2'nd Range Report Bodyguard 380

[xzhync]

First Range Visit w/ BG 380

Hit the range today and shot 100 rounds (50 fmj and 50 defense hollow points). I shot some Gold Dots, Winchester PDX1 and some Doubletap (a little hotter round). The gun did just fine. Absolutely no problems. In my opinion, the BG 380 has less recoil than the LCP, but not a lot less. I do get a better grip with the BG, though. I feel like I have more control vs. the LCP. I wasn't blown away by the trigger however. I was hoping it would be more "Kahr" like (smoother with a little shorter travel), but instead, to me, it was more LCP like. I just seems a bit too long of a pull before it breaks. I am hoping it smooths out a bit in time. I need to play/practice a little with trigger finger placement to get the best control of this trigger. For me, I think it works best somewhere between finger tip and first knucle bend...probably right at the center of the pad.

On another aspect of this gun - the laser...I want to like it, but the jury is still out. I certainly don't want it to have a feather light touch because then it will activate in the pocket, but I wish it was just a little easier to activate. Of note is the fact that the grey buttons on the side can be removed. For me, I have found that how they are placed back can affect the sensitivity. There is a "center protrusion" on the inside of the button that contacts a solenoid. The solenoid itself has a very light touch, so the trick is to get the buttons back in place with the center protrusion lined up just right. If anyone is having concerns over the switch being too hard to activate, try removing and re-inserting these buttons.

Anyway, after shooting the first 100 rounds through my BG 380, I can sense that the pistol has good build quality. It just feels "broken-in" already. I'll try and put another 100 rounds through soon, but I am very optimistic that it will be a great carry weapon.

 

[needhlp20]

Put one on layaway last night, hopefully it's as good as the reviews.

 

[azasadny]

My wife carries a Ruger LCP and has put about 1100 reloads through it and she loves it, but i need to investigate this little S&W BG380! We may be getting another mouse gun for me for summer carry since my Sig P239 is a little too large and heavy for summer carry.

 

[jgs5607]

I picked on up last week and had a chance to shoot it for the first time yesterday. Put through 50 rounds of FMJ to start with with no issues at all. Iron sights are very accurate as received; put 5 of my first 6 in the X ring at 15 ft (and I have not been shooting for a while); then shot the next 12 at 25 feet aiming for head shots; all hit with nothing close to the edge; granted I was shooting at the speed for target shootings, but wanted to get a feel for the accuracy of the gun.

For it's intended use, it is better than I can shoot.

The laser was a bit different, and shot well to grouping low depending on the distance. Never had a laser before, so I assume you have to pick an optimim distance to shoot from to center it and leave it there. Any insight on using lasers?

Overall, very happy with the gun and the accuracy (iron sights); next outing will try other ammo and try to center the laser. Will also try more rapid fire to learn to shoot it as you would in a close up defensive situation.

I tried the LCP and Kel-Tech, but they did not feel good in the hand (not as easy to grip, and had to contort my trigger finger to shoot it) and the locking slide and double fire capability are a big plus in my mind.

The Jury is ot on the laser until I get more familiar with it. With the iron sights as good as they are, I want to try to enhance their visibility; maybe paint or something else to get a quicker sight picture.

 

[greybeard43]

I got mine from my LGS for $339 plus tax. They also sold me a spare mag. Also got my desantis nemasis there. After a good cleaning and a couple of hundred rds at the range, I am also impressed. The pistol functions flawlessly. Mine eats ball and speer gold dot like candy. I did notice before I cleaned and lubed it that the slide was dry. Not a good idea to go direct to the range when you get yours. As to the laser, mine works well and is accurate but a laser without a flashlight is kinda iffy in low light conditions. You have to absolutely sure that what you initially responded to is what you are shooting at. What options are there for weak side magazine carry? Most I have seen were attached to the holster which is totally useless in my opinion.

 

[Copnomore]

greybeard, one gentleman mentioned that he uses a small nylon knife case on his belt to carry a spare mag.

 

[greybeard43]

Good idea thanks.

 

[mrsig]

You can purchase BG380 in Tampa at sub $389 at many places.

 

[greybeard43]

shooters.com has them listed for 319.00. I don't know what s&h and FFL fees cost but thats a good starter. I got mine at their local store. Their warehouse is in Texas.

 

[Helderberg]

BG .380

Just traded in my LCP for a BG. The differance is night and day.
I can shoot more accurately with the BG and the follow up shot is faster and on target. I like the fact that the triger is long on this type of gun as I would rather have the option of easing off the trigger than not. The fact that the BG eats all types of ammo, mixed mag and all, is all I needed to know. I could not be happier that I got away from my LCP, it just did not work for me. Not knocking Ruger but this is a much better piece in my opinion.
Best, Frank.

 

[mag318]

Good to see all this interest in this thread. I'm sure most here are aware of the takedown pin problems some earlier Bodyguards were experiencing. Happily S&W was quick to resolve any and all issues with subtle upgrades to the pistol. I just bought another BG380 since the prices have been lowered. They are up to EAS prefix in the serial numbers so they must be selling a lot of these gems. It will be interesting to see if Smith & Wesson comes out with a 9mm Bodyguard at the 2012 Shot Show as rumured.

 

[novalty]

It will be interesting to see if Smith & Wesson comes out with a 9mm Bodyguard at the 2012 Shot Show as rumured.

I'm holding out for the 500S&W Bodyguard.

 

[Doberman21]

I saw someone mention that they were looking for mag's. I picked up 2 for a good price ($16.99 ea) at 44mag.com

I got mine when they were very hard to find. now everyone seems to have them.

 

[GKC]

It will be interesting to see if Smith & Wesson comes out with a 9mm Bodyguard at the 2012 Shot Show as rumured.

I can guarantee that S&W will...because I am getting ready to buy the BG380. They probably won't even wait for the SHOT Show...as soon as I pay for my 380, the announcement of the 9mm will be released.

 

[Lost Lake]

shooters.com has them listed for 319.00. I don't know what s&h and FFL fees cost but thats a good starter. I got mine at their local store. Their warehouse is in Texas.

Not a bad price... I picked up a brand new BG380 from OMB for $289 and free shipping. I see they have free shipping offered again for any purchase over $149. But OMB seems to be back ordered on almost all their M&P's and the BG.... I don't know if S&W limits the number each vendor gets or what.

 

[mag318]

Lost Lake, that is a fantastic price. I paid $303 for my new Bodyguard and thought that was good, $289 is even better.

 

[JD59]

Initial range report for my new Bodyguard 380 EAS5xxx

I just picked up my new Bodyguard 380 this past week, and went to the range Friday night. I adjusted the laser prior to the range, keeping both eyes open. Only a slight adjustment to the right was needed. I also did a quick cleaning and lightly oiled prior to the 1st time at the range. The take down pin was very tight.

I ran 200+ rounds through the new gun and it operated flawlessly. The laser was dead on, and the on/off button worked fine. I was very impressed with the ease of hitting the bulls eye with this little gun.

This gun is a fun to shoot, and will be an excellent easy to conceal carry self defense firearm.

 

[goldspurs09]

mag318,

Thanks alot for your information, it is very helpful. Is there any possible way that you would be able to take some comparison shots of the Bodyguard with respect to the LCP? I was originally going to pick up an LCP until I remembered the BG was due out, but I haven't been able to see the two together in person yet.

I really like the additional features of the BG, but I hope its increased size isn't too much over the very tiny LCP.

If you would like to see them side by side....here you go

Ruger LCP 380 vs Smith & Wesson BodyGuard 380 - YouTube

 

[TWilliam]

I'm a new member here at the Smith-Wesson Forum and I wanted to give a little range report on my new M&P BG380. I picked it up yesterday and tried it out this afternoon. I have attached the target from my first magazine, shot at 25 feet. The squares on the target actually measure 15/16". Please forgive the clarity of the image, I scanned it.

Needless to say, I am impressed! For a concealed carry personal defense handgun it is great. I did a little dry firing last evening to get adjusted to the trigger.

TWilliam