BG lemon

[lmacrichter]

I have done everything S&W suggested to fix my problems. I shot another 100 rds yesterday with 10% FTFire on first strike and 10 slide lock failures on the last shot. Question now is do I send it back or trade it on something else. From what I have read turn around time is lengthy and the problems usually are not fixed when you do get it back. Any suggestions?

Issue resolved. BG came back from S&W yesterday with no shipping notice. Upon inspection the slide had been replaced and the front sight was pushed so far to the left that when I lined up the sights the barrel pointed at the next room. They may have shot it but I doubt they hit anything. Any way, I packed it up, took it to my LGS and traded it before any more problems showed up. I was not going to spend anymore on ammo and range time to see that it was not on target.

 

[slayer1962]

bodyguard

I had slide jamming problems with mine. shipped it out less than 2 weeks came back with new barrel better than new!

 

[hoc9sw]

I would send it back before selling it. Try to get it running right even if you want it gone. If you sell / trade it to someone else in an unknown condition, you are just setting yourself up to anger someone else.

 

[mustangman]

I would definitely send it back and give them a shot to make it right, that's why you have a warranty. If your gun isn't working correctly anyway, turn around time should be the least of your worries. You may get it back and have the best gun ever. I'd also take what you read about their customer service with a grain of salt, and figure for every problem and complaint you read about, there are many many others that don't take the time to write about their good experience. Up to you, but that's what I'd do.

 

[Indynick]

My experience has been that they make it right.

 

[NCavi8tor]

Everything you hear on the internet is not necessarily true!! Send it to them and give them a chance to make it right!

NC

 

[lmacrichter]

I have done everything S&W suggested to fix my problems. I shot another 100 rds yesterday with 10% FTFire on first strike and 10 slide lock failures on the last shot. Question now is do I send it back or trade it on something else. From what I have read turn around time is lengthy and the problems usually are not fixed when you do get it back. Any suggestions?

I decided to give S&W a chance and returned my BG today. CS said the turn around should be about 2 weeks. With all the problems with this gun IMO it would be easier to replace it than to repair it. I'll let you know how it goes since I have heard some pretty good comments on CS this week.

 

[tcanthonyii]

This kind of aggravates me a little. Why would you return/exchange it without first having it repaired. Someone else will then get it and have problems. You did the right thing by sending it in. I have a Ruger SR9c that I sent in 3 times before it wouldn't jam on Winchester ammo. I'm 99% sure it just needed a new extractor but they decided to replace it the last time. Now it's one of my favorite pistols.

 

[CaptRon956]

I decided to give S&W a chance and returned my BG today. CS said the turn around should be about 2 weeks. With all the problems with this gun IMO it would be easier to replace it than to repair it. I'll let you know how it goes since I have heard some pretty good comments on CS this week.

Yeah give S&W a chance to make things right & please keep us posted on any updates.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have done everything S&W suggested to fix my problems. I shot another 100 rds yesterday with 10% FTFire on first strike and 10 slide lock failures on the last shot. Question now is do I send it back or trade it on something else. From what I have read turn around time is lengthy and the problems usually are not fixed when you do get it back. Any suggestions?

I do not think it is right to sell a gun to someone else, especially one that has no purpose other than self-defense, when the gun is not "right."

 

[lmacrichter]

I do not think it is right to sell a gun to someone else, especially one that has no purpose other than self-defense, when the gun is not "right."

Guess you're right here. It just P***es you off to pay top dollar for a self defense gun then spend another $150 or more on ammo and range time to find out they sold you a piece of **** that has not been test fired to assure it operates correctly and could get you killed because they don't bother to "test drive" it before they send it out for sale. I guess they think you can always throw it at the perp that is trying to do you harm.

 

[CaptRon956]

Just out of curiosity, but did you purchase the pistol brand new from a retailer or used?

 

[Rick_A]

A BG380 is not a top dollar gun, unless you paid too much for it. The "top" 380's run $700 to $1200, and none are immune to the occasion problem.

The guns are test fired and a fired case left in the box. In my experience 90% of problems with new autos are owner induced.

Any gun carried for defense should be test fired extensively with any ammo you intend to use for the purpose. A proper cleaning and lube before firing is a must.

If it is indeed a manufacturing problem get it fixed. It costs nothing but some time.

Another thing is ammo. Range reloads are not always 100%. Factory new ammo is infinitely more trustworthy.

The little guns also require a firm hold. If left to squirm they will not work. I've seen many a problem pocket auto "fixed" by having someone else shoot it.

YMMV.

If all the above has been tried get your FREE shipping label and it will be repaired.

 

[lmacrichter]

Just out of curiosity, but did you purchase the pistol brand new from a retailer or used?

New at a national sporting goods store.

 

[lmacrichter]

A BG380 is not a top dollar gun, unless you paid too much for it. The "top" 380's run $700 to $1200, and none are immune to the occasion problem.

The guns are test fired and a fired case left in the box. In my experience 90% of problems with new autos are owner induced.

Any gun carried for defense should be test fired extensively with any ammo you intend to use for the purpose. A proper cleaning and lube before firing is a must.

If it is indeed a manufacturing problem get it fixed. It costs nothing but some time.

Another thing is ammo. Range reloads are not always 100%. Factory new ammo is infinitely more trustworthy.

The little guns also require a firm hold. If left to squirm they will not work. I've seen many a problem pocket auto "fixed" by having someone else shoot it.

YMMV.

If all the above has been tried get your FREE shipping label and it will be repaired.

It is a manufacturing problem for sure. I don't have any problems with my other guns and nothing but new, name brand ammo has been used in the gun. It has the same problems with Winchester, Federal, DRT, Aquila, and Perfecta ammo. At this time these are the only brands of 380 available in my area.
I know the BG is not the most expensive 380 out there but the M&P is not the cheapest either and S&W is known for quality weapons at any price. Also paying up to $1200 for a brand that is "pretty" instead of all black may not make it a better gun. You don't see LE and other agencies carrying those guns.

 

[Johnmuratore]

You're correct on all counts.
I hope Smiths make this gun right for you. The only problem I ever had with a S&W was a used Model 29 I bought that someone had attempted to modify. Even though I wasn't the original owner, S&W fixed it at no cost.
At their core, they are and always have been a great company to deal with.

 

[geminijk]

Looks like it is a problem with the M&P BG380s. I have had FTF/FTE 3 times today, and numerous light strikes. I will try Hornady ammo next, but if I still have issues with premium, my 4 day old gun goes back to S&W.

I bought this S&W because of their reputation, and because I wanted reliability, and finally mandated to have a safety on it per the wife. Now I'm questioning going with S&W. My Ruger 9e is wonderful, different class gun, but still. Not a happy camper.

John

 

[geminijk]

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An Update...

1. I had previously used brand new Monarch (Steel) ammo.
2. I cleaned and lubed the gun. Did not do that FIRST. I'm new, maybe I should have done that before ever shooting it for the first time.
3. Bought Hornady, and a more mid range (per Store clerk) ammo Aguila (Yes, both BRASS)
4. Watched some videos on Limp Wristing, and worked on NOT doing that and ensuring I wasn't having my arm fatigued between shots (I think the thing has some kick to it, as opposed to my mid-frame size 9MM 9E.)
5. Did 5-6 clips.....NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER with the Aguila. No issue with the 1 clip of Hornady (expensive stuff!). I even ran a clip of the original Monarch, and still NO ISSUES

So maybe my issues are gone. Another day at the range to confirm, but I'm feeling MUCH better about the S&W380 BG now! Little gun can shoot quite well too, now that I was actually able to focus on technique rather than issues.

Thought I'd share.

John

 

[D-Hop]

Yes. Always clean gun before using.

 

[CaptRon956]

I really enjoy my M&P 380. 275 rounds & not one failure and I'm able to keep a 5" group at 10 yards... I would suggest cleaning the gun real good after each shooting and also disassemble & clean the magazines too. lubricate the points as shown in the instruction manual and do not over lube. I like Monarch ammo but only the brass, I'd stay away from the steel casings as they can be problematic, FTE FTF etc...

 

[1hatchet]

Clips are Clips and Mags are Mags

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RYwUPr35rLw/SMSzcYalaPI/AAAAAAAAAM4/pgTUU7jUlFo/s1600/Magazine%2B-%2Bvs%2B-%2BClip.jpg[/IMG]

 

[lmacrichter]

I have done everything S&W suggested to fix my problems. I shot another 100 rds yesterday with 10% FTFire on first strike and 10 slide lock failures on the last shot. Question now is do I send it back or trade it on something else. From what I have read turn around time is lengthy and the problems usually are not fixed when you do get it back. Any suggestions?

I talked to CS last Fri. and was told they adjusted the slide lock and replaced the firing pin and spring and that it was ready to be shipped out.
I called back today and was told that it is still in shipping and all they did was replace the slide.
Don't know who to believe or have any idea what they really did or if it is fixed. I don't se how replacing the slide alone can fix all the problems I was having. I guess I just have to wait for them to return it and go waste more time and money on the range to find out.
Has anyone else had these type problems S&W CS?

 

[lmacrichter]

BG lemon update

I have done everything S&W suggested to fix my problems. I shot another 100 rds yesterday with 10% FTFire on first strike and 10 slide lock failures on the last shot. Question now is do I send it back or trade it on something else. From what I have read turn around time is lengthy and the problems usually are not fixed when you do get it back. Any suggestions?

I talked to CS last Fri. and was told they adjusted the slide lock and replaced the firing pin and spring and that it was ready to be shipped out.
I called back today and was told that it is still in shipping and all they was replace the slide.
Don't know who to believe or have any idea what they really did or if it is fixed. I guess I just have to wait for them to return it and go waste more time and money on the range to find out.
Has anyone else had these type problems S&W CS?

 

[hoc9sw]

I would suspect that replacing the slide would include the firing pin and spring, as it would make sense that it was already assembled.

That was the case with a Shield return. Talked to the gunsmith, he explained the changes, but on the repair sheet things were vague. Sounds like you first talked to someone who knew what was done, then someone who looked up the repair sheet in the system.

But you were determined to sell it. This would be the time. It has just come back with a repair report, and has been factory tested. If you sell it, there is nothing to disclose but that. If you fire it & decide you don't like what was done, then you have to say that, which will make it a lot harder to sell.

 

[lmacrichter]

BG follow-up

I just want to thank all of you for the good advice you have given me here. Some times we just don't think thing through when something p***es us off because of problems. You guys probably kept me from making a mistake that would have caused some one problems. Thanks Again to you all.

 

[one eye joe]

Guess you're right here. It just P***es you off to pay top dollar for a self defense gun then spend another $150 or more on ammo and range time to find out they sold you a piece of **** that has not been test fired to assure it operates correctly and could get you killed because they don't bother to "test drive" it before they send it out for sale. I guess they think you can always throw it at the perp that is trying to do you harm.

THIS IS WHAT REALLY IRKS ME ABOUT LACK OF GOOD QC @ S&W. THESE GUNS, IN MANY INSTANCES, WILL BE USED FOR SD / HD. ALSO IN MANY INSTANCES, THESE GUNS ARE FIRST TIME PURCHASES, BY PEOPLE WHO ARE NOVICES. THEY BUY A WEAPON, WITH A BOX OF AMMO. THE LGS CLERK SHOWS THEM HOW TO LOAD IT, AND THEY GO ON THEIR WAY. THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY SHOOT IT, MAY BE IN DEFENSE OF THEIR LIVES. THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPECT THAT THE WEAPON WILL PERFORM IN A FLAWLESS MANNER……...

 

[Rpg]

These are inexpensive pistols made inexpensively.

They have problems frequently enough to take them (and the plastic revolvers with the same name ) off my long list of self defense handguns.

Send it back to S&W as often as it takes to get it working, then get rid of it!!!

These aren't collectable pistols: no conceivable reason to keep it.

Certainly there is every reason NOT to use it for self defence.

 

[one eye joe]

These are inexpensive pistols made inexpensively.

They have problems frequently enough to take them (and the plastic revolvers with the same name ) off my long list of self defense handguns.

Send it back to S&W as often as it takes to get it working, then get rid of it!!!

These aren't collectable pistols: no conceivable reason to keep it.

Certainly there is every reason NOT to use it for self defence.

I AGREE WITH Rpg. I WOULD RETURN IT UNTIL IT WAS RUNNING RIGHT, AND SELL IT---WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE…….

 

[Rickgus]

I talked to CS last Fri. and was told they adjusted the slide lock and replaced the firing pin and spring and that it was ready to be shipped out.
I called back today and was told that it is still in shipping and all they was replace the slide.
Don't know who to believe or have any idea what they really did or if it is fixed. I guess I just have to wait for them to return it and go waste more time and money on the range to find out.
Has anyone else had these type problems S&W CS?

Imacrichter - Did you ever get your Bodyguard back from Smith? I'm anxious to find out what they did and hopefully they will have solved all the issues you have been having! Let us know once you have received and the findings of their fixes!

Thanks - Rick

 

[BigBill]

I agree make s&w make it right first then I'd trade it in for a CZ83.
Don't they test fire these guns before they sell them?

What happens to the gun buyer who just loads it, puts it in the sock drawer and never shoots it?
I see a lot of still NIB handguns here in the used gun case. Still unshot.
It's open season when I find these it's better than Christmas morning.

I learned how to repair 1911's after having three new ones with problems. I purchased every DVD they offered to learn. My first hands on was replacing the barrel and bushing on a used 1911. She shoots clusters and clover leads at 25 yards now. My second hands on was finding out why it stove piped one round per mag with a SA 1911 from 1990. It was growing roots in the safe for two decades. The extractor needed tuning. It's a series 90 in black park. It's been in the safe all this time.

I'm tired of getting brand new guns that have problems. So far all my Rugers, cz, s&w, AO ALL HAVE BEEN GREAT NO PROBLEMS.