Bodyguard 380 trigger pull... OMG!

[moonpup]

First off, I'm no stranger to DAO and have a couple of snubbies that I can shoot no problem. In a previous BG post, I mentioned I decided to give the Bodyguard 380 a second chance and purchased one the other day with an 8/22/2019 build date. This trigger is almost impossible to pull. My Lyman trigger gauge only goes to 12 lbs and all I get now when testing is OVER and no pull weight displayed. I'm guessing this thing is pulling at least 14 lbs or more . Every review I see mentions the trigger pull being around 9-10 lbs. Again, I have no issue with a DAO trigger, but damn, this thing hurts to pull. I don't remember it being that tough when I checked it over and purchased it. Should I send it back to S&W?

Also, the first one I owned was nowhere near this bad.

[nodpete]

My FEG AP9 .380 has about a 15# pull. I'm trying different hammer springs to try to get it down a bit. I'm down to an 11# now. I use ammo with CCI primers because they are the hardest. If I can get a hundred rounds with a spring and no light strikes I go to the next lower spring. I really don't even care about the heavy pull because it's such a cool gun and a real pleasure to carry and shoot.

[TMan51]

Originally Posted by moonpup

I don't remember it being that tough when I checked it over and purchased it. Should I send it back to S&W?

Somehow, it often happens that it looks and feels so pretty at the store, and not so much so when you get to the range I have 2 Bodyguard .380's and they are not exactly the same, But both "warmed up" with a bit of shooting, initially the trigger pull on both was on the tough side.

You might want to take it to the range with a box of low cost ammo, and exercise your trigger finger. Then, take it home, clean it carefully, a couple drops of lube, and see what that does. As noted, both of mine improved with a bit of use.

You can certainly swap out the springs and they are available from Galloway Precision and others, but doing so will crash your warranty on the spot. Better to send it back, especially if you're not equipped to do the work properly. They are very easy to work on, but you do need a few simple tools and a pin block to do it well.

[Execpro]

Give them a call. I have purchased a few new S&W revolvers over the years. One I bought on Friday and mailed back on Monday ( They replaced the Bolt). Another had an extra trigger spring in the works. Another they forgot to finish the bbl crown. S—t happens.
Sometimes a wrong part ends up in the box on assembly. To me it is no big deal. Send them back and issue corrected.
To answer your question Yes! If the trigger is that tight send it back.
I got a new BG 3 weeks ago. Trigger around 9 lbs and smooth.
My LGS has a gunsmith. He will look at something and tell me if I have an issue at no charge.
Don’t get discouraged. I got a new 2018 SUV and didn’t get it home. I had to turn around and go back to the dealer (Radar unit from Factory was defective). That was a $36,000 item.

Be SAFE and Shoot Often!

[mrmike7189]

send it back .
My BG380 has a heavy 9lb trigger pull, but it is super smooth

[OLDSTER]

Both my Seecamp and BG have heavy and long, but smooth trigger pulls. That's what makes them safe to carry. "Heavy" trigger pulls ( unless absurd, like yours ) on small pistols don't bother me in the least, as long as they don't stack.

[moonpup]

Got to the range on Saturday to break in the BodyGuard and couldn't even get through a box 50 rounds. I didn't have any failures, but after 30 rounds, I called it quits and packed it up. My hand isn't overly large, but I have long fingers and it was quite uncomfortable trying to pull the trigger at that point. I thought about sending it back to S&W, but since I have a P365 that's reliable, I traded the BG back to the LGS at a loss for a Ruger Lite 22/45 in OD Green. Went home, cleaned that up and went back to the range and had a great time! I much enjoyed the Ruger .22LR plinker Bottom line... don't but a gun on a whim I'm pretty sure, we've all been there and done that!

[Robert_B]

I got a good deal on a BG topped with a SW rebate. I knew going in what the trigger pull was like, and purposely bought the Galloway Santiago trigger setup. Makes a world of difference. Much shorter stroke, and smoother pull.

[rwsmith]

....send it back.

[Old cop]

I have the LCP & LCPII, both w/7 lb. triggers.

[LVSteve]

Everyone I know with long fingers has had the same issue with the BG380. You need prehensile fingers to get the trigger to go. One guy said he pulled the trigger so far then had to change his grip to get enough angle to pull it to the release point.

[jnichols2]

You're right, something is wrong with your gun.
My Bodyguard trigger is 6 lb 15 oz (call it 7 lb).

It's looong but smoooth. Much nicer than my S&W 642 snubby.

[Execpro]

Remember that the Bodyguard is a revolver in a pistol body, so you shoot it exactly like you would a revolver (trigger/hammer works the same way, giving you that second strike capability). When you pull the trigger, you are cocking the hammer unlike say the Ruger LCP 2 which cocks the hammer when the slide goes backwards after firing a round and the trigger just releases the hammer like in a striker fired pistol. Hence the lighter trigger pull.
Sorry the BG didn't work out for you! Sounds like maybe the hammer spring was hung up on the grip body at assembly or the wrong hammer spring found its way into the box of springs for assembly.
I have had 2 or 3 Ruger Mark 2/3 pistols over the years and have considered picking up a Ruger Mark 4 22/45 Tactical if the price ever comes down. Enjoy your new purchase!

Be SAFE and Shoot Often!

[oldiegoldie]

just checked mine....8# 14oz. i shoot it very well, actually better than some of my full size firearms. mine is totally stock.

some range time should help.