Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-06-2018, 06:09 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default BodyGuard 380

I picked up a very lightly used Bodyguard 380 yesterday from my favorite shop in Mass. It has the insight laser in it, the sales guy at the shop said he thinks Smith and Wesson is still replacing them under warranty with crimson trace units so I emailed customer service. We’ll see where that goes. Do those of you carrying these, what do you recommend for holsters? I was thinking appendix IWB and or pocket holsters. I like leather but I’m not opposed to kydex either. I am using a Bianchi that I bought for my Shield 9mm until I figure out what I want. Also what do you guys carry for “carry ammo”? I picked up a box of some Sig hollow point but the reviews on YouTube for this particular ammo show it getting easily clogged with denim in testing. So that’s no good.

I’m all ears!! Post pics, reviews, and likes/dislikes.

B28BD90A-2EF1-4B03-BB09-94BBCD37BD45.jpg

7FEBE71B-B6F5-4F32-8932-E49DC0D92BEA.jpg
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 01-06-2018, 09:47 PM
jrclen's Avatar
jrclen jrclen is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 242
Likes: 2,379
Liked 391 Times in 141 Posts
Default

My wife's BG is for sale because she can't deal with the long stiff trigger pull. But it's a fine handgun. I pocket carry, and I like the DeSantis, leather pocket tuk holster. For self defense rounds I personally like Hornady Critical Defense. Congratulations on your new gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 01-06-2018, 09:52 PM
fdw fdw is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 1,351
Liked 1,478 Times in 626 Posts
Default

round nose in all my 380s... including the BG.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 01-06-2018, 10:28 PM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
Banned
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 2,661
Liked 4,324 Times in 1,793 Posts
Default

Never not Speer Gold Dot. Not because it's magic beans, but because it's a longstanding company with a lot of experience, and their bullets tend to expand reliably. Nothing magic, nothing outstanding, just reliable.

I also agree that the trigger is rather long and stiff. But I have a really hard time with over-long triggers, especially if there's not a long-enough backstrap-to-trigger distance. For instance, I can't shoot J-frames double-action if they've got those little Magnas on them. I really liked the sound of the Sig P250, until I tried dry-firing the damn thing. I don't mind my 59's double-action pull, even though it's quite heavy for even a 59, because it has a 2x4 for a grip. Mostly, I don't like the 59's DA pull because that wide, flat trigger pinches my finger against the frame in DA.

The BG380, I couldn't manage. Although I met one little lady that blew her CCW qualifier out of the water with one.

The RM380 isn't bad. Still long, but not unmanageable. Still, I prefer other things. A few of these little guns really need a little bit more material on the trigger face to prevent that "gotta squeeze too far" feeling.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GT80
I picked up a box of some Sig hollow point but the reviews on YouTube for this particular ammo show it getting easily clogged with denim in testing. So that’s no good.
Problem with YouTube is that anybody can make one. It doesn't take gun know-how, it takes video production skills.

My problem with Sig's ammunition is that they just don't have the experience and reputation. They bought a facility, and staffed it themselves. There's just not a big body of data for how their products perform.

Do you like the Sig ammunition? Do you trust it? Then carry it.

If you don't--Speer's good. Lots of guys seem to like Hornady and Federal, and even Winchester's PDX1.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...-tests/#380ACP

^^ LG did a not-bad test, I thought. I liked how they showed the results for each bullet, not just an average, along with the recovered bullets.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 01-08-2018, 09:43 AM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Thanks for the input so far. I haven't fired the gun yet, but dry firing, the trigger does not seem to be an issue for me. Its long, but it's not as heavy as my SD9VE was when I got it, and it doesn't have the hinge like the M&P so to me, even though it's long, its very manageable. We'll see how I print on paper though.

I will try out the Sig ammo and see if it functions ok, and if it does, I will see if I can set up my own penetration/expansion tests. I wish I did this stuff for work as I do NOT have unlimited funds to try penetration etc with various materials, and ammo. I'm on a weekend warriors budget

I think I may go with a kydex IWB holster for now, as I am super comfortable carrying there, and the leather one I have been carrying it in has caused me to trip the mag release once just wearing it around the house as the holster is not the right size and must have pressed on the button. I would rather have one molded with a impression that the mag release sits in. The button is stiff too, so it's not like it was a malfunction... but it could just be cause I have it in the wrong holster too...
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 01-09-2018, 12:42 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

I ordered an inexpensive Kydex IWB holster off Ebay, I will let you all know how it fits and feels once I get it. Was something like Kryptec or something like that - I think it's a chinese company, but not sure. Looks almost Identical to a Bladetech, which I love, but for $15.95, I figured it's worth a try...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-09-2018, 03:22 PM
Old cop Old cop is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,783
Likes: 4,206
Liked 15,130 Times in 4,142 Posts
Default

I got my no laser BG in February, 2014 and it ran great for about a year, then developed light strike problems. Lost confidence in the gun so I moved on but the only advise I’d offer is to shoot it often.
__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-09-2018, 04:13 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
I got my no laser BG in February, 2014 and it ran great for about a year, then developed light strike problems. Lost confidence in the gun so I moved on but the only advise I’d offer is to shoot it often.
Thanks for the heads up. I plan to use it on a monthly or better basis at the range. Last year I barely made it to the range once a month.. gonna try to get better at that this year. I like to be relatively proficient shooting all my guns

Last edited by GT_80; 01-09-2018 at 04:16 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 01-09-2018, 06:47 PM
KSDeputy's Avatar
KSDeputy KSDeputy is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 465
Liked 1,574 Times in 700 Posts
Default

I sold a BG without firing it due to the abysmal trigger. I bought a Ruger Custom LCP. Great trigger and shoots well too.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-10-2018, 11:41 AM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSDeputy View Post
I sold a BG without firing it due to the abysmal trigger. I bought a Ruger Custom LCP. Great trigger and shoots well too.
I guess I have low standards, maybe from owning a couple Mosin Nagants lol
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 01-11-2018, 10:20 PM
Indynick Indynick is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Detroit Area
Posts: 250
Likes: 648
Liked 103 Times in 70 Posts
Default

I have two, and carry both, at the same time. One in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster, and the other in a Bug Bite ankle holster.

I replaced the Insight laser last year with the CT.

Yesterday I was at the range, and I put 6 slow-fire rounds into the head of a silhouette target at 7 yards. Lots of dry-fire helps.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-11-2018, 11:35 PM
jimmys04 jimmys04 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrclen View Post
My wife's BG is for sale because she can't deal with the long stiff trigger pull. But it's a fine handgun. I pocket carry, and I like the DeSantis, leather pocket tuk holster. For self defense rounds I personally like Hornady Critical Defense. Congratulations on your new gun.
What is the price on the BG?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-12-2018, 12:05 AM
jrclen's Avatar
jrclen jrclen is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 242
Likes: 2,379
Liked 391 Times in 141 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmys04 View Post
What is the price on the BG?
I decided to keep it. It's really a nice handgun other than the trigger. And while my wife has trouble with it, I can live with it.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-12-2018, 01:59 AM
radar1972's Avatar
radar1972 radar1972 is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1,761
Liked 1,128 Times in 492 Posts
Default

I carry mine several ways, depending on how I'm dressed: Desantis pocket holster, Simply Rugged OWB leather, or kydex IWB. Great little shooter.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 01-12-2018, 02:34 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmys04 View Post
What is the price on the BG?
Same shop I got my BG380 from has another for $200

www.fsguns.com/used
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 01-12-2018, 06:48 PM
jrclen's Avatar
jrclen jrclen is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 242
Likes: 2,379
Liked 391 Times in 141 Posts
Default

New? That seems to be a good price. Cabelas lists it now for $350. My wife paid $300 with a $50 in store credit.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-12-2018, 07:34 PM
mrmike7189's Avatar
mrmike7189 mrmike7189 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 736
Likes: 2,823
Liked 518 Times in 278 Posts
Default

Not new . that model is the original bg380 before they changed lasers and made the M&P bodyguards. $200 is decent price, I paid 300 for mine brand new .
__________________
S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 01-16-2018, 11:43 AM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

I got the new holster in - did a review of it on my new youtube Gun channel


It's not bad, very minimalistic, a little loose when not in the wasteband, but great retention, easy draw, and comfortable enough for being plastic. The Blade tech is definitely better but I wanted to try a cheap one and see how it went- for $16. if I wear it a couple months and get rid of it, I could do worse...
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 01-16-2018, 11:44 AM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Oh, and S&W asked me to send my laser back, and they would warranty it- I shipped it last week, they got it friday (based on tracking info) so I will keep you all informed when I get a response or new laser.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 01-17-2018, 10:24 AM
Old cop Old cop is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,783
Likes: 4,206
Liked 15,130 Times in 4,142 Posts
Default

Can someone explain the difference between plastic & kydex.
__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 01-17-2018, 10:37 AM
SA1911 SA1911 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 267
Likes: 140
Liked 261 Times in 120 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by fdw View Post
round nose in all my 380s... including the BG.

^^^This^^^

If I had a .380, I'd use FMJ rounds. It's all about penetration.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 01-17-2018, 10:37 AM
SA1911 SA1911 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 267
Likes: 140
Liked 261 Times in 120 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
Can someone explain the difference between plastic & kydex.
I ain't sure. I go with injection molded.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 01-17-2018, 12:37 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
Can someone explain the difference between plastic & kydex.
I think Kydex is a form of plastic- and it gets thermo molded (fake gun made of solid metal, heat up plastic, and vacuum mold it or something) versus injection molding with molten plastic in a mold.

Kydex is Acrylic-polyvinyl chloride and is one of many kinds of plastic such as polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, PVC (Poly-vinyl Chloride) etc...

I got all that of wikipedia
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #24  
Old 01-17-2018, 04:10 PM
Old cop Old cop is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,783
Likes: 4,206
Liked 15,130 Times in 4,142 Posts
Default

Thanks GT 80.
__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 01-18-2018, 09:43 PM
pistolpal pistolpal is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Liked 59 Times in 27 Posts
Default

Got my BG back from the factory. But in the meantime I found a Ruger LCP II. The BG is going on the market very soon. The LCPII is a very nice, accurate and smooth little pistol. And it has never even burped in the time I've had to play with it while the BG was in the factory.
Sorry S&W, but this little pistol is simply more dependable and accurate.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 01-18-2018, 10:22 PM
Protected One's Avatar
Protected One Protected One is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3,245
Liked 4,624 Times in 1,697 Posts
Default

I've had the Bodyguard since it came out, carried with several different holsters: Blade Tech IWB, Tagua OWB, and a Galco pocket holsters.

Over time the laser went bad, and S&W replaced it with the Crimson Trace product. The long trigger reminds me of a DAO j-frame, and I have no issue with it. The gun has serve me well.

For ammo I use critical defense, federal hst micro, and speer gold dot. Enjoy your new gun!
__________________
Stay protected my friends.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #27  
Old 01-25-2018, 03:03 PM
mrmike7189's Avatar
mrmike7189 mrmike7189 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 736
Likes: 2,823
Liked 518 Times in 278 Posts
Default

That plastic holster looks a little bulky? The beauty of the BG380 is that it is small concealable almost anywhere on the body.....I prefer a slim nylon holster like Uncle mikes, galco, or my Elite .
__________________
S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 01-25-2018, 04:33 PM
Old Salty Dog Old Salty Dog is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSDeputy View Post
I sold a BG without firing it due to the abysmal trigger. I bought a Ruger Custom LCP. Great trigger and shoots well too.
I have the same issue with the awful trigger. Mine is an early version, and I don't know if they have improved the more recent production models, or if they remain as lawyerproof as ever.

Is there a fix to the trigger issue that would not open you up to 'hair trigger' accusations if you ever had to use the thing?

Thanks for any info.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 01-25-2018, 05:39 PM
jrclen's Avatar
jrclen jrclen is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 242
Likes: 2,379
Liked 391 Times in 141 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Salty Dog View Post
Is there a fix to the trigger issue that would not open you up to 'hair trigger' accusations if you ever had to use the thing?
Thanks for any info.
Galloway Precision makes a trigger kit for the bodyguard which reduces the travel but not the weight of the trigger pull on the BG380. That sounded great to me, until I read remarks from someone who had the kit installed and then experienced light strikes and failure to fire. I think I'll just live with the trigger. My wife though, couldn't handle it at all.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #30  
Old 01-29-2018, 11:28 AM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrclen View Post
Galloway Precision makes a trigger kit for the bodyguard which reduces the travel but not the weight of the trigger pull on the BG380. That sounded great to me, until I read remarks from someone who had the kit installed and then experienced light strikes and failure to fire. I think I'll just live with the trigger. My wife though, couldn't handle it at all.
I have no issues with the factory trigger. Put 100 rounds down range saturday, and I love this gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #31  
Old 01-29-2018, 11:28 AM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #32  
Old 01-29-2018, 10:55 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

I got my crimson trace laser in today!!! Not bad, only took like 17 calendar days to get to me, 10 business days to ship it (shipped on the 26th) and no charge.

Works like a charm now!!

IMG_7672.jpg

IMG_7674.jpg

IMG_7675.jpg

The design, fit and finish are much better with this over the insight laser too. I’m super happy I got a new one free on warranty!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #33  
Old 02-07-2018, 02:50 PM
3dots's Avatar
3dots 3dots is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 1,895
Liked 1,215 Times in 514 Posts
Default

I've also had the BG380 since it was first released. I have MANY rounds through it and never a single malfunction. The original laser still works great too. I've carried this little pistol every day for the last 5 years. It's been sweat soaked countless times and looks no worse for the wear. I've always carried it with Hornady CD in a Desantis Nemesis in my front pocket. I feel confident that it will go bang if I need it to.



__________________
I'm Proud To Be An American!
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #34  
Old 02-07-2018, 05:21 PM
vortex360 vortex360 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 165
Likes: 683
Liked 125 Times in 67 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SA1911 View Post
^^^This^^^

If I had a .380, I'd use FMJ rounds. It's all about penetration.
I use Fiocchi hollow points in mine. The size of the BG 380 is perfect as a backup pistol. I use it to go bicycle riding frequently. Mine has hundreds of rounds through it without any issues whatsoever. I like that dependability and one needs a small pistol sometimes.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #35  
Old 02-08-2018, 04:16 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

I think I may end up getting an ankle holster for this guy and my J frame mainly because it's the least obtrusive to me for a location on backup. My pockets are always full because I have my wallet in my left front pocket, and my phone in my right front. I can't really keep a gun in my back pocket, and if I am appendix carrying my primary, where else can I put one? I don't like carring in small of back, just makes me think someone could grab it from behind, and if my shirt lifts up it will be visible....

I like appendix carry mostly because it is really hidden there. It takes a lot to make it print, and even a medium shirt on me most times will conceal a J frame or small polymer like the 380.

I'm not 100% happy with the holster now that I have been wearing it a few weeks, I may try a blade tech or a small leather tuckable just to see if they're any better.

Last edited by GT_80; 05-11-2018 at 02:45 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 02-08-2018, 04:20 PM
dben002's Avatar
dben002 dben002 is offline
US Veteran
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Triad Area North Carolina
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1,184
Liked 2,027 Times in 826 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GT_80 View Post
I think I may end up getting an ankle holster for this guy and my J frame mainly because it's the least obtrusive to me for a location on backup. My pockets are always full because I have my wallet in my left front pocket, and my phone in my right front. I can't really keep a gun in my back pocket, and if I am appendix carrying my primary, where else can I put one? I don't like carring in ***, just makes me think someone could grab it from behind, and if my shirt lifts up it will be visible....

I like appendix carry mostly because it is really hidden there. It takes a lot to make it print, and even a medium shirt on me most times will conceal a J frame or small polymer like the 380.

I'm not 100% happy with the holster now that I have been wearing it a few weeks, I may try a blade tech or a small leather tuckable just to see if they're any better.
If you have not already, check out Harry's Holster for appendix..he makes some good looking aiwb holsters with options for ride height, cant and a wing claw....gonna order one for my shield 45.
__________________
Hipcocked45
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #37  
Old 05-11-2018, 02:47 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

I ended up getting a Quick snap holster for this guy, and it is way better. Rides at like 4:00, only issue is making sure it's not printing when I bend over. In the colder weather with a sweater it was pretty well hidden, and while I am out in my garage, I am fine wearing it. Just have to be cognizant of it when wearing t-shirs etc.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 05-11-2018, 03:58 PM
OLDSTER's Avatar
OLDSTER OLDSTER is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 10,146
Likes: 14,187
Liked 12,739 Times in 3,480 Posts
Default

There's nothing I dislike about my 3 year old BG M&P. Approx. 1000 rounds trouble free with Hornady American Gunner.


__________________
John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #39  
Old 05-13-2018, 02:02 AM
brokendowncop's Avatar
brokendowncop brokendowncop is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 3
Liked 29 Times in 14 Posts
Default

I first purchased the BG380 with Laser. Heard all of the horror stories about malfunctions caused by the laser mounting screw backing out. Thread locked mine but then realized that used as a CC combat weapon what the heck do I need a Laser for. Swapped for the non-Laser version. Love it for CC. Pocket, boot, holstered, inside coat pocket. Fits any where. Personally, I carry in a Fobus holster. I like the restraint. Extra feeling of security. No one can walk up behind you in a line at the grocery store and pull it out from behind. I use Fobus for all of my CC firearms.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #40  
Old 05-14-2018, 01:55 PM
GT_80 GT_80 is offline
Member
BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380 BodyGuard 380  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 545
Likes: 564
Liked 594 Times in 251 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by brokendowncop View Post
I first purchased the BG380 with Laser. Heard all of the horror stories about malfunctions caused by the laser mounting screw backing out. Thread locked mine but then realized that used as a CC combat weapon what the heck do I need a Laser for. Swapped for the non-Laser version. Love it for CC. Pocket, boot, holstered, inside coat pocket. Fits any where. Personally, I carry in a Fobus holster. I like the restraint. Extra feeling of security. No one can walk up behind you in a line at the grocery store and pull it out from behind. I use Fobus for all of my CC firearms.
The Fobus was one I wanted to try as well... it's made for a 3 o clock position though isn't it? I really like appendix or 4 o clock position most- I think the Fobus is under $30 so I should just try it...
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Original Bodyguard 380 vs new M&P Bodyguard 380 olywa Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 13 09-11-2023 11:25 AM
Bodyguard 380/M&P bodyguard 380 question donhov Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 27 11-16-2020 09:15 PM
bodyguard 38. wil S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 11-17-2012 04:15 PM
New Bodyguard Repeat_Defender S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 29 10-28-2010 11:18 AM
WTB Bodyguard .380 jerryg22 WANTED to Buy 0 10-07-2010 05:26 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:17 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)