup.

I've not had any issues with light strikes. I'm carrying with Hornady or Gold Dot. Not issues with those either (except they are 'spensive little buggers). I have zero issues with mine. The only thing that bugs me is that this is the loudest gun in my collection. Strange.

So you don't have a shotgun? No collection is complete without one

[mikey460sw]

I was at the range Thursday night with my buddy and he also commented that my m&p bg had a BARK to it. I didn't think so because I'm so used to my 460xvr now that has a BARK to it!!