Bodyguard 380 Insight model- bad choice?

[stantheman86]

I just put an Insight laser model Bodyguard on layaway , I've been reading about all kinds of problems with the laser....I'm thinking I should have went with the Crimson Trace model.

Is anyone here happy with their Insight BG 380? Are the issues with the laser blown out of proportion?

If I like this BG I'll probably get a non laser version too.

 

[Harley88]

The only problem that I heard was that they are hard to turn on and that the laser screw comes loose. I just bought a M&P Bodyguard with a Crimson Trace. That must be the older model because I don't think they use Insight on their guns now.

 

[USAF385]

I BELIEVE the insight laser was only used on the older bodyguard .380s... Before they attached the M&P name onto it. I could be wrong.

I had one of these a few years back and the laser worked decently well. A little hard to activate the laser sometimes, but for the most part it worked fine.

 

[Garintheair]

I just put an Insight laser model Bodyguard on layaway , I've been reading about all kinds of problems with the laser....I'm thinking I should have went with the Crimson Trace model.

Is anyone here happy with their Insight BG 380? Are the issues with the laser blown out of proportion?

If I like this BG I'll probably get a non laser version too.

I've had a BG380 with an Insight laser for a little over four years now. I have had no issues at all with either the gun or the laser! The laser does take a firm direct press to activate but I'm not really into lasers for defensive purposes anyway. If you're trying to find a tiny, twitchy fast moving laser dot in a defensive situation you are not focusing on your target to begin with...

Anyway, it's been a good gun with anything I've fed it.

 

[mikey460sw]

I have the m&p 380 with crimson trace on it. I like the laser button on it better it dosent seem that you have to push it as hard. With some practice I can turn the laser on while drawing from the holster. My dad has the older one with the Insight laser and it seems you have to apply more pressure to the button for it to come on just my oppinion. If I was you would look are around to find one with the crimson trace and try the buttons on them. I did read some post on here that if you have problems with the insight you can send it back and s&w will send the crimson trace back. Good luck with your new s&w. Hope to here what you choose.

 

[Johnmuratore]

I've had the BG with the Insight laser for 3 years and no problems with any ammo I've used. Its a great little gun for concealing in just about any weather.
I've never worried about activating the laser in an SD situation. If, God forbid, I ever have to take it out to protect myself or my family, the last thing I would think about is the laser.

 

[Expygator]

I love my BG 380. No issues or complaints at all. There is a fix for the laser button on you tube. I haven't found the need to modify mine.

The gun is dead accurate at 7 yards. You won't be shooting anything farther away than that I hope. It's not for that.

Pack a lunch when you pull the trigger because it's a mile long....perfect for pocket carry with one in the pipe and no safety.

I put a grip sleeve on mine and wish I hadn't. Why, because I like it. Let me clarify. I didn't realize how much I liked it until I removed it, and put it back on. My issue is that when carrying concealed, the grippy, rubber surface of the grip sleeve catches on my shirt, and the shirt will hang up on it or stick behind it vs the hard plastic of the grip.

Enjoy your purchase.

 

[Indynick]

I have an S&W BG with the Insight Laser and an M&P BG with the CT Laser. The Insight Laser has been back to the factory twice. The first trip was to fix the backed out screw, which jammed the slide/barrel. The second trip was to remove the screw that I over torqued. That time they replaced the screw with the larger Allen Head. Instead of the .035 wrench size, I now have the .050. Does not sound like much of a difference, but the larger wrench fits tighter than the old one ever did.

In addition, they did something to the buttons, because they are now easier to use. I used to need a finger on each side to trigger the laser. Pushing with one finger would not work. Now I can activate the laser with just my trigger finger. I now like the Insight Laser better than the CT.

Check the screw after every range trip, to see if it is loose, but do not torque it.

The gun itself has never malfunctioned in the 2.5 years I have owned it. It will shoot anything I feed it, and it is very accurate. I carry it everywhere.

 

[kozmic]

UGH! I was NOT a fan of the BG380/Insight. It went back the factory twice for laser and other issues and I still wasn't pleased with it. I had no choice but to trade it in. I would either go without a laser or get the CT.

Disclaimer: I had a very early model. I understand they got somewhat better with later production pieces but.....

 

[ocinsomniac]

UGH! I was NOT a fan of the BG380/Insight. It went back the factory twice for laser and other issues and I still wasn't pleased with it. I had no choice but to trade it in. I would either go without a laser or get the CT.

Disclaimer: I had a very early model. I understand they got somewhat better with later production pieces but.....

+1 - And just hope you don't get one like the one had originally......

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/379706-defective-bg-380-s-w-cs-rescue.html

....at least S&W CS was kind enough to replace it with a laserless MP version which has been pretty good so far.

 

[lmacrichter]

My non-laser made a great paper weight. S&W did a half *** job on repairs so it is was traded a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Indynick]

I was on the S&W Auto Pistol site, and found a thread about the Insight Laser. One poster said he painted a thin red stripe across the laser screw and the frame, to tell if the screw had moved. This is the same thing mechanic's do on aircraft bolts, which are too small for safety wire. Great idea.

 

[97sho]

Can a CT laser be installed in place of the insight laser?

 

[Indynick]

I read a post last month of someone with a dead Insight Laser. S&W sent them a CT as a replacement. They posted pics of the box, laser, and factory install sheet. However, I sent my Insight BG back in Oct, because the Allen head was stripped and they replaced it with a new Insight, and a larger Allen head. It had easier to use buttons, and now I like the Insight Laser better than my BG with the CT Laser.