BG 380-LCP

[Helderberg]

I have been carrying a Ruger LCP w/laser and got tired making excuses for it. I have had more than my share of FTF, FTE, the laser cutting into my trigger finger, back strap digging into the web of my hand, my thumb getting in the way of my trigger finger if I extend it to the first joint. I also didn't like the loss by the laser switch as it makes the space below the trigger just that much less to grip. The good things are it is light, well built, accurate but the follow-up shot was tough. I decided to try the BG .380 as I already have a M&P large frame 45 and love it so S&W is an easy sell to me. The first time I picked up the BG I could not believe how much better the grips were. With out the laser extending under the trigger guard and the fact that it has a slightly longer grip made it feel far more secure in my hand. I field stripped and lubed, loaded and ran three different types of ammo and it never once missed a beat. It felt great in my hand and follow up shots were easy and accurate and the felt recoil was much less than the LCP.
I could not be happier with the BG and I am very satisfied that I moved the LCP for it.
Just my .02 but I believe you need to have complete trust in a personal defense gun and this has mine, the LCP did not.
Best, Frank.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

Now I don't have, or carry an LCP, but I do carry a J frame M36 or M60 daily.

The LCP seemed to me to be a "flawed" firearm from the get go.

It just didn't work right, out of the box. Most needed to be "repaired" before they were reliable.

I've been a Ruger fan for years, but starting with the "P" series of semi autos, they have had nothing but problems.

I have a P95 and a P97 that I purchased new, but had to "fix" before they were reliable. Now they work fine, but you shouldn't have to do that. The LCP had something less than a "stellar" track record.

I think Ruger needs to wake up and get it right before they release it.

 

[Helderberg]

I agree.

When ever I visited the LCP forum much of the conversation was about what springs should you install, Wolf 13,15 16, to make the gun work and how to polish the ramp so it fed and what ammo would work. I agree, you should not have to rebuild the gun so you can believe in it. Just put 30 rounds through my M&P 45, not one hick-up. Yesterday I picked up a box of Golden Saber for 380, mixed it up with FMJ and gold dot. Blew through them like glass. Love a gun that works like it should. Thanks for the reply. I am going to keeping this BG 380 for a long time.
Best health, Frank.

 

[STL9MM]

To be fair....and balanced... My LCP worked fine out of the box. I took it home, cleaned it, cycled the slide a bit as you should on any small auto and it worked perfectly. I couldn't say that about the M&P9c I had. Never polished anything and never changed out the spring. I ran Hornady CD rounds thru it from day one with no issues at all. The first series had some glitches, but that's true of many larger more expensive handguns. JMHO.

 

[Helderberg]

Not trying to knock LCP

I am not trying to say that there is something wrong with the LCP, please do not get me wrong. I am just saying that I found an easily concealed handgun that fits my hand and needs. The LCP was a fine gun but it just didn't work for me.
Best, Frank.

 

[STL9MM]

Didn't mean to insinuate that you did...just offering another perspective. That's why they make so many options....something for everyone!:^) A friend at church just ordered his BG....I'm looking forward to trying it out!

 

[Helderberg]

It is all good.

Didn't mean to insinuate that you did...just offering another perspective. That's why they make so many options....something for everyone!:^) A friend at church just ordered his BG....I'm looking forward to trying it out!

It's all good. I like the little Sig, kind of a mini 1911, but it is too heavy for pocket carry. I thought about buying my old LCP back today and trying to trick it out with the springs and re- work the trigger but I would rather put the money into ammo to feed my 45. I really love that thing. Thanks for the post, be safe.
Frank.

 

[Aubie]

I have a BG 380 also. Only problem I had is the laser buttons are stiff and do not want to work. Didn't really buy it for that though. I've put 350 Rd's of assorted ammo through mine with out any FTF or FTE.

It is also the easiest little gun to conceal. I sometimes just put it in my front pocket. Just a reminder though, do not put your life on the line on a weapon that you have not put at least 300 Rd's through to make sure it's reliable no matter what brand or caliber.

 

[mag318]

I bought an LCP when they first came out. And though it was reliable and accurate, it was very uncomfortable to shoot during extended range sessions. I replaced the LCP with a Kahr P380 which totally out classed the LCP in every respect. When S&W came out with the Bodyguard 380 I liked it even better than the Kahr and feel it is the best pistol of the three. I believe in practicing a lot with whatever I'm carrying. The LCP after a few magazines became downright painful to shoot. Both the Kahr and BG380 were lightyears more comfortable and both could be fired comfortably all day. The Bodyguard had some teething problems we're all aware of, but they are long gone. Plus the price of the BG380 have come way down. I just bought a 2'nd Bodyguard for $303 and they're up to the EAS prefix. When my dealer received his latest shipment I looked at everyone of them and one thing that really impressed me was that the laser activation buttons were much easier to activate on every single pistol. So S&W has been making little tweaks to the design and now the Bodyguards are troublefree and perfected. Even the triggers on this new batch were all ligher an smoother than my original early Bodyguard.
Gun Test Magazine proclaimed the Bodyguard 380 " The Cadillac of micro 380s", I couldn't agree more.

 

[Helderberg]

BG .380

Again, I am not here to knock and brand. If it works for you than don't listen to anyone as it is your life that is in the balance. I just find the BG to fit my hand so well and the fit and finish are exactly what I want. The LCP is a great gun and I thank Ruger for taking the .380 bar and moving it up a notch or two. I find the BG to elicit a good amount of confidence in me as to having my back if it gets bad in a hurry. I will leave this thread at this and hope we all find a piece that gives us the security we need and the sincerer hope none of us ever need to use.
Best, Frank.