I registered for this forum for the sole purpose of giving kudos to S&W. I am not a pro, just a Joe Blow that likes guns and believes in the right of self defense. Forgive the lack of technical expertise.

After a few years of "borrowing" my wife's S&W 638 airweight 38 special, I have had a hankering for my own pocket pistol. In the hot, muggy South, a big rig gets uncomfortable. I like to just throw a small gun in my pocket if I am running to the store or gas station. I live in suburbia, so I do not gear up for war when I leave the house.

I just got the BG380 last week as an early Christmas present from a very loving wife. I read the bad reports and was a bit skeptical, but I love the brand and my M&P 40 has been flawless. It was hard to find one in stock (they are selling like crazy in Houston) but I stumbled across one at a local pawn shop for $380 new. I have seen them as high as $550 in bigger sporting goods stores.

I love the way it fits my hand and the fact that it has real sights. The design is great.

I went to the range and put 100 rounds through it. I tried 3 types of ammo. Winchester and Remington ball and Federal Hydra-shock 90gr. hollow points. The first few shots were ugly. That trigger pull is absurd. Especially for a DAO with a safety. After adjusting to that issue it shot very, very well. With my hands resting on my knee, it shot a 1" group at 15ft. I shot about a 3" group standing, unsupported. I am sure a well trained shooter could do even better. I never would have expected that out of such a small pistol. The laser stayed aligned well and was easy to adjust.

I've had zero problems with it so far. If it matters to anyone, the sn prefix is EAF, not the EAA that has had issues.

My buddy with a LCP is selling it and getting a Bodyguard after he tried mine.

Way to go S&W!

1) Glad to hear you like the BG, hope it serves you well. I'm quite a fan and have had no issues with mine. The accuracy is impressive and I like the BG much more than my LCP. The trigger takes some getting used to, which is a great excuse to go shoot and shoot a lot.

2) You have married a wonderful woman, hang on to that one!!!

That SN seems to make a clear distinction. I have a BG with SN#EAA and last week, after 300 Rds, the take down pin took flight.
My buddy just bought one with the SN#EAF and it has a "tough" take down pin and harder trigger pull.
Mine is back at S&W for repairs. Hopefully, (I stressed it), they will take care of both problems.
Other than that, love the gun.

This gun is great. Both laser and iron sights are dead on. After cleaning it, I shot 50 rounds with no malfunctions. I have owned two Keltecs and a 380 Taurus. Neither shot this well or had zero problems like this Smith. I do think the trigger is much to hard but I am still able to shoot this gun well.

All,
I'm an "EAB"SERIAL... I had some issues with mine it's already back at smith...i'll keep you posted. I agree you have a pretty cool wife!

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Cheers

First my serial number is EAF3xxx. 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

Welcome aboard, and thanks for posting. Not being any kind of
pro myself, that's the kind of info I wanted to hear.
TACC1

I am so glad to see your post. I am contemplating buying the new 380 BG over another 642 38. I just bought my wife another 642 and was thinking of buying me one as well. These will be glove box guns except I will be carrying mine sometimes. I have a Sig P220 that I carry now but as you said it is way to heavy for the south.

But I worry about stopping power. What rationale can you give me to buy the .380 over 38 SPCL?

I appreciate your comments in advance!

Bullet placement is very important. Use a good bullet and you should be ok. I know of two men shot and killed with a .380. One was killed with 3 body shots and the other was one head shot . I love my BG380. If you have not ,go check one out for the feel of it. Good luck!

Bob




TE=Hungry In Oxford, Ga;135756389]I am so glad to see your post. I am contemplating buying the new 380 BG over another 642 38. I just bought my wife another 642 and was thinking of buying me one as well. These will be glove box guns except I will be carrying mine sometimes. I have a Sig P220 that I carry now but as you said it is way to heavy for the south.

But I worry about stopping power. What rationale can you give me to buy the .380 over 38 SPCL?

I appreciate your comments in advance! [/QUOTE]

Mines EAB40XX hope its a good one.

Thanks for the kind words about my wife. She is deserving of the praise. I am lucky to have her. I have a question for you guys. I noticed that the glass or plastic cover for the laser gets fouled after putting some rounds through it and effects the clarity and visibility of the laser. It doesn't bother me, it is obvious with it located just under the muzzle that it is going to get dirty. What is the best way to clean it? I don't want to use harsh chemicals that may cloud or damage it, but I need something that will get rid of the gunk.

The book says its OK to use normal cleaning procedures. It also states, you can put a thin film of oil on the lens when you go to the range in order to keep the powder residue off the lens. I didn't use the oil film but after the last time I cleaned my weapon I wasn't worried about oil or solvent getting near the lens. Well, it's back at S&W for a new laser. I got a halo effect around the red dot. Apparently, the seal around the lens didn't quite seal.

Rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip also work to clean the laser lens..

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JR

I'm shopping around now to buy a BG 380..........

Everybody doesn't have them, if they do it's not a great price.

Anybody got any suggestions other than EXPRESS POLICE for a good price?

I called three gun shops in my area and they all had them, and they all asked between $425 and $450 until I told them S&W just dropped the MSRP to $399, then each one of them went to $349. They are out there. Quite a few on GunBroker going for around $350.

I had to "remind" My dealer about the price drop too..

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Cheers

Welp,
I got my EAB58XX back from smith. I have not had the chance to get to the Range yet, but i will tell you right off the bat the did repair/replace the Laser activator situation.I just hope it isnt TOO sensitive..they also worked the Safety and worked on the slide release.

I have been hearing that they will or will not send you a free mag. They included one in the Box for my trouble. I was also shocked to find out that they sent it back to me via the USPS..

when i return from the range i'll post my findings.

thanks for support

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Cheers

How long did it take to get back ?

I sent it out just Before Christmas... It took a lot longer to get it back but i cant blame smith for that though.... I sent it during their time off. I sent it out a few days before 12/25 and i just got it back 2 days ago or so..

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Cheers

Thanks. S&W received it yesterday. I sent it back for a feeding problem. Last round remained in mag, slide locked back. Hope to get it back soon. EAF9 series

you will get it back soon enough... I hear they like to get things in and out as aoon as possible- not sure if that is a good thing or not.
Best of luck.

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Cheers

Sent mine back on Dec. 22nd and nothing yet. Called and said they received it on the 27th because of Shut Down and should take about two weeks. The "takedown" pin popped out while firing at the range. I expect an "AAA" product when it returns.

I sent mine back right around the same time.... I just got it back this past week.

"AAA" New lot of serials?

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Cheers

On 01/22/11, (after a month), received my 380 Pistol back from S&W Service, because of a Take down pin ejection while firing. Three days later, while firing at the range, on the 65th bullet, the slide jammed open and wouldn't chamber the next round. After removing the magazine, I managed to free the slide, but now it wouldn't move all the way back. Hence, a useless hunk of iron.
It's on it's way back to S&W for repair. EAA series. I'm the laughing stock of the Pistol range, (along with S&W).
At least no one got injured.

I'm sorry to hear that..... you sound like me and my day at the range... the Range master told me my gun was unsafe and i was to holster it and not to take it out again. the next time i took it out was to send it back to smith.

I have to admit they did fix the laser buttons... I still have not had time to get it to the range to see what else they did. I wish we had more, nicer,cleaner , ranges here in NY(Long island) I love to shoot inside when the weather is not good..
Best of luck

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Cheers

What did they fix on the Bodyguard? I had a EAA and they replaced the Frame and Laser with a new ones. I have about 1200 rounds in it and haven't had any problems

I have an EAE series.... I put 50 rounds through it of "inexpensive" ammo and the gun misfired about 1 out of every 6 rounds.... Then I used a higher grade of ammo for 50 rounds, but the gun still managed to misfire about 1 in 15 rounds.... I was rapid firing so perhaps I was not allowing the trigger to fully return .... I am going to try a 2 second pause along with making sure I return the trigger fully ..... If I still get all this misfiring I guess I will be returning my gun for repair as well.....

I also, unfortunately, purchased a couple of boxes of Prvi PPU ammunition and it has the hardest primers I have ever seen. I had the same issue with multiple hammer strikes to get some of the rounds to go off and some were so weak the slide didn't cycle. Tried some UMC ammo and they worked great. As for the BG 380 it handles well and disappears in the pocket. So far the only issue I have had is a few burs from machining on the firing pin causing it to hang after firing which left some very odd marks on the primer. A little work with a fine stone and the issue is resolved.

All and all a Great pocket pistol!

Bought my new Bodyguard 380 Saturday, and went to the range Sunday afternoon! Man, am I impressed with this little pistol! I have fired the LCP before, but was unimpressed with the sights, and the feel of the gun in my hand. The Bodyguard blows the LCP away IMHO! Mine carries an EAHxxxx serial #, for those that care. Both sights work great! Fired 100 rounds 90gr FMJ PMC and 20 rounds of 90gr Federal Hydrashock. No issues at all. I did everything from slow aimed shots to rapid fire! Had the chance to shoot a LCP again yesterday after I had finished putting 120 rounds through the BG. Wow, after the side by side testing, I found that I am glad I did my research and that S&W lowered the price on the Bodyguard. I anticipated the gun to behave similar to the lcp, but the gun just "felt right" in my hands, much more so than the LCP. The "feel" demonstrated itself in the accuracy. I was able to put together a 3" group on my first magazine at 5 yards, and duplicated the feat at 8 yards with my second mag. A little more practice, and by 100 rounds i was consistently finding that the gun is more accurate than I am. I find the gun disappears into most clothing. I am 6" and 160lbs and have had trouble "concealing" other larger pistols due to my slimness. A DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster allows me to conceal in my front and back pockets, as well as cargo pockets. Carried the BG380 all day in a pair of Nylon cargo shorts, in all pockets, at restaurant, Mart store and even to the beach. So easy to carry, that there is no excuse to leave it at home. Just got back from the range tonight after putting another 70rds through it tonight. Not one problem. Breaks down easily for cleaning. Best description I've heard of it so far is "its the Cadillac of .380 pocket pistols"!

I am impressed!

I have shot 50 rounds of Remington and 50 rounds of American Eagle, both FMJ and no problems. CTD has Golden Saber $14.97 box of 25. I picked up a couple boxes and will see if they will function reliably. The trigger is horrendous, but I realize it is just mostly for carry and practice. I have it in a Desantis Nemisis holster in the left front pocket of my pants.

I have a 'newbie' type question for you guys and I didn't want to start another thread...
Just got a bodyguard380 about a month ago. Only shot about 100 rounds out of it so far (time & weather prevent more time with it).

My husband and I will eventually sign up for some defensive handgun & conceal carry classes -both of these classes recommend 800 rounds of ammo for the 2 day course.

My first concern...Will my wrists & fingers be able to handle 2 days/800 rounds of shooting with this gun?
Assuming the gun is mechanically capable of handling it.......??

The Defensive handgun class - I could probably learn with the M&P9C and not have as much trouble with the wrists. But with the conceal carry course, I need to use the BG.

Thoughts?
**anyone have any links to some (white dot) night sites for this gun, shoot me a link!! Thanks!

Got mine, EAFxxx, nice little gun feel wise. Taking it out this weekend. Already have a shipping label coming this way though. When I bought it the left laser button was extremely hard to light up but the right worked perfectly and this is how I intended to activate it. Well, after about a week at home and a couple dozen activations neither button will work unless you take your thumb nail and mash it. It is now impossible to activate either side with either the trigger finger or the off hand thumb. Kind of disappointing. I know they don't want it going off all the time in your pocket but this is ridiculous.

Just take the button out, rotate it, and put it back in and see if that help's. You can then do the fix if you want.

While you have the buttons out roll them around between your fingers, yea just like a booger, it resets the little center rubber pin that makes the contact. Then put them back in and it should work.

Thanks Copnomore and Col Cotton Hill! My right side button was taking more pressure to activate than I deemed necessary, so I followed your advice! Great results. I was considering sending it to S&W once I decide on a larger carry gun option, but this process "fixed" the issue. Before I could not activate the right side laser button while holding the gun. The left one has always worked beautifully, and now so does the right!!!

I've had my EAE series Bodyguard for about 45 days, and have run 200 rounds through it. Some Blazer (filthy sooty residue, never again) and about 150 federals. 100% function. No issues feeding or firing. The takedown pin is a bit difficult to get back in after cleaning, but that will come with learning the pistol better.

The laser buttons are interesting - left button fairly easy to push, the right button is a bit stiffer. I will see how these go the next time I shoot it.

One area I am going to focus on is the magazine release. I am not certain if it is something I am doing, or if the magazine release lets go easily, or if the holster is causing it. I am not using it as my carry piece yet as I have only put 200 rounds through it, and the mag release issue.

Have any of you seen any issues with the magazine being released in the holster?

Thanks!

That is quite a few rounds, your hands will probably be more sore from reloading the mags than shooting the gun. Get a baby uplula loader would be a suggestion. The BG manages recoil rather well for its size. I don't think your wrists will suffer but you may eventually experience some discomfort in the fingers/hand. Just take breaks when possible and if it gets painful, stop.

The gun is mechanically able to handle it. I've well over 1000 rounds through mine with no problems.

I don't know of night sights although others may. Some just paint them with white enamel.


Pokestar - I haven't heard of the mag release problem with the BG before. Do you have a spare mag to try? What type of holster are you using?

I had my first fail to load problem while firing today. Pulled the trigger and nothing. Checked and found no bullet in the chamber. The magazine was loose and had dropped down a 1/8 on an inch or so and the slide did not pick up the round. First problem with firing the gun, but second time the magazine has come loose. It may be that I am hitting the mag release while firing and griping the pistol to tightly. The Mag has always felt a little loose but that seems normal for ones I've looked at. Other than that it's a good shooter.

Thanks all. I am using a Remora reinforced top holster. I just picked up a Galco and will try it and report back. No spare mag yet, as you know it only ships with one, and no store near me has any spares in stock. (Also a reason it is not my carry gun yet)

Fired my EAE BG380 tonight for the first time. No problems so far after about 100 rounds of all sorts of ammo.

Janster,
When you go to the 800 round course, wrap a strip of adhesive tape around the tip of your thumbs. It protects the skin where it will contact the top of the magazine. That is where the damage is done on the high intesnity days. If you don't use the tape, you'll be using a band aid at the end of the course. I went through 2000 rounds of .40 cal in four days without a wimper, I could hear lots of whining else where in the bus to and from the range on the third day. There is also a "trick" to loading mags, especially the larger mags with strong springs. Turn the next bullet to be loaded 90 degrees to the mag, push down the last bullet in the mag with the next bullet using the other thumb to assist on the downward pressure while spinning the new round in to line up.

For anyone having laser activation issues, before sending it back to S&W, follow Copnomore and Col Cotton Hill's suggestions. My right button was impossible to operate one handed. I simply removed the laser unit, pushed out the offending button, rolled it around to reset the little "pin" and fiddled around with rotating the button in the slot until it worked with light firm pressure. Now it works just how I had hoped it would.

I just called S&W about my EAE buttons, and they sent me a new set of buttons that work great, and actually feel like they "click" when I push on them. Much better. No need to send the whole gun back in, that's for sure.

Also, you don't need to remove the laser unit to get to the button. Just use a finger nail to get the rubber button out!

Janster,

Here is a company that makes night sights for the S&W 380 BG.

XS 24/7 BIG DOT S&W BODYGRD 380 SET

Good luck and enjoy your CCW class.


SF180A/Brent

Remember the first fast accurate shot goes home, and that needs to be you

Has the take down lever issue been resolved definitively?

For quite a while now, apparently.

Thanks WilliamG. I think I will go ahead and make my purchase.

I think you'll like it.

If you find the laser buttons are quite stiff to press, give S&W a call and they'll send you out some new ones. They sent me out 4 actually, and it fixed my issue immediately. That's the only problem I've had with the BG380.

I use an Uncle Mike's #1 pocket holster - no issue with mag release interference.

I ordered my extra mags from S&W online. Had them in a week.

Let us know if switching to the Galco makes any difference for you.

I have a tarus tcp 380 and my buddy has a S&W 380 BG His gun makes mine look like a little cheap chinese toy next to a big block of finly crafted steel!

His gun IS VERY well made and seems like it will last.
My taurs has never gave me any issues (almost 500 rounds) but the clip doesnt fit very well and makes the whole gun seem cheap.

The BG380 is perfect all around excpet for the laser activation. And trigger pull