BG380 w/Insight Laser; Thumbs-Up/Thumbs Down?

martybee

martybee

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I've read many posts on this forum where owners either love or hate their BG380's.
I for one, love mine! I have put only 200-250 rds. through the little pocket pistol and have had zero-issues.
I do not use the laser when shooting at the local indoor-range. I normally select the commercial D-3 target (six round, bull's-eyes) and a distance of 7-yards. I have shot WWB, Federal target rds. Freedom Munnitions re-manufactured, and Magtech FMC. It seems to like them all.
I hope to continue having no problems with this piece. If I do, it goes to: S&W for rectification!
mb
 
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You will get a lot of opinions on this subject.

Just keep a eye on the laser screw. I haven't had any problems with mine either with over 1K rounds through it.
 
3D0ts:
Thanks for the reply.
I read your post: "Love it or list it."
I totally agree! I also learned a lot.

Keep them R/C planes and quad drones flying!
mb
 
Thumbs down. The laser on the one I had would not stay in adjustment. I like the idea of the one without the laser, but I still do not care for the thumb safety on a pistol which has a trigger pull as long as the distance from St. Louis to Cleveland. :)

The M&P Shield, no thumb safety, however, is just the ticket!
 
I've had no problems with my BG.

I hand-load for it and also cast my own bullets. Much inconstancy can be eliminated by tailoring your ammo to each particular firearm. My BG has never seen factory ammo which at best is a compromise for these small autos made by many different manufacturers.

IMO, the lasers should always be thought of as a secondary sighting option for darker environments and not relied on unless the conditions require it. As a side note it has proven its "intimidation value" in the right circumstance. The loosening of the laser screw hasn't happened to me but I do make it a habit of checking it often.

Any time I've had problems with a handgun I always look to myself as the first and primary culprit. Limp wristing, bad ammo, improper cleaning, lack of proper break-in are all issues to take a hard look at.

I have big hands and the very small 380 BG's are very uncomfortable for me to grip and shoot. They are intended to be very concealable and that's where they absolutely shine.

My Shields and XDs's are just too big to be packing on a 104 degee day and the BG 380 fits perfectly in the back pocket of my Levis....

I'm good with it! :)

 
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My thoughts. Some of which I've already posted. Bought my BG and looked up this forum. First thing I did when I broke it down for its first cleaning was check that screw for the laser.
Next -- the laser.. If it had been available without I would have bought it.. But it has a laser. For a firearm such as this, really, who needs it? I don't plan on using it. I just keep my eye on that little screw.
Now the safety.. with the trigger pull this gun has who needs it. The safety? But its there and like the laser I ignore it.

So for me my BG doesn't have a laser or a safety. Problem solved.
 
I'm with you! I never use the safety, nor do I use the laser.
With the DOA trigger and the fact that the hammer is in the rest position, accidental discharge is not likely.
I would remove the laser unit if I could find a way to keep the dust and burnt powder out.
mb
 
the thumb safety is actually the reason I picked the BG380. I have 3 kids 3 and under and they are always tugging on me, hands in my pockets, etc. I want the DA long pull _and_ a thumb safety on a pocketpistol. I normally carry a Beretta MiniCougar 8045 IWB in a Milt Sparks executive companion and needed something smaller, lighter for summer and when I needed deeper conceal.
 
rixx said:
the thumb safety is actually the reason I picked the BG380. I have 3 kids 3 and under and they are always tugging on me, hands in my pockets, etc. I want the DA long pull _and_ a thumb safety on a pocketpistol. I normally carry a Beretta MiniCougar 8045 IWB in a Milt Sparks executive companion and needed something smaller, lighter for summer and when I needed deeper conceal.
Click to expand...

Another Plus for the BG380!
If you need, or want to use the thumb safety it is provided!
mb
 
In time I don't know if the safety gets any easier or not. I find with mine it engages fairly easy. However its a little harder to get off. If needed I don't want to be fighting with the safety. With the trigger pull (which is a form of safety) I just ignore the one provided.
 
I've had mine a few years and like it a lot. Last Saturday I qualified for my Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL) using it, and it shot great, even at 25 yds. It will be my main carry gun during the warmer months. Surprisingly accurate for a short barrel. I didn't much care for the stock iron sights, so I replaced them with the XS Big Dot sights--much better visibility for me. The laser works fine but I don't expect to use it in most self-defense situations.
 
My BG380 (purchased June 2014) is the jam-o-matic version...three different mags using American Eagle, Hornady Critical Defense, Remington Ultimate Defense, Privi Partizan...all brass cased ammo...failure to feed...200 rds (about $175. worth of ammo!!)....sent back to S&W...still FTF problems...gonna have to get rid of it first gun show...too bad cause I really like this pistol....accurate and feels good in the hand...but not reliable...
 
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Fired three shots and it quit working. Hammer would not go far enough to fall. Trigger pull was massive. It is back at S&W.
 
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