Original Bodyguard 380 vs new M&P Bodyguard 380

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olywa

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I have one of the original Bodyguards withe the Insight laser and put many hundreds of rounds through it without a hiccup. I prefer a hammer on a pistol this size and the long, double-action trigger pull doesn't bother me at all.

But the Insight laser has been kinda problematic from the start. The screw which holds down the battery cover plate on the sight kept working loose, and the activation buttons on either side were undependable. I blue loctited the screw to keep it in place but now have to hit it with heat from my soldering iron when I need to change the battery. I also modded the activation buttons by inserting some extensions cut from an ink tube. They are easier to activate but very sensitive now.

I'm thinking about picking up a newer model and was wondering if the new M&P Bodyguards are improved over the original? They now have a Crimson Trace laser or no laser at all. I'm inclined to pick up the model without the laser and upgrade it with a set of Truglo sights. But I'm wondering if the new Crimson Trace laser is any better than the original. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with the newer models and how they like them.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
 
I have the newer crimson trace model. I cant not compare it to the older model though. I have not had any problems with the laser at all. It is my EDC and range toy (only handgun at the moment).

Just me, but i would go with the laser version. Nothing wrong with an extra attachment.
 
Love the gun for pocket carry. Had orginal 2014 early Bodyguard nothing but problems. Lazer, light strikes, trigger kit installed made light strike issue worse. After 6-8 rounds gun at times would not fire no matter what ammo excuse was used. Gun worked on 4-6 times by local Gun Smith and SW. Tigger Kit manufacture who finally told me he did not think it was fixable but the newer Bodyguards seem to be OK. Sold it bought newer one all good no issues.
 
Call Customer service and tell them you have the insight laser and it's not working right. They will send you the new Crimson Trace. Many BG owners have done this, including yours truly. I also have a dedicated driver for the laser screw and carefully tighten it after every range trip. no loctite for me
 
The only problem I ever had with the Insight laser was I would find it on after carrying in a pocket holster for a while. Kept running the batteries down. I finally just removed the batteries. I doubt that the Crimson Trace would be any different.
 
Thanks for the responses folks. I think I'll try to get the Crimson Trace innards and see how they do. I'm considering picking up one of the new M&P non-laser ones without the thumb safety as well. The laser is a good idea but the execution was flawed.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
 
Only problem I had with my CT red button was the screw to the battery cover came loose, a little lock-tight good to go.
 
I have an early BG380 with the insight laser. I've had no issues with mine but have heard the complaints about the laser buttons and battery screw in particular. In fairness though, I mostly shoot it with the laser off.
I recently purchased a new M&P BG380 without the laser (because they were dirt cheap with the rebate ). To be honest, I'm not a fan of either laser and don't understand it's value in a 7 yd pocket pistol. I also don't like the idea of having to manually and purposefully turn it on/off with my odd hand. It's a distraction (at a time I won't need one) plain and simple.

FWIW, I have painted the front sight on both my BGs bright orange. This seems to work well on these little guns where your only looking for the front sight anyway.
 
BG

This one is the newer M&P version; about 18 months old. With Hornady American Gunner, it has been a joy to own and shoot; nearly 600 rounds trouble free. But like all pocket pistols, it doesn't like some ammo ( mostly foreign) with hard primers.:)

 
How do I date my M&P Bodyguard revolver? Just got it but its not new,... prob. 10 years old or less... thanks.
 
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