First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

For a first possible ccw weapon, what do you guys think. Should I go with a gun that I will be able to bring with me mostly everywhere in my pocket as the bodyguard, but lose a bit cause it's a 380. Or should I get something along the lines of the shield in 9 and not have it on me at times because I what I am wearing. I don't have any ccw guns, so this purchase will be for my primary gun for a year and the I will buy the other one the following year, just don't have the cash for both. Pretty much pocket gun first or iwb?

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I'd much rather have a 9mm or 40 S&W, so for me it would be the Shield.

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

So your vote is for iwb first over the pocket? Regardless of weapon?

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First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Not a fan of the 380 but if you are dead set on carrying in pocket the Bodyguard is a good choice

The xDs in 9mm would be a nice choice as well when it comes out. My xDs in 45 fits in my pocket. I however prefer my Shields in a Remora or Sticky

IMO, get the shield and a good quality, tuckable IWB holster. Once it is broken in, you will forget it is there. The shield is thin enough to disappear under even just a non-skin tight tee shirt.

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

The xds fits in your pocket? Are these normal Jean pockets or cargo shorts. I wear like Eddie Bauer jeans so normal pockets. Thanks

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I would rather dress around the weapon than settle for easier carry. The Shield is very easy to conceal and is available in two excellent self defense calibers. To me, the 9mm is the minimum one should carry for self defense.

IMO, the Bodyguard versus the other pocket pistols(P3AT, Ruger LCP, etc.) would be a better comparison than the Shield.

IWB in my humble opinion is much better than pocket carry

I would say 380 is a marginal carry caliber

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Tundra I am buying both. My question is which should a new cc´we buy first. An all around pocket pistol or iwb weapon.
It will take about a year to save enough for the other
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Shield all the way. Its very concealable, and a pleasure to shoot. I've carried mine in a Black hawk Check six OWB leather holster wearing shorts and a loose fitting T-shirt many times. Its also a gun you can take out and run a couple hundred rounds through if you want, without getting your hand all beat up.

Pete
I pocket 10 hours per day my Shield 9mm in slacks.

I changed my stock sights for XD Big Dot. Rear stock sight catches .

If you want a 9mm pocket smaller and lighter than the Shield that is worth buying I would look at the Sig 938.

I have shot and pocket concealed my friends Sig 938 and it is a very well made and reliable.

Russ

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Thanks for all the input. Still tough.

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Get the Shield first, IMO. As has been stated it can be concealed by using an IWB holster or an OWB holster. The Shield is a much more versatile pistol.

Funny..to all who thinks a BG.380 isn't enough gun for self defense I say this..come over,I'll let you start beating me up,and after two or three rounds of BG.380 thrown at you,I want you to tell me I should've had a 9m..and keep beating me up..The best gun for SD is one you can carry/conceal and shoot,it dont have to be an elephant gun,some suggest at least this calaber or that as a minimum..rediculous.Sure someone "could" keep coming at you after a.380 hit,but I can also link you a video on You tube showing a guy that keeps coming after a couple.40 rounds from a LEO..JMHO..Phil

The 380 will punch holes. Is it enough power? Lets not go there, everyone is going to have a different opinion. I would feel better with the power of a 9mm or a .40 . I have shot my friends teeny/tiny LCP380 and it wants to pop out of my hand. I could only get off a couple of shots before I gave it back. I could shoot my 40c all day (which is slightly bigger than a shield).

Get out shoot both. If you are heading toward the 380, definitely shoot it.

The 380 is definitely smaller, but too small for me.

Personally, I haven't carried anything smaller than a 9mm in over 25 years, but I know some that are very comfortable only carrying .380.
For self defense, It's not so much caliber as it is about shot placement and managing recoil for Followup shots, so I would suggest that the OP shoot both, decide which one has more manageable recoil and allows the shooter to get back on target for quicker followup shots.

For me, the Shield has a much tamer recoil than some .380s out there.
I have never shot the Bodyguard, so I don't know what it's recoil is like, compared to the Shield.

Sounds like you are trying to talk yourself into a 380. :D. Hands down,I take the 9 Shield. I pocket carry in deep cargo,IWB,behind my back or shoulder holster.

Simple test. Go out and find (don't buy yet), ahh...500 rounds of each. That will tell you something about the times at hand. You will need ammo to practice and carry. You will want ammo availability of some kind right off the bat. While you are out there,a few extra mags would be nice too,not nessory at this time,just brousing/shopping too. Did you find many 380's or 9's ? I haven't seen 380's anywhere around here for a VERY long time. 9's I can usually find "something" somewhere.

Your ammo is you biggest challenge right now. Get the one you can find the most ammo for.:D

First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

I have both the Shield and BG 380. Get the Shield first because it will be your primary weapon and you'll enjoy shooting it more. The BG 380 is a great alternate for when you need something smaller, but I found the Shield can be carried almost all the time and it is more powerful, thus a better defensive weapon. Also the Shield is easier to shoot and 9mm costs less than .380 ammo so you'll be able to afford to shoot more. In my opinion the Shield wins hands down.

I never carry in my pocket so that i not a consideration for me. I have lots of guns and most are compact/subcompact. The Shield is a very nice size that gives you concealability and large enough for controlability. The fact that it comes in 9mm or .40 S&W is the icing on the cake.

As between the two, the 9mm Shield is clearly the way to go. You can take it everywhere. Use a pocket holster.

Another vote for the Shield. More controllable and more power. Better for an all around gun. I carry one quite a lot in an IWB and when I am not carrying that it is an M&P 340 .38 in my front pocket. I have many choices but those are the two that get carried the most.

BG is a punishing gun. It is NOT a pleasure to shoot.
- hurts the palm.
- pinky is lonely (unless you get a pinky extension).
- trigger is SOOOOO long, so a lot of practice is required.
- 380 is an expensive caliber (when compared to 9mm).

That said, I bought the BG to buy time until I got a Shield. I figured that in the Summer, when I'm wearing little, the BG might come in handy, so it would not be wasted money. I'm currently using it as my CCW as I wait for my Shield.

To tame the BG, I've added a pinky extension that really aids in accuracy. I also added a rubber overgrip (Pachmayr 5173); while it made shooting the BG much much more comfortable, its spongy nature is annoying; the bottom also slips at times to cover the magazine slot. No trigger mod or any way to change the cost of rounds.

I just ordered a Shield. It will be my primary CCW outside of the scenario listed above.

Overall, I like the BG; having it is better than nothing. It's just not a plinker.

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

My LGS said their US a trigger job to cut it in half that is reasonably priced. Just in case you weren't aware.

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That just adds more cost again.

As an owner of a BG and a Shield .40, I find myself carrying them near equally with the BG getting slightly more time.

For comfort, it's hard to beat the BG. I have a great IWB holster for my Shield but after a few hours of carry I start to notice it. Yes, with my tuckable IWB I can get away with carrying my Shield anywhere, but it's still more comfortable carrying the BG. If I'm business casual in a polo and khakis, the Shield works well because of the pants material. However, in suit pants, I feel the fabric is too thin and the Shield stands out a bit. The BG works better in that situation.

The trigger on the BG didn't take much getting used to for me. I also own a 642 so I was used to heavy triggers. At 20ft I can easily put 7 rounds in a 6" circle. It's a close quarters gun for sure, but it does its job well. At the same distance, I do shoot better with the Shield.

Which would I rather have on me if I needed to use it? The Shield. That's a no brainer. Do I feel like I'm at a terrible disadvantage if I only carry the BG? No.

My feeling is I CAN carry the Shield 100% of the time, but not as easily and comfortably as the BG. I do physical work where I'm squatting, kneeling, lying down at strange angles, crawling, climbing, squeezing through tight spaces, carrying large heavy objects etc. The BG definitely works better then. It's also my kayaking gun.

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

So in your opinion the bg first followed by shield type? Like I said I am buying both, just trying to figure out order of purchase.

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Amidst all the discussion about which caliber is a better SD round, I have to say I agree with the post that basiclly says its better to have a 380 and carry it than a 45 sitting in the safe. A carry guin that is not with you when needed is worthless.
I've been carrying for 20 years too and of course started out with a full sized 1911 followed by a Commander sized 1911, followed by an officers sized 1911.... I live in NC and found that except for about 4 months of the year I didn't wear enough clothes to comfortably carry a large pistol - and forget about the summer wearing shorts and a T shirt.. My carry guns wound up sitting home most of the time until I bought a little PPK in 380 about 12 years ago. Its been my primary carry gun ever since. These days there are so many choices for small 380 and 9mm pistols that even my PPK seems too big and definitely too heavy. My wife just bought a Body Guard some time back for her purse gun and we spent some time shooting it one day at the range. With the finger extension mags (which I also use on my PPK) I found it to be quite manageable and not all all uncomfortable to shoot. 380 ammo has also come along way in recent years and with some good quality ammo, I don't feel at all "undergunned" with my 380. Is a 40 or 45 a better SD round, sure... but it needs to be with you when you need it..

Most people I know can shoot a Shield or LC9 sized weapon much better than they can the less powerful, pocket sized .380's. Do I want to be on the business end of a .380? Heck no, but when it comes to protecting my family and myself, I prefer at least the 9mm at a minimum.

I to have both guns, and I carry the Shield .40 more often. With a good holster I feel the Shield dissapear after little time wearing it. But forenzics will tell you that more homicides are commited with the .380 than any other caliber. Don't under estimate the .380, it is very leathal. And way more concealable. My wife loves the Bodyguard, only gun in our arsinal she likes to shoot. Up close and pesonable with the right load, it will stop you. Bodyguard is a great little .380, I have owned just about every brand in them and it is my personal favorite in the .380, next in line is the Bersa Thunder .380. Real nice gun if you get a good one.

Lots of good opinions that will be endless on this subject.:)

I'm currently in the process of evaluating three of the most sought after CC guns being produced today. Below are the three I'm working with. The dimensions of the LCP are very similar to the BG 380.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps31aa4120.jpg

As is the case with all firearms, there are trade-offs, compromises and considerations that must be made by everyone. There is no perfect or near perfect choice when it comes to defensive CC guns, only the closest adaptation to what your needs are.

1. As others have mentioned shoot any and all you are considering before you decide.

2. As others have mentioned, try to carry all for concealment based on your usual clothing choices. If you're looking for a true "pocket carry" gun, arguably, the Shield and XDs are just marginally workable IMO.

3. Familiarity and functional practice are the key to effective use of any of these guns and calibers. In very close defensive situations, and with accurate placement, even the calibers like the 380 can be very effective when used properly, exceeding the effectiveness of poorly placed 9's, 40's and 45's.

4. In my mind the near-perfect CC gun would be an BG/LCP size 5 shot 40 or 45 ACP -- but then -- who among us could shoot it well and who would want to with the accompanying uncontrollable recoil.

So.... My advice to you would be to buy a Shield, preferably in 9mm, and just deal with the adaptations we all have to put up with... Later with your next purchase you can decide to opt for more power or more practical concealment.
..

JMHO

Yeah, it won't fit in normal jeans pocket..it will in cargo style pants and I mean in the front pocket, not the cargo pocket

But if I have my druthers it will be the Shield in either the Sticky or Remora...the xds fits fine as well in either holster

If the choice is between a gun you'll have with you always or a gun you'll have with you sometimes, then the answer's obvious to me. It's better to have a BG380 in your pocket than having a Shield at home because it doesn't fit your present mode of dress.
It sounds to me like you intend to get both but can only afford one now and the other later.
I'd say get the BG380 first, practice with it lots and carry it always.
I know where you're coming from, people say dress around the gun but I don't have the money for a new wardrobe. I have to make do with what I have. For me that means a 442 either on my belt or in my pocket in a homemade holster.

I have both.

The BG380 is so easy to carry ANYWHERE!! It really easy to grab and go.

I love my shield and how it shoots but the little Bodyguard is awesome to carry.

I have a BG and a 40c. At work BG is in my pocket due to cloths I have to wear.. In winter 40c IWB and carry as much as I can and most of time BG is in my pocket also. Summer is almost always BG due to size. .380 better than nothing. I have large hands and Pinkey extension on BG and don't plan on shooting it in Self Defense situation, hopefully not that many times. As another post said, practice and get used to it. State again, .380 better than nothing.

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Thank you everyone. I am gonna go to my father in laws tonight for dinner. I am hoping to raid his gun safe. He never shoots but has a lot of guns. Last time I was there I got a ruger Mark II. I am gonna see if maybe he has a small 380 that way I can get the primary and bug together. I didn't think of that before.

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Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

All he had was an Inverness 380 cheapy so I passed.

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.380 with the right ammo will at least give you an opportunity to get away from a bad situation. I would however consider something like the LC9. Not as small as the BG, not as big as the Shield.
As has been stated many times in many places, "the best gun for self defense is the one you have with you".
Good luck.

Why, S&W, couldn't you make the BG380 like the Shield (ergonomics, recoil, trigger)? WHHHHYYYY?!???

All I can say is WOW. If ammo weren't so expensive and scarce, I would have kept shooting! Just got my 9mm from D&L today - well after a 2 day wait at the FFL. I put 25 rounds through it w/o a hitch. I cleaned it first as others have recommended. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. WOW.

Time to get wider pants. My IWB is a little tight, but the BG is now relegated to the safe. Again, not a 'bad' gun, just not fun to shoot; also .380 ammo is more scarce for me. BG is a great size though.

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Got a brand new xds for a steal today. Had to jump on it at 500 delivered. Thanks for the help guys.

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That is a GREAT price! Congrats. I'm waiting for the xDs to come out in 9mm as well. I think that will be a hot little gun, probably be just as hard to find as the Shield.

I suggest using Frog Lube on your XDS.....mine loves it

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Thanks tango. What do you feel about the recoil?

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You can have a pistol in .22 and a pistol in .45 but if the .45 is to uncomfortable to carry then its not doing you any good.. ANY gun is better than nothing, so get something you can carry comfortably ALL the time

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

The XDS in 45 will have a good amount of recoil. So would a small 380 in a different way. This is why so many people recommend the 9mm in a small gun (smaller than a 45 gun bigger than a 380 gun).

First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Pete

I find the recoil manageable especially for a 45 in that size. And I am as recoil sensitive as they come It does bark but in a controlled manner. I find it more pleasant to shoot than my 40 Shield and it is a tack driver for such a small gun

I think you will enjoy it. I've seen you over on xdtalk so you know what your getting yourself into :)

Chances are you won't need to use whatever you carry, BUT, in the event that you DO need it...what will you be thinking if it happens when you left you "shield" at home because your attire for the day wouldnt accomodate it...or the weight would bother you...or any one of a host of reason)?
The point is....when you need it - YOU DON'T HAVE A GUN(on you).
I would get the Bodyguard. That way you have no reason to EVER be unarmed!

Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Thanks tango. These are both great forums. Oftentimes when looking for an opinion, asking it on a forum for that enthusiast will illicit biased responses which is why I may ask the same question in multiple forums. I appreciate everyone's guidance to me to help make correct choices. Thanks everyone

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Re: First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

If you train with it and can shoot it well, it's all good. I'm not a blind brand enthusiast. I know what works for me and what I prefer. I respect that others have different needs and preferences. Everything else being equal, a small 380 or small 45 will recoil more than a small 9mm such as a Shield sized gun. Can't escape physics.

Nothing against the 45. I'd like a small 45 for no good reason though. Shot placement and fast follow up shots over caliber.

First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380
 

Swag... You are correct on that the 45 has a bit more recoil than the Shield 9. However I'm amazed at how little recoil it actually has given its size. I would have thought a lot more. I'm more accurate with the xDS vs the Shield especially with the first shot. Go figure? Hopefully with that kind of shooting a followup shot not necessary lol

Does the Sticky work well?

Pete, congrats on the new purchase... as for your BG versus Shield original question... I hands down say Shield. I personally carry the shield and have been able to successfully carry and conceal in ALL attire. I live in FL and have worn it with gym shorts with the right holster. Getting the proper holsters for comfort or maximum concealment is the ticket. To me the .380 will get the job done but you will be able to practice way more with the shield since it is actually COMFORTABLE to shoot and relatively easy to find reasonably priced ammo when OBAMA isn't in office... this is going to give you a lot of time at the range which will pay off in the long run if you plan on getting both guns. To me pocket guns are more of a luxury... where if you wake up one day and say... ya know I really want an ultra light gun to fit in my pocket... you can... I forsee it getting a lot of safe time if you are used to the shield/similar.

JMHO