Ok. So i have the shield 9. Im thinking abt getting the bodyguard 380 to carry in the summertime. Whats everybodys opinion on this little gun. Should i spend the cash on it??

Why can't you carry the shield during the summer? I personally wouldn't drop down to a 380 round especially with the shield being small enough to conceal easily.

My daily carry is a Shield 9. I picked the BG 380 as an alternate for deep concealment, pocket carry, or back-up gun. It's great in those roles and I'm happy with my choice a year later. The main reason I picked the BG 380 over a J-frame was the functional similarity to the Shield, having the same manual of arms, and two more rounds than a 5-shot revolver.

One negative on the BG 380: I've found the laser to be less than 100% reliable. I didn't get it for the laser anyway and only use it to diagnose aiming problems at the range, but if you expect to use the laser in a self-defense situation, there are better options.

I like mine, had it since Dec 2012. Shoots everything I put into it and no jams. Carry it in a pocket holster and it’s totally unnoticed even when I tell shooting friends I’m carrying and ask if they can see it. I carry it casual, if going to more hostel environments like the city I carry a bigger/"badder" gun (45).

The little 380 fits a niche for me. As far as the laser goes I consider that thing a waste of money. This gun is for situations when the SHTF and it’s a draw and fire at close range at contact distance.

I would have preferred to get it without laser and the manual safety, both are not needed IMNSHO. The long trigger pull negates the need for that super stiff manual safety.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

I'm very happy w/ mine and would buy another in a heartbeat. My wife and I just bought a 40 and 9 shield this week and we'll still carry the BG380 as a backup to our shield's.

.380 is not a bad caliber with the right loads.. This day and age defense ammo is so good and you can get some really hot loads in .380 like Buffalo Bore that has more power than a .38 special +p round!! I opted for the Ruger LCP to save some $$$ as I don't carry a .380 much.. they make a LC.380 that just a little bigger too or LC9 same size but 9mm power. The LCP is great little gun for a backup gun or deep CC use.. Also the 2013 LCP now have a steel guide rod, raised sights and a really nice smooth short trigger unlike the older ones.. I shot a S&W Bodyguard and the trigger on it killed the deal for me way too heavy and long.. Most of my guns are S&W too so don't get me wrong I love S&W just not there Bodyguard IMO! You may love it after you shoot one..

Had one, traded it, miss feeds,jambing, worst trigger on any firearm I ever owned.
Have a Ruger LC9 now, only semi I own for CC mostly for summer when on the Harley.

Haverly

I pocket conceal my Shield 9 all year long in dockers and sweat pants.

Is the Shield the ideal pocket rocket? No.

I have considered a Ruger LCP second generation without a laser for the pocket (1/2 the weight loaded as the Shield) but the frame size is keeping me on the fence.

The Shield from the backstrap to the trigger is the same distance as my full size XD 45 but the tinny 380 mouse guns make for an unnatural reach of the trigger for my large hand.

I would strongly recommend you try one on at a range before you pull the trigger.

Russ

Wife has one no problems eats anything we feed it. Read some of the threads on here and make sure you blue Loctite the laser screw. like one thread posted here "Love it or list it" that's the way people feel about it, course lots of fellows feel that way about Bud, Miller, Ford, Chevy, Sony, LG, etc..

Maybe you can fin someone close to you that would let you try one or rent one if you can find one for rent, and make your decision based on that.

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Psalm 23:4

I bought a Taurus TCP .380, put 200 rounds through it with no problems. It was a snappy little thing but really fit nicely in a front pocket, has minimal sights and not much to hold onto without a pierce extension, accurate at close range. Sold it when I got my 9 shield and wish I had kept it since it only cost $199.00. I considered the Bodyguard but didn't want a built in laser.

Does the Remington HTP 380 ammo work well with BG380? GM has a box of 50 for 33 bucks. BTW I,m new to the BG380. I have some Hornaby CDs, but would rather practice with a less expensive ammo.

Ransom nailed it perfectly.

I had a BG380 before I had the shield. Mine has been 100% reliable and the trigger has worn in nicely. IMHO, it's the best pocket 380 a person could ask for. I felt the shield is just too bulky for this purpose.
That said, I wish S&W would have just left the laser off. I just don't see the need for a laser on a double action "belly gun". It is a catalyst for complaints that detract from an honest assessment of an otherwise great little deep concealment gun.

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Dave