Which would you choose?
S&W Bodyguard .380
Ruger LCP Max .380
S&W Bodyguard .380
Ruger LCP Max .380
Looking for very small carry -
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Inusuit
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If you are only considering those two and .380 caliber, I'd pick the Ruger because I'm a fanboi.
You will get multiple suggestions for options not on your shortlist.
You will get multiple suggestions for options not on your shortlist.
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I don't carry a 380 however two of my best friends recently both bought the Max version - I've shot them both often. It is a very nice, reliable and accurate little pistol. Holds 10+1 and is decently made. While I own no Ruger's, I know that their customer service is #1.
I am not a Bodyguard fan.
The only thing I am skeptical about is a .380 for self defense, but that discussion is for another post. On the other hand, I can understand why people want the 10.5 oz. Ruger Max - small, light, simple to shoot with great sights.
I am not a Bodyguard fan.
The only thing I am skeptical about is a .380 for self defense, but that discussion is for another post. On the other hand, I can understand why people want the 10.5 oz. Ruger Max - small, light, simple to shoot with great sights.
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I have a Ruger LCP. It's not the Max, but I've been very satisfied with it for the many years I've owned it.
Which would I pick between the Bodyguard and the LCP Max? From everything I've read, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other.
You have to remember, these are not target pistols. These are not handguns that you would normally use for recreational shooting such as plinking tin cans on a Saturday afternoon. These guns are up close and personal, highly concealable, self-defense shooters.
You will undoubtedly have people people tell you that you need a larger caliber, or that you need better sights, or one with a better grip, or...and the list goes on. Balderdash!! Remember what the gun was invented for...spitting distance accuracy for those altercations where you can literally reach out and touch someone.
Personally, if you are truly undecided, I'd try to take the opportunity to shoot both and then decide. They both work for their intended purposes.
Which would I pick between the Bodyguard and the LCP Max? From everything I've read, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other.
You have to remember, these are not target pistols. These are not handguns that you would normally use for recreational shooting such as plinking tin cans on a Saturday afternoon. These guns are up close and personal, highly concealable, self-defense shooters.
You will undoubtedly have people people tell you that you need a larger caliber, or that you need better sights, or one with a better grip, or...and the list goes on. Balderdash!! Remember what the gun was invented for...spitting distance accuracy for those altercations where you can literally reach out and touch someone.
Personally, if you are truly undecided, I'd try to take the opportunity to shoot both and then decide. They both work for their intended purposes.
I have a Bodyguard, but don't have anything against the Ruger... as suggested, shoot both. Also as suggested, the .380 you have with you is better than the .357 you left at home.
I will throw this out there.... here's a Bodyguard .380 compared to a Sig P365 in 9mm:
The P365 is wider and heavier, but the overall size is about the same. 6+1 of .380 vs. 10+1 of 9mm.
My Bodyguard only comes out of the safe very rarely, and only for when the smallest possible profile is necessary and when pocket carry is the only option. Most of the time, the P365 gets the nod.
I will throw this out there.... here's a Bodyguard .380 compared to a Sig P365 in 9mm:
The P365 is wider and heavier, but the overall size is about the same. 6+1 of .380 vs. 10+1 of 9mm.
My Bodyguard only comes out of the safe very rarely, and only for when the smallest possible profile is necessary and when pocket carry is the only option. Most of the time, the P365 gets the nod.
If it works as well as the original LCP, I'd buy the Ruger.
Given my experience with both(companies, not these models specifically), I would go with the ruger. The 3 rugers I have are very reliable. I have had two issues in total and one was self inflicted. Customer service was top notch for both problems and the issues were resolved within 4 days after I contacted them.
hyena
Member
I didn't cast a vote, because I've never shot the MAX. Sure like the concept though. If I were you, I'd try to shoot both of them. Equally or more important, if you're planning to pocket carry I'd go to a gun store and put each of them in the pocket of the pants you normally wear. That little bit of height difference might matter.
I had an original LCP. Liked it, but just couldn't get comfortable pocket carrying it without a thumb safety. Switched to a Bodyguard. It fit my XXL hand slightly better (especially now with a Handall sleeve on it), plus it had the manual safety. And, with the BG, the hammer is not partially cocked by chambering a round. I actually like a long heavy trigger pull on a pocket gun. After carrying mine for a few years, I now leave the manual safety off, since in my mind it's akin to pocket carrying my 642.
I have read the trigger pull on the MAX is around 5-6 pounds, and shorter than the BG. That, and the lack of a thumb safety, is the only reason I haven't bought one.
For all the LCP guys - I acknowledge the concern is in my head. I suspect if I actually started pocket carrying a MAX in my Mica holster, I'd soon feel comfortable with it. For now, I'm good with my Bodyguard.
I had an original LCP. Liked it, but just couldn't get comfortable pocket carrying it without a thumb safety. Switched to a Bodyguard. It fit my XXL hand slightly better (especially now with a Handall sleeve on it), plus it had the manual safety. And, with the BG, the hammer is not partially cocked by chambering a round. I actually like a long heavy trigger pull on a pocket gun. After carrying mine for a few years, I now leave the manual safety off, since in my mind it's akin to pocket carrying my 642.
I have read the trigger pull on the MAX is around 5-6 pounds, and shorter than the BG. That, and the lack of a thumb safety, is the only reason I haven't bought one.
For all the LCP guys - I acknowledge the concern is in my head. I suspect if I actually started pocket carrying a MAX in my Mica holster, I'd soon feel comfortable with it. For now, I'm good with my Bodyguard.
3wire
Member
I purchased the Ruger LCP II to occasionally pocket carry when I would be wearing shorts and T-shirt during the summer, however, I came to the realization that due to it being a striker fired handgun, I wasn't comfortable carrying it due to the fact that I wasn't 100% sure that it couldn't accidentally discharge. This fear was compounded by the fact that when the wife and I would go out to eat, she usually sits opposite of me, so the pistol in my pocket would be pointed directly at her, this thought also arose when I was seated at a baseball game as the pistol was pointed directly at the person seated in front of me. I never was comfortable after that.
So I purchased the Bodyguard 380 with the manual safety lever to give me better piece of mind in the above stated situations. Plus the long pull DAO trigger is like an additional safety feature.
Also, I absolutely hate to shoot either of these handguns. If you have to shoot more than one magazine it hurts your hand terribly. They'll probably work up close, within 10 feet, if you need to deter someone, but I wouldn't count on a 380 bullet to the torso to generally incapacitate a human, or stop the fight, its probably going to take multiple rounds to stop someone.
Also for you hikers that may want to carry a 380 for protection, its not going to stop a bear, unless maybe you can stick it in his ear and pull the trigger.
So I purchased the Bodyguard 380 with the manual safety lever to give me better piece of mind in the above stated situations. Plus the long pull DAO trigger is like an additional safety feature.
Also, I absolutely hate to shoot either of these handguns. If you have to shoot more than one magazine it hurts your hand terribly. They'll probably work up close, within 10 feet, if you need to deter someone, but I wouldn't count on a 380 bullet to the torso to generally incapacitate a human, or stop the fight, its probably going to take multiple rounds to stop someone.
Also for you hikers that may want to carry a 380 for protection, its not going to stop a bear, unless maybe you can stick it in his ear and pull the trigger.
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Rammer Jammer
Member
LCP Max is my vote
sipowicz
Member
After shooting a friend bodyguard I can tell you it won't be guarding this body.
Springfield 911 .380 or 9mm. Basically a micro 1911. But is discontinued.
I have the .380, had local firearms instructor/LE shoot it, said it was the best micro pistol he had ever shot.
I have the .380, had local firearms instructor/LE shoot it, said it was the best micro pistol he had ever shot.
pistolpete10
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I don't have either gun, I pocket carry a 642 revolver. The Ruger may work. You'll want the smaller one. I can draw a 642 from my pocket, hand wrapped around the handle ready to go. I can carry an LC9 but due to the shape, can't draw it. I don't know about the smaller gun. My 2 cents, your mileage may vary.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Bodyguard hands down for pocket carry. Double action only not striker fired. Long heavy trigger like a revolver, has a safety. waiting on the Bodyguard MAX to come out. Did my homework before choosing and the Ruger just wasn't safe enouth for pocket carry sans holster. Have a Sig 365 as well, but it is too big for pocket carry/deep concealment. It gets fed 95 gr ball.
I have the Max and the 365, but if I need Speedo concealment 
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If you have not already done so, I would borrow/rent both and try them side by side and get the one that works the best for you.
If the answer is neither of the above, get back with us for more ideas. Good luck in your search.
If the answer is neither of the above, get back with us for more ideas
. Good luck in your search.otis24
Member
I've owned both. From my perspective, if capacity is important, go with the Ruger. If ergonomics are more important, go with the S&W. As I said, I've OWNED (past tense) both. I've sold both and recently went with the Glock 42. If you go to Handgun Hero, you will be able to visually compare the firearms. The Ruger felt blocky in my hand. Assembly/disassembly of the Bodyguard seemed chintzy. I actually had mine fly apart on me. I'm pretty happy with the Glock.
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lawandorder
Member
Another vote for Seecamp.
JJEH
Member
Please consider a Kahr.
