Bodyguard .380 Opinions Appreciated...

[Old TexMex]

My BG.380 is proving out well. The double action trigger pull is the same as a model 37, 38, or 36 S&W revolver.
I also prefer Hornady Critical Defense.
BTW: by searching for faults in other sub compacts, every one has some detractors and individuals who "swear they'll never stake their lives on this unreliable xxxx, and I'm buying a yyyy."

 

[PirateJim]

I have to chuckle a little bit when I hear people talking about "the trigger" on this little gun.

Frankly, I can't imagine EVER firing it for its intended purpose under circumstances where I would give even a milisecond of thought to the trigger.

For the gun's intended purpose, you will be trying to pull the trigger with all your might, and as fast as you can. You will probably be off-balance, and shooting at a moving target that is upon you, and is trying to take you to the ground. You won't be able to raise the gun in any sort of posture that will allow you to see the sights. If you have any conscious thought at that moment, it will be something along the lines of "Please make this gun discharge before he takes it away from me."

It is strictly a DEFENSIVE weapon. Nobody is using this gun for interdictions. You will have exactly 0.00 seconds to prepare for the shot.

In a real scenario, the last thing you will be thinking about is the "quality" of the trigger pull. Even if there is a discernible difference between the triggers on various .380 autoloaders, at the moment you need the trigger to work, you will be in no state of mind to appreciate those differences. In that situation, the only trigger that you will notice is one that doesn't work.

This.

When I decided to evaluate small 380s to compliment my Shield I did a lot of reading and asked a number of questions on this and other forums. I ended up selecting the Ruger LCP over the Bodyguard, though the Bodyguard has a number of features that really make it a better "general purpose" pistol.

The Ruger's slide doesn't lock back after the last shot like the Bodyguard. But by the nature of its intended use I don't really anticipate having a chance for a fast reload where there wouldn't be time to rack the slide. Fact is though, I don't carry a spare clip for it. As W.E.G. says, it's a "Get off me!" gun.

The Ruger's sights are pathetic. But it's a point and shoot type gun.

The Ruger's trigger is indeed better, but I don't think that makes much difference.

Two things swayed me. It seemed like either Bodyguards worked great, or barely worked at all. Lately I've seen a lot more positive results from Bodyguards, so maybe something's been fixed. But reliability is a big thing, and at the time I didn't feel like rolling the dice on that. But the biggest thing, is that the LCP is a little smaller/thinner than the bodyguard, and for its intended purpose (deep cover when I feel the Shield is too big) small is huge.

For what it's worth, I use Hornady Critical Defense for carry ammo.

 

[12string]

I pocket carry my Beretta Nano 9mm sometimes


I really like my wife's Sig 238 for dress pants.

 

[Silverlobo]

My BG.380 is the backup to my Shield 9mm and both have Hornady Critical Defense. My only problem is finding a good pocket holster for it. Trying a Crossbreed Belly band as soon as it gets here.

 

[db4570]

There is a night and day difference between the p238 and bodyguard. I own the p238 and shot a bodyguard some. Spend the extra money and get the p238.

This sounds like a fan-boy talking. How about you give some specific examples. You have basically told us nothing except you own another brand and like it.

David

 

[deadin]

OK, What's the difference in performance (if any) between a BG 380 without the laser and a BG 380 with a laser but the laser is turned off??

 

[Brother_Bluto]

I'm going to get me a BG as a christmas present and to conceal carry daily as my SIG 229 and M&P40C is too bulky for my body size.

I do want the laser but can't decide which one to get.

Crimson Trace integrated laser $394.99
Crimson Trace Green Laserguard $519.00

If I get the the laserguard model can it be removed and use the BG w/ out laser?

Are holsters fitmet the same for either? Is price about right?

Yes, the CT Green Laserguard can be removed if you don't want it on the gun. The button is much easier and intuitive than the integrated unit, as you simply grab the pistol and you have green laser (pressure from middle finger activates). For most leather or Kydex holsers you will need a specify that you have it as it does take a different holster... although if it is fitted for it, and you remove it... not sure (but about to find out after Xmas). The simple fabric pocket holsters will likely work either way.

 

[Brother_Bluto]

There is a night and day difference between the p238 and bodyguard. I own the p238 and shot a bodyguard some. Spend the extra money and get the p238.

These are very different pistols and people will have reasons for using a SA vs a DAO. I definitely like SA pistols... but I will only carry them on my side. When I went looking for a pocket gun to use when I wasn't carrying on my side, I realized quickly that I didn't want a SA gun for the pocket. I believe a DAO is safer than a SA when in the pocket. I also didn't want a cocked and locked hammer than can get caught on the way out of my pocket, or get lint or anything else to fall in front of the hammer. Again, that was for me and why I chose the DAO Bodyguard. If I was looking for a 380 that I was going to wear on my hip, then I would have gone with the Sig P238 or Kimber Micro... but I like my Kimber Ultra CDP 45ACP for that job. To each and their own.

 

[BrianMnP]

I have two M&Ps - a full size 9mm and my Bodyguard w/o laser. The 9mm is fantastic on the range in everyway. Not so with BG. Long trigger pull and the sights don't aim well as they have no white dots. HOWEVER, the application is what is important. The BG is for concealed carry and personal protection. It's a short range pocket carry. Like you, I tried the Shield in my pocket. Great gun but in Florida it just doesn't work. I have two Desantis holsters for the BG but mostly use the Nemisis pocket holster. At the end of the day, the BG380 is the right choice for me. Good luck!

 

[686-380]

I find it most helpful to make the time to visit the range and practice at least once a month with my BG. It reaquaints me with the trigger pull. I have to agree about the sights - my G42 is great for that - just a little to big and finicky for me to carry.

 

[larbike]

bg .380 opinions

I recently bought an M&P Bodyguard .380 for concealed carry use. I looked carefully at the Ruger LCP and BG .380. The bodyguard fit my hand better, had better sights than the LCP. I like the fact that the bodyguard has a safety, this gives me more peace of mind since I intend to carry it in a pocket holster. I added some white paint to the front and rear sights to improve visibility.

I have fired about 250 rounds so far with zero failures to fire or cycle with factory ammo. I did notice a couple of light strikes that occurred with reloaded practice ammo which likely had some high primers. I plan on using only factory ammo in actual carry so this is not a big issue.

Accuracy with most ammo has been excellent and recoil is very manageable. I have had very good results with Hornady American gunner ammo with the 90 grain XTP bullet. It shoots to point of aim and seems to have a good punch without excessive recoil.

The trigger is definitely something that requires practice to master. The trigger on my pistol pulls at 10lbs. I found that the best way to fire is by pulling straight through just like on a double action revolver. The trigger pull can be staged but I found that this makes it harder to keep the sights on the target and tires your hand. I use a two hand grip but have had to readjust my usual grip so that my trigger finger does not run into the thumb of my opposite hand during firing. Once a good hold is found it is relatively easy to fire a quick string.

At this point I can confidently put all six shots into a 6 inch bull at 15 yards offhand.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this pistol and it will become my daily carry gun. Hope this helps.

 

[OakleyFreak]

I have the M&P 380
I like the gun, but its not my Shield
The trigger pull is way tooo long
Do your self a favor
Spend the extra coin and the get the SIG P238
You wont regret it after you shoot it
I am on the fence on selling the M&P 380 and seeking out a SIG

 

[oldiegoldie]

I don't want to start a range war here, but [yea, there's always a but] carrying a cocked and locked single action in the pocket would make me as nervous as a wh*re in church. no doubt the Sig has a very good trigger if you have the confidence to pocket carry it. Not for me.

 

[kbm6893]

If I was given a free Sig 238 I'd sell it for something else. I'm sure it's a fine weapon since Sig doesn't make junk (although the Mosquito was a failure), but a cocked and locked pocket pistol? Cocked hammer might get caught on pocket as it is drawn? Lint falling into the gun in front of the hammer? SA trigger pointing at my junk? No thanks.

And why would I put such a tiny gun like the 238 or the BG in the waistband or on my belt? The whole point of the gun is concealability. I can carry a slightly larger 9MM with more rounds and power if I'm gonna carry on my belt.

I've toyed with the idea of getting a pocket .380, and if I do it will be a BG. I like Ruger, and my carry gun is an LC9-S and my home gun is an SR-9, but the LCP is TOO small, and has no safety. But I think I'm just gonna get a j frame. I had a 642 once and it pocket carried fine. And I already own other .38's and reload for them so plenty of ammo on hand instead of buying expensive .380. Plus, no reliability issues with a revolver. Too many negative reports on the BG, at least the early ones.

 

[Colorado9]

Trigger better than a Glock 42

I bought a BG380 with laser and a Glock 42 at about the same time. I had been told that the Glock was the answer to the long trigger pull on other 380s. It turns out that I can shoot the BG much better than the Glock. Whereas the BG has a long pull, the Glock has almost no movement before it goes bang. For a pocket pistol, that worries me. Especially with the lack of a safety on the Glock. Yes, I know, the Glock claims to have multiple safeties, none of which helps if something gets inside the trigger guard while in a pocket or while drawing.

I would not even think about the Glock as a pocket carry. I would not carry it unless it was in something like a Sneaky Pete holster, or the similar DeSantis Incognito, which protect the trigger, or a good IWB holster. In a SHTF situation, the Glock would be fine if I needed to pull it out and shoot, although the trigger is so sensitive I worry about it going off before I have the proper aim. However, if it's a question of stopping someone getting closer by pointing a gun at them, the heavier trigger on the BG would be far less likely to be activated by mistake.

While my home defense guns are stored without a round in the chamber, my CCW pistol needs to have a round in the chamber. There's no time in an emergency to rack the slide on a small pistol. I am much more comfortable with the BG. I have the model with the safety. With the long trigger pull, I am OK with carrying it with the safety off, although I can sweep it off with my thumb while drawing anyway. When it is at home, I keep the safety on, not that there's anyone else around.

The other thing about the Glock trigger is that it has that safety thingy in the center, and I find that the tip of my finger gets pinched between the trigger and safety device. After 20 rounds or so, that's enough. The BG does have rough grips, which is good in most situations, but I found that 50 rounds or so was enough before my hands wanted to stop, because of the grip, not the trigger. As people have said here, it's a last resort pocket pistol, not a target pistol.

You can argue all you want about the laser, but I got a deal on a BG380 with the Crimson Trace laser that was better than most prices without the laser, so I got that model. I agree I probably would not use it in an emergency, but I am not aware of any downside to it being there.

Overall, I really like the BG and will be keeping it. The Glock may be for sale if I can find an alternative, or possibly if I just find I am not using it and carry the BG all the time.

 

[captorquewrench]

I have the bg .380 and my daughter has the Sig . Both are nice weight and easily concealed. The Sig has more comfortable trigger pull and easier slide action.

 

[moose1953us]

i've carried mine every day in a back pocket holster, it prints like a wallet, and i figure if i was ever held up, it would look like i was going for my wallet if i decided to draw. its comfortable, and easy to draw from, unlike a front pocket would be. this one is by Uncle George, and has held up well. I use Hornady Critical Defense ammo, and have been very happy with the BG.380 as a SD EDC weapon. Its not a fun gun to play at a range with, but as others have pointed out it is excellent as a last ditch self defense weapon. its small and light enough to be easy to conceal, and you can easily forget its even there it's so light. at 7 yards its fairly accurate for such a short barrel easily putting the whole mag in the x ring...

 

[HKB]

Why carry concealed in your front pocket when there are better options?

I went out today wearing my favorite pair of jeans to a local gun shop trying to figure out what I can and can't carry in my front pocket as my first concealed carry handgun.

I found out that, with my current wardrobe, guns like the Shield 9mm/Ruger LC9s/Sig P938/Glock 42/etc. just aren't going to work for my concealed carry needs right now. All the guns would fit but to easily pull them out in a time of need, not happening very smoothly.

Handguns that that do work are the M&P Bodyguard .380 (without laser), Ruger LCP Custom, Kahr CM9 (the only 9mm in the bunch), Kahr CW380, and Sig Sauer P238 (although this one is about $120 more than what I was hoping to spend).

Can anyone give me your opinions, thoughts, and experiences (both good and bad) with the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380?

Thank you!

TripleB

 

[kbm6893]

Why carry concealed in your front pocket when there are better options?

Pocket carry has a serious benefit: you can have your hand on your weapon and not draw attention, and if you were robbed you'll never pull a gun from your belt, but when the lowlife is on you and your hand is in your pocket, SURPRISE!!. Hopefully the scumbag will see a bright flash followed by nothing.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Lots of threads here on the BG 380 so no need to go any further than to say I've had mine for years ans till think it's the best pocket carry option out there. ( Partially because of the long DA trigger and safety which everyone seems to gripe about.)
FWIW, I had the sig 238 (and 938) but did not trust them for pocket carry (even in a holster.) since they carry in SA vs DA mode. SA in the pocket is dangerous IMHO.