M&P Bodygaurd vs LCP

[WilliamG]

Given the choice between the Bodyguard and LCP I went with the Bodyguard. Like the feel and look of it better, and it offers more features than other .380's. Plus it's not as punishing to shoot at the range. Added a Pachmyer grip and it's a "fine" pocket gun now. HOWEVER...if you're open to other options in .380 I will suggest the Glock 42!
Just picked one up for my wife a month ago. She is VERY recoil sensitive and has small hands. The Glock fit the bill to the T! Felt recoil is almost nothing because of the dual recoil springs (making follow up shots more accurate). The trigger is the same as any Glock, and if you're not one whose prone to limp wristing you can forget about those bad reports of failures to feed. My wife experienced it, yet when I fired right behind her...no problem. Once I helped her correct for that she was "rollin". I'm thinking of getting one for myself. LOVE the gun, and if I were choosing my first .380 now, there's no question it would be the Glock.

If you're not tied down to the Glocks, the 9mm Kahr CM9/PM9 are the same size as the Glock 42, and provide more firepower than a 380. The 42 is certainly a nice pistol, but I think Glock missed the mark by making it a .380 in the same size as a LOT of pocket 9mm pistols out there.

 

[Protected One]

If you're not tied down to the Glocks, the 9mm Kahr CM9/PM9 are the same size as the Glock 42, and provide more firepower than a 380. The 42 is certainly a nice pistol, but I think Glock missed the mark by making it a .380 in the same size as a LOT of pocket 9mm pistols out there.

I disagree. Sure, there are small 9's out there (and .45's for that matter), but along with that increase in power comes an increase in recoil. This affects the shooters ability to control fire and put rounds accurately on target. Some people are more sensitive to recoil than others (my wife is one of them),and won't practice with...or carry a gun they can't control.
It's not always about firepower. Glock knows this, and that's why they went the route that they did. Smart. Very smart.

 

[George9]

The OP Stated he has a 9mm shield and does not want another 9mm he wants a small.380 for summer carry.. George

 

[crracer_712]

I haven't had a chance to see the new M&P 380, but when I was looking for a picket pistol I really liked the BG380 (although I had never shot one). I felt better in my hand than the LCP, I liked the sights better, IIRC it had the last shot hold open which the lcp LCP did not. My only problem with it was I couldn't find a single one that both buttons worked the laser consistently and at that time I believe they were fairly new (I was looking 2 to 3 years ago), people on here were talking of some issues (which all forums and all guns have talk about issues). I went with the LCP and after adding the Hogue grip, it fits 100% better and I've never had a single issue with either of them (ended up buying a second one as well). I have a desantis pocket holster that accepts a LCP with a laser and it works with the one that doesn't have a laser as well.

 

[willydd]

It must be nice to shoot your new M&P 380. I sent my M&P (no laser) back to the factory 2 weeks ago - still waiting. Neither I, the range master or the dealer could get the gun to fire. Once I find out the problem, I will post the results. I previously owned the Sig P238 and currently have a Kahr P380. I think I prefer the manual safety. I do have the Ruger LC9 and LC380 and they are a little large for a pocket gun.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

In relation to the LCP, the BG is bigger, heavier and equiped with a safety. Three things I am not looking for in a pocket pistol. I chose the LCP.

 

[cmenigoz]

I have the bg .380, the shield .40 as well as the kahr cm9.. I dont like how ruger's LCP or LC9 feel or shoot.. My buddy has the rugers.. I just cant get into them... I think its just personnal preference... Find a range that lets u rent platforms and buy what fits u best... Find a friend with one or the other.. Get trigger time behind them both and then decide

 

[FLY FIS]

I bought the BG 380 after deciding that my Shield 9mm was to heavy and not comfortable at all to pocket carry. I thought the Shield would do the double duty, but it just wasn't comfortable at all and the pockets of the jeans were small for the weapon and my hand trying to grasp it. The BG 380 I have has the laser and has been flawless to shoot. Ammo has been a little tough to find, but it isn't a firearm that I expect to target shoot that much with. I have put some 250-300 rounds through it and also have used several different hollow point rounds trying to decide what to use as a every day personal defense round. (not to start another topic) Each round has fired without any FTF or FTE or anything. Trigger pull is long indeed, but once you feel the the way the firearm fires, and where that point of discharge is, you will have no problem shooting it with accuracy. I do like the laser, also noting that without it a night sight would be advantageous to have in low light situations or at least a white outline. I have had trouble getting extra magazines form anyone, as the BG I have came with only one mag and I need the finger rest. That would be the only problem that I see with the firearm. Good luck with what ever you choose, but I do like and recommend the 380 Bodyguard from Smith & Wesson!

 

[rock doc]

In relation to the LCP, the BG is bigger, heavier and equiped with a safety. Three things I am not looking for in a pocket pistol. I chose the LCP.

I had been thinking about buying one, just because it's a S&W M&P, but I am very satisfied with my LCP for the very reasons Phil stated. If I want something bulky in my pants pocket, I'll carry my Shield 9mm.

 

[Air Winger]

I bought my BG 380 in Jan '11 after doing much research and test firing of several pocket 380s. As mentioned above, the LCP was terrible to fire; just seemed to snap in my hand. The BG was much easier and the recoil felt much better. Additionally I liked the sights on the BG better and I could turn the laser on with just a tiny bit of pressure from my trigger finger.
I politely disagree with not taking your CC to the range on occasion as one must be expressly familiar with the operation of any piece one carries. In a desperate situation you don't have time to think and must react from instinct. Not being familiar with your CC could be fatal.

 

[Eugene 9mm]

I love the LCP for pocket carry.

Yes it's snappy, and with my large hands it's still too small for a pinky on the grip even with the extended magazine, but it is the smallest thing out there, with no sharp corners or edges to catch on pockets on the way in or out, and still room to get your hand into the pocket around it.

My LGS had them on sale the week I was looking at pocket guns so I got one for $279. That's the new one (no hyphen in the number). Sights are better than the original but still not really going to be much use in a real situation. Trigger seems fine to me, I haven't tried the original to feel the difference.

 

[SMR]

Thanks again everyone for all of your input. I am still searching for the right deal for either one. Hopefully will come across one soon. I appreciate everyones opinion as it has helped me a lot. Thanks

 

[GKC]

I have had a BG380, a LCP, and a SIG P238. The P238 is a nice gun, well made and functions well, plus I like the "mini-1911" look and feel...but it's expensive and a bit heavy (to me) for pocket carry. Between the LCP and BG380, I preferred the BG380...and I think the new M&P 380 will be even better, since my main discontent with the BG380 was the laser. I've not owned a Kahr 380, but I have owned a Kahr CW9 and CW45, and I'm not a fan of Kahr guns.

A lot of people speak favorably about the Taurus TCP...it is made in America, and Taurus CS has improved (not comparable to Ruger or S&W, yet, but improved.) If you buy a Taurus at Academy Sports, they will send it back to Taurus for you for two years after purchase (which, hopefully, isn't the length of time it will be at Taurus) but the downside is that you have to take it to the store where you bought it (or so I was told...that could be challenged, I think.) Academy has the base TCP model on their website for $199, but they never have them in stock (at least around here.)

I saw a Glock 42 in a local shop the other day, and that is a sweet pistol! The only thing is, there are a lot of reports of problems with them now, so it would be better to wait until they've been out a while...and they are also much more expensive than the LCP/TCP/M&P380...but comparable in price to the P238.

For the money and service, right now I'd buy a M&P 380. If they get it sorted out and the price comes down, I sure would like to have a Glock 42. One thing about Glocks...there are tons of parts and accessories available for them, and they are easy for even a person with basic skills to maintain. I'd also consider a LC380, even if it is a bit big for pocket carry (but manageable) because of Ruger's great service...but I sure wish they get rid of the magazine disconnect and LCI. I had a LC9 and liked it OK, but for a small 9mm, the Shield can't be beat, IMO.

 

[PersDef]

I picked up a new M&P BG380 this weekend for $299 and traded in my TCP. I was never that fond of the trigger on the TCP (did not pull consistently), so I don't feel I'll be missing anything in that category, plus, the BG trigger provides 2nd strike capability.

The primary reason I went for the BG is the fit in the hand. It feels far better than the TCP did even with Pearce grip extensions.

I also really like the overall fit and finish of the BG (not that the TCP F&F was poor), and the sights are better than the TCP. The BG sights are stainless steel and they're adjustable for drift vs small fixed sights on the TCP.

Mike...

 

[shawn mccarver]

There are all sorts of reasons to like the Bodyguard over the LCP, but the one I had with the laser, while perfect in performance as regards the gun, was unfortunately not right as far as the laser is concerned. It is long gone, and I have waited patiently for the non-laser version of the Bodyguard, now introduced. If it works, it should be good to go, for a .380 ACP. Unfortunately, in the meantime, 9mm pistols hardly larger have been introduced that eclipse the Bodyguard .380 as far as I am concerned. If you want a .380, however, I like this new one they have just introduced, at least on paper. I have not owned or shot one, but it seems to have all the features I wanted when it was first introduced. I had no use for the laser then, and thought it was sort of a gimmick, but all sorts of people love them, and that is ok - lasers are just not for me. That said, I can see a use for them when you cannot see the sights, as has been demonstrated by Todd Jarrett. However, I do not worry enough about that scenario to want to have a laser on everything. I would rather buy ammo and shoot.

 

[SMR]

I picked up a new M&P BG380 this weekend for $299 and traded in my TCP. I was never that fond of the trigger on the TCP (did not pull consistently), so I don't feel I'll be missing anything in that category, plus, the BG trigger provides 2nd strike capability.

The primary reason I went for the BG is the fit in the hand. It feels far better than the TCP did even with Pearce grip extensions.

I also really like the overall fit and finish of the BG (not that the TCP F&F was poor), and the sights are better than the TCP. The BG sights are stainless steel and they're adjustable for drift vs small fixed sights on the TCP.

Mike...

Mind sharing where you found the M&P Bodygaurd for that price? Thanks.

 

[Protected One]

Mind sharing where you found the M&P Bodygaurd for that price? Thanks.

I have a feeling that price was WITH the trade in!

 

[GKC]

I don't know why, but I read reports of various handguns selling around the country for much less than they sell for here in the DFW area. I guess everything (including price tags) really is bigger in Texas.

 

[gurion]

Prices vary, and even within small area they can be really different across the board. When I was shopping for my M&P BG380 about a month ago, local prices (area within ~50 miles) were from $320 to $400.
If a lower price isn't available, suggest looking online. Just factor in the FFL transfer on top of sale price and shipping.

 

[PersDef]

Mind sharing where you found the M&P Bodygaurd for that price? Thanks.

Florida Gun Exchange in Ormond Beach, FL (near Daytona) had a big sale this weekend featuring S&W products. I also picked up an M&P22 for $329. Prices are good through April 12th. Follow the link below to the sale flier pdf download.

http://floridagunexchange.com/red-tag-sale-event