I received my BG 380 back today from S&W after they attempted to fix my takedown pin problem, with the pin repeatedly falling out after 200 rounds. A call to CS indicated that they replaced the barrel stop, whatever that is.

Went to the range with high hopes, but no gold ring. My gun shot flawlessly for the first 96 rounds, then, you guessed it, the takedown pin flew out and the gun was disabled on the 97 round.

It's now back to S&W overnight for a second request for a permanent fix, or a problem free new BG 380.

BTW, I don't think S&W has a handle on this problem at all.

If you've shot 50, 100, or even 200 flawless rounds and you think your BG 380 is now good-to-go for self defense, you are kidding yourself. Based on my experience and that of others on this Forum, there is no advance warning of the takedown pin coming out, and you risk the gun becoming immobilized at a really bad time.

Between the take down pins falling out and laser buttons that don't work it seems that S&W doesn't have a clue as to what is causing the problem or how to fix it. Lots of head scratching going on over at S&W right now I'll bet. Keep good records of your conversations with S&W and of your returns as you might have to pressure them for a new gun before this all over.

3shot - really sorry to hear about your continued problem. I am extra sorry because mine is on its way back to S&W for the same problem. Sounds like there is nearly a 100% chance that they won't truly fix mine either. The tough thing is we can't really trust these guns. Even if I get mine back and shoot 100 rounds I may think it is ok, but the 101'st round (which may be for true self defense) may see the slide hit the bad guy before the bullet. This is a real "hum-dinger" of a problem.

By the way, I am also confused on what a "barrel stop" is. It, obviously, is not the correct fix.

Loco Weed; I agree, you would think there would be lots of "head scratching". Everytime I talk to them, I get the impression that these problems are barely on their radar. Maybe they are told to play down the problems with the public to prevent bad PR. The fact that they are sending guns back out that aren't really fixed, doesn't give the impression that they are all that concerned.

I just bought mine today. I have read every post about them here and other places. I put it up against the LCP (with laser), Taurus 380, Kel-Tek, Sig, and Kahr. The Kahr was the most solid feeling one out of them all, but just a little too pricey. The Bodyguard 380 had the best feel in my hand, the best accessories (laser) thumb safety, and the S&W name. I decided to take my chances with the Bodyguard, if something goes wrong, S&W will take care of it. I should get allot of trigger time this weekend with it and hope it all goes well.

So far, I have had no real issues with mine, other than the laser a bit too difficult to activate.

Sometimes it amazes me that these companies, with so much at stake financially and reputation-wise, turn out items with so many problems. Doesn't anyone do extensive testing anymore? Or is function and reliability based on computer program projections?

What ever happened to taking ten of the firearms, runing 10,000 rds thru each of them, and then tearing them down to see what is right or wrong? Don't say, "Costs," because ammo is cheaper than regaining lost sales and tarnished reputation.

I couldn't agree more. Any chance you can hurry up and get a position with S&W in the Quality Control department? They need someone with your right thinking.

I don't know much about design & production, but I wonder if the problem in this case occurred somewhere between the prototype testing, materials acquisition, and the production line. For example, it seems likely (to me at least) that the trigger failure that has been reported repeatedly is not a design problem, but a materials problem. Granted, perhaps S&W should have kept a closer eye on the incoming materials, but maybe they got screwed by a supplier.

I did some close-up, flashlight inspection of my pistol last night, and it looks to my untrained eye as if the wire-like material that is used in the trigger mechanism also is used for the retention "wire" that sits across the hole in the frame for the take-down pin. This makes me wonder if the take-down pin retention problem that many have reported *also* may be a materials problem. Time will tell, I guess.

BG 380s are junk!

Thank you so much for:

A) Resuscitating a 7 year old thread, and

B) Backing your view with so much knowledge and insight.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

And your Masters or Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, which may qualify you to make this statement, was awarded by which well known and respected university???????????????

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I like my M&P BG 380!!

Fox