Bodyguard 380: Almost home

[3shot]

On their second attempt S&W replaced the frame ( now EABxxx, not EAAxxx) to correct the take down pin problem and it seems to have worked. I put 350 rounds through the gun to test it, and I really like the gun and can shoot it well.

But, S&W introduced two new problems that I didn't have before:
-the frame trigger pin gradually works it way out
-the laser has totally failed( inspection showed the pressure on/off switches disintegrated. From some Breakfree CLP used to clean/lub the gun?)

Tomorrow, a third call to customer service and a third shipment back to S&W. At what point do they put me on their payroll and compensate me for doing their quality control testing?

 

[Loco Weed]

I used Breakfree CLP on my pistol too and after I did so the laser buttons quick working on both sides. I'm going to send it back to them a second time.

 

[Mike Walsh]

3Shot.......... Did you note a design or engineering change on the EABxxx gun to resolve the takedown lever problem? My replacement gun is on the way back from Smith, but finding out how they fixed it is making me antsy.....m/w

 

[xzhync]

3Shot.......... Did you note a design or engineering change on the EABxxx gun to resolve the takedown lever problem? My replacement gun is on the way back from Smith, but finding out how they fixed it is making me antsy.....m/w

I just got my BG380 back yesterday with the "new" frame (serial number EABxxxx). The only thing I noticed (I think I noticed, but could be my imagination) is that the wire used for the spring appears to be a heavier/thicker gauge. It seems to hold the pin in a little bit tighter. I haven't shot it yet, though. There was a report on this forum (from somebody who talked to a S&W rep at a trade show last week) that the groove in the take down lever was made deeper. If it is it is by thousand'ths. I couldn't see that by eye-balling it. The proof will be in the pudding. We'll see how it does after a couple of hundred rounds. I'll try and get out this week for a test. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has actually shot a few hundred rounds with their new and "improved" (we'll see) frame. I am somewhat encouraged by a couple of reports including this one by 3shot.

 

[xzhync]

On their second attempt S&W replaced the frame ( now EABxxx, not EAAxxx) to correct the take down pin problem and it seems to have worked. I put 350 rounds through the gun to test it, and I really like the gun and can shoot it well.

But, S&W introduced two new problems that I didn't have before:
-the frame trigger pin gradually works it way out
-the laser has totally failed( inspection showed the pressure on/off switches disintegrated. From some Breakfree CLP used to clean/lub the gun?)

Tomorrow, a third call to customer service and a third shipment back to S&W. At what point do they put me on their payroll and compensate me for doing their quality control testing?

3shot - by "frame trigger pin" do you mean the roll pin that goes through the frame near the trigger? I am assuming that is what you meant

 

[3shot]

In response to the questions above:

-the changes to the frame were too subtle for me to notice. I will say that if I was buying a new BG 380 now, I would definitely hold out for a serial #EAB or higher, and pass on the #EAA guns.
-the roll pin in the frame near the trigger is the bad guy

 

[kas1263]

The spring that was in my old frame was barely noticeable located towards the bottom of the hole the take down pin fit into. When the slide was open the pin would be loose and not have any tension from the wire. Today I fired with the new frame. The spring is more in the center of the hole and when the slide is open the take down pin has a little bounce to it from catching on the spring. I don't know if it is a different take down lever. I fired 200 rounds without a misfire or the take down lever coming loose. However,I did loose the small gray laser button off of the right side. I fell real comfortable with the gun now and once I get the button replaced I will be a totally happy camper. Now to choose a holster-any suggestions?

 

[PittShooter]

I used Breakfree CLP on my pistol too and after I did so the laser buttons quick working on both sides. I'm going to send it back to them a second time.

Thanks for the heads up on the Breakfree, i was going to clean mine with it this weekend, guess I'll stick with Otis.

 

[Ranger98]

Hi Kas,A Blackhawk #3 is a pretty good nylon pocket carry Holster for the BG