Bodyguard 380: Finally Reliable!
- Thread starter db4570
- Start date
CORRECTION AND UPDATE at reply #73 in this thread.
I finally got a chance to get the new firing pin out of the gun and measured it compared to the original. Quite a difference! I can see why it works consistently now.
The pictures show what I found. I didn't think it would be visible. The new design is the same length, but the stop notch is cut .008" farther back, giving it that much more "throw".
Who would have thought the fix would have been something so simple?
David
I finally got a chance to get the new firing pin out of the gun and measured it compared to the original. Quite a difference! I can see why it works consistently now.
The pictures show what I found. I didn't think it would be visible. The new design is the same length, but the stop notch is cut .008" farther back, giving it that much more "throw".
Who would have thought the fix would have been something so simple?
David
Last edited:
So all of the BG owners can pull their FPs and hit it with the old Dermal Tool? 
Protected One
Member
I have the original BG WITH the Insight Laser, and I am very pleased with it. It feeds any ammo I load and is accurate.
I won't be shooting any +p though. Don't see the need for it.
I won't be shooting any +p though. Don't see the need for it.
I have one of each, Insight and CT, and they both eat everything. This FP difference might be the fault of the pin manufacturer's Quality Control. That would explain why a lot of the BG's work great, and some seem to be unfix able.
comiskeybum
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I wasnt even aware that 380+p existed.
As for the new designs, My BG was built in 2014, what are the chances I already have it? I need to go to the range and see if this is even an issue, so far it has not.
How long does it take SW to send the gun back to you if you ask for these mods? Is it free?
As for the new designs, My BG was built in 2014, what are the chances I already have it? I need to go to the range and see if this is even an issue, so far it has not.
How long does it take SW to send the gun back to you if you ask for these mods? Is it free?
Frizzman
US Veteran
I recently traded for a Bodyguard with the CT laser. According to the label on the envelope containing the spent cartridge case, it was made in February of this year. I took it to the range last week and fired about 100 rounds of WW USA, some Hornady Critical Defense and Winchester Silvertip. There were no problems and it worked for its intended purpose. I was surprised at how bright the laser was in strong daylight conditions...I am pleased with it so far.
Cbollo
Member
I've been shopping for a .380 for my wife, and for myself when I need to really work to conceal. I wanted to get the BG, but she didn't like the feel, and then I read about alot of them having light strike issues. She has pretty much settled on a Glock 42(Gotta admit its pretty nice), but with this new info, might just get a BG. Can't beat the price w/ a laser included.
Kevin - Sounds to me like this updated pin is so new that it has not been shared with the CS people we would be speaking with when calling for information. Hopefully David might have some more information! - Rick
I sent off my third BG to S&W Friday. (The one I got the new firing pin installed in was #2. #1 was deemed unfixable by S&W). The CS person I dealt with for the return tag didn't acknowledge that there is a new firing pin, but I just asked for the "new design" pin to be installed.
We'll see if I get the gun back with the new firing pin in it. I am assuming I will. I can't imagine they made a custom modification to mine alone in the previous (#2) gun I sent them.
I am guessing it might be a long time for dealer inventory to turn over to fresh pistols with this new pin, if in fact that is what S&W will be doing. I wish S&W was more public about this whole thing.
David
We'll see if I get the gun back with the new firing pin in it. I am assuming I will. I can't imagine they made a custom modification to mine alone in the previous (#2) gun I sent them.
I am guessing it might be a long time for dealer inventory to turn over to fresh pistols with this new pin, if in fact that is what S&W will be doing. I wish S&W was more public about this whole thing.
David
RV4driver
US Veteran
I sent mine in last week, I hope there really is a fix. Sending it back twice with no change will just about turn me off to Smith.
plinker 22
Member
db4570,
looks like you have the .344-.352 numbers flip-flopped on your pics.
It shouldn't take a lot for S&W to make the pin notch longer on the original pin. Why toss the pin when all it needs is a quick .008 mill cut?
I'd try it myself with a round file but only if I was SURE I would get it right, don't want to void my warranty with kitchen table smithing.
looks like you have the .344-.352 numbers flip-flopped on your pics.
It shouldn't take a lot for S&W to make the pin notch longer on the original pin. Why toss the pin when all it needs is a quick .008 mill cut?
I'd try it myself with a round file but only if I was SURE I would get it right, don't want to void my warranty with kitchen table smithing.
Although I have had zero problems with mine (CT Laser - NOV 14) – it's great to hear that SW finally has worked out a fix. I like everything about mine except for that horrendously long trigger pull. I've got to avoid Starbucks for about a month in order to come up with $100 for a Galloway trigger bar plus gunsmith installation.
db4570 - Great graphic!!
db4570 - Great graphic!!
I bought a no-laser model from Palmetto several months ago.
Shot it a bunch ~300 rounds of all sorts of .380 ammo.
My only malfunction was a round of TULA, last round in the mag, did not want to climb the feed ramp after the gun was really very dirty.
Everything else ran great.
I completely trust this one - and I have plenty of other guns I could go to if I had any doubts about this one.
I really like the way it fits completely, and securely, in the watch pocket of my jeans.
I'm pretty much anti-pocket-carry, but this works.
Shot it a bunch ~300 rounds of all sorts of .380 ammo.
My only malfunction was a round of TULA, last round in the mag, did not want to climb the feed ramp after the gun was really very dirty.
Everything else ran great.
I completely trust this one - and I have plenty of other guns I could go to if I had any doubts about this one.
I really like the way it fits completely, and securely, in the watch pocket of my jeans.
I'm pretty much anti-pocket-carry, but this works.
mrmike7189
Member
it likes the USA made ammo best?
My experience was the same. found that i had the most problems with the TULA ammo and all other foreign **** ammo like brown/silver bear etc. The bodyguard seems to prefer USA made ammo.(winchester,remington,federal)
My experience was the same. found that i had the most problems with the TULA ammo and all other foreign **** ammo like brown/silver bear etc. The bodyguard seems to prefer USA made ammo.(winchester,remington,federal)
During my ordeal with these guns, I did not accept people telling me, "Find an ammo it likes." I believe a defensive pistol should work reliably with any ammo.
BUT, I drew the line at the foreign and steel-case stuff, brands I never heard of. If the gun doesn't like some off-brand cheapo ammo, I can't really blame the gun.
David
BUT, I drew the line at the foreign and steel-case stuff, brands I never heard of. If the gun doesn't like some off-brand cheapo ammo, I can't really blame the gun.
David
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