I am a younger guy here, just a baby bull, still wet behind the ears(25YRS). I own a 9c and a SD9VE, and will be getting my CPL here in Michigan at the end of June. As us youngsters are, I wear more tight fitting clothes, and even basketball shorts when it's really hot. I have a Shield 9mm on order(it's been forever!)and Bodyguards keep popping up at my LGS'. Which do you guys really prefer to carry in the summer time, especially when you want to barely wear much at all? I have put my 9c IWB with my Foxx Holster, and it's comfy(ONLY AT HOME), but I have had to go to the local thrift store to purchase pants to cut into shorts to fit the weapon comfortably. Just looking for opinions on both guns(Shield and Bodyguard)as which work best for you during these dog days of summer that are upon us.

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SD9VE|M&P9c|M&P15-22|SHIELD9

In my opinion a 380 is only good as a BUG.

So I say get the Shield.

Having said that, the first rule of gun fighting is have a gun. So if you are not going to carry the Shield, then get a 380.

If you do go for a 380, then there is no reason not to go small and light as you can. I would get an LCP over the Bodyguard. The Bodyguard is just too big for what it is.

The 9c and the Shield are very close to the same size. The Shield is thinner but the grip is longer.

The BG380 is MUCH smaller than than the Shield. But it is much less gun also.

For summer shorts carry, I used to carry my BG380 in a pocket. Very easy to do. But then I got a 642 and prefer to carry that in a pocket.

For IWB your 9c is great, the Shield will be a bit easier because of the thin profile.

For pocket carry the small j-frames are superb, but a BG380 will do if that's all you have.

I have and carry all of the guns mentioned, just so you know where I'm coming from....


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Kirk / Spock 2020

I pocket carry a bodyguard daily in the summer. It's little and works for me. I honestly never plan to have to use it but if I do I'm sure I would have wished for my 1911.

I owned a Bodyguard, then quickly sold it. I hated the trigger!!! I owned a Shield 40, then sold it... don't remember why. However, came upon NIB Shield 40 for $449. LOL, same price as over a year ago, at least for me. Yes, the Shield has a long grip for such a small handgun but that is very easily remedied using an IWB holster with 10-20' cant. Also, look into the Sticky &/or Remora holsters. For frequent on-off-on carry, and that they add little to no additional width maybe something you'd be interested in for IWB. I have two different size Sticky holsters. Of course, I can place in such fashion with an extreme cant... grip almost pointing to same side shoulder, and seems to pull more into the body.

... and the answer is the Shield, IMO

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

Sounds to me like the most important aspect of what you are trying to accomplish is finding a reliable gun that will be easy to conceal during summer. If this is correct keep reading...

So first things first, decide what for you is the smallest caliber you are willing to stake your life on. For me it's 9mm, but for others .380 is acceptable. Next, I think the key point here is that a Shield is not much smaller than your 9C, yes it will conceal somewhat better than a 9C but you may be disappointed if you don't adjust your expectations and realize it won't be that much different. So I'm suggesting that for the same money as a Shield, you can have a Kahr CM9 or P380 that will pocket carry all day long. You also get top quality, accuracy, and that great Kahr DAO trigger. Lastly, Kahr is still American made just like S&W.

Not trying to upset the apple cart here, but it bears consideration if what is most important to you right now is ease of carry. I have a 40C and have never CC'd it. However, I CC either my PM9 or XDs .45. In summer I will only carry the PM9, sometimes even in a front pocket.

If you really want a warm weather CCW I'd say the Bodyguard is fine, but the CM9 gives you a pocket carry pistol in 9mm which at least to me is a no brainer. Lastly, you already have your 9C so you won't need to keep another caliber of ammo on hand by going with a CM9.

I'm much like you (mid-20s, MI, CPL, tighter clothes) and own a Shield. Carrying it has been great so far (had it since Oct., don't always carry but do often). I have an Old Faithful IWB (similar to Foxx) and a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster that I use. There is a difference in carrying the Shield vs. 9c, thickness is pretty noticable. Even in tighter jeans I didn't have to bump up a size or be able to carry comfortably. If you're carrying in anything where you can wear a belt, the Shield is great IWB. I too wear gym shorts often, and the Shield will definitely weigh them down to the point that if you don't have the drawstring tight you're going to lose them. Same with sweatpants. Found this to be an issue during the winter, though I then often used the Nemesis holster and put it in a sweatshirt pocket or coat pocket. For the summer, if I'm in gym shorts and want to carry, I forsee myself having a backpack of some sort with me, and will put my Shield in the Nemesis in there. May not be accessable in a second, but at least I'll have it.

I've handled BGs and thought about getting one, just have other things to spend my money on. It's much more of a pocket gun than the Shield, but I feel like I'd still end up putting it in a bag if I was in gym clothes because it'd probably still weigh them down.. IMO 380 is plenty of a gun, but you can make that call as it's been beat to death on this forum...

Try to get your hands on each gun and see what one you like better. That's the main thing. Don't buy either because they are available or because they're the hot new gun, get which one you like and are comfortable with.

If I was going to carry a .380, the BG380 wouldn't be my first choice...too many problems. I had one briefly, and I didn't have any problems, but I would like to see them have a better history for a longer period of time, before I'd want another. If you want a small/light .380 for pocket carry, the Ruger LCP is hard to beat. Ruger has also just come out with the Ruger LC380...but it's the same size as the LC9, and if I was going to carry that size, I'd carry the LC9. My first choice in a .380 would be a SIG P238, but it is heavier and more expensive...and probably best suited to IWB carry, rather than pocket carry.

I would definitely recommend the Shield for IWB carry. It's not a pocket pistol, even for me and my style of dress (I am 62, and favor comfort over tight/stylish.) It is, however, an excellent pistol, far better than the BG380 in every consideration other than size.

Unbrkn

Ditch the tight pants for a Shield - superior weapon and you will be more fertile.

Russ

Totally different triggers. The Shield has a very nice striker fires trigger and the Bodyguard has the longest DA trigger I have ever experienced. I could not get used to it. I carry a Kahr PM9 a lot of the time so I am accustomed to DA triggers but the Bodyguard was unusually long for my tastes.

Haha, they're not as "tight" as you guys may be imagining(or at least I hope you're not imagining). They're just tighter fitting than most. It's more/less the shirts covering the soon to be muffin top I am acquiring at my desk job.

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SD9VE|M&P9c|M&P15-22|SHIELD9

This pretty much said everything I would have said. If you need to be pocket-armed, the BG380 (or, at least as good IMHO, an Airweight or Airlight .38 Special) is probably what you need - and I would not feel badly armed with either.

Edit - if you wear Cargo-type shorts, you can probably make the Shield work.

I'm with Lake all the way... he hit it and me on the nail head. I have lots of different carry guns, different sizes, calibers and capacity.... On any given day, I can find a reason to carry any one of them. You can't go wrong with the BG380, it is an excellent carry gun for a small piece. The trigger sucks, but what trigger doesn't at that size... I don't see a problem with the trigger should I run into a situation where I actually need to use it. I rarely shoot it at the range anymore, occasionally just to remind myself ... Since I picked up my 9mm Shield last summer... it's been my primary carry... although, ya never know, depending on where I'm going, what I'm wearing I could carry anything from a 4" SW 1911 to an airweight J frame, any one of 7 M&P's or my BG380 and anything else in between... Heck... I may even carry anyone of my 3" revolvers in 357, 44, or 45acp... you can never buy the wrong gun!!

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Jack C

I carry my 40 Shield in a BlackHawk #4 pocket holster when wearing summer cloths. Works good for me.

I carry my Shield 9mm in a Blackhawk #4 pocket holster. The combination works nicely with cargo pants or cargo shorts.

As a lefty my 9c is my carry pistol. I carry IWB with an Old Faithful at about 8:30 and find that the full size mag (17 rd w/ x-grip)is much more comfortable than the smaller "compact" mag (12 rd) that the gun ships with.

Yeah it prints more under a Tshirt but a button-down shirt hides it a little better particularly a patterned one (plaid, box, gingham, etc). The Old Faithful also can hold my full size m&p 45.

Not sure what I'm going to do for hot/ summer carry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shield .40 in a Sticky MD-2 works for pocket in all but the tightest pants. Then I use it for IWB. It is a POCKET FULL in some pants though.

The compact you already have is very similar in size to the Shield.

Too easy! Buy a Shield

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

Soldiernurse, can you clarify your two Sticky holster sizes? Do you use both with your Shield? If so, what determines which one you use?

After shooting the Bodyguard, I would go with the Shield any day. I can conceal my Shield IWB and in some shorts, in the pocket.

Spent yesterday with the Shield in my Crossbreed Mini-Tuck and a pair of shorts. Very comfortable and very concealable.

I just came across the perfect situation for my BG380... been up doing yard work since early this morning... no shirt, hot out, pair of camo shorts..... didn't really want to carry my Shield on my side.... Blackhawk #3 pocket holster and my BG in the pocket... perfect!!

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Jack C

Here’s my thoughts; you already have an M&P 9C (Nice gun) you can carry inside the waistband, so you have a great gun you can carry concealed, the shield isn’t going the print that much less than the 9c. When wearing shorts and a tee shirt the Bodyguard can be carried in your pocket, you can lift your arms up or whatever and not worry about exposing your firearm. I carry a Walther PPS IWB when wearing a summer shirt or a coat (the PPS is the same size as the Shield) but with lighter summer clothing, it just doesn’t hide well. So I carry the Bodyguard in a DeSantis pocket holster, even when setting it doesn’t print.

Shield or Compact IWB, BG380 for the pocket carry option.

I had a Shield 9 and may acquire another if my dad dosn't like his, just got a Compact 9 and have had a BG380 as a pocket carry option when IWB just won't do. IMO, having options is a good thing when it comes to concealed carry.

The LG-6S is the Stickyholster size for my M&P 9c, whereas these sizes are for the Shield; MD-4 or MD-2

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

I have the MD-4 for my Shield, and even with the Lasermax, it's too big (holster is too long). It fit and worked great for my SW990Lc while I waited for my Shield to arrive.

The slightly longer length and heft of the SW990Lc must be the difference in how the MD-4 performed with both pistols. Every time I have used it with the Shield, I've felt like it was going to flip out (holster w/pistol), and twice it has popped out due to sitting and standing back up. Once I had it slide down into my pants. I don't find the "Sticky" material to be that grippy.

Even the Shield in an Uncle Mike's "Sidekick" size 12 doesn't feel like it goes down far enough in the pants to stay secure. It felt like it wanted to flip out (also the whole setup, holster and pistol). Once, it did ride up about a 1/4" or so. My SW990Lc never acted this way in that holster.

I'm waiting on a PJ Holster to arrive. I look forward to seeing how it works.

Maybe size MD-2 for the Shield would work better for you? I never have an issue with the Sticky Holster sliding down or flipping out. Another option is the Remora, which I've heard
stays in place better than the Sticky.

I have several PJ Holsters IWB. You will be pleased!

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

You mean there are places that you won't wear shorts year round?

Have both the BG380 and Shield 40. Much easier pocket carrying the BG380, but for me, horrible trigger compared to the sweet trigger on the Shield (soon to be much better with BG380 trigger kit from Galloway). Brute firepower force, no comparison, .40 over 380. Accuracy and follow up shots, again no contest. Using the safety, same thing, butter smooth flick off with Shield, where almost 2 hands are needed to force the BG380 into fire mode. Shield wins every time, except when smallest and lightest is needed. Here in a year round shorts weather state, Shield is pocket carried 85%, BG 10%.

Attached Images

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	pocket_holsters.jpg (140.6 KB, 122 views)

You must have some big pockets....

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Jack C

The bodyguard Carries better almost invisible. The shield 40 shoots better, but looks like a paperback book in your pocket. At 25 you care about style, go with the bodyguard..

You bring up a good point.
How large is the person.

I don't consider myself too large, at 6'1" and 215lbs, and the shorts I usually wear are Woolrich Elite with 34" waist. Never wear belts to hold up the extra weight in my pocket, which also limits carry options a little, and shorts don't sag down at all when carrying the Shield. Pocket carry is not for instant use, and more of a just in case, and when you have a second or two to spare sort of thing.

If I was 5'6" and 135lbs, things might be different.

I have a PPS, same size as the Shield. I carried it in an ankle holster at work, and an OWB or IWB as the mode of dress required. Then I went to the Kimber Solo 9. While it is smaller, it still requires an ankle holster at work, and something on the hip other times.
I now have a BG380, and just transferred one to a student. While it is way small, although not as small as the LCP, it is far from reliable. Mine has been back to Smith already, and came back in the same condition as it went. Extremely picky as to ammo that doesn't require a second or third strike. Not acceptable for carry. Then, the one that I transferred to a student was shot about 50 times when the takedown lever broke in half, rendering it as effective as a rock.
How it carries becomes secondary very quickly when it won't go bang when you pull the trigger.
It's back to the Kimber Solo 9 at all times until Smith can get it together and render the BG something other than a Beta test gun.

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Fight socialism. Never stop.

Well it is a shame to hear of some of the issues people have with the BG. I have a Shield 9 and a Bodyguard. I love my shield I have approx. 1500 rounds through it and never missed a beat. I have approx. 600 rds through the BG only one fail to feed, I have used several different brands and its been very reliable. I will carry the shield IWB when dress permits but in the summer when shorts are the norm I go with the BG. As far as trigger pull you cant compare the Shield is striker fired and has a nice trigger the BG is a long DA pull like a revolver. I like the long pull for pocket carry. But don't be fooled if you are willing to practice the BG is very accurate I can consistently shoot half dollar sized groups at seven yds. If I shoot as fast as I can empty the gun and stay on target they are softball size. I think both are good guns and it is good to have the ease of carry the BG provides.

For your circumstances, I still recommend the Shield. As you may be using basketball shorts or other apparel that will not support the weight of a "real gun," I recommend you look into one of the so-called Belly Band type holsters.

Three good ones are the ones made by: (1) Gould and Goodrich; (2) Galco; and, (3) this place:

Belly Band Holster - The Original Bellyband - Concealment Holsters

May I suggest the PT One Concealment Holster, which is excellent for running, etc.

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

I carry the Shield 9 and have both a Remora and a DeSantis. I found the Remora to be a poor fit but the DeSantis works well as both a pocket and a IWB holster.

The Nemesis model?

I have both. I carry both (off and on).

The Shield is my EDC, but when wearing shorts (especially athletic polyester ones), I cannot carry the Shield (too heavy). I opt to wear a belt around my waist and use my IWB with the BG. I then pull the shorts over the belt and IWB holster.

I got my BG (Nov '12) because I could not find a Shield. Personally, they are really two different weapons and serve well when one is not available or cannot be carried.
1. Trigger pull (long DA for BG)
2. ammo (9mm vs. .380)
3. $$$ (practice and EDC; .380 is more expensive)
4. size

#3 is the most important. If you cannot practice with it (and I cannot right now given the ammo shortage), don't carry it. I can shoot 9mm all day (given that I got 9mm the day after elections).

Personally, I prefer the Shield given that it's a 9mm. But as others have said, if no Shield were available, I'd still carry the BG. Looking back, if both were readily available at the time, I'd get the Shield first (as I carry it more). I use a Desantis SuperFly pocket holster, and it works great for pants and cargo shorts. It is noticeably heavier than the BG. The last time I carried the BG in a pocket holster (Desantis SuperFly), I could not help but (not)notice the weight difference. It was as though I wasn't carrying!

As for Ruger vs. SW. My buddy has an LCP. It has the same long DA trigger. His has not been 100% reliable (firing pin fell out at range). So, YMMV, as all guns are mechanical and can go defective.

If you go LCP or BG, I recommend a grip extender. Worked wonders for my aim with it; made the long trigger not as much an issue (due to balance and stability (all 3 bottom fingers were now handling the gun)). It can get caught in the pants, so practice is key (and knowing what type of pants to wear). I got my grip extenders from Garrison Grips off eBay.

The Shield is the better option if you are going to employ it. To be realistic, it's not always possible to carry it. The Bodygaurd always give you a pocket option, something everyone should have in my opinion. I carry mine in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster with the CorBon DPX round. I don't know anyone who'd want to stand in front of one. I do work with this gun often and practice drawing from the pocket and deploying the laser. All you have to do is commit to it.

I am not currently carrying the BG380, but I did for the better part of a year after very serious surgery affecting my right arm - I carried it in a Nemesis on my left side, loaded with the same load.

The dependability, in terms of function, of mine is astonishing (Serial EASxxxx). It literally will feed empty cases.

I see complaints about the trigger - if you carry revolvers, it's a snap to transition to the BG380.

The two revolvers that I own and would rather shoot over the BG380 are S&W model 64-4 38spl and an 8 3/8" S&W 500. Yes, I would rather pull the trigger of the 500 before the BG380. Even my Polish 9x18 P-64 in dual action is much easier to work all day long. The problem with the BG380 trigger may be similar to that of pocket carry. The size of the shooter. My trigger finger must be larger than most, since once it hits the loooong breaking point, it has bottomed out in the trigger guard. It makes it feel like you are pulling full gun metal weight, not just a trigger. One magazine and I have zero desire to shoot anymore of the BG380 that day. Still, as a carry weapon, it would work even for me as it is, since chances of needing to reload are slim. The wife can shoot 50+ rounds in the BG380 without problems. I can shoot 40 rounds of the 500 without problem, so it is not like I can't handle stuff. So like the pocket carry size depends on the person's size, the trigger depends on the persons size as well. I look forward to the upcoming trigger kit for the BG380 from Galloway, which is supposed to cut trigger pull in half.

If you are willing to open your choices a bit, you might want to think about a revolver. I have an LCR with a nemesis pocket holster that is very concealable with the typea of clothing you have described.

You can't even begin to compare the X-frame to the BG380. I will say that even comparing a K-frame to a J-frame will result in a pretty poor review of the J-frame for most adult males, simply due to the size of the gun vs. the size of the hand, and the BG380 is even more mis-matched to something the size of a K-frame. There's really no way to get around the basic physical size differences.

Desantis Nemesis model cut for the Glock 26 is the perfect fit as a pocket holster for the Shield. The tag on my holster reads E1.

Russ

I have a 9c also and am awaiting my carry permit. I bought the 9c about 3 weeks ago and plan to use it as my preferred carry gun. The 9c conceals quite well in most of my clothing but not so well in summer stuff. For that reason, I bought a BG 380 a few days ago.

Shootingwise I prefer the 9c hands down but the BG can be concealed in anything I'd wear. I'm in my early 60s, overweight, and don't wear spandex. Personally, I didn't see a great deal of difference between the 9c and the shield with respect to concealment. I got the BG simply because I want to carry concealed as much as possible. I'm afraid my 9c would have stayed at the house more than I would like.

Soldiernurse

I am looking at a money belt for my passport etc.

Just wondering if this belly holster could serve as a money belt? If yes which model and can you keep small items like credit cards from falling out?

Thanks

Russ

I have both. The Shield works great if you can use a belt. Its a superior gun........how ever for gym shorts, track pants, or deep conceal the Bodyguard is AWESOME. Its better than not carrying at all.

I have no idea how people are pocket carrying a Shield!!

Gee as I sit here at my computer and look down at my jean pocket, I am looking at my 40 Shield in my front pocket of my carpenter jeans. Oh I just pulled it out of my pocket while sitting, Ya I did have to lean to the side but it came out just fine. My Shield works good in my pocket

Yesterday I carried my 642 in my shorts pocket.

Today I had to go to a work meeting in a hospital and carried my BG380 in my jeans front pocket.

I really don't care a dang about the trigger on my BG380 or my 642.

Both work well. Both make the gun go bang.

What in the world do you guys need a fantastic crisp 4 pound trigger with an audible sharp reset for on a self defense gun???

I must be missing something. I must be a NOOB or a MAROON.


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Kirk / Spock 2020

"Anything less is uncivilized."

For me personally, I'm not a born sharp shooter. If I only had long DA triggers, I'd be fine, but having cut my shooting teeth on Striker Fire Tupperware Specials, if I were to suddenly switch to a long DA trigger, my Center of Mass shots would have POI's Center of Crotch!