Bodyguard 380 Insight Laser screw

[patbelly]

I am new to the forum and want to say Hello.
The screw that holds down the Insight Laser keeps coming loose whenever I shoot the gun. Any ideas, suggestions?

 

[rollin_hot]

screw loose

Small dab of BLUE...not red loctite.

 

[mnwildfan2k]

Make sure the laser is seated properly when tightening the screw. I noticed on mine that the laser almost "snaps" down into place before the screw can be fully tightened. Of course, there is no need to grunt when reinstalling.

 

[patbelly]

The laser does snap down and I tighten the screw down but it still comes unloose while shooting. Got mine in Dec. 2010 and just started coming undone last month. If I use the Blue Loctite, will I be able to still replace batteries if need be or does it make the seal permanent?

 

[Copnomore]

Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242® is designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners which require normal disassembly with standard hand tools. The product cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242® is particularly suited for applications on less active substrates such as stainless steel and plated surfaces, where disassembly is required for servicing.
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/t_lkr_blue/overview/Loctite-Threadlocker-Blue-242.htm

 

[patbelly]

Thanks for the help. Will do.

 

[dro45]

Copnomore, thanks for the tip on Loctite. After reading the descriptions, it seems to me that purple rather than blue might be the right one for this rather small screw. Do you agree, or do you think blue is needed? Purple is light duty, blue is medium and Loctite says blue is for screws 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch.

 

[Copnomore]

Heck, I don't know which on is better, I haven't needed it yet. Try the purple if that doesn't work, move up to blue. Good luck.

 

[VAPA]

I have just the opposite issue, I am unable to remove the screw, appears the head is stripped. I just sent an email to S&W advising them of the problem.

 

[Copnomore]

vapa, check the tool also, sometimes those allen wrenches will round off and slip inside of the screw head. If the tool is stripped try the other end to get the bolt started out. If the head is stripped they may need to use a left handed drill bit which will bite into the metal then turn the screw out so they can replace it. Good luck.

 

[GeorgeP]

Two comments. One, I read someplace that S&W is shipping new BG380 with a "gummy" substance on the threads. Anyone see that? On the now defunct Bodyguard 380 forum someone mentioned that they had cut a screwdriver slot across the head of the screw, then used blue. Someone else said they put a dab of silicone glue just on the top of the screw/laser housing. Anyone hear of either?

BTW, is that other forum really dead and gone?

 

[KID RAY1]

I put a small dab of Shoe-Goo on the head of the laser screw with a toothpick, it can be removed and re-applied as need to change the laser batteries. I hope that other forum is not dead, along with this one had about everything a person wanted to know about a BG380. I purchased one # EAT65**, functions beautifully, no issues.

 

[Mel C]

Locktite Blue not Permatex Blue

I got the BG380 in april 2012. I have about 250 rounds through it so far. Despite the trigger I like the gun and carried it every day. My instruction book does not mention Locktite. A month ago after changing the batteries.I lost the screw sometime during a string of about 25 rounds. Not sure when. I called S&W. They sent me a new screw, in early Oct.. I was in a remote area and could not locate Loctite Blue. After a 100mile trek, I came home with Permatex Blue. It was all that I could find. Threads are now plugged up.
I am back to carrying the Walther PPKS. Forgot how heavy it is. Waiting for shipping instructions. Begining to think that the laser makes this a hobby carry. I still really like the BG380. Don't like the Laser mount... Mel

 

[carlson1]

I think the Blue Loctite is the way to go. Just picked my BG380 up yesterday. After watching many video reviews and reading here I decided the Loctite was the solution before the problem.

 

[Shield9mm]

After a range session took the gun apart for cleaning just to find this unpleasant surprise. Not really happy about it.

 

[remmin]

Bodyguard 380 laser screw answer

I had the same problem, I called S&W and gave them the serial number and they sent me the updated laser assembly that has a larger screw diameter. Fixed the problem

 

[jeffpolaski]

Bodyguard 380 newest model reliability

I have a checkered history with 380's. First was a PPK/S, German, kicked like a mule. Years later, Keltec P3AT, big mistake. not reliable.
I now have a S&W Bodyguard .38 and like it. Seems the BG .380 would be the same, but a .38 revolver should be dead-on reliable for five shots and I have little more than scuttlebutt about reliability of the BG .380. Whispers about failures of various kinds. Having been burned by Keltec, I'd like to know. 6 or 7 .380 rounds out the snout with no problems?
The size should be right, but is it picky about ammo? Ammo load? Bullet configuration?
This forum seems the right place to ask. Give me a small gun that's reliable and I'll take care of my part.