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11-23-2011, 08:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seaswol
Couldn't find spare mags at the on-line stores. Ordered two directly from S&W and they showed up in 5 days. Out of the box, 25 rounds WWB were flawless, 25 rounds of Fiocchi - flawless but then of the 25 rounds of Prvi PPU, six did not go bang, three of them did go on the second strike but the remaining 3 still did not fire. When reloaded and struck two more times they still did not fire. Just think, 475 more rounds of the Prvi to shoot. At seven yards, I am very happy with the grouping. Also, the 380 is much more comfortable to shoot than my old P3AT. After a few hundred break in rounds, I'll try some of my Double Taps for excitement.
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Spare Mags I found a Gander Mountian for $19
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11-24-2011, 12:14 AM
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Express Police supply 14.99
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02-20-2012, 12:02 AM
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Laser sight mount Bodyguard 380
I purchased a S & W Bodyguard 380. I've had it to the range a few times. Shoots great feels good, it is my everyday carry. I was at the range today after 1 shot the slide stuck open with a spent case. I cleared the case and fired again. Same thing happens. I decide break down the weapon to locate the cause. I could not get the slide to open enough to engage the latch. I tried for about 20 min at the range to break the weapon down. I even engaged the assistance of the range master. After he could not open the slide he recommend sending it back to Smith & Wesson.
After getting home and having the use of tools I was able to get to release pin out. The slide still would not go all the way back. After removing the barrel and spring I found the srew holding the laser sight in had backed out and was preventing the slide from fully opening .
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02-20-2012, 01:11 AM
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I sold mine, Love my M&P .40,.45 and 15-22 but the BG380 was a let down, too many failures on a feature I paid for, Laser buttons failed, got the updated versions. Laser failed....got a new one. Only fired 270 rounds through it and owned it for 5 months..If they made a version without the laser I would buy another one, however my next pocket pistol will be one of the following...Sig P238 or P938, Boberg XR-9s, or the XD slim in 9mm.
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02-20-2012, 04:29 PM
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I bought a bodyguard 380 on 02/02/12. Serial is EAZ....
Went to the range on Saturday to finally fire the gun. Has 3 boxes of hornady critical defense ammo.
Got 18 shots off and was happy with the gun. Loaded up the mag, charged the gun, aimed *CLICK*. *CLICK* *CLICK*
ejected the cartride and no strikes on the primer. Look on the bench and find the back portion of the firing pin on the bench.
The gun didnt even make it a box of ammo and now I need to send it back to S&W
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02-20-2012, 04:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemlin
I bought a bodyguard 380 on 02/02/12. Serial is EAZ....
Went to the range on Saturday to finally fire the gun. Has 3 boxes of hornady critical defense ammo.
Got 18 shots off and was happy with the gun. Loaded up the mag, charged the gun, aimed *CLICK*. *CLICK* *CLICK*
ejected the cartride and no strikes on the primer. Look on the bench and find the back portion of the firing pin on the bench.
The gun didnt even make it a box of ammo and now I need to send it back to S&W
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I don't know when it was introduced, but I was told that S&W made a revision to the firing pin, introducing a radius at one of the angles where some earlier style firing pins had experienced breakage at a sharp angle.
I've replaced one broken firing pin for a Bodyguard 380 owner, but he didn't have the rear part of the original pin, so I couldn't see the difference in the affected spot. No problems with the new firing pin so far.
I did recommend that he not engage in further dry-fire, but just go and shoot the gun to become acclimated to the trigger.
Let S&W repair your Bodyguard.
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02-20-2012, 04:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fastbolt
I don't know when it was introduced, but I was told that S&W made a revision to the firing pin, introducing a radius at one of the angles where some earlier style firing pins had experienced breakage at a sharp angle.
I've replaced one broken firing pin for a Bodyguard 380 owner, but he didn't have the rear part of the original pin, so I couldn't see the difference in the affected spot. No problems with the new firing pin so far.
I did recommend that he not engage in further dry-fire, but just go and shoot the gun to become acclimated to the trigger.
Let S&W repair your Bodyguard.
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18 shots out of mine, no dry firing, and the pin broke.
I can take a picture of the broken pin once I get home. The pin looks like a MIM part.
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02-20-2012, 05:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemlin
18 shots out of mine, no dry firing, and the pin broke.
I can take a picture of the broken pin once I get home. The pin looks like a MIM part.
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I didn't notice whether the new one was cast/machined or MIM. The impression I had of the forward part of the broken firing pin was that it was a cast/machined part, but like I said, I wasn't paying particular attention to that aspect. Doesn't concern me. MIM is just fine when done right. It can make better, more precise and complex shapes which work just fine in many applications.
FWIW, when S&W revised the M&P strikers to strengthen them at the head, they switched from machined (original design) to MIM (revision). The MIM strikers are stronger due to design, and easier to manufacture due to being MIM. (The original machined strikers could sometimes break at a machined relief cut.)
Let 'em replace the firing pin and go out and shoot it again.
If the Bodyguard 380 was having significant problems it probably wouldn't have passed the LAPD's in-house T&E and have been authorized for secondary & off-duty weapon use.
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02-20-2012, 05:31 PM
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I bought one for my wife last year as a carry gun. Took it to the range to test fire. Started at 15 yds off of a rest. Couldn't hit a 8"x11" target with two mags. Moved to 10 yds, same thing. It functioned fine, just couldn't hit anything with it. Went to 3 yds. Still couldn't hit a 8"x11" paper target! My buddy had the same results with it. I have never had a firearm that was so inaccurate. Simply amazing!
I told my wife she couldn't have it. Sold it the next day. Even told the buyer what it was doing (or not doing).
I love S&W M&P pistols ( I have four) but the BG gets nothing but my scorn.
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02-20-2012, 05:38 PM
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I didn't go downrange and try the Bodyguard out for myself. I let the owner go do the test-fire (since he's an experienced instructor). I just don't care for diminutive .380's, myself (preferring to use my J-frames).
He came back and said he was pleased with its functioning and the practical accuracy he obtained with it. I think he was shooting it out to 10-11+ yds.
If I'm going to shoot something with a trigger that long, I want it to have a revolving cylinder.
Different strokes. (Hmmm, no pun intended)
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02-20-2012, 06:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fastbolt
I didn't notice whether the new one was cast/machined or MIM. The impression I had of the forward part of the broken firing pin was that it was a cast/machined part, but like I said, I wasn't paying particular attention to that aspect. Doesn't concern me. MIM is just fine when done right. It can make better, more precise and complex shapes which work just fine in many Mapplications.
FWIW, when S&W revised the M&P strikers to strengthen them at the head, they switched from machined (original design) to MIM (revision). The MIM strikers are stronger due to design, and easier to manufacture due to being MIM. (The original machined strikers could sometimes break at a machined relief cut.)
Let 'em replace the firing pin and go out and shoot it again.
If the Bodyguard 380 was having significant problems it probably wouldn't have passed the LAPD's in-house T&E and have been authorized for secondary & off-duty weapon use. ![Wink](https://smith-wessonforum.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
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Just looked online and googled bodyguard 380 firing pin broke.
There are a TON.of bodyguard users complaining about the broken pins. It is a a major issue.
Because a police department buys a bunch of guns, especially in cash strapped Kalifornia only tells me that S&W was the lowest bidder.
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02-20-2012, 07:03 PM
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I had an earlier Bodyguard and after around 100 rounds it started to act up. I also could not get the slide to go back enough to field strip so I sent it back to S&W. When it came back it still had issues do I sold it and bought a j-frame 638. I found a new mod made in 2012 and bought it. I can not find anything that fits my hand and is that easy to pocket carry. I had no problem with accuracy, started about 10 ft, and worked my way back to 30 ft. Not a nail driver but all on a 12" target with all inside the body mass area. I do not know what to tell people what their problems are but my new gun has gone through 200 rounds of Winchester white box target rounds and not one problem. As far as I am concerned this is a great gun and I think S&W has filled a need that no other gun maker has addressed. While many people hate the safety I have no problem with it, I don't use it. As far as the trigger is concerned, I want a long and heavy trigger as it gives me a real margin of safety not afforded a single action trigger. This is the reason I have a j-frame 638 as I do not want the easy ability to single action the gun. I can on a 638 but it is not an easy and fast thing to accomplish. For those who do not like the gun I understand, try to find something by any maker that fills the space that allows you to carry always. Any gun is better that none. If you have any doubts, take your 22, load it with two rounds and shoot your self in the palm on the hand. Then shoot yourself again, I am joking but think about it. Would you really want to be shot in the hand by any gun? I hope not.
Frank.
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02-20-2012, 07:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemlin
Just looked online and googled bodyguard 380 firing pin broke.
There are a TON.of bodyguard users complaining about the broken pins. It is a a major issue.
Because a police department buys a bunch of guns, especially in cash strapped Kalifornia only tells me that S&W was the lowest bidder.
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I've looked among some online forums mentioning an occasional breakage, as well. Compared to the number of guns that have been made, it's not exactly what I'd refer to as "major" issue.
S&W has always been pretty willing to put out an actual "Recall" whenever there was a problem that required replacement of parts, versus parts that just benefited from ongoing development and revisions that made them better. Kind of like how they eliminated the sharp angled corner under their early 3rd gen ejectors, where they could sometimes develop a stress riser and break, replacing that corner with a nicely curved angle. No need to replace the older style ejectors that weren't breaking ... just giving their customers an improved design developed over time and continued R&D.
Or the M&P striker re-design, or the adoption of the larger MA-type sear plunger & spring.
Or the recent new model of another major firearms maker, and some ongoing revision of the slide & recoil spring assemblies.
Also, LAPD has always been a bit fussy in their testing & approval of duty & off-duty firearms. Both those bought by the agency and issued and those approved for individual officer purchase.
Just because a state, or any other local agency (county, city, etc), may be 'cash strapped', that doesn't necessarily mean they're always buying the lowest bid equipment, BTW.
if S&W is going to be making upwards of 6,000 Bodyguards for purchase by LAPD, I doubt they'd be willing to put that many of them on the street if they thought (or LAPD thought) there might be "major issues".
The sky isn't falling. Really.
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04-16-2012, 04:45 PM
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bodyguard 380
strange that everything happens on saturdays
I purchased my S&W380 automatic this past saturday.
I get it home and find that the safety requires two thumbs, one to engage it with the other to push on the first thumb. This is also the only way I can disengage this pistols safety.
Any advice??
It is almost 100 mile trip to the dealers place.
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04-16-2012, 09:55 PM
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I have less than a hundred rounds thru mine. I don't have any mechanical problems and once I got it sighted in, the laser has stayed put so far. The laser switch on the left side sucks though. The right is fine and works with little effort.
It still seems to be more durable and a better shooter than my buddies who have LCP's.
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04-16-2012, 11:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harrypa
strange that everything happens on saturdays
I purchased my S&W380 automatic this past saturday.
I get it home and find that the safety requires two thumbs, one to engage it with the other to push on the first thumb. This is also the only way I can disengage this pistols safety.
Any advice??
It is almost 100 mile trip to the dealers place.
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Don't use the safety. I'm not trying to be flippant here, but I don't see the need for a safety on a DAO gun with a 10 lb trigger pull.
Others who want to use the safety have reported that it loosens up substantially with repeated use, so I recommend that you work it over and over again to see if your gun does the same. The takedown lever on my gun got much easier to remove with repeated use, as well.
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04-16-2012, 11:50 PM
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I wish to report that I can join the list of people whose laser screws have backed out and interfered with the slide. I couldn't get the slide to retract all the way, so I left the gun at home for a day. When I got home that evening, I picked it up and pulled on the slide, and it retracted to its stop. I could see that the screw had backed out, but I was able to remove the slide and retighten the screw.
I now check the screw everytime I have the slide off of the gun. When I tighten the screw, I try to be careful not to overtorque it, as other BG 380 owners have reported stripping their screws.
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07-03-2012, 07:15 PM
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Another Bodyguard failure...
I tried a friend's BG380 and was impressed with the accuracy of these little beasts. I showed one to my wife at a gunstore and it was the first time she actually seemed interested in a gun. Naturally, I bought it for "her" and while at the range today, the slide started hanging back. I could get it back into play with a little force and then it just failed to retract far enough back to load a round. Unfortunately, it also won't travel back enough to field strip it. After searching this forum, it seems I'm a victim of the laser screw backing out. The worst part is that there seems to be no way to get the gun apart and get the screw back in, short of calling for a return tag. (wonder how they do it?) Just one more reason I like revolvers!
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07-03-2012, 10:50 PM
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I want one also but i think ill wait 6-8 months until they get all the kinks worked out. Until then ill keep my LCP in my pocket!!
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07-04-2012, 11:20 AM
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I bought one on saturday, and traded it in on a S&W model 442 on monday. Never even fired it. Mabe it was my particular gun but the magazine release button was a little to touchy for my comfort. The fear of having to use my weapon and only having one shot frightens me.
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07-04-2012, 03:34 PM
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I sure wish S&W would produce the BG380 without the laser. Great gun, but too many worries with the laser screw. Finally sold mine and got a Sig P238. Wow, expensive, but if'n you like the small 380's, it is well worth the cost.
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07-04-2012, 11:04 PM
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I have had my S&W BodyGuard for several weeks now. I Love the gun. With me it is a home run. It fits my hand well, it fits my pocket very well, heck I even forget it's there. I have fired approx. 25 to 30 rounds through it is all, but they were all dead on. I did not like the laser buttons being so hard to push, but that was easily fixed with the Bic pen ink tube. Works well now. If I could buy one with out the laser I would but I also like the laser on this one. Mine was made 11-09-2010 and I did buy it used. I don't know the history of it, so I don't know if it has been sent back for any repairs. I just know I have not had any problem with it and it will stay by my side.
Just my 2 cents worth
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07-15-2012, 08:33 AM
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I have only had a problem with a striped laser battery screw allen hole but Customer service sent a new screw and wrench immediately. I have followed the advice of another and put a drop of "shoe goo" on the screw head to keep it from moving.
EBPxxxx dated 05-07-12
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07-15-2012, 11:59 PM
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I pulled my EAN serial numbered 380 out of the safe yesterday to find that the laser was not working. Weird I thought. First thing today I put new batteries in it. Still nothing.
I started looking around the web today and see that this is not that uncommon. I'll be calling S&W tomorrow.
As far as the rest of the gun goes, I couldn't be happier. I have somewhere near 750-1000 rounds through it. It has eaten everything I have fed it. Never a malfunction.
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07-16-2012, 05:23 AM
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slowjonn, let us know what they tell you and keep us up to date on it. I am currious on how they will handle this.
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07-16-2012, 06:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstanfield103
slowjonn, let us know what they tell you and keep us up to date on it. I am currious on how they will handle this.
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S&W will ask you to return the old laser unit for a replacement. No charge, of course.
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07-16-2012, 03:01 PM
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Just what patbelly said...I talked to Mike (nice guy by the way). Told him what was up. No hesitation, no further questions, he just told me to mail the laser to them and they would send me a new one asap.
I'll let everyone know when I get the new one/ what the turn around time was.
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07-16-2012, 04:32 PM
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Pretty sure my turnaround time was about 8 days give or take a couple.
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09-24-2012, 12:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daveybronx
After nearly 150-200 rds the gun failed to lock open when unloaded. the range master would have field stripped but cannot pull slide back far enough to lock slide and thefore field strip this firearm. Customer service is closed Saturday but i see a return for repair in my near future. Upsetting because I really love this gun. The fact that I have a glock that has never failed and I have only owned the bodyguard one week makes me wonder if this will be a gun i can trust the safety of my family to or i will go back to Glock 19 as my CCW.
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The set screw that holds the laser has backed out a little. Field strip it, and put a dab of lok-tight on it and screwit down tight. That set screw has backewd out far enough to prevent the slide from going all the way back. Me and others have had the same problem. Happy shooting! (Afterwards)
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09-27-2012, 12:18 PM
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From the sounds of things I got lucky. Have had no problems with my 380 bodyguard. My only complaint is the laser on it...it is bulky for my preferance and would not have purchased the hand gun myself. But it was a gift and more then I could afford at the time, so I will continue to "pack" it.
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10-25-2012, 10:29 PM
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I've shot about 350 rounds of Winchester white box and another 60-80 rounds of Winchester PDX ammo in my Bodyguard. The laser is useless in the daylight... in the shadows or very cloudy day I can see it at the 7-yard target. I do better with the fixed sights.
Today the laser didn't work, I thought it was the battery. Took it apart this evening, the laser screw was sheared off. I used a small needle-nose to get it out. The head of the screw is gone, I guess it had been loose for awhile and the spring/recoil rubbed the head off.
Laser still works fine, it just was loose. Glad nothing else jammed up in there. I'll inspect the rest of the internals after I clean it up.
I'll call S&W on Friday to see if they will send me a replacement screw.
If I get a part number I'll post it here.
ETA: recoil spring and other internal parts look fine. Attached some pictures:
John
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ETA: 10/30/12 received e-mail from S&W saying they would send me a new screw (s). 1-day response to my e-mail (not including weekend).
ETA: 11/3/12 received three new screws from S&W on Friday 11/2. Fast turnaround.
I never actually talked to anyone, I just sent an e-mail to [email protected] explaining the problem and the Serial Number. 1-week turnaround.
Last edited by AR_Black; 11-03-2012 at 02:04 PM.
Reason: add SW response
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10-26-2012, 11:13 PM
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I'd like a few, unbiased comments. I'm wanting one of these guns, but I'd be about as happy with an LCP, plus save a few bucks too. Is one of these guns REALLY more reliable than the other? I hear very few comments on unreliable LCP's, but I've seen enough on Bodyguards to give me some concern. Thinking about buying one or the other from my local pusher tomorrow, so any and all comments would be welcome.
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10-26-2012, 11:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zbird
Mabe it was my particular gun but the magazine release button was a little to touchy for my comfort.
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As you know, I have my dislikes on this pistol, but I was "dropping" magazines because of my initial hold. The tip of my right trigger finger was touching the magazine release button on recoil.
But ya' know, everyone always points out that we don't shoot 'weak hand' enough at the range. I'm wondering if I start to carry my Bodyguard as a dedicated left side firearm if that might make it more useable for me.
There's nothing mechanically wrong with mine, it's just me. I do have enough strong side guns, so maybe...
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10-27-2012, 11:38 AM
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Mark,
I can't speak for others but my BG380 has been a great gun. I bought a case of mixed ammo at an auction and it eats anything I put in it. I carried it a lot in a sweaty pocket, left in in a blazing hot car, got it wet, full of dirt, and it just keeps going. My laser has been dead on since I got it, and just for show while plinking I called the eyeball of a pheasant target at 25 feet and then took out the eyeball in one shot (using the laser of course).
Mine is a truck gun for the most part now as I don't have a dedicated use for it. My 642 is a better pocket gun.
I'll never sell my BG380.
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03-17-2013, 10:27 PM
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Bought BG 380 with Eyes Wide Open/ Solution for Laser Screw
Spent hours reading posts of problems but bought one anyway. Problems reported:
Take Down pin wiggles out
Firing Pin breaks in some guns whether it's dry fired or NOT (1 gun broke 3 before S&W replaced gun)
Laser drifts initially but adjusts in by turning all the way one way then working it back
Laser/battery screw loosens & slide malfunctions/won't open all the way (must be sent back to S&W)
Laser on-switch quits working working, needs switch replacement
Magazine jams/won't go all the way in unless fiddled with
Sometimes triggers will get stuck all the way back
Fixes:
Switch mod: Improve switch function with a tiny slice off the end of a ball point pin tube / improves tactile touch
Use blue locktight on the laser screw. Not too much because it needs to come out to change the battery, Get extra screws, check tightness when cleaned
Get new model (SN: FAZ or later) to avoid the take down problem
MY SN IS KAF6xxx. I figured out how to field strip the BG when the laser screw gets loose (without sending it back to S&W): Step 1: Pound a nail into the top edge of your work bench leaving about 1" exposed, wrap a piece of tape around the exposed 1". Next, while holding the handle with your left hand, push on the nail with the muzzle end of the slide until it moves back about 1/8". The nail should be between the barrel and the guide pin pushing against the slide and the bottom of the barrel. The take down pin should be even with the notch under the letter "U". With your right hand begin turning/working the take down pin while you SLIGHTLY rock the gun-slide back and forth. At the same time apply a constant pressure clockwise on the take down pin. Keep working it and the pin keeps moving the slide until it rotates clear of the keeper spring and VIOLA!!! Out it comes. Keeping it positioned is HARD; the hammer spring keeps changing tension which is the reason for the nail. Next get some blue locktight for the screw.
Hopefully this will work on previous EAJxxxx and forward versons.
PS: I took mine all apart and found the tip of the laser screw & threaded female insert had an orange rubbery compound, which probably has the same function as loctight. Also I was thinking if you're on the range and the screw comes loose it might be possible to hold the gun vertical and gently tap on the edge of a table while trying to rack it. You'd tap the area below the laser with the idea of trying to randomly wiggle the screw down low enough to let the slide go over the top. It might also help to pull up on the front of the slide at the same time. The extra slop between the lower and slide might be enough to get it over the head of the screw. An empty mag will help it lock open if it breaks free.
Ironically I don't have ammo yet so haven't even fired it.
Last edited by S&W-Fan; 03-17-2013 at 10:42 PM.
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03-18-2013, 12:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&W-Fan
Spent hours reading posts of problems but bought one anyway. Problems reported:
Take Down pin wiggles out
Firing Pin breaks in some guns whether it's dry fired or NOT (1 gun broke 3 before S&W replaced gun)
Laser drifts initially but adjusts in by turning all the way one way then working it back
Laser/battery screw loosens & slide malfunctions/won't open all the way (must be sent back to S&W)
Laser on-switch quits working working, needs switch replacement
Magazine jams/won't go all the way in unless fiddled with
Sometimes triggers will get stuck all the way back
Fixes:
Switch mod: Improve switch function with a tiny slice off the end of a ball point pin tube / improves tactile touch
Use blue locktight on the laser screw. Not too much because it needs to come out to change the battery, Get extra screws, check tightness when cleaned
Get new model (SN: FAZ or later) to avoid the take down problem
MY SN IS KAF6xxx. I figured out how to field strip the BG when the laser screw gets loose (without sending it back to S&W): Step 1: Pound a nail into the top edge of your work bench leaving about 1" exposed, wrap a piece of tape around the exposed 1". Next, while holding the handle with your left hand, push on the nail with the muzzle end of the slide until it moves back about 1/8". The nail should be between the barrel and the guide pin pushing against the slide and the bottom of the barrel. The take down pin should be even with the notch under the letter "U". With your right hand begin turning/working the take down pin while you SLIGHTLY rock the gun-slide back and forth. At the same time apply a constant pressure clockwise on the take down pin. Keep working it and the pin keeps moving the slide until it rotates clear of the keeper spring and VIOLA!!! Out it comes. Keeping it positioned is HARD; the hammer spring keeps changing tension which is the reason for the nail. Next get some blue locktight for the screw.
Hopefully this will work on previous EAJxxxx and forward versons.
PS: I took mine all apart and found the tip of the laser screw & threaded female insert had an orange rubbery compound, which probably has the same function as loctight. Also I was thinking if you're on the range and the screw comes loose it might be possible to hold the gun vertical and gently tap on the edge of a table while trying to rack it. You'd tap the area below the laser with the idea of trying to randomly wiggle the screw down low enough to let the slide go over the top. It might also help to pull up on the front of the slide at the same time. The extra slop between the lower and slide might be enough to get it over the head of the screw. An empty mag will help it lock open if it breaks free.
Ironically I don't have ammo yet so haven't even fired it.
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I'm confused on the the serial numbers you use in your post. I bought mine in mid Feb. 2013 and is it has a test fire date of late Jan.2013. The serial on mine is an EBX----. I don't understand how they could have gotten to KAF---- already? What did they change at the FAZ---- S/N?
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03-19-2013, 11:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J.A.P
I'm confused on the the serial numbers you use in your post. I bought mine in mid Feb. 2013 and is it has a test fire date of late Jan.2013. The serial on mine is an EBX----. I don't understand how they could have gotten to KAF---- already? What did they change at the FAZ---- S/N?
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I bought mine Mar 15, 2013. The store had received several recently and, rather than use the demo, I had them demo the one I planned to buy (new out of the box). When I saw the SN was KAF that was definitely the ONE for me. The guy behind the counter had a heck of a time field stripping it. When he put it all back together and handed me the box it had a FA? SN. So we looked through boxes and got the KAF back to me. The FA? I believe was from the same shipment.
The gun and the test shell are both KAF6xxx so I know the SN is accurate. The test shell date is 2/21/2013.
I've been dry firing it and lubed it up pretty good. The trigger pull seems easier now.
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03-20-2013, 01:06 PM
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I bought my BG in Jan. I have a few hundred rounds through it and it has performed flawlessly. I put some lock tight on the laser screw to take care of the backing out problem. It's pretty accurate at 20 feet and I love the gun. It shoots anything I have put through it. No problems with the field take down. I am starting to have this problem. The slide sometimes does not lock back after the last shot and when I slap the mag in with the slide back it closes without hitting the release. Any suggestions before I send it in?
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03-20-2013, 01:24 PM
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Love Love my bodyguard!
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03-20-2013, 10:16 PM
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Picked up the BG 380 for my wife yesterday. Took it and her to the range today. Couple notes:
Nice little gun. Long trigger pull (additional safety for the wife I suppose), I noticed I was consistently about 3" below aiming point, both with and without laser - maybe from pulling trigger seemingly forever?
After about 60-70 rounds the laser for some reason stopped shining. Tried pushing each button, taking mag in and out, racking slide, all to no avail. However, after an additional 4-5 shots the laser magically kicked back in. Has this happened to anyone else???
All in all, I like the gun and is a nice change up from my M&P 40!
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03-26-2013, 04:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by run n gun
I am starting to have this problem. The slide sometimes does not lock back after the last shot and when I slap the mag in with the slide back it closes without hitting the release. Any suggestions before I send it in?
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Sounds like a wimpy spring or debris in the slide release such that it has occasional random operation. Thoroughly clean and lube the slide release such that it moves easily and fully into the notch in the slide.
Be sure the slide can move freely all the way back, everytime, to allow the slide release to lock. In that split second the slide is back the slide release needs to pop up into place. Observe the operation with an empty mag inserted.
The follower in the mag MUST move freely, especially on the last round. The mag spring must have enough tension to push the follower up against the slide release such that it locks the slide open in the milliseconds the slide is back. Remove the mag spring and possibly stretch it out a little bit and lightly lube the 4 sides of the follower. Without the spring installed, work the follower thru the magazine and observe if there is any binding in the end of travel-mag empty position.
My 2 cents.
Last edited by S&W-Fan; 03-26-2013 at 04:37 PM.
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05-08-2013, 10:55 PM
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Brand New BG 380 broken take down lever
I just bought a brand new BG 380 this past Saturday, May 4th. Waited the required three days to pick it up. Brought it home Tuesday night and didn't have a chance to do anything with it. Was looking at it tonight for the first time. I'm no novice but I always read the instructions on new firearms before I do anything else. Read the directions on how to field strip the gun and got to the point where you turn the take down pin to the 6 o'clock position and pull it out. Problem is only half of the pin came out, the other half is still in the frame. Needless to say I'm happy at all. This is a BRAND NEW GUN THAT HAS NEVER BEEN FIRED. Great quality control guys, yes that's sarcasm. I'm sure I'll have no choice but to go through the dance to sent it back to S&W for repair, which I'll do and then I'll sell it as soon as it is returned and buy something else. Needless to say I have purchased my last firearm from Smith and Wesson.
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05-08-2013, 11:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doublesecretprobation
I just bought a brand new BG 380 this past Saturday, May 4th. Waited the required three days to pick it up. Brought it home Tuesday night and didn't have a chance to do anything with it. Was looking at it tonight for the first time. I'm no novice but I always read the instructions on new firearms before I do anything else. Read the directions on how to field strip the gun and got to the point where you turn the take down pin to the 6 o'clock position and pull it out. Problem is only half of the pin came out, the other half is still in the frame. Needless to say I'm happy at all. This is a BRAND NEW GUN THAT HAS NEVER BEEN FIRED. Great quality control guys, yes that's sarcasm. I'm sure I'll have no choice but to go through the dance to sent it back to S&W for repair, which I'll do and then I'll sell it as soon as it is returned and buy something else. Needless to say I have purchased my last firearm from Smith and Wesson.
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I have posted previously in this thread with issues with a BodyGuard 380, I sold it and the new owner has had no issues with it at all. I got trolled by another member over a comment similar to yours, I will say this. M&P's are a different firearm entirely and the same can be said about the revolvers. I'd take it back to the dealer if I were you
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05-09-2013, 12:00 AM
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I sent my BG back because of misfires so I cannot check the take-down pin right now. But, it seems like it pulled out easier if its rotated about 180 to 270 degrees. If you do get the pin out you will see a spring wire across the bottom of the hole that fits into a groove in the pin to hold it in place.
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05-09-2013, 12:20 AM
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Honestly If i really wanted a .380 I'd take that thing back, get a refund and go buy a Beretta Tomcat.
Cheers
Bill
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05-09-2013, 10:42 PM
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I took the BG 380 back to the dealer tonight and he is going to send it back to S&W. He said he has never seen the pin on a take down lever break like that, like alone on a gun that has never been fired. He thought the people at S&W would want to see it. We'll see what happens. I'll post whatever i find out.
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05-09-2013, 11:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doublesecretprobation
I took the BG 380 back to the dealer tonight and he is going to send it back to S&W. He said he has never seen the pin on a take down lever break like that, like alone on a gun that has never been fired. He thought the people at S&W would want to see it. We'll see what happens. I'll post whatever i find out.
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Is he giving you a replacement so you are not further inconvenienced?
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05-12-2013, 01:11 AM
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Bodyguard trigger pull issue
Hi, I just bought the Bodyguard for my elderly Mom since the concealed carry she has now is too heavy. But I had't realized how hard the trigger pull is and how long the travel. She's barely able to pull it. Earlier in this forum something somebody said implied that the trigger pull might get easier with use. Is that true, and if so what is the best way to loosen it up?
thanks
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05-12-2013, 01:55 PM
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No that trigger is long and hard and doesn't seem to get better.
Sorry.
I know I can shoot mine, and if needed in a self-defense situation it would work, but it's not a target gun.
.
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05-12-2013, 02:57 PM
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Trigger pull LCP vs Bodyguard
Thanks for your reply. Would you say the Ruger LCP trigger is any lighter or shorter?
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