bodyguard 380 for ccw?

[brycewise]

I was looking to ad a 380 to my current carry guns for times when I need to be extra discreet. I currently carry a Glock 26 and Kahr CM9. Both are great but a bit heavy for pocket carry. I am deciding between the Kahr p380, BG380 and TCP 738. I haven't been able to find a BG380 at my local gun stores to give a feel.


Do you have any recommendations between the Kahr p380, BG380 and TCP 738.

How well does the BG380 carry in the pocket?
Thanks all

 

[GKC]

I have owned a BG380, and it felt much better to me than the LCp, plus I liked the features it had (primarily the sights and the lock open on empty mag) better than the LCP. I didn't care for the laser (I wish they would offer a model without it.) I found it easy to carry in the pocket.

I have read of numerous problems with the Kahr 380. I wouldn't buy a Taurus anything (after having owned a few) so I certainly wouldn't recommend the TCP.

If I was going to go with a .380, I would buy a SIG P238. If you find the CM9 heavy for pocket carry, though, the P238 probably won't be any better for you.

If you want something small and light for your pocket, have you considered a S&W 442/642? These airweight revolvers carry very well in the pocket, and they can even be found without the lock (if that is an issue for you.)

 

[Rufus]

I just put a Taurus 380 in the shop for multiple FTEs. Not impressed. Have you ever shot the Sig P380? I have had a chance to shoot the Sig several times, and I really liked it. I'm not sure what the record is for reliability, but it has great sights and shoots very smoothly. I would love to try a Kahr 380, but never had the opportunity.

 

[jdh]

It carries just fine in a the same Uncle Mikes or Blackhawk size 3 pocket holster I use for the J-frame.

 

[USAF385]

Bodyguard 380

I have owned both an LCP and a BG380 and hands down prefer the BG. I haven't owned either of the others you mentioned, but I can compare the BG to the LCP.

I like the grip better. It's slightly bigger and the shape allows me to get a more secure grip. I haven't had any issues with feeding, firing, or extracting. I also like how the sights are a lot more substantial than the low profile sights on the LCP. Even though it's a close range gun, it's nice to have the sights. The LCP was a lot more point and shoot due to the low profile sights. Even though the sights on the BG are more higher, I have yet to get them snagged on anything... and I do carry it in a pocket holster about 1/4 of the time I'm carrying it.

The laser and the safety are nice options. If you want to use them they're there.. if not you don't need to use them. I tried the laser early on just to see how it was and was surprised to see it was dead on straight from the box. I also have to admit that at 10 yards my grouping with the laser was about the size of a quarter... a bit better then using the sights which was a grouping of about 4 inches (still about my average at 10 yards using the sights).

As far as operating the laser button, I haven't had any issues. I firmly believe that a lot of the issues people have had comes down to a combination of finger strength and length.

Going back to pocket carry, I actually like it a lot. I can't carry anything else in the pocket. I feel most things are too bulky. I read about people carrying their J-Frame in their pocket and it boggles my mind. I just can't... maybe I need bigger pants / pockets. The BG, however, fits great for me. I use an uncle mikes pocket holster and it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[Old cop]

I have the LCP after trying both (BG & LCP). Both shoot fine, I purchased the Ruger b/c it was lighter and a bit smaller. You will do fine with either one.

 

[smoothice]

well, I have only owned mine for 3 days now, but I LOVE it as an everyday carry gun. I used to carry my M&P 9c, and I thaught that was easy! I baught a Desantis IWB holster for the BG and now, even with just a T-Shirt hanging over it, it completely dissapears. It is very light too. As far as shooting it...my first shot, at 30 ft, the laser was WAY off. I guess either I have to adjust it, or Im shooting too far for a .380. My only complaint is the trigger. Its a LONG pull. I had to pull about 3/4 of the way before I even felt the tension. Although, this is a Massachusetts gun, so maybe that's why...Other than that, I am glad I got it. The best part about it is that it's a Smith and Wesson. I have 4 Smith's now, 3 handguns and an MP-15. I am only an hour or so away from the actual factory. To me that is a huge plus. I once got something fixed there, for free, in under five minutes!

 

[Sodbuster46]

I had signed up for a conceal carry class, and had every intention of using my Model 66 357 magnum, until I tried to conceal it, and saw how bad it showed; so I bought a BG380 and immediatley fell in love with it; tried multiple locations and it concealed with no problem. the reason that my BG380 now sits on the shelf collecting dust is I tried a M&P40c and that is now my everyday carry weapon. had my wife try it out to see if she liked it - but she's stuck on her Airweight 38 Special. Not sure what the future will hold for the BG380.

 

[Sodbuster46]

I had signed up for a conceal carry class, and had every intention of using my Model 66 357 magnum, until I tried to conceal it, and saw how bad it showed; so I bought a BG380 and immediatley fell in love with it; tried multiple locations and it concealed with no problem. the reason that my BG380 now sits on the shelf collecting dust is I tried a M&P40c and that is now my everyday carry weapon. had my wife try it out to see if she liked it - but she's stuck on her Airweight 38 Special. Not sure what the future will hold for the BG380.

ended up selling the BG380 for what I paid for it; very happy with my decision; now using the M&P40C as my everyday carry with a Cobra 38 special derringer for the up close and personal;

 

[gonzogeezer]

BG380 and 38 (as with all J-frame sized wheel guns) are very concealable. Both fit in most of my pants pocket with ease. I also have a mini-tuck for the 380 when pocket carry is not practical. Quality ammo and range time will make either of them lethal protection tools.

 

[sourdough44]

I have an LCP & a Sig P238. The LCP carries better in my Nemisis pocket holster, the Sig is more enjoyable to shoot. My carry ammo of choice is Speer 90 grn GD's or Hornady CD 90 grainers.

 

[truetopath]

I carry my Bodyguard 380 in a Desantis Super fly pocket holster and it looks just like a wallet when I'm sitting down. My jeans have deeper pockets and it just blends right in. My primary carry is my Glock 27 IWB but the Bodyguard serves me well as a trusted BUG. Very satisfied with the reliability and concealability so far.

 

[woodsltc]

I replaced my Kel-Tec P3AT with a Kahr P380. I really like the trigger and accuracy of the Kahr over the Kel-Tec. I carry the Kahr in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster.....the whole rig is light, fits in my shorts or pants pocket without leaving a noticable "print".

Don

 

[gunchick87]

Just put a BG380 in layaway ... Wondering if any one has suggestions on a holster for a some what petite lady. I'm only 5'6" and about 150 pounds and I like carrying on my body.. not in my purse/diaper bag/etc ... Any suggestions? DUring winter I carry my Sigma and back of my jeans in an uncle Mikes inside the pants holster... Pocket carrying is virtually out of the question... Where as women's pants are typically not baggy like men's....

 

[sipowicz]

Just put a BG380 in layaway ... Wondering if any one has suggestions on a holster for a some what petite lady. I'm only 5'6" and about 150 pounds and I like carrying on my body.. not in my purse/diaper bag/etc ... Any suggestions? DUring winter I carry my Sigma and back of my jeans in an uncle Mikes inside the pants holster... Pocket carrying is virtually out of the question... Where as women's pants are typically not baggy like men's....

FLASHBANG HOLSTER: FLASHBANG HOLSTER ULTIMATE CONCEALED CARRY - YouTube

 

[Knochen]

I presently have the BG, but as I read about the S&W Shield 9mm, I think that would be the perfect CCW. I have yet to see comparison pictures of the two side by side, but the single stack Shield sure looks promising, particularly with its new trigger with a 6.5 lb. pull.

 

[Lost Lake]

Just put a BG380 in layaway ... Wondering if any one has suggestions on a holster for a some what petite lady. I'm only 5'6" and about 150 pounds and I like carrying on my body.. not in my purse/diaper bag/etc ... Any suggestions? DUring winter I carry my Sigma and back of my jeans in an uncle Mikes inside the pants holster... Pocket carrying is virtually out of the question... Where as women's pants are typically not baggy like men's....

I just got a Mika IWB holster and love it. I would think he could easily make you one for a BG380 (he's making one for me right now) and you could tuck it in at 4:00 or even the small of your back.

 

[Hofstet]

I bought an LCP when they were first introduced and then followed up with the purchase of a BG380 when they became available. Ended up selling the LCP. As mentioned above, the grip on the BG fits my hand better and at 10 yds, I found it to be more accurate than the LCP. I carry it frequently in my pocket without any issues. BTW, the laser was accurate right out of the box.

 

[GeorgeP]

I was looking to ad a 380 to my current carry guns for times when I need to be extra discreet. I currently carry a Glock 26 and Kahr CM9. Both are great but a bit heavy for pocket carry. I am deciding between the Kahr p380, BG380 and TCP 738. I haven't been able to find a BG380 at my local gun stores to give a feel.


Do you have any recommendations between the Kahr p380, BG380 and TCP 738.

How well does the BG380 carry in the pocket?
Thanks all

Well, one man's opinion... I have the BG380 (love it once I got a couple of bugs worked out), the TCP 380 (a love hate relationship) and a Kel Tec P32 (same size as 380 version).

I love the BG380 but it's really just a touch too large for pocket carry and pocket holsters make it even larger. It does shoot nice. I carry it on a belt-slider. The TCP 380 is okay size wise but sharp edges require a holster. The gun is reliable but is rough on the hand...lots of jump. The Kel Tec P32 and 380 share the frame/grip and slide so they are the same size. This is my pocket carry. I normally carry it in a back pocket with a handkerchief between the gun and outside. With a pinky extension it's very easy to find and draw. From time to time I carry it in a paddle holster at my kidney. I'm about to upgrade it to the 380 version.

As for lethality, even the 32 with a hot load is plenty lethal for a civilian self dense weapon. The 380 is just a bit better.

Hope this helped some.

GeorgeP

 

[Pokerstar]

I too have owned a BG380 since they were released and really like it. I have a remora pocket holster and a bianchi IWB holster, but am looking at a Comp-Tac IWB too,