380 bodyguard mag release issues

Howdy , same issue with mag release. I love the look and feel of my Bodyguard as well as the heavy trigger for pocket & ankle carry. It has been a great shooter and I love it as a back up. The mag release is just toast though-after my last trip to the range I notice I can just pull the mags right out without depressing the release. Fail, can't use it now. I am willing to just buy any upgrade to fix this issue. Please do keep us updated on any upgrades other than a replacement with the same part that will fail again. I wonder if the newer release button will fit the older original and if that would fix the issue? Thanks
 
Same issue with the mag release on the BG380. I spent today at Talon Training in Tallahassee utilizing one of their wallet holsters. Every time I went to draw, the mag would release. The first shot got off: however, the mag fell out every time I tried to fire the weapon. I tried another BG380 holster, but had the same results. Seems when trying to draw, my fingers would release the mag all the time. I have had past experiences using pocket holster with the same results with this particular firearm.
 
I have the similar issues with mine, & my Sister has A BG380 also (my reason for purchasing one myself, after accurately firing hers impressed me). My mag will drop during firing even with a thumbs up hold (which helps my accuracy). My serial is slightly newer of the two, and starts with; EAT10xx.
I would like to know;
a) if anyone notices any construction differences of 'repaired' ones?
b) knows of a metal replacement part?
c) should I mill my own from steel?
Thank you!
 
Would anyone be interested in a metal Mag Release?

I made my own, and it works really well! But I just find it hard to believe a mag release would continue to be made from polymer. At least one that small. Wears out everytime.

Anyway, Hope to learn many new things about my favorite firearm company here!
 
Spontaneous mag release

I have noticed that the mag will pop out at the most inconvenient times. Like getting out of the car while carrying it in an IWB rig. I have contacted S&W and hoping for a good response like the ones I have seen here. Like the gun and enjoy shooting it. I use it for backup so I would like to be able to rely on the mechanics of this piece.
 
Hi, Same problem as reported by others with their M&P BG380. I find it very disconcerting when I get home only to find that my mag has been disengaged and about ready to fall out after carrying it around all day. Mine is fairly new has only had about 100 rounds through it. I carry it in a full Kydex IWB holster at 4:30. The release button seems way too sensitive and I don't think that it should disengage while it's holstered. Anybody know of a fix? Seems like this should be a known issue. Is S&W recognizing it as such? Have not called them about it yet.

Edit: S&W sent me a shipping label to return it to them for inspection.
 
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Agreed with the previous threads. I sent my 380 back to Springfield about 6 months ago for the mag release issue. After the repair (and many parts replaced), I still have mag drops when using a wallet holster. As others have mentioned, a design flaw for using the BG380 with the wallet holsters seems to exist when trying to retrieve the firearm. I have tried several wallet holsters with the same outcome. Nice firearm, but not for wallet holster use.
 
Would anyone be interested in a metal Mag Release?

I made my own, and it works really well! But I just find it hard to believe a mag release would continue to be made from polymer. At least one that small. Wears out everytime.

Anyway, Hope to learn many new things about my favorite firearm company here!

Yes! I would be interested in a metal mag release. My son is the original owner, so S&W may not cover the problem for me, since it is now registerd in my name. I'm gonna call 'em and see what they say. BUT, If you have ideas on building, or if you want to sell a metal replacement, I'm all ears.
 
Purchase new mag release

Has anyone had any luck purchasing a new mag release? I just bought a brand new Bodyguard and have problems with it. I know it's a solid well built firearm which is why this mag release is just crazy.
 
I'd be interested in a metal mag release.

First post here. S&W recently replaced my worn mag release on my BG380 so I have the newest version. The magazine still randomly ejects while shooting. The mag engagement is solid so I'm guessing I'm activating the button with my thumb on recoil. My next step appears to be milling down the button a bit. I've re-contacted S&W for advice.

I'd be interested in a metal mag release button since I know this new plastic one will wear out. An alternate mag release would certainly benefit from a lower profile button.

My BG is a great shooting, completely unreliable weapon. This issue is a huge safety problem and should be a recall. I guess I could throw my bulletless gun at my attacker as a last resort.
 
New BG with Factory Metal Mag Release

I bought my new BG in May of 2017. It has an MIM metal (magnetic) mag release (serrations on thumb side, mould line on other side).
Serial Number is KEC-19xx.
I have been carrying it in my jeans pocket with a DeSantis Nemesis holster, and have not had an issue with magazine self release... including getting in and out of my pickup... with 6+1 Hornady Critical Defense loaded.
The curved serrations are barely above flush with the frame. I do have a Hogue Handall grip sleeve that may be helping?

The release effort is similar to my 45 Shield.

I would rather have an easy, and predictable mag release, if I have time to do a mag change... rather than a finicky release, and especially one that requires shifting my grip.
 
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Some time back, I asked how to change the mag release on a BG380. Never got a reply. I'll try again; how do you change out the Mag Release on a BG380?
 
Greetings the Bodyguard 380 Magazine Catch Release is fix is finally out

I don't know where else to put this, so here it is.

My BG 380's mag release is, as far as I'm concerned, way to easy to push...I pocket carry without a holster and on occasion have had the mag to self eject. Sometimes it's because I forget and put my cell phone in the same pocket, and sometimes it has just done it.

I don't know what the release pressure is supposed to be, but my wife has a Ruger LCP 380, and the mag release spring pressure is very similar to that of my Glock...much stiffer than than my BG.

If I had one suggestion for SW to improve the BG, it would be to add pressure to the mag spring release button. My son also has a BG and it has similar spring pressure on the mag release.

So, after history, comes the questions.

1. Has this historically been an issue with this weapon?

2. Is there anything that I can do to increase the spring pressure on the mag release button? I'm thinking no, but decided to ask anyway.

Responses are welcomed.

Aluminum Metal Bodyguard 380 Mag Release
Extended Mag Release for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 Pistols :: Bodyguard 380 Performance Parts :: Smith & Wesson(R) Performance :: Galloway Precision
 
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The mag release has been a problem with these.

The mag realease shouldn't interfere with the pistol.

If it does, you have a problem.

There should never be such a problem.

I have no interest in a pistol with these issues: even if they not happen occasionally.

Sd handguns must work all the time.

A pistol that sometimes works isn't one that I am wiling to consider.
Extended Mag Release for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 Pistols :: Bodyguard 380 Performance Parts :: Smith & Wesson(R) Performance :: Galloway Precision
 
The mag release has been a problem with these.

The mag realease shouldn't interfere with the pistol.

If it does, you have a problem.

There should never be such a problem.

I have no interest in a pistol with these issues: even if they not happen occasionally.

Sd handguns must work all the time.

A pistol that sometimes works isn't one that I am wiling to consider.
Aluminum Metal Bodyguard 380 Mag Release
Extended Mag Release for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 Pistols :: Bodyguard 380 Performance Parts :: Smith & Wesson(R) Performance :: Galloway Precision
 
I don't know where else to put this, so here it is.

My BG 380's mag release is, as far as I'm concerned, way to easy to push...I pocket carry without a holster and on occasion have had the mag to self eject. Sometimes it's because I forget and put my cell phone in the same pocket, and sometimes it has just done it.

I don't know what the release pressure is supposed to be, but my wife has a Ruger LCP 380, and the mag release spring pressure is very similar to that of my Glock...much stiffer than than my BG.

If I had one suggestion for SW to improve the BG, it would be to add pressure to the mag spring release button. My son also has a BG and it has similar spring pressure on the mag release.

So, after history, comes the questions.

1. Has this historically been an issue with this weapon?

2. Is there anything that I can do to increase the spring pressure on the mag release button? I'm thinking no, but decided to ask anyway.

Responses are welcomed.
Aluminum Metal Bodyguard 380 Mag Release
Extended Mag Release for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 Pistols :: Bodyguard 380 Performance Parts :: Smith & Wesson(R) Performance :: Galloway Precision
 
Late to the game on this. The situation on mine is the mag release button seems too sensitive. The mag is held tight, but breath on the mag release button and out comes the mag. It seems like just reducing the height of the button should work. I really don't want to send the gun to S&W unless i have to. Any other solutions to this ?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
380 Mag Release Problem Solved

I like my 380 so much I altered the area jus above release. Using JB Weld, I built up the area in question just a tiny bit. It's enough and problem solved.
Some will not want to alter and I agree SW should have a fix but I'm keeping mine "on me".
 
I've been meaning to look into my mag dropping out issues when holstered. I looked the pistol over and I see that the polymer catch has been shaved down by mag insertions.

Galloway Precision makes an aluminum one. I saw mention of a OEM steel version so I called S&W customer service. The lady offered to send me the part, I asked if it was steel, she said it is what my pistol shipped with. She didn't even ask me what the pistol serial number is. Think about that.

I ordered a Galloway part after I hung up. I picked up one of their recoil springs so I have a spare.

Szumi
 

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