On my 2'nd Bodyguard 380 with the new and improved takedown lever, upon initial cleaning I could not rotate the lever by hand to the 90 degree position required. They definately fixed the problem of these pins flying out that is for sure. A call to S&W I was informed that I shouldn't take it down until 200 rounds have been shot to loosen it up. Since I like to clean and lubricate any firearm prior to shooting it this wasn't what I wanted to hear. Thinking about it I found a simple solution. I start the lever by hand about 45 degrees then placed an old toothbrush handle on the lever, one light tap and it moved to the 90 degree spot allowing for takedown. After a range session consisting of 200 troublefree rounds the lever was still tight. But this time I again push started the lever with my thumb and then placed the plastic toothbrush handle against it for leverage and was about to push the lever all the way down.
The new Bodyguard (EAR) prefix has all the bugs worked out, the trigger was lighter and smoother than my original BG and the laser buttons activate very easily now. As much as I like my original BG the new one is even better.

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I recently acquired one of the new BG380's and noticed the same problem with the take down lever.It has loosened up though after 500 rounds.
My problem seems to be with the safety level.It is very difficult to engage it and shows no sigh of getting any easier.

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JR

I have an EAR. After 200 rounds and a few take downs, I can now rotate the lever with my finger. However, I am still unable to pull it out without the aid of a small screwdriver.

At least now we don't have to worry about these levers coming loose. When I picked out my new BG380 I was able to examine several at my LGS. I did find one with an extremely stiff safety which I pointed out to the dealer. They sent it back to the factory. If your safety is really stiff I'd send it back. Rest assured they'll fix it.

(I should have kept my old "EAA" series one,had good luck with it..)

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JR

I just got mine today and had the same issue. It took me a sec to figure out what you meant by "EAR". I thought that mine was a FAS, but the gun shop misread it. They registered it wrong. It's a EAS. BTW, anybody know what I should do about that?

Previously, I said that I couldn't remove the lever without the aid of a small screwdriver. I have found a way to remove it with my fingers. It doesn't actually rotate 90 degrees; it actually rotates about 100 degrees before it stops. Thereafter, if I force it beyond that point, I can usually remove it without a tool. It's still difficult, but I can do it.

Good thing, too. In the summer I oil it about once per week. I'm getting good at taking it apart.

My EAN I've had for a few months takes down fine by my fingers but it does have to have the slide pulled back beyond the locking position just a pinch and then the pin is able to rotate down further past about 45 degrees to 90 degrees where it pops right out, no big deal to me as long it stays tight. This gun has been flawless and is carried 24/7. I love this gun. I seen about every 380 out there and for me, the BG380 is THE best one on the market regardless of price. Love the ergonomics, fit and finish, looks, shootability, the lazer. As far as I'm concerned it will be a long time before anyone comes up with a better 380 than this little beauty. Smith & Wesson perfection.

I couldn't agree more