i'm very bad (i don't think i've ever done this after easily 100+ opportunities) at following up to help/answers/fixes i find online with "thank you" unless i'm the one posting that i have a problem.
i really didn't want that to be the case here so i registered and fought email login problems just to post this.

so... thank you, this is an excellent fix. i just implemented it over the weekend and i'm very satisfied with the results. works like i would've expected it to from the factory.

now if i can just find a way to get a shorter pull for the trigger, it'll be the perfect CC i expected it to be when i purchased it.

I just bought a BG380 2 weeks ago, and have had no problems besides the right side laser button being hard to engage. I've taken the laser out and looked at the buttons, and the right side button seems deformed, whereas the left side button looks perfect (and performs perfect) I've heard that S&W has produced some new, more firm buttons that they will send out upon request...is that true?

You can try, they will send them to you. Let us know if the new are clearly firmer compared to the ones you have now. Also, let us know if the issue has been resolved for you after a long time, or if it returns again.

I'm posting this where ever I can, because it could cost a lot to fix for no reason. If you are shooting your BG380 and the slide won't go back all the way, it is probably because of the little screw that holds the laser in place. The tiny screw that holds the laser in the bottom part of the gun has shaken loose, and is blocking the slide from locking back. I went home, noticed the screw was poking up, tightened the screw...problem SOLVED. This is a simple problem to fix, and I'm going to call S&W for a new screw just in case...problem SOLVED.

I bought my BG380 in April and have had two lasers fail after firing the gun. The firearm has fuctioned flawlessly - just the laser has quit working twice. SW has forwarded a replacement promptly for my install but I haven't fired the gun since the last laser was installed.

Which brings me to the real purpose of my post - I compared the buttons received with this last laser and the ones originally on the gun and the ones sent with the first replacement. The newest ones definately have a bigger "tit" inside that pushes the contact on the laser. Activation is alot easier and reliable. From my observations, it would appear they may have solved the button issue, for the most part anyway.

Just bought my BG380 on Friday and also had issues with the laser activation buttons. Thanks to this thread everything works perfect the way it should have from the get go! Many thanks!!

I bought mine 5 weeks ago and have put 300 rounds through it. I called Smith and Wesson today about the laser buttons as well and they are sending some in the mail to me. I was on hold forever but the lady that answered was great.
I will post my feedback once I receive them, if i am not satisfied I will try the q-tip repair method

DC, Just keep shooting/dry firing and don't forget to lub the trigger...after a short while the trigger pull greatly improves!

__________________
Recovering Pacifist

I received my new buttons on Friday, I must say they are a big improvement over the originals. Great Service and fast turn around time. I will be looking at making more purchases from Smith and Wesson in the future because of great customer service like this

I just squirted some premium Silicone instead of using the sleeve/collar method. Seems to work just right and easy to do.

I am not sure how long this will last, but it works great.
I put a small amount of silicone sealant around the nipple. I kept the level just below the button and nipple surface. You do have to wait for drying, but when its set, it stiffens the nipple and keeps it in the center and will never scratch the foil switch. If you do not like it, use tweezers or small screwdriver and peal the silicone out.

Time will tell the longevity.

I purchased my BG .380 late Feb 2012. I found the laser buttons performed poorly as described by this post. I used the ballpoint pen tube fix described above. I cut and used the lengths documented by Physboy above but found that these were too long and either caused the button to fall out of the gun or turn the laser on too easily. I found that a 1 mm or less length made the laser come on satisfactorily for me.

However, last week I emailed S&W Customer Service and asked them to send me two new buttons if they were redesigned. They said that they were redesigned and would send me two new ones. I got them last night and they feel firmer. Lo and behold they work really well.

For the life of me I don't know why S&W is still shipping new guns with the old button design.

Email customer service and ask for your new ones.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this post including Physboy.

I have a new bodyguard, serial number EBE. Date of mfg seems to be February of 2012. Buttons are still wonky, thankfully the q-tip/pen fix works perfect after some trial and error. Still calling Smith for extra buttons. Excellent gun other than that.

Here's a related issue/fix. I used the button fix a long time ago and it's great. The buttons work so good now that going in and out of my new carry holster activates the laser. Fortunately, my holster is a leather belt slider, made for the bodyguard 380, and I was able to cut a 1/2 inch hole over the laser button area on each side. Now the gun and holster work perfectly together. No more walking around with a little red dot on the floor following me around....

Well after pushing the both laser buttons over 100 times each they did not get better! So I did the Q tip fix! See pics I cut about 5 different lengths and settled on one for both sides! Works Great no light up upon reholstering in my Tagua paddle! Will try in my Mika pocket holster tommorrow! So far so Good! Thanks Guys!
Regards,
Norman

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I want to thank you all for the info in this fix. I received my BG380 (EABXXXX) as a gift last Christmas and also found the laser buttons almost impossible to practically utilize without a ridiculous amount of pressure. I tried one suggestion as to just pulling out the nipple, rolling it around in my fingers a bit and replacing it worked well. I will try it a few more times to see if it gives a better contact the more it's done.

I have a brand new set of xs big dot tritium sights for the bodyguard .380 the package has never been opened I am looking for $100 obo

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With today's date around Christmas, I almost missed the part of your post that said "Last Christmas". Wouldn't want to confuse people.

The later versions have corrected the laser button to now work great. My EBPxxxx with a fired case date of May 24th 2012 works every time with a gentle push of the button that is placed in the natural resting place of your index finger.