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.

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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.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

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.

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Misty

Great report and info by mag318, highly appreciated.

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Sure you did

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.

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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.

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.

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).

Hit the range today and shot 100 rounds (50 fmj and 50 defense hollow points). I shot some Gold Dots, Winchester PDX1 and some Doubletap (a little hotter round). The gun did just fine. Absolutely no problems. In my opinion, the BG 380 has less recoil than the LCP, but not a lot less. I do get a better grip with the BG, though. I feel like I have more control vs. the LCP. I wasn't blown away by the trigger however. I was hoping it would be more "Kahr" like (smoother with a little shorter travel), but instead, to me, it was more LCP like. I just seems a bit too long of a pull before it breaks. I am hoping it smooths out a bit in time. I need to play/practice a little with trigger finger placement to get the best control of this trigger. For me, I think it works best somewhere between finger tip and first knucle bend...probably right at the center of the pad.

On another aspect of this gun - the laser...I want to like it, but the jury is still out. I certainly don't want it to have a feather light touch because then it will activate in the pocket, but I wish it was just a little easier to activate. Of note is the fact that the grey buttons on the side can be removed. For me, I have found that how they are placed back can affect the sensitivity. There is a "center protrusion" on the inside of the button that contacts a solenoid. The solenoid itself has a very light touch, so the trick is to get the buttons back in place with the center protrusion lined up just right. If anyone is having concerns over the switch being too hard to activate, try removing and re-inserting these buttons.

Anyway, after shooting the first 100 rounds through my BG 380, I can sense that the pistol has good build quality. It just feels "broken-in" already. I'll try and put another 100 rounds through soon, but I am very optimistic that it will be a great carry weapon.

Put one on layaway last night, hopefully it's as good as the reviews.

My wife carries a Ruger LCP and has put about 1100 reloads through it and she loves it, but i need to investigate this little S&W BG380! We may be getting another mouse gun for me for summer carry since my Sig P239 is a little too large and heavy for summer carry.

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S&W 645, 3913, 59, 669

I picked on up last week and had a chance to shoot it for the first time yesterday. Put through 50 rounds of FMJ to start with with no issues at all. Iron sights are very accurate as received; put 5 of my first 6 in the X ring at 15 ft (and I have not been shooting for a while); then shot the next 12 at 25 feet aiming for head shots; all hit with nothing close to the edge; granted I was shooting at the speed for target shootings, but wanted to get a feel for the accuracy of the gun.

For it's intended use, it is better than I can shoot.

The laser was a bit different, and shot well to grouping low depending on the distance. Never had a laser before, so I assume you have to pick an optimim distance to shoot from to center it and leave it there. Any insight on using lasers?

Overall, very happy with the gun and the accuracy (iron sights); next outing will try other ammo and try to center the laser. Will also try more rapid fire to learn to shoot it as you would in a close up defensive situation.

I tried the LCP and Kel-Tech, but they did not feel good in the hand (not as easy to grip, and had to contort my trigger finger to shoot it) and the locking slide and double fire capability are a big plus in my mind.

The Jury is ot on the laser until I get more familiar with it. With the iron sights as good as they are, I want to try to enhance their visibility; maybe paint or something else to get a quicker sight picture.

I got mine from my LGS for $339 plus tax. They also sold me a spare mag. Also got my desantis nemasis there. After a good cleaning and a couple of hundred rds at the range, I am also impressed. The pistol functions flawlessly. Mine eats ball and speer gold dot like candy. I did notice before I cleaned and lubed it that the slide was dry. Not a good idea to go direct to the range when you get yours. As to the laser, mine works well and is accurate but a laser without a flashlight is kinda iffy in low light conditions. You have to absolutely sure that what you initially responded to is what you are shooting at. What options are there for weak side magazine carry? Most I have seen were attached to the holster which is totally useless in my opinion.

greybeard, one gentleman mentioned that he uses a small nylon knife case on his belt to carry a spare mag.

Good idea thanks.

You can purchase BG380 in Tampa at sub $389 at many places.

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NRA Bene Life, SWCA 2372

shooters.com has them listed for 319.00. I don't know what s&h and FFL fees cost but thats a good starter. I got mine at their local store. Their warehouse is in Texas.

Just traded in my LCP for a BG. The differance is night and day.
I can shoot more accurately with the BG and the follow up shot is faster and on target. I like the fact that the triger is long on this type of gun as I would rather have the option of easing off the trigger than not. The fact that the BG eats all types of ammo, mixed mag and all, is all I needed to know. I could not be happier that I got away from my LCP, it just did not work for me. Not knocking Ruger but this is a much better piece in my opinion.
Best, Frank.

Good to see all this interest in this thread. I'm sure most here are aware of the takedown pin problems some earlier Bodyguards were experiencing. Happily S&W was quick to resolve any and all issues with subtle upgrades to the pistol. I just bought another BG380 since the prices have been lowered. They are up to EAS prefix in the serial numbers so they must be selling a lot of these gems. It will be interesting to see if Smith & Wesson comes out with a 9mm Bodyguard at the 2012 Shot Show as rumured.

I'm holding out for the 500S&W Bodyguard.

I saw someone mention that they were looking for mag's. I picked up 2 for a good price ($16.99 ea) at 44mag.com

I got mine when they were very hard to find. now everyone seems to have them.

I can guarantee that S&W will...because I am getting ready to buy the BG380. They probably won't even wait for the SHOT Show...as soon as I pay for my 380, the announcement of the 9mm will be released.

Not a bad price... I picked up a brand new BG380 from OMB for $289 and free shipping. I see they have free shipping offered again for any purchase over $149. But OMB seems to be back ordered on almost all their M&P's and the BG.... I don't know if S&W limits the number each vendor gets or what.

Lost Lake, that is a fantastic price. I paid $303 for my new Bodyguard and thought that was good, $289 is even better.

I just picked up my new Bodyguard 380 this past week, and went to the range Friday night. I adjusted the laser prior to the range, keeping both eyes open. Only a slight adjustment to the right was needed. I also did a quick cleaning and lightly oiled prior to the 1st time at the range. The take down pin was very tight.

I ran 200+ rounds through the new gun and it operated flawlessly. The laser was dead on, and the on/off button worked fine. I was very impressed with the ease of hitting the bulls eye with this little gun.

This gun is a fun to shoot, and will be an excellent easy to conceal carry self defense firearm.

If you would like to see them side by side....here you go

Ruger LCP 380 vs Smith & Wesson BodyGuard 380 - YouTube

I'm a new member here at the Smith-Wesson Forum and I wanted to give a little range report on my new M&P BG380. I picked it up yesterday and tried it out this afternoon. I have attached the target from my first magazine, shot at 25 feet. The squares on the target actually measure 15/16". Please forgive the clarity of the image, I scanned it.

Needless to say, I am impressed! For a concealed carry personal defense handgun it is great. I did a little dry firing last evening to get adjusted to the trigger.

TWilliam

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