BG380 Performance / Reliability

[MIST]

Been doing some research on this forum and on the web in general. Seems like the biggest gripe with the BG380 is the laser unit; either the mounting screw causes problems or the laser malfunctions. How is the performance / reliability of the pistol itself?

I really like my P380, but it's about to be on it's second trip back to Kahr. This time for the slide locking open on a partially loaded magazine. The feeling of anticipation of an impending malfunction is frustrating.

I want something that'll function properly. The BG380 and LCP are front runners. Anything I need to look for or be aware of with either of these models?

 

[38-55]

I've only had my BG380 for a couple of weeks and only have 100 rounds through it, so I'm no expert yet but here are my observations so far:

1. 100 rounds, 50 round nose fmj and 50 flat point fmj, no issues.
2. Had to adjust the laser, expected.
3. Checked the screw holding the laser in: it was tight and backed out very hard. Possibly Smith has made a change to the screw? Serial # EALxxxx.
4. Take down pin stays in place, in fact it is a little tough to get out and replace. That a good thing.
5. Trigger pull seems to be getting a little better but it wasn't THAT bad out of the box for this type of gun. IMO the pull is better that a Ruger LCP.
6. Accuracy is good at 7 yards. Haven't shot it much farther back yet but again, gun was made for "up close and personal".
7. I started reading the horror stories AFTER I bought the BG but have also noted most of them are dated from last year. Hopefully changes have been made to address the problems by now.

Hope this helps. So far I love the Body Guard!

 

[cporfe]

I bought my BG380 over a month ago. 150 rounds of mixed WW FMJ, Geogia Arms XTP hollow point, and Magtech personal defense HPs. I haven't had a single problem. I like the double strike capability.

I have not sighted in the laser yet. It works, I keep the inside of the frame dry with just a hint of lube as some folks have suggested.

I am now going to try Winchester Silvertips. Supposed to be more mild that Hornady Personal Defense and only slightly less effective.

Mine is an EAV serial number prefix model and it seems all the bads things mentioned have been fixed.

As with any gun, there is still the possibility of a lemon, but I really like mine and won't be selling it.

Chris

 

[wingnuut]

get as late a model ser# as you can mine is eap 200 rounds and it performs perfect and very accurate trigger is alittle stiff but my fingeris getting stronger, laser was dead on. love it!

 

[patbelly]

Serial # EAJxxx bought in January. Problems with buttons, easy fix.
Laser screw came loose, S&W sent me new laser. Probably have 600+
rounds through her and it has been reliable. Shoots anything I feed it.
Trigger seems to have gotten better, although nothing wrong with it out of the box. Just took a little practice to get use to it. You might get some FTFire with ammo that has hard primers, Tul Ammo, but you have second strike capability with e BG380. I really like it and would recommend it. Never shot the LCP but not a bad option from what I hear. I would suggest trying both out if that is possible. Hope this helps.

 

[Shuz]

I bought a 380 Bodyguard new in Nov 2010(EAB series). I had ftf and fte issues from the start. I sent the gun back to Smith 3 times and the ftf issues were never corrected. On the fourth trip back, I asked for and received a full refund. Whilst I was having problems with the Bodyguard, I also purchased a new Ruger LCP. I have put several hundred rounds thru the LCP and have never had a ftf or fte.

 

[sps282]

Had my BG380 for almost a year and about 200 rounds....no problems so far....trigger is a stiff but it's not a target gun so not an issue. It's a belly gun for up close and personal.....never fooled with the lazer so can't comment on that. So far seems to be okay in my book.

 

[GeorgeP]

Been doing some research on this forum and on the web in general. Seems like the biggest gripe with the BG380 is the laser unit; either the mounting screw causes problems or the laser malfunctions. How is the performance / reliability of the pistol itself?

I really like my P380, but it's about to be on it's second trip back to Kahr. This time for the slide locking open on a partially loaded magazine. The feeling of anticipation of an impending malfunction is frustrating.

I want something that'll function properly. The BG380 and LCP are front runners. Anything I need to look for or be aware of with either of these models?

I can only speak for MY BG380. I have shot about 500 rounds through it (that's the minimum I always shot through a new gun), all sorts of common brands, FMJ, HPs, etc. and it has been flawless. Once I fixed the laser buttons (Q-tip shaft trick) and learned to check the laser lock screw tightness with each cleaning the gun has worked flawlessly. It's grip and shape gives pretty light recoil - for a 380 - and its VERY accurate. The long heavy trigger just takes some practice to get use to. It isn't any worse than most small DAO pistols.

As for the LCP, you wouldn't have to worry about the slide locking back anymore, it isn't designed to lock back at all. The Kel-Tec, although a great gun also doesn't lock back. That I don't like.

I don't know what your goals are for this gun but I'll add that for personal self-defense I never leave home without my Kel-Tec P32 in my pocket and my "Jack Bag". The BG380 lives in my "Jack Bag" along with my Galaxy Tablet, S&W light and knife and rides on the floor in front of my driver's seat. Sort of over-armed - LOL.

 

[offduty]

Have had mine for about 6 months now with no issues. EAP serial # so I hope it was after all the bad ones. Approximately 200 rounds threw her, so far so good. Laser is dead on. Bought it for summer carry and find myself carrying it more than I thought as it is so easy to conceal. Carry 40c most of the time in cold months, but find when I have to run to the store quick I just stick it in my pocket and go. As stated so far so good and really like it. Keeping my fingers crossed.