2'nd Range Report Bodyguard 380

My first report I put 200 rounds of assorted ammunition thru my new BG 380 mainly to check functioning, which was perfect. I just got back from the range where I put another 200 rounds thru this little gem and again functioning was 100%, so with 400 rounds total thru it I feel it's broken in. Todays range session was to run accuracy drills and pick my carry ammo. My practise ammo is Federal AE FMJ and Winchester WB FMJ both of which have mild recoil and are very accurate in this pistol. Amazingly both the iron sights and the laser are dead on from the factory. The more I shoot this Bodyguard the more I like it, S&W has hit a home run. To those who don't care for lasers, I believe you may rethink your position after shooting one of these. I played with the laser a lot this afternoon and for quick point shooting from the hip or anywhere else it makes hitting very easy, almost boringly so. The iron sights are very fast to pick up given you have good light. But at night or low light the laser makes a huge difference. I'm sold on lasers now. Here are some photos.
1. My new trusty Bodyguard
2. 18 rnds at 10 yards with the laser
3. 12 rnds at 15 yards with the laser shot fast
4. 6 rnds at 7 yards with my chosen carry load of Corbons.
Of all the so called performance loads, I tested them shooting water filled jugs. Not to scientific, but just to get an idea of performance. The Federal Classic HP and the Federal HydroShok didn't do much going right thru the waterjugs. The Corbon ammo was noticeably hotter and blew the jugs apart. Also this load was extremely accurate as you can see in my last photo. If I were to carry a FMJ round it would be the Winchester truncated one in the white box. 380 loads don't really go fast enough for reliable expansion with the exception of the Corbon. There is a school of thought that in a calibre such as 380 you might be better off using a FMJ load to insure penetration, which is a valid point. As with most handgun catridges bullet placement is paramount. I've seen enough shootings in my 31 year police career to agree with this. Bullet placement is everything. The new Bodyguard makes placing rounds accurately very easy. I own both a Ruger LCP and a Kahr P380, the Kahr is superior to the Ruger but this new S&W I feel is better than both of them. This is really an impressive pistol.

One thing I noticed while cleaning was that the laser window had a lot of powder residue on it. Not a problem as the laser was still visable while shooting. Just a quick swipe with a Q-Tip and all was good.

Thanks for the second range report, Mag318. So, I had a chance to handle (but not shoot) the Bodyguard 380 last Wednesday. I was very impressed, but the dealer was asking $549, plus tax, which seemed like highway robbery to me (no pun intended). The next afternoon, Bud's Gun Shop had the Bodyguard 380 posted for $411 (free shipping) for all of two or three hours before they pulled it off their website. As of this writing, it's still not back up on their website. At that price, I couldn't pass it up, and one should be shipped out shortly.

One thing: all of the research I've done in the last few months on pocket 380s has really turned me on to this style of firearm, and now I'm thinking seriously about getting the Kahr P380 as well. One for the wife (whichever she prefers), and one for me. I know the Ruger LCP and Taurus TCP are not high on her list, and they are not high on my list either, so that narrows the field of choices considerably. Anyway, owning, as you do, both the Bodyguard 380 and the Kahr P380, do you have any further specific comparative thoughts on the two pistols? Does anything strike as you remarkably different or similar? I would like to get both in my hands at one time, but I'm having a heck of a time finding the Kahr P380 locally, hence asking for the details of your assessment.

I'm glad to read your range reports on the BG. I got mine last Saturday ,but haven't got out to shoot it yet. Need to do that tomorrow.
I got mine for 439 plus tax in Indianapolis. My laser seemed to be way off as it was not in line but about 12 inches below the iron sights when aimed at the wall about 15 feet away. I think I have this remedied, but will know for sure when I shoot it.

I too have an LCP and I do like it, but the BG definitely looks and feels better. The next thing is to find an extra mag or two, so far I've had no luck on this search online.

HIRAM2005 -- I hear that the dealers got a flyer from S&W where they can order the mags directly from S&W. Check your dealer, or any other dealer, and see what you can come up with. I'm in the market for several mags for myself.

Goffman,
The two are very similar with both having excellent sights and decent triggers. My wife could barely pull the trigger on my BG, it was just to heavy for her, same with my Kahr P380. I have no problem with either and I don't think you will either. This is why my wife likes the Bodyguard 38 revolver. The Kahr is striker fired and doesn't have a 2'nd strike capability like the Bodyguard and that is a huge point in favor of the BG. Accuracy wise I find them to be equal with the iron sight in good light. The BG with it's laser though has a distinct edge when it gets dark. I think the laser could act as a deterrent also. The Kahr when you find one will be a lot more expensive as are all Kahrs. If I had to choose between the two it would definately be the BG 380.
I hope your wife is stronger than mine otherwise she may not like the triggers on both of them. My wife has trouble with my J frame Model 337 trigger but no problem with the Bodyguard 38 trigger which is a lot lighter. Buds is a great place to buy guns, trouble is when they get something new like the BG 380 at a good price they sell out their stock in minutes. Mags will be available at stocking S&W dealers shortly.

mag318,

Thanks alot for your information, it is very helpful. Is there any possible way that you would be able to take some comparison shots of the Bodyguard with respect to the LCP? I was originally going to pick up an LCP until I remembered the BG was due out, but I haven't been able to see the two together in person yet.

I really like the additional features of the BG, but I hope its increased size isn't too much over the very tiny LCP.

Great report again. I wish one of my LGS would get one in.

mag318,

Thanks for the report.

Since you have the LCP and the P380, how does the bodyguard compare in size?

The Bodyguard is not much bigger than the LCP and is it narrower than the Kahr. All three are so close in size I don't even consider it a factor. The LCP is definately the smallest, hang a Crimson Trace laser on it and it about the size of the BG. The LCP is also the least expensive but you get what you pay for. The sights on the Kahr and S&W add a little to the height, but having usable sights is important to me. If you're fortunate enought to find a shop with all 3, lay them side by side and you'll see how insignificient the differences in size are.
As you can see from my posts the S&W Bodyguard 380 is my hands down favorite and what I feel is the finest of the three. If there was no Bodyguard that choice would be the Kahr P380. I have several friends who bought the LCPs when I did, when I got the Kahr at let them shoot it they were ready to throw rocks at the LCP. My friends are going to have the same reaction after shooting the Bodyguard.

Thanks for the update mag318! I've been following your posts with interest. I hope to have my BG380 in a day or two. Should have shipped today.

Great report and info by mag318, highly appreciated.

Mag318, I managed to find a local shop that has all three (the S&W Bodyguard 380, the Kahr P380, and the Ruger LCP), plus a handful of other 380s (e.g., Sig P238, Kel Tec P-3AT). You're absolutely right about the size differences between the first three. Laid out on the counter, the differences (where they occur) are effectively inconsequential. Likewise, just as you said, the Kahr and the S&W clearly were the best of the bunch. My wife liked the Kahr the best, although she reported the S&W to be a close second. For her, the difference seemed to come down to the shorter, lighter trigger on the Kahr, and general ergonomics (i.e., person-to-pistol fit). For me, it was a toss up. The Kahr fit my hand somewhat better, but I'm more accustomed to the revolver-like trigger pull of the S&W.

Bottomline, I'm glad that I ordered the S&W at the crazy low price when I had the opportunity, but it looks like we probably will be picking up the Kahr as well. Such as shame, having to buy two pistols in the space of a few weeks...tsk tsk.

Goffman, great you got to do a side by side comparison, and I'm sure you're wife will be quite happy with the Kahr. When you get the Bodyguard and make it to the range shoot them side by side and let us know what you think of them. As you can see from the photo my Kahr shoots decent groups also. This is why I like having usable sights even on a pocket pistol. You did very well buying both pistols and will be happy with your choice.

That is some good shooting with pocket guns. Heck I can't do that with some of my big guns. Old age I guess.

My Bodyguard 380 arrives next week. Can't wait. Anyone know of any existing holsters that this will fit in? Will a Ruger LCP w/Crimson Trace be about the same? Looking for a tuckable IWB. Thanks for any input.

I just got an Uncles Mikes Pocket holster that works quite well in cargo pants.

Questions on the BG 380

Mag318, I am new to this forum, but have been following your reviews and info concerning the BG 380 on this as well as the ElsiePea forum. I am strongly considering trading in my LCP for a new BG. I wouldn't say I hate the LCP, but I do see some definite advantages to the BG. I have found a few dealers that have 1 or 2 today (probably gone tomorrow) so I was hoping to get some thoughts from you in order to help me decide.

Last night I was on youtube and saw a video by a nutnfancy copycat. He did a review of the BG and mentioned that it was almost a given that the laser activation button would be inadvertantly hit (and laser activated) in most holsters. Has that been your experience? Have you found a good holster that avoids this problem?

Any updates on extra mags?

I've been carrying my BG 380 in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster and have never accidently activated the laser. Those buttoms require a good bit of pressure to activate so I wouldn't worry about that. In a super tight fitting holster it may be possible to activate the laser but I see this as more of a pocket pistol than one I'd carry in a belt holster. The BG 380 I feel totally outclasses the LCP and when you get one you'll see why.
Some have commented that they'd buy one if it was made with out a laser which seems odd to me. If you didn't want the laser all you have to do is remove the batteries or even the whole module, at least that way if you ever changed your mind all you'd have to do is reinstall it. The more I shoot mine using the laser, the more I like it. Just the intimidation of the red dot would be a great deterrent to most would be bad guys. I was never a big proponant of lasers but now that I have 2 Bodyguards I've been won over, these things are great. I was a police officer in Chicago for 31 years and wish these would have been available when I was still pounding a beat.

Picked up my new BG today

Well, I picked up my new BG 380 today at a Michigan gun show. I really didn't need to be worried about inadvertantly turning on the laser. The activation button requires a very deliberate push. It actually takes quite a firm push to activate the laser. I will need to practice (in dry fire mode) drawing the gun and activating the laser. I am used to the crimson trace so this will take some adjustment. My initial impression of the gun is very favorable. It seems to have good build quality. I did notice a few things: 1. The mag spring seems fairly weak. The follower seems subject to diving due to design and/or spring weakness. I am hoping that Wolff will have upgraded springs for the mag and guide rod soon. The trigger pull, to me, is fairly similar to the lcp. It is long, but certainly no more difficult than the lcp. Again, I'll practice dry-fire style. I did notice that the BG fits pretty nicely in a couple of pocket holsters that I had for the lcp. It fits very well in the Desantis Nemesis - The one for the lcp with crimson trace. I would imagine that the holster makers will come out with the BG versions soon, but until then, it is fine in the Desantis.

Anyway, I am hoping to get to the range in the next couple of days to start the break in process (with 1 clip...hipee).