I just picked up a bodyguard 380. I havent taken it to the range yet. But when i got it home to clean it seems disassembly is very difficult. It is very tough to push the take down lever with my finger, near impossible without using something to push on it. And if the mag is out, as soon as i rotate the lever to the 6oclock position the slide stop disengages releasing the slide forward and forcing the take down to its orginal position.

I can only disassemble with an empty mag in to keep the slide stop engaged, then use a snap cap dummy round to push down on the take down to its 6 and use the rim of the dummy to pry the lever (i cant get a grip on it with just my fingers).

Any suggestions? Its an EAN serial number.

There were a few reports of a busted spring or lever that connects the take down lever to the slide stop with some of the earlier models...
Most of the time, it turned out to be big hands manipulating a small gun...

When I first got mine (EAJ), I had to use the flat mag plate to push the take down lever around... The manual says 6 o'clock, but mine usually turned loose closer to 8 o'clock... After the first hundred rounds or so, it loosed up enough I can do it with my finger now (but still stays tight enough to hold the gun together).

Practice a few times, and throw a few dozen rounds down range, and see if it starts to work with you a little better...
Pay close attention to your mitts when you're moving the take down lever to make sure you're not accidentally bumping the slide stop... If it continues, you may have to call S&W and ask about that inner piece.

I figured things should loosen up after some range time, heading out tomorrow to break it in. I just tried a few more times and it is much easier to pull out at 9oclock or so.

I kept an eye on my fingers and the slide stop is definitely disengaging as soon as the take down hits 6. Its a little frustrating but being such a small gun I am able to hold onto the slide to keep it from snapping foward and then re-engage the slide stop before removing the take down pin.

I guess its not that big of a deal, I have to see how well it shoots and if any problems arise after I put some rounds in and go from there.

I'm just so used to my glock and 1911. If there are no malfunctions while shooting I can deal with it. Its still easier than a kel tec PF9 imo.

Edit: Upon further inspection while disassembled and better lighting I could see part of the inner working of the slide lock lever through the take down pin hole. It appears that when rotating the take down, that spring will push down on the inside part of the slide lock. Seems they are just too close together but doesnt seem like it will hinder actual performance. Will see what happens tomorrow at range.

Just got back from the range. Functioned flawlessly for around 150 rounds before I just got tired of the humidity. Take down lever loosened up enough to use my finger but still having the slide lock disengaging when rotating the take down. It is something I can live with.

Realized today though that the wrench that came with the gun for laser alignment is too big to adjust it. Anybody else run into this?