CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Has Smith addressed and fixed the firing pin breakage problem with the BG380's??
BG380 firing pin question
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Fastbolt
Member
We've been told that's the case.
Still not sure I'd engage in excessive dry-fire, though. (I'd suspect the trigger is relatively easy for an experienced shooter to learn with 1-2 mag loads, anyway.)
The only broken FP in a BG380 I've personally seen (and repaired) was in a gun produced over a year ago. The FP the factory sent me to replace the broken one in that guy's gun hasn't had any problems. He shoots his gun now and again for familiarity, as it's on a CCW license, but he's primarily a 1911 guy and doesn't shoot the BG380 for range enjoyment.
Several older and newer BG380's in use by guys at my former agency haven't exhibited any issues. (It was just accepted as an authorized secondary weapon by my former agency.)
Last I heard, LAPD was still authorizing the BG380 as a secondary & off-duty weapon, although their approved model lacks the thumb safety and the laser battery must be removed so the laser is inop. One of our guys who ordered the LAPD model SKU told me the gun came in the box with the battery in the box, instead of installed in the gun.
I heard second hand that they've either started using thread locker to keep the laser module retention screw secure, or they were planning to do so. I didn't follow up on it with the factory yet (they're apparently still waiting for corporate legal to approve the armorer training for the BG380), but the last guy who bought one told me his appeared to have threadlocker visible on the screwhead. He's been doing a fair amount of shooting with his new BG380 without issue.
I just learned second hand from a friend (former firearms instructor/retired) that one of his cop buddies had experienced having his unknown vintage BG380 slide lock up mostly closed. The gun had already been returned to the factory and repaired, so I had no chance to ask to look at it myself. Kind of sounds like the laser retention screw had worked loose. Anyway, the owner of the repaired gun has been happily shooting it quite a bit and is very pleased with it. (Apparently he's one of those guys who thinks it's fun to shoot a little .380
)
The BG380 had its fair share of teething problems, at least a couple of which were seemingly some QC issues, but they seem to have invested attention & effort in identifying & addressing them.
After all, having LAPD (second largest PD in the nation) authorize a gun for its folks isn't something to take lightly or for granted.
I'd get one, but I just don't see the need to pay for a laser module that I don't want or plan to use.
If they ever offer a BG380 frame variation without the space for the laser (preferably a model made without just leaving the frame space empty), I'd consider getting one. As it is, the LCP I picked up last year has been a dandy little .380 pistol, and they've just released a revised model with a reportedly improved, shorter trigger pull and improved sights.
Still not sure I'd engage in excessive dry-fire, though. (I'd suspect the trigger is relatively easy for an experienced shooter to learn with 1-2 mag loads, anyway.)
The only broken FP in a BG380 I've personally seen (and repaired) was in a gun produced over a year ago. The FP the factory sent me to replace the broken one in that guy's gun hasn't had any problems. He shoots his gun now and again for familiarity, as it's on a CCW license, but he's primarily a 1911 guy and doesn't shoot the BG380 for range enjoyment.
Several older and newer BG380's in use by guys at my former agency haven't exhibited any issues. (It was just accepted as an authorized secondary weapon by my former agency.)
Last I heard, LAPD was still authorizing the BG380 as a secondary & off-duty weapon, although their approved model lacks the thumb safety and the laser battery must be removed so the laser is inop. One of our guys who ordered the LAPD model SKU told me the gun came in the box with the battery in the box, instead of installed in the gun.
I heard second hand that they've either started using thread locker to keep the laser module retention screw secure, or they were planning to do so. I didn't follow up on it with the factory yet (they're apparently still waiting for corporate legal to approve the armorer training for the BG380), but the last guy who bought one told me his appeared to have threadlocker visible on the screwhead. He's been doing a fair amount of shooting with his new BG380 without issue.
I just learned second hand from a friend (former firearms instructor/retired) that one of his cop buddies had experienced having his unknown vintage BG380 slide lock up mostly closed. The gun had already been returned to the factory and repaired, so I had no chance to ask to look at it myself. Kind of sounds like the laser retention screw had worked loose. Anyway, the owner of the repaired gun has been happily shooting it quite a bit and is very pleased with it. (Apparently he's one of those guys who thinks it's fun to shoot a little .380
)The BG380 had its fair share of teething problems, at least a couple of which were seemingly some QC issues, but they seem to have invested attention & effort in identifying & addressing them.
After all, having LAPD (second largest PD in the nation) authorize a gun for its folks isn't something to take lightly or for granted.
I'd get one, but I just don't see the need to pay for a laser module that I don't want or plan to use.
If they ever offer a BG380 frame variation without the space for the laser (preferably a model made without just leaving the frame space empty), I'd consider getting one. As it is, the LCP I picked up last year has been a dandy little .380 pistol, and they've just released a revised model with a reportedly improved, shorter trigger pull and improved sights.
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Interesting. I have a BG 380 that I purchased December 2011. I did not know they had some issues. I have had no problems with mine other then the battery not lasting long.
Hodgin
US Veteran
No issues with my FP after alot of dry fires, mostly with snap caps, and about 500 rounds. I tighten the laser's hex screw after 450 rounds or so. No problem with slide, just noticed it seemed to be out a bit and so I tightened it.
I will keep an eye on the hex screw but may see about removing it since I don't use the laser for anything other than practicing dry firing.
I will keep an eye on the hex screw but may see about removing it since I don't use the laser for anything other than practicing dry firing.
