Really, sorta, kinda, thinking about, looking at, a summertime 380 carry. Bodyguard, LCP-II, or Diamondback.

Anyone know or have any experience with these three choices ??

Current carry is Shield-45...but know little about 380's other than what I read........

Comments good bad or indifferent would be appreciated.......

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Hipcocked45

I don't have one of your above choices . I do have and sometimes carry the Sig P238 . It's all metal , carries well , comfortable to shoot , is quite accurate ( for it's size ) , has a nice feel to it , not so small to grip . It's kind of a mini 1911, external hammer SAO . I have a friend that's a 35yr + LEO , he has shot it and has recommended it to several , and he's a real Glock fan . They are more pricey than your selections above . I suggest you look and handle one before you decide .

I have 2 of the LCP Gen 1 they make great backups, but the LCP II might be better suited due to the similarities in the trigger design to the Shield .

"might be better suited due to the similarities in the trigger design to the Shield" ???? By this reasoning why would not the Bodyguard be closer in trigger than the LCP ?? Just curious as I know little about either.

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Hipcocked45

I have no complaints about my BG380.


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How long have you owned it ? any light primer stikes? How do you find the trigger ? Thanks

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Hipcocked45

I carry a BG380 a lot and shot it a lot with no problems. I have owned several of the LCP's and one Diamondback and to me the BG380 is by far the best of the bunch.I had a lot of problems with light strikes out of the little striker fired guns.

I've had it 3 years. I had 1000 rounds of remanufactured ammo that both the BG380 and Glock 42 had trouble with about 1 in 10 hard primers. All other ammo has been fine. The trigger is a long pull, double action trigger. It's consistent. I like it. My GF doesn't like it.

The BG380 was my first handgun actually. I have had it for a year. I did not mind the trigger, it is a bit heavy but i still loved shooting it at the range. I did not fully realize how small it was until i bought my shield 9. Looking back, it was awesome carrying in basketball shorts and not having to worry about concealing. It would be nice if it had better front sights but not a big deal since it is intended for close range and i got the laser version (must have in my opinion)

I did not have any light strikes. I did have a few failure to feeds but for some reason it only happened when i used Aguila Ammo (90gr i believe).

I have a BG 380 that I sometimes carry in my front pocket with a sticky holster. I find that I carry it a little more often in the summer due to different dress and activities. I have over 600 rounds through it with no failures of any kind. As was stated above the first trigger pull is long, but that's ok as I don't have a manual safety. It serves the purpose perfectly.

BDG380 is an awesome little pistol, easy to conceal, great for pocket carry. I decided for it because of the seize, and really don't care about Ruger pistols. It is a long trigger pull, but nothing you can't get used to it. No light primers or any other issue, at the range I just turn on the laser and don't even use the sights, great pistol. Try to rent the ones you are incline, and decide for yourself.

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M&P 9, Shield9.

I'd choose a G42

I have a few Walther's in .380, plus a Ruger Custom LCP. I like the .380 cartridge, it is a 9mm short, but not that short. If I go up from the .380, I go to the .45acp. That is what I carry off of the farm. Nothing wrong with the .380 in my book. I had a bad experience with the BG, I would stick with a Ruger.

I have had an LCP (gen 1) for many years. I've thought about "up-grading" it but whenever I do I just remember the most important thing for a little gun like the LCP is that it work ALL of the time, and my LCP does that. Who cares about trigger pull, it's not a range gun. You need a gun that is 100% reliable, arguably the LCP line has been one of the most reliable pocket 380s on the market.

Hello dben002 - I have two Ruger LCP (first gen) and I have zero complaints on the gun. Wife (LCP color is purple) and I have 400 rounds thru each one. We have more holster for the LCP than any other arm due to it's flexibility. It weighs nothing and is easy to shoot. My wife carrys her's about 50% of the time. She has a purple LC9 that she likes. I carry mine less than I use to because of the round. I hit a deer and had to put it down 1st shot was right on top of skull and the 380 did not break thru the bone. I then lean further over and put a round in the heart to dispatch the deer. It was loaded with Critical Defense rounds. I don't fault the round I just discovered it's limitations. I still carry it about 20% of the time but prefer a J-Frame 38 now. Been thinking about the 45 Shield ...............

I had the BG .380 and it was great up until the two year mark, then light strikes started. Owned the Glock 42 and it was a jam-o-matic. The Ruger LCP (Gen 1) has been reliable for me, and it's the smallest and lightest of the bunch. I bought it @ Gander Mountain for $199 just before the LCPII came out.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

If I din't love my gen 2 so much I would get a BG380

dben,I carry a BG 380 and my wife has a genII lcp both fine guns ,I tried all the forementioned pistol in this thread and there is none other I would trust in my pocket other than the loooong trigger in the BG,even my wifes genII which she carries in her purse..I have over 1300 rounds thru my BG with NO failures. Plus the BG has other features like SS slide,second strike capability and the mags are less expensive.PS I also have a Sig 238 best shooter in a .380 I own but I won't use her for pocket carry

The only .380 I would consider carrying is the Kimber Micro .380. I have the Micro Raptor .380 and I have been very impressed with the accuracy and overall quality. The ambidextrous safety is also a must for me. This would not be the gun for you if you're not comfortable carrying cocked and locked.

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

My only .380 is the LCP Custom. It is small, light, and it works - all the time, didn't bust the budget, and it has sights! I carry it both IWB and OWB depending on what I'm wearing. Oh, and it shoots well, so........

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I love my LCP Custom.

I have the BG 380 and it always operates perfectly. It has fired hundreds of rounds and cycles Fiocchi hollow points just like ball rounds. I carry it everywhere and sometimes as a backup to my 1911.

I see no one suggesting one of the best 380 pistols out there. And, I have
a Sig Sauer P232. I suggest checking at your gun store the Bersa Thunder
380. Fine workmanship and high quality for less than $300.
Bersa actually produces a number of different pistols and all are impressive.
All of the others mentioned are fine too.
I have mine as a desk gun__attached via a magnet under the right hand
drawer. Loaded with Lehigh Defense ammo (the bullet looks like a Phillips
screw driver!
Good luck in you quest for a nice 380.
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

Absolutely agree with you, Horn. If I did not own my LCP Custom, the Bersa is what I'd have. The quality belies the price point. It also is one of the better-looking firearms, IMO. I own the Bersa Thunder 22 and enjoy plinking with that one, also. Good call.

Agreed, but the Bersa is just about as big as the OP's Shield 45 so where's the advantage?

Here in the northwest, summer temps are usually in the 70's and occasionally into the 80's so wearing a light weight vest to cover a hip holster is doable. When the temps do get too warm for a vest, a pull over shirt outside the belt neatly covers my Sig P238, Bersa 85 or my Shield 9. I do, however, wear a dark colored shirt which helps to obscure the gun's profile.

My daughter has a '42 and yes indeed, it can be very fussy just like my P238 but I found the right combination powder/bullets so they are both totally reliable shooters.

BTW: I got the P238 before the Sig P938 (9mm) was available. If I could have chosen between the two guns, I would have opted for the P938. Not much bigger than the P238 but with more stopping power, 9mm versus 9mm 'short'.

Currently carry a LCP 2.The new trigger seems to be an improvement over the older LCP and the BG380.

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JR

If Bonephish comes back to this thread, or if someone else has the below trigger guard/holster (whatever you'd call it), please identify it and give a review of how well you like it. Does the guard reproducibly stay in the pocket when the pistol is drawn from the pocket? A quick internet search did not help me identify it.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

The holster is by Boraii. Yes the holster stays in your pocket when you draw. BORAII - Home

I also have one for my Sig P938.

I don't own any but I've shot the Beretta 84 and the Ruger LCP. Surprisingly, despite being a heavier gun, the Beretta has a lot more felt recoil.

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Yes I see a wide range of suggestions here...did look at the Bersa...I think it's actually larger than my Shield 45..or the same size..Actually looking at hot summer time carry (pocket)..so was thinking smaller than the Bersa.....

My biggest problem now is watching all the reviews...seems the Bodyguard which I seem to favor could have some problems with light primer strikes as there are numerous vid's with this problem with this weapon....Have seen no vid's with problems with the LCP-II so all this just adds to my confusion as I like the looks of the Bodyguard better. Guess I need range time with both but probably can't get range time with the LCP-II as you can hardly find one to purchase anywhere........To bad the Bodyguard has so many problem vid's......or I would have purchased one already....
so I will remain ??????????????????????????????? confused for a time.

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Hipcocked45

First step is head out to the LGS and pick up handle and dry fire. You need to see and feel this answer, you may not even consider the BG 380 after you do. For the fans...Nothing against the BG380, I like the gun, but the trigger is nothing like a Shield, and does turn some people off of the idea. It's a long double action trigger.

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Something really smart

I carried an LCP custom for a few years and it shot great. My partner at work kept shooting it and finally asked if he could buy it from me. Like a dummy I sold it to him....He carries it everyday here at work as a backup...

Tony P.

I just returned from the range about 1/2 hour ago, after shooting my 1911. I was carrying my LCP Custom and thought I should give it a go since I had not done so for some time. The accuracy was very adequate, with close groups, pretty much on point. I shot a couple of mags and put it away. It has never failed in any way in a year's time. A couple of months ago I had thoughts of ridding myself of it and purchasing something else in .380, but why? I see nothing better in the marketplace for the price. (I WOULD purchase the LCP-II, however if I did not have the Custom.)

The Glock 42 carries great in a pocket holster and is soft shooting and accurate.

For the past many years I have carried a Walther PPK/S and I would not consider carrying anything else. Yes, being all metal (mine is stainless) it's a bit on the weighty side but, dang, it shoots so good! Nothing fancy about it and very much old school, just like me.

Bob

PS: I would also like to note that after several years of carry and, virtually, thousands of rounds (including Buffalo Bore +P) it has never even once failed to go BANG when the trigger is pulled.

I have both a Bodyguard .380 and a Glock 42. The 42 is the softer shooter and both are very accurate, but the Bodyguard is the one I carry when I need something small to conceal.
I have over 1200 rounds through it, and view the trigger as nothing more than a j-frame trigger...on a semi-auto (long, DAO pull)

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Stay protected my friends.

I have a shield 45 and the LCP Custom. They are my favorite carry options and I practice with them regularly. I carry the LCP is warmer weather. I feel like both can get the job done if needed.




Edit: I have put 100s (Shield) maybe 1000 (LCP) without one failure. I have owned a P238.

Others may disagree but for me, I'm not going to carry a cocked and locked mini 1911 style 380 in my pocket irregardless of who's name is on it. These are fine for holster carry but If I'm going to go through the trouble of putting on a holster, it's going to be for a bigger caliber.

For me, summer carry means pocket carry.
IMHO, it's hard to beat the BG380's combination of small size, long trigger pull and manual safety for caring in this mode. Price and durability are just icing on the cake. I honestly see nothing I would rather pocket carry at any price.

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Dave

I have a BG380, and I also transferred one to a student shortly after getting mine. Smith is unable to make either one of them work. I finally put a 12 lb trigger kit in mine, and it's now somewhat reliable. My student is really glad hers has a second strike capability. She needs it. Sometimes three strikes to get the thing to fire.

My LCP second gen and my wife's first gen have been completely flawless. Any ammo, any grip, any time, they fire. The LCP second gen are much better with trigger and sights. My wife is still fine with her first gen. The Hunter pocket holster will fit either of them, but they do have one for the BG and the LCP.
BTW, the Smith BG laser is ****,the CT version HAS to be better.

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Fight socialism. Never stop.

I know that I love my M&P Bodyguard. Very reliable and comfy in pocket. From what I understand those light strike problems went away when they renamed it the "M&P bodyguard" and administered the fixes they had discovered with all the light strike complaints.

I myself have only seen one light strike and one FTE using the same ****ty ammo. When it comes to decent ammo and name brand hollow points, its been flawless.

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Smith all the things

[QUOTE=comiskeybum;139502109]I know that I love my M&P Bodyguard. Very reliable and comfy in pocket. From what I understand those light strike problems went away when they renamed it the "M&P bodyguard" and administered the fixes they had discovered with all the light strike complaints.

I myself have only seen one light strike and one FTE using the same ****ty ammo. When it comes to decent ammo and name brand hollow points, its been flawless.[/QUOTE

Yes i believe that to be true as a FB message i sent to S&W today they confirmed that changes were made to later versions of this model to address that very issue. Of course they did not offer specifics on what changes were made but all the vids i saw were older vids and probably the early releases of the BG.... I will take them at their word until i find out something different.......

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Hipcocked45

I looked at the BG380 for some time, but the extremely heavy trigger was a little too much for me. I found myself pulling the gun off target when pulling the trigger. I probably could have gotten used to it, but never broke down and spent the $300 for it. Over Christmas a BGS had the LCP for <$200 and couldn't pass it up. Overall I'm happy with the purchase. I did end up purchasing most products Galloway Precision had for the LCP which includes a heavier recoil spring, a lighter hammer spring, aluminum trigger, stainless steel guide rod, and tool-less takedown pin. The guide rod and tool-less takedown pin are really just athstetics. The aluminum trigger makes the pull feel much better, not flimsy. With the trigger and lighter hammer spring the trigger feels great. I may put the heavier trigger spring back in with the aluminum trigger as it seems a little light for a pocket gun with no safety. The LCP seems much lighter and smaller, perfect for a pocket carry. I'm extremely happy with the gun now and still paid less than the BG380 even with the upgrades.

LCP Performance Parts :: Ruger™ Performance :: Galloway Precision

Yeah, but it's a Glock, so.....................

I recently picked up a used LCP and love the convenience of it. It is so convenient and comfortable to carry, I have been opting to just grab it and go over having to put on a holster and carrying my Shield 9.


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I'm picky when it comes to .380 ACP pistols for self defense.

I like the PP series pistols, and that includes the FEG clones. They have the advantage of a 3.5" (PPK, PK/S) or 3.9" (PP) barrel, and that's important as the .380 ACP takes a disproportionally large hit in velocity as the barrel gets shorter than 3.5". The fixed barrel design is also very accurate.

The FEG steel frame AP9S (PP clone) and APK9S (PPK/S clone) have a slightly larger grip frame and slightly heavier slide but are in the same size range as the PP series pistols. My examples are a bit less accurate than my Walther/Manuhrin/Ranger made PP and PPK/S pistols, but are also less finicky regarding ammunition.

I also like the Kimber Micro Carry pistols as they are relentlessly reliable, if slightly less accurate, and are about 10 oz lighter, but with less perceived recoil, due to the locked breech design. The downside is the shorter 2.75" barrel which costs you 100-150 fps compared to a PP series pistol.

PP, PPK/S, and Kimber Micro Carry along side a S&W Model 60:




AP9S, APK7S, and a pair of PP pistols:

I've carried my BG380 for 4 years now. My wife has carried the Sig P238. Personally, I wouldn't bother with a laser - just one more thing that could adversely affect the gun later down the road. I have the original Insight laser and have changed the batteries once.

I carry in a pocket holster. I don't mind the long trigger pull. I prefer my G42 sights but the G42 is bulkier and more prone to limp wristing.

My wife's P238 is a more refined gun, it shoots great. My lifestyle is more active. If my BG is scratched up, no biggie.

You have to ask yourself, though, what YOUR particular situation calls for.

Me, I live in one of the safest areas in the entire country. I will probably never need to draw my weapon. I realize the limitations of the .380 round and am comfortable playing the odds.

I will second that. I shot some questionable ammo during the shortage and my LCP I never had a problem firing.

Geoff
Who notes he would LCP II now, but I won't give up the I!

I totally agree with the never use concept...My MAJOR concern is reliable 380. Am having lots of concerns with light primer strikes with the BG....... Also..torn with the fact of leaving my Shield 45 at home during really hot weather carry and may decide that if my double mag pouch prints a little I don't really care and forget the 380 altogether as the Shield does not print at all at the appendix position just the big spare mags do.....so as most I am on that never ending quest for the perfect solution....of which there is none. LOL

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Hipcocked45

I had a BG380, sold it. Could not get used to the heavy trigger.
Taurus is coming out with a new .380 soon, the Spectrum. Looks promising. Rumored to be a replacement for the popular TCP.
I have owned the much maligned Diamondback DB380 for several years - never had a problem with it.

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Randy

The Mossad is known to use the 22LR as a 'Termination Weapon.'
I usually carry a J Frame.
But if I chose to go Auto, it's a Kahr 9MM.
Have thought about going to a 380, so far just can't do it!
A while back, I did trade for a Beretta 70 like the Mossad uses.
The link works!

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