2nd bodyguard 380 broken firing pin DONT DRYFIRE

[Dogfox]

BodyGuard 380: another broken firing pin.

EAVxxxx. After moderate dry firing using new snap caps, weather permitted outing with a friend and prospective buyer of another BG for himself. I intended to cycle 350-400 rounds of various .380 ammunition for reliability test before using the piece for full-time concealed carry. Nice day, but it failed to fire.

I did not know that there was a firing pin breakage issue before checking online today. Field-stripped, I can only see the firing pin block, with no part of the firing pin showing rearward of it. I can depress the block pin and push the firing pin sufficiently to protrude from the breech face--but not by a lot IMHO. It's tiny and pointed.

Unfortunately, the YouTube movie referenced earlier has been pulled. But it seems clear that the pin block may at least be one factor in these failures, which must include poor design, weak pin steel, and too much machined from the firing pin to accommodate the pin block.

But I'm also wondering whether there is a problem with the actuator that is supposed to raise the firing pin block at hammer release. Mine seems to raise only at the instant of hammer break. That seems to be cutting full release of the firing pin much too close. [No, I do not let the hammer drop all the way]. But if the block pin cam does not actuate the block cleanly at time of hammer fall, it would likely impose a leveraged breaking moment to the bearing surface of the firing pin cutout and easily break the end of it off. Is this the failure the YouTube movie described and that others are experiencing?

I'm curious as to what armorers here may think about this notion. Can anyone confirm that the pin block actuator operates as described? It would not seem to take much wear or miss-adjustment of the block actuator to cause the problem.

As for snap caps, note that I cycled among 5 new snap caps so that none would become dented and thus not protective of the firing pin. That said, the apparent minute protrusion of the firing pin at the breach makes me wonder whether snap caps would do much to protect the firing pin on the BG 380 in any case.

Meanwhile, I'll stick with my P7-M8.

 

[Gemlin]

Got my Bodyguard back from S&W.

Took the gun to the range. I now have a new issue. I have to pull the trigger TWICE to fire a round. The gun didnt do this before. To empty a 6 round mag I have to pull the trigger a minimum of 12 times.

Oh joy, just filled out the return form AGAIN

This is putting a sever bad taste in my mouth on S&W.

New gun, broke pin after 18 rounds of Hornady CD ammo. Now it wont set that same ammo off. Even tried winchesters, and I still got to pull the trigger 2-3 times to fire the gun

 

[GeorgiaShooter]

I'm seriously considering turning my Bodyguard 380 into a P238 when it gets back from the factory

Try the equinox P238, it comes with the best night sights I've ever had and literally eliminate the want for the cheesy laser on this model.

I'd like to hear from others if Smith's customer service has told you there are no known issues with the firing pin, like they did me.

 

[Shuz]

I bought a new 380 Bodyguard in Nov of 2010. it was an EABxxxx series gun. I had FTF and FTE problems with it from the getgo and sent the gun back to the factory 4 times for the same exact problem. On the 4th re turn, I demanded and received a full refund including sales tax. I suggest you folks with the firing pin problems otta do the same. This model is just not reliable for use as a cc gun. My Ruger LCP has never failed me and i'm happy as a clam with it.

 

[crracer_712]

Hopefully they get this issue figured out. I like the BG380, I don't own one, but I like it. A lot. It feels great in my hand. I hesitated buying it because of the laser buttons on all I fondled didn't work the same from side to side or consistent every time.

Went with the LCP. After installing the Hogue Handall, it's a great shooting problem free pistol, I have two (I couldn't resist the Zombie Slayer...)

I have a LC9 that I absolutely love. But if you go to the Ruger forum, you'll see several people having problems. No manufacturer is immune to this. My two 15-22, M&P15A and my newly aquired 40c are IMO works of art (I know, most AR's look the same). Not much time with the 40c yet, but it's my daily carry, what little time I do have with it has been flawless, as has my other S&W's, even my 22a.

I'm mostly glad to have S&W and Ruger being built here in the states.

 

[sdcromer]

Try the equinox P238, it comes with the best night sights I've ever had and literally eliminate the want for the cheesy laser on this model.

I'd like to hear from others if Smith's customer service has told you there are no known issues with the firing pin, like they did me.

I couldn't wait. Bought a Nitron finished P238 with rosewood grips!
And yes, the Sig night sights are phenomenal :-D

 

[F14RIO]

Bought my BG380 (EBBxxxx) this month. Loved it until the firing pin broke with less than 100 rounds through it, and no dry fires (I was taught to never dry fire any gun). Bought an LCP for my wife at the same time, and so far, no problems with it.

May 6, 2012 update: Been a couple of weeks since calling S&W customer service. Not surprisingly, I'm on a waiting list for backordered firing pins....

May 29, 2012 update: Received the new firing pin about 10 days ago, and took it to the range on Saturday. One box of ammo, and zero problems so far. Will keep you posted.

 

[Chevy]

. . .
I really like how the BG380 shoots, I really like that it has the same manual of arms as my full size carry (1911). I really HOPE the firing pin is fine on my wifes EAX. And if it does fail, I REALLY REALLY hope by then a robust FP is designed for replacement. (And dont tell me to get a P238, I like cocked and locked on my belt, not in my pocket) (PS, if sig made a DAO P238, I would buy two of them tomorrow) S&W, please make the BG380 right!

Ditto this!

I originally bought a Sig P238 for my wife to use as a CC. I don't recall if it was American Rifleman or G & A that did a review of the pocket 380s but one of them did a while back. The S&W was not included in the article. Of those that were the Sig was determined to be the best one of the bunch so I bought that. At the time I bought this I didn't even know about the BG 380 being available. I have about 300 rounds through the Sig and I'm NOT a big fan. It has a difficult time shooting just about any ammo I buy. It stove pipes frequently. I am continuing to put ammo through it when I have time in hopes it is just a break in issue but I never carry this gun anywhere.

My wife (and I) just love the small size and firepower of the 380 so I went back to the drawing board and considered several other 380's. That is when I found the 380 Bodyguard. I bought one used at my local dealer and from day one it has shot super. I have around 400 rounds through it and it has only stove piped once. It shoot any kind of ammo I put in it. My wife uses this as a CC and I loved it so much I went and bought a second one for myself (brand new). I have never had any problems with either one. I do admit that I DON'T dry fire the gun much, once in a great while after cleaning maybe but that is it. I was also taught not to dry fire guns.

I was on this forum looking for information about better night sights for my BGs when I stumbled across this thread. I had no clue anyone was having any problems with them. I love the fit, finish, reliability and design of my BG. If there really is a problem with the FP I sure hope it gets resolved soon.

I agree about not carrying a cocked and locked gun in my pocket either, no way. That was another HUGE benefit to the BG over the Sig.

What about after market FP? Has anyone looked into this? Honestly it isn't a money issue for me, I love the BG and would consider buying a hardened steel after market FP if there were one available. I just love the gun and don't know of any reasonable replacement for it. My wife and I carry ours all the time and I just need to know it will be there for me (her) when we need it.

 

[Hiflyer141]

May problems with the BG 380!

I bought one a week ago and found the trigger pull to be long thats not a problem but for it to break has been estimated at 12lbs!
I took it to the range and fired close to 100 rounds, during firing the elevation screw fell out, took it home and started to clean it and the firing pin fell out? Last 1/3 broken off!
Never mind the difficulty in pressing the left side laser activator!
Going back to the dealer tommorow and see what happens because of course Smith is off on vacation till Aug13!
I really like the handgun and already bought holsters and XS sights for it so I have alot invested! Would like to keep it but we will see!
Oh I did dry fire many times with snapcaps to loosen the trigger pull!

 

[patbelly]

I'm glad you like the BG380 and also sorry to hear about the broken firing pin. My BG380's firing pin broke exactly like yours. S&W will send you a FEDEX label to send your gun in on their dime. Mine was fixed and returned in about 2-3 weeks, of course you might have to wait a bit longer since they are on vacation.
Just curious, what is an elevation screw?

 

[Hiflyer141]

Hi patbelly,
The elevation screw adjusts the laser in the up and down position! Its on the bottom of the frame!!

 

[patbelly]

Gotcha. Wow, that's a new one for the BG380.

 

[doxdozer]

Another one bites the dust!

Hello, new member here.
I was researching why my 2 month old BD had a piece of metal fall out of the back tonight??
I have around 250 live rounds & about 300 laser trainer pulls on it.

I pulled the slide back to remove the trainer cartridge & from what I am reading here, broke the firing pin. As others pointed out the video on this problem is long gone but sounds like the same breaking point.

I purchased it at Cabela's but am wondering if I am better off contacting S&W myself?

If Cabela's will just be sending it in & not fixing it in house?

 

[patbelly]

That's up to you, but S&W will send you a pre-paid label to ship it to them FEDEX. Won't cost you anything but the time it will take to fix it and return it to you. My BG380 had a broken firing pin also and S&W made it right.
You can request it on-line, but might be quicker if you give them a call???

 

[doxdozer]

I applied for the online warranty label. I'm not a fan of Cabela's, no bad experience just personal preference I guess. Plus it is an hour drive one way.

I picked up an XDs last week but haven't received my IWB Whitehatholster in the mail yet. I have IWB Crossbreeders for my
XD-40SC, FN57, & BG380 but thought I give this company a try.

The BD380 has been the lightest, easiest to conceal & most comfortable gun I have ever carried so this is frustrating.

Anyway, looks like i'll have to carry old faithful for awhile... My 10+ year old 649-3. if (5) 357 magnums is not enough to get it done I can always throw it, it sure is heavy enough lol

 

[doxdozer]

I made a short youtube vid of the piece that broke, is it the same as the others?

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 Broke Firing Pin - YouTube

 

[patbelly]

Sure looks that way.

 

[Hiflyer141]

elevation screw

I'm glad you like the BG380 and also sorry to hear about the broken firing pin. My BG380's firing pin broke exactly like yours. S&W will send you a FEDEX label to send your gun in on their dime. Mine was fixed and returned in about 2-3 weeks, of course you might have to wait a bit longer since they are on vacation.
Just curious, what is an elevation screw?

The screw to align the laser sight up and down its on the bottom of the frame!
Called S&W they have my BG and will advise when they can repair it I would prefer a replacement!

 

[Hiflyer141]

Oh by the way!

I never had these kinds of problems with my PPKS or my Glock 26! Or any other handguns I have owned! S&W please fix the problems them you will have an excellent product! Problems are hard laser buttons, hard and long trigger pull and the firing pin breaking!!!!

 

[ocinsomniac]

I have an BG380 with a EBB serial number. Was great for the first 500 rounds, now I get a failure to feed just about every magazine and the slide will not lock open when the mag is empty. No way it's gunked up as I thoroughly clean it after each range session. Been using Remington UMC's all along, never had a problem with them until now.

Decided to call S&W CS and let them take care of it.......I have full size M&P 9, a compact 9c, an MP-15, and an MP15-22 rifles and never had any problems. Very disappointed with this gun thus far.......