Terrific BodyGuard 380 experience

[buzzard767]

My BG 380 has a Galloway short stroke trigger and had one of their hardened firing pins. Additionally, it's a Crimson Trace laser model. Last month I put some LocTite on the laser retaining screw and while reinstalling, the brass bushing in the frame pulled out. No, I was not over tightening. I pulled the laser out and went to the range because I had some ammo I wanted to try. After about 50 rounds the gun failed to fire. It was some sort of firing pin related problem as the primers were barely, if at all, being touched.

Three weeks ago I sent the BG to S&W for warranty service with a note about the firing pin, and, if they could, fix it and charge me accordingly otherwise it would be a Galloway problem. I hadn't heard a word from them and was starting to wonder if I should make an inquiry. Today a FedEx truck pulled in the driveway with my gun. Surprise, Buzz. The paperwork did not indicate exactly what had been done but some of it was obvious.

1. Brand new frame including a new laser.
2. Galloway parts were installed in the new frame.
3. They replaced the Galloway firing pin with a S&W.
4. Included in the box were the firing pin, the original laser, complete with bronze bushing still stuck on the screw, and the batteries.
5. NO CHARGE

I went to the range, ran four different types of ammo, sighted in the laser, and smiled the entire time. After cleaning, I loaded up with Lehigh Defense XP and stuffed it in it's Sticky Holster. It's back to being my pocket gun for quick trips.

I can't say enough for the incredible service, lack of communication be damned. Kudos, Smith & Wesson, most impressive.

 

[Indynick]

I had to send in my Insight BG because I stripped the head on the laser screw. I was afraid the screw would get loose, and jam the slide, so I tighten it every time I cleaned it. Now I painted a red stripe on the screw and laser body, so I can tell if it is loose. They do this on aircraft screws, that are too small to safety wire.

 

[MackIII]

How do you like the Galloway short stroke trigger?

 

[buzzard767]

How do you like the Galloway short stroke trigger?

It's an improvement for sure. The pull weight is about the same as stock, and the length is easily still long enough that I feel no need to use the safety.

 

[KSDeputy]

I want a moderately priced pocket pistol, and have looked at the model without a laser several times. I just can't get past the DAO. All of my pistols, save one, are SA/DA and that is what I have been trained on. Has anyone morphed from a SA/DA into a DAO pistol, and if so how did it go for you?

 

[buzzard767]

Stick with what you know. My other pistols are SA/DA. The BG 380 trigger slows down double taps and if there are two or more bad guys it could mean trouble.

 

[JohnnyREB_]

I have a Sig 938 and bought the M&P Bodyguard for summer carry(pocket) I don't have a problem switching between them. The BG is just a deliberate pull and dry firing with the laser was the key to my retraining.
Each has it's benefits and carry styles for me (small guy).

 

[MixMasterEs]

Hey buzzard. Quick question brother, what size Sticky do you have ? I have a CTC laser m&p 380 and purchased one in size sm-3 and it seems to have a bit of wiggle room. Just wondering if it's normal or if I needed an sm-2.
Thanks

 

[buzzard767]

Hey buzzard. Quick question brother, what size Sticky do you have ? I have a CTC laser m&p 380 and purchased one in size sm-3 and it seems to have a bit of wiggle room. Just wondering if it's normal or if I needed an sm-2.
Thanks

My Sticky is an SM-2 and it's a near perfect fit. There is about 1/8" of light visible in the lower rear portion of the trigger guard.

 

[buzzard767]

I've switched ammo from Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator to Lehigh Xtreme Defense. The XD still has adequate penetration but more importantly a much larger permanent wound channel than the XP.

 

[KSDeputy]

Thanks for the advice. I tried the trigger pull on the new Ruger Custom LCP, and it is much better. I plan on buying one of these, and selling the Bodyguard. I need a pocket pistol to carry around the farm. I always carry a CS 45 when I leave my property. I have some Walthers but they are worth too much money to carry around the farm. I have a satin nickel Bersa .380 & .22lr. They are nice pistols but are a tad too big for pocket carry.

 

[mrmike7189]

I love DAO pistols

I love DAO pistols.Why?....you get same consistent trigger pull every time.(think Glock)
No need to use a decocker or a safety.
I was trained on DAO.(Sig P229) After you point your pistol at the bad guy, you can re-holster very quickly without messing with a de-cocker and have the use of both your hands for handcuffing. the keep it simple method no extra steps, just easy ,the way I like it

 

[MixMasterEs]

My Sticky is an SM-2 and it's a near perfect fit. There is about 1/8" of light visible in the lower rear portion of the trigger guard.

Thanks. Idk if it's too much to ask but would you happen to have a photo of it in the sticky holster to compare to mine. I can post mine

 

[MixMasterEs]

I Like this little s&w but the Crimson trace on it seems faulty [emoji853] don't know if smith can do something but I don't want to ship my gun

 

[buzzard767]

Thanks. Idk if it's too much to ask but would you happen to have a photo of it in the sticky holster to compare to mine.

Sure

 

[moose1953us]

I Like this little s&w but the Crimson trace on it seems faulty [emoji853] don't know if smith can do something but I don't want to ship my gun

i have one that came with the Insight laser... If you call customer service they will have you mail your faulty laser to them, and they will send you a new replacement laser. You don't need to send them the firearm for that. A little more info on my experience with the laser, the replacement they sent me was the new replacement crimson trace laser kit. I had a problem installing it due to my frame being a very early one and i couldnt get it to fit. they had me send my bg back and not only did they replace the laser, they replaced the whole frame.... all free of charge. I am very happy with the service i've received from S&W on my bodyguard .380

 

[MixMasterEs]

i have one that came with the Insight laser... If you call customer service they will have you mail your faulty laser to them, and they will send you a new replacement laser. You don't need to send them the firearm for that. A little more info on my experience with the laser, the replacement they sent me was the new replacement crimson trace laser kit. I had a problem installing it due to my frame being a very early one and i couldnt get it to fit. they had me send my bg back and not only did they replace the laser, they replaced the whole frame.... all free of charge. I am very happy with the service i've received from S&W on my bodyguard .380

Thanks. I'm going to try and see if it goes away, however sometimes when I draw from holster and press light it only comes on very very low with new batteries. Then sometimes it jut works. I like the laser since I sighted it at the range and it was surprisingly very accurate

 

[MixMasterEs]

Sure

Does it print? It looks like it would print by how it fits this holster

 

[buzzard767]

Does it print? It looks like it would print by how it fits this holster

No more than any other sub compact. It's my favorite combo for shorts and a tee shirt.

 

[moose1953us]

i use an Uncle George holster in the back pocket of my jeans.. its the most comfortable holster i have, and prints like a wallet not a gun...