Wait or Buy Bodyguard .380.

[McE]

Maybe you're thinking of Federal Aluminum case

 

[kevinmcc2]

db4570, have you had a chance to measure the firing pin to compare to the old? I just went to my local shop and they said they have sold A LOT of these BG's and not one came back with a problem.

 

[db4570]

Take a look at my updated post here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/444665-bodyguard-380-finally-reliable.html

David

 

[papersniper]

Hey all, moving in a new direction for my EDC. Currently I have been carrying my M&P 9c IWB and would like to switch to inside the pocket.......

I am a big S&W fan, own a Shield and 9c along with other, much older S&W semi-autos. I wanted something a big smaller, but not too small. I decided I'd go with a 380 acp unless it was comparatively difficult to shoot due to its small size. I checked out the Bodyguard, and it just seemed a bit too small in my hand. I did not have the chance to shoot it, but I didn't care for the trigger pull on the one I tried. Never been a fan of the LCP (too small), so I looked at Glock's model 42. It felt very good in my hand, and while it has only 6+1 capacity, its positive attributes caused me to purchase my first Glock. (But I still think they are an ugly gun! <g>)When I carry my Glock 42, which is mainly while riding my motorcycle and those times when a 9c or the Shield are too "large", I use a Kydex IWB holster. It all but disappears. I also have a DeSantis pocket holster, but rarely use it.....I prefer the IWB holster.

BTW, while its purely anecdotal, my Glock 42 has functioned 100%, but I've only fired about 150 rounds through it so far. It is a fun gun to shoot due to its size and weight. Too bad 380 ammo is so expensive! It'd be even more fun to shoot. Someone earlier recommended the Shield, which I think is a really good choice IF you can go with a slightly larger and heavier pistol....(I'd not try to pocket carry it with my typical clothing however). Of course you'd have a 9mm vs the little 380......choosing a small "pocket" pistol is indeed a challenge. Since you seem to like the idea of the Bodyguard, I'd recommend you try to shoot one, or at least dry fire one.

Good luck with your research!

 

[GTS Dean]

It does have issues with stovepipes from time to time during break in though. Avoid Brass Jacketed FMJs. Just avoid them. Copper or Lead.. easier to clean.

The concern I had though with mine was the final round.. it would eject the 2nd to last round but not feed the final round. I narrowed it down to a weak mag spring.

I have enough different brands/styles of ammo through mine now to offer some perspective.

I've experienced fail to fire (pull trigger again it always works), fail to feed and fail to lock back. It tends not to like some round nosed bullets. Some do OK, but tapered or truncated cone bullets feed effortlessly.

Last time I was shooting it, it jammed on the last round in the mag - twice. I took the mag apart and found that the spring had folded into itself about mid stack and lost tension.

I believe the biggest problems I've had are due to too light/poor design magazine spring and a plastic follower that is a tad too tall. This causes excessive force required to seat the full stack mag in the frame against the firing pin block bottom. It also over-compresses the spring and leads to coil bind issues.

I still really like the little pistol, but it doesn't have my full confidence. My Sig 232 has NEVER given me an operational problem, regardless of ammo or conditions. But, it isn't a true pocket pistol.

 

[Historian1863]

I purchased a bg380 last week
I had 6 FTF out of151 rounds of
US made target ammo

 

[papersniper]

I purchased a bg380 last week
I had 6 FTF out of151 rounds of
US made target ammo

The more I hear the more I like my Glock 42! It's probably not really a pocket pistol, however. But, I have a Kel-Tec PF11, and it's a dandy little pistol. Fits in the pocket nicely, although I never carry it that way.

 

[db4570]

I purchased a bg380 last week
I had 6 FTF out of151 rounds of
US made target ammo

This sounds like the exact problem I had with three of them, which S&W appears to have fixed with a re-design I describe here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/444665-bodyguard-380-finally-reliable.html

David

 

[Historian1863]

I will do some more testing before I contact sw on my FTF.
PLUS I am waiting to see that SW Are repairing the BG with
new firing pins
I fired the BG clean and dirty, FTF both ways.

This not my first gun purchase. I know it is not operator error

 

[Indynick]

Historian, I assume when you say FTF you mean Failure to Fire?

 

[JWH321]

I have had an M&P 380 (no laser) for almost a year now. It's been perfect. No failures of any kind. I changed sights to Williams Firesights. I bought it because it fit in my pocket. I had expected to carry it occasionally. It goes everywhere with me.

It is not a range gun. It's unpleasant to shoot after a couple of mags. But it is reliable, accurate, and comfortable enough that it gets carried all the time. Good stuff.

 

[W.E.G.]

I bought one several months ago, and I shot it a lot to make sure it worked with all sorts of ammo.

It did.

I like it.

It fits in the watch pocket of my US-made jeans - completely concealed.
AA Carpenter Jeans Made in USA: All American Clothing Co

 

[Historian1863]

Yes I do mean failure to fire
I have a LCP 380, work great
Indynick what kind of ammo works for you in the Bodyguard

 

[Indynick]

At the range, I use a locally sourced Scorpion FMJ. I don't know the specs. For carry, I use Hornady Critical Defense. I have also used stuff from Walmart, that was very dirty, but it also never failed.

 

[toyfarmerjj]

I have an early model BG. My only dislike is the trigger pull. I also have the older LCP... like the trigger less. I enjoy shooting my 1990's Colt Mustang.