First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380

[petes67bird]

For a first possible ccw weapon, what do you guys think. Should I go with a gun that I will be able to bring with me mostly everywhere in my pocket as the bodyguard, but lose a bit cause it's a 380. Or should I get something along the lines of the shield in 9 and not have it on me at times because I what I am wearing. I don't have any ccw guns, so this purchase will be for my primary gun for a year and the I will buy the other one the following year, just don't have the cash for both. Pretty much pocket gun first or iwb?

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[Tundra5.7]

I'd much rather have a 9mm or 40 S&W, so for me it would be the Shield.

 

[petes67bird]

So your vote is for iwb first over the pocket? Regardless of weapon?

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[2tango2]

Not a fan of the 380 but if you are dead set on carrying in pocket the Bodyguard is a good choice

The xDs in 9mm would be a nice choice as well when it comes out. My xDs in 45 fits in my pocket. I however prefer my Shields in a Remora or Sticky

 

[AFrost20]

IMO, get the shield and a good quality, tuckable IWB holster. Once it is broken in, you will forget it is there. The shield is thin enough to disappear under even just a non-skin tight tee shirt.

 

[petes67bird]

Not a fan of the 380 but if you are dead set on carrying in pocket the Bodyguard is a good choice

The xDs in 9mm would be a nice choice as well when it comes out. My xDs in 45 fits in my pocket. I however prefer my Shields in a Remora or Sticky

The xds fits in your pocket? Are these normal Jean pockets or cargo shorts. I wear like Eddie Bauer jeans so normal pockets. Thanks

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[Tundra5.7]

So your vote is for iwb first over the pocket? Regardless of weapon?

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I would rather dress around the weapon than settle for easier carry. The Shield is very easy to conceal and is available in two excellent self defense calibers. To me, the 9mm is the minimum one should carry for self defense.

IMO, the Bodyguard versus the other pocket pistols(P3AT, Ruger LCP, etc.) would be a better comparison than the Shield.

 

[Dean1818]

IWB in my humble opinion is much better than pocket carry

I would say 380 is a marginal carry caliber

 

[petes67bird]

Tundra I am buying both. My question is which should a new cc´we buy first. An all around pocket pistol or iwb weapon.
It will take about a year to save enough for the other
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[jonesy814]

Shield all the way. Its very concealable, and a pleasure to shoot. I've carried mine in a Black hawk Check six OWB leather holster wearing shorts and a loose fitting T-shirt many times. Its also a gun you can take out and run a couple hundred rounds through if you want, without getting your hand all beat up.

 

[RussC]

For a first possible ccw weapon, what do you guys think. Should I go with a gun that I will be able to bring with me mostly everywhere in my pocket as the bodyguard, but lose a bit cause it's a 380. Or should I get something along the lines of the shield in 9 and not have it on me at times because I what I am wearing. I don't have any ccw guns, so this purchase will be for my primary gun for a year and the I will buy the other one the following year, just don't have the cash for both. Pretty much pocket gun first or iwb?

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Pete
I pocket 10 hours per day my Shield 9mm in slacks.

I changed my stock sights for XD Big Dot. Rear stock sight catches .

If you want a 9mm pocket smaller and lighter than the Shield that is worth buying I would look at the Sig 938.

I have shot and pocket concealed my friends Sig 938 and it is a very well made and reliable.

Russ

 

[petes67bird]

Thanks for all the input. Still tough.

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[Tundra5.7]

Tundra I am buying both. My question is which should a new cc´we buy first. An all around pocket pistol or iwb weapon.
It will take about a year to save enough for the other
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Get the Shield first, IMO. As has been stated it can be concealed by using an IWB holster or an OWB holster. The Shield is a much more versatile pistol.

 

[Schlepprock]

Funny..to all who thinks a BG.380 isn't enough gun for self defense I say this..come over,I'll let you start beating me up,and after two or three rounds of BG.380 thrown at you,I want you to tell me I should've had a 9m..and keep beating me up..The best gun for SD is one you can carry/conceal and shoot,it dont have to be an elephant gun,some suggest at least this calaber or that as a minimum..rediculous.Sure someone "could" keep coming at you after a.380 hit,but I can also link you a video on You tube showing a guy that keeps coming after a couple.40 rounds from a LEO..JMHO..Phil

 

[CJ_mp40c]

The 380 will punch holes. Is it enough power? Lets not go there, everyone is going to have a different opinion. I would feel better with the power of a 9mm or a .40 . I have shot my friends teeny/tiny LCP380 and it wants to pop out of my hand. I could only get off a couple of shots before I gave it back. I could shoot my 40c all day (which is slightly bigger than a shield).

Get out shoot both. If you are heading toward the 380, definitely shoot it.

The 380 is definitely smaller, but too small for me.

 

[RobzGuns]

Personally, I haven't carried anything smaller than a 9mm in over 25 years, but I know some that are very comfortable only carrying .380.
For self defense, It's not so much caliber as it is about shot placement and managing recoil for Followup shots, so I would suggest that the OP shoot both, decide which one has more manageable recoil and allows the shooter to get back on target for quicker followup shots.

For me, the Shield has a much tamer recoil than some .380s out there.
I have never shot the Bodyguard, so I don't know what it's recoil is like, compared to the Shield.

 

[Maddmax]

Thanks for all the input. Still tough.

Sounds like you are trying to talk yourself into a 380. . Hands down,I take the 9 Shield. I pocket carry in deep cargo,IWB,behind my back or shoulder holster.

Simple test. Go out and find (don't buy yet), ahh...500 rounds of each. That will tell you something about the times at hand. You will need ammo to practice and carry. You will want ammo availability of some kind right off the bat. While you are out there,a few extra mags would be nice too,not nessory at this time,just brousing/shopping too. Did you find many 380's or 9's ? I haven't seen 380's anywhere around here for a VERY long time. 9's I can usually find "something" somewhere.

Your ammo is you biggest challenge right now. Get the one you can find the most ammo for.

 

[Ransom]

First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380

For a first possible ccw weapon, what do you guys think. Should I go with a gun that I will be able to bring with me mostly everywhere in my pocket as the bodyguard, but lose a bit cause it's a 380. Or should I get something along the lines of the shield in 9 and not have it on me at times because I what I am wearing. I don't have any ccw guns, so this purchase will be for my primary gun for a year and the I will buy the other one the following year, just don't have the cash for both. Pretty much pocket gun first or iwb?

I have both the Shield and BG 380. Get the Shield first because it will be your primary weapon and you'll enjoy shooting it more. The BG 380 is a great alternate for when you need something smaller, but I found the Shield can be carried almost all the time and it is more powerful, thus a better defensive weapon. Also the Shield is easier to shoot and 9mm costs less than .380 ammo so you'll be able to afford to shoot more. In my opinion the Shield wins hands down.

 

[Storm40]

I never carry in my pocket so that i not a consideration for me. I have lots of guns and most are compact/subcompact. The Shield is a very nice size that gives you concealability and large enough for controlability. The fact that it comes in 9mm or .40 S&W is the icing on the cake.

 

[shawn mccarver]

For a first possible ccw weapon, what do you guys think. Should I go with a gun that I will be able to bring with me mostly everywhere in my pocket as the bodyguard, but lose a bit cause it's a 380. Or should I get something along the lines of the shield in 9 and not have it on me at times because I what I am wearing. I don't have any ccw guns, so this purchase will be for my primary gun for a year and the I will buy the other one the following year, just don't have the cash for both. Pretty much pocket gun first or iwb?

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As between the two, the 9mm Shield is clearly the way to go. You can take it everywhere. Use a pocket holster.