BG Botch

[Flyin' Lead]

I'd like to start a discussion about the Bodyguard and its main competitors, mostly the LCP and P3AT (yes, I'm aware they all have supporters, but please try not to be offended).

As I'm looking to buy a compact .380, I did a bit of research online and came up with three options: the Kel-Tec P3AT, the Ruger LCP, and the S&W BG 380. The former two are virtually identical, so I could go either way with them. I handled all of these pistols in store.

While I was doing so, I noticed one large issue: the BG seemed large and clunky in comparison to the others, and had a miserable, stacking trigger. How on earth does Smith & Wesson expect to sell any of these? I know they come with the laser, but I don't consider that a plus.

Any thoughts and clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Kip.

 

[jstanfield103]

Kip, I am not trying to offend anyone either, but the others fill cheap to me I don't like the feel of them in my hands. The Bg trigger I do not mind because it is not a range gun for me. I carry the gun constantly and prefer the long trigger. I have purchased 2 BG380 and nevr had a problem with them. Love the gun.

 

[3dots]

I've shot the Ruger, Kel Tec and Taurus and find the S&W feels much more solid with less "flip". I believe the bore axis is just a bit lower on the Smith.

 

[noammo]

Sounds like you already made up your mind. However, before I purchased the Bodyguard, I was able to shoot the LCP and the Bodyguard. The difference between the two are; The Bodyguard has less recoil snap, better sights, better accuracy, (much better) double strike capability, slide locks open on last shot, a functional safety and a laser if that's what you're looking for. I know it's a matter of taste but I think the trigger on the Badyguard is smoother and has a better break than the LCP. The two guns are the same size as far as length and height, the Bodyguard a larger front due to the laser.

 

[Rider414]

Slide locks open on the last shot for the BG380. I really like this feature when I am practicing with this gun. This and the lifetime service is what sold me over the LCP.

The BG380 felt better in my hand over the LCP also. I liked the sights better on the BG too. So there are quite a few reasons!!

 

[Ransom]

+1 on everything noammo and Rider414 wrote. The BG 380 is an outstanding pistol and I love mine. Obviously "large and clunky" is purely in the eye of the beholder--I prefer how the BG looks and it feels better in my hand than the LCP. For a pocket pistol, the trigger is fine.

 

[Flyin' Lead]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. Jstanfield, 3dot, and noammo: I hadn't thought about how the BG felt.
I'm young, so my hands aren't as large as they will be; the LCP fit me quite well with the finger extension. I did think that the BG felt a little more solid than the Kel-Tec, but was pretty close to the LCP.
I've shot an LCP and the flip was kind of annoying. I was using Aguila ball, and they generated an impressive fireball.
About the trigger: the BG I tried had a bad, gritty trigger. The LCP and Kel-Tec were fine. It could have been simply the samples that were available at the local stores.
Rider: about the slide lock. I consider this with mixed opinions. The slide lock-back tells you you're out, but a B.G. will also know when you've expended your last round. I know it's convient at the range.
The sights on the BG are better, but I was planning on doing a homemade night-sight mod with glo-powder and epoxy.

Again, thanks for all your feedback.
Kip

 

[3dots]

Kip,

I love hearing from youngsters that are taking the sport seriously. You shoot whatever you're comfortable with. You got lots of years in front of you and by the time you're my age, you will have bought and sold many guns. Those that make an impression on you, you'll have forever.

Happy Shooting....

 

[M29since14]

Noammo summed up the differences. I am a trigger nerd from way back when, and for me that is a necessity. Unlike some shooters who do a remarkable job even with a terrible trigger, I cannot. In spite of that, I don't worry too much about the trigger on guns like these. If it is something I can use, that's probably good enough. I know it is nice to be able to hit something at 25-yards but I just don't see that as being topical with these little guns. The safety lock appeals to me, too, as do the sights. To each, his own, I guess.

 

[Ransom]

Rider: about the slide lock. I consider this with mixed opinions. The slide lock-back tells you you're out, but a B.G. will also know when you've expended your last round. I know it's convient at the range.

Slide lock-back would also be useful in a SHTF situation if you need to insert another mag. But most importantly to me, it makes the BG 380 operate just like a larger pistol. I want all my pistols to have the same manual of arms, or as close as I can get it. The BG 380 and the M&P Shield operate just alike other than the laser on the BG that I would not be using in a gun fight anyway. This eliminates potential confusion in a high stress situation.

 

[Lost Lake]

the BG seemed large and clunky in comparison to the others, and had a miserable, stacking trigger. How on earth does Smith & Wesson expect to sell any of these?
Kip.

I think S&W is selling the snot out of everything in their lineup right now. I haven't seen a BG on the shelf for, well since forever! I picked mine up online.

Lifetime warranty and useable sights. It works for me.

 

[radar1972]

I've had my BG for about 3 years. The trigger took some getting used to, but it's fine now. Much smoother than when I first got it.

 

[slfree]

If you try the KelTec trigger you will cease to be unhappy with any other trigger. And dry firing will break the KelTec. Actually shooting it will wear out your finger.

 

[noammo]

When I was looking for a small pocket gun I was able to compare and shoot the Sig P238, Ruger LCP and the S&W Bodyguard. All were 380's. Because of what I considered to be deficiencies with the Ruger (which I posted earlier) it came down to the Sig and BG. The Sig is a nice gun, I mean really nice. But, one; I wanted to buy American and two I would not feel comfortable with the Sigs exposed hammer. The Sig is a single action trigger and if you carry hot, the hammer will have to be back and ready go. Even though it has a safety, I just had a problem with the single action trigger and the exposed hammer. I don't consider the Sig a pocket gun. As far as the true pocket guns go, most all have dual action triggers, and they all have long, hard pulls for a reason. So if you're looking for a pocket carry, I don't think the long trigger pull to be a deciding factor.

 

[pisacksen]

Hello SIG P238, good bye BG 380. Trigger and fit/finish is far superior.


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[Boris B]

Hello SIG P238, good bye BG 380. Trigger and fit/finish is far superior.


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There was a time I was all hot on the P238. Reading all the hype and glowing reports from owners, I was keeping an eye out for a deal on one as it's price of around $600 give or take a bit was simply a bit out of my comfort zone for a 380. (I do own more expensive guns and less expensive guns, perceived value I guess)
I had carried a 1911 for over 4 years at one point in my life so I am more than familiar with the form factor of the 238 and I do like such handguns. I think they can be beautiful effective weapons.
Well this went on for a month or so until the day I spied a P238 in the gun case at the range I frequent, So I put 50 rounds through the Sig and my quest was over. Right then and there, bam. I realized there was no way in hell I would spend near 600 bucks on that gun. (again with the perceived value thingy)
Now although I had carried a 1911 all that time I asked my self . Do I really want to carry a condition 1, cocked and locked, pistol in my pocket? The answer to that question was easy. No, even though I was very familiar and comfortable carrying a 1911 cocked and locked on my hip, one inside my pocket is a different story. (imo)
And frankly after putting the 50 rounds through the 238 I was so unimpressed I never gave it another thought.

I moved on.

Later I came across a fair deal on a BG and bought it.

Now obviously the BG380 is NOT a perfect handgun, and if you read my prior post on this subject you will see plainly that I have issues with it and S&W.
However,
When I stated in a prior post that S&W only missed it by this much with the BG I was serious. But they are close enough that I believe I can make it the rest of the way on my own with a little outside help. (Aftermarket, Gunsmith..)

For the job it is designed for, the BG is my preferred platform, They just came up short on the execution end by a little bit, but they came darn close. Close enough that possibly their short comes can be corrected.
What a shame on their part. To come so close yet not even see it. (what they get for listening to some idiot in the marketing and or accounting dept probably..)(jmo) and yes I have already stated in prior post what I think they should change basically.


And In the interim should the need arise my trusty G19 is more than up to the task.

jmo.