I've been reading the posts about the BG380. I got mine about 2 weeks ago. I've put about 400 rounds thru it without a problem. My trigger pull is nice. Its of course a long pull being a double action, but Ive gotten to the point where I know just where its going to fire and take final aim at that instant. I really like this gun , It has a great feel to it. And is a nice gun for cc . I got an inside pants holster, you hardly know its there! The trigger problem has me a little concerned. Although from the postings it seems if its going to fail it does so fairly quickly. Still I think S&W owes its customers an explanation of the exact problem and what they are doing to fix it! As someone said if they are just replacing the broken part with the same thing it may happen again! Leaving the public in the dark could cost them a lot of sales !
Bodyguard 380 - It happened to Me Too
- Thread starter xzhync
- Start date
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Y'all noticing a pattern here????
First Smith tries to improve of the PPK a timeless .380
Next they try to improve on the Ruger LCP a newer .380
Same results both times. Clearly a case of "if it ain't broke 'improve' it until it is".
I certainly hope that they didn't improve their 1911's to this level
First Smith tries to improve of the PPK a timeless .380
Next they try to improve on the Ruger LCP a newer .380
Same results both times. Clearly a case of "if it ain't broke 'improve' it until it is".
I certainly hope that they didn't improve their 1911's to this level
Called S&W today. My BG380, which they received on August 9, should be shipped back to me this week. No information available on the fix that was applied. I also ordered three magazines, which were approximately $21 each, plus shipping. I was told that the magazines should be shipped out sometime next month (September).
P.S. My wife shot her new Kahr P380 today. First trip to the range with it. One failure to eject in the first magazine, and then completely flawless through the remainder of the 200 rounds, including 150 American Eagle and 50 Speer Gold Dots. I was exceedingly impressed with the Kahr. All of the reports that I read suggested a lengthy break-in period, but the pistol was ready-to-go right out of the box (except for needing a thorough cleaning).
P.S. My wife shot her new Kahr P380 today. First trip to the range with it. One failure to eject in the first magazine, and then completely flawless through the remainder of the 200 rounds, including 150 American Eagle and 50 Speer Gold Dots. I was exceedingly impressed with the Kahr. All of the reports that I read suggested a lengthy break-in period, but the pistol was ready-to-go right out of the box (except for needing a thorough cleaning).
Last edited:
My laser has never worked from the right side. Yesterday the rubber button fell off and was lost leaving me a hole in the slide. Called S&W and they said they would ship me a new button but to also take the gun down , remove the laser and clean the contacts with a qtip.
If that all failed they would take it back and swap out laser. First .380 BG I handled, the laser did not work from either side.
If that all failed they would take it back and swap out laser. First .380 BG I handled, the laser did not work from either side.
goldenlight
Member
The first time I saw a picture of the BG 380, I liked the pistol, but the laser looked like a bad design. I figured that it could easily be turned on in most holsters.
The button(s) falling off wasn't something I was expecting, that's for sure.
There are very few pistols this size with a laser, so S&W is really breaking new ground.
I would like the option of saving the cost of a laser, and buying the pistol without one.
In a few years, when the bugs are worked out....that is.
Last edited:
Copnomore
Member
Rubber button fix (temp)
I have an idea. I don't have my BG 380 yet. Anyone interested in trying a button fix? Use some good black vinyl electrical tape and cut a dime or penny size circle with a razor. Try placing that over the buttons and see if that helps. If you try let us know how it works.
I have an idea. I don't have my BG 380 yet. Anyone interested in trying a button fix? Use some good black vinyl electrical tape and cut a dime or penny size circle with a razor. Try placing that over the buttons and see if that helps. If you try let us know how it works.
Got mine back yesterday. I had problems with the assembly pin and the laser. I put 50 rounds through it with a few FTF but never got a chance to break it in to begin with. Now I can't adjust the laser. I can adjust it to the far right and way down but can't get it center. So far, saying my bodyguard is a disappointment is an understatement.
m37ral
Member
There is no rule that you have to tell FedEx what is in the box. They have a rule that requires the gun to be sent by air (UPS also). I work for a gun distributer and ship a lot of stuff every day.
mm6mm6
Member
I brought my S&W Bodyguard .380 to the range on a Wednesday. I had cleaned the brand new gun and then properly oiled it. I had several boxes of ammo ready to go. I fired three rounds of Winchester white box fmc and the trigger on my BG380 failed to return forward. The gun could not be fired in any way. I was bummed.
I am not one to say I will never buy a new car during its first year of production. Nor do I believe in 2010 that cars made on Mondays, Fridays, and perhaps even those made before noon or after 4pm should be avoided at all costs. I also do not believe in avoiding first year production firearms of a new design. I will agree that I probably would not buy a John Model 1 from John's Gun Manufacturing, serial number 3, when JGM, Inc. has only been incorporated for a month and a half. But I would, have, and will buy a new gun from Smith & Wesson since they've been around since 18 freaking 52, are a publicly traded company, and they have a lifetime warranty.
An outstandingly good warranty at that, as I just found out.
I called S&W that same Wednesday after returning home from my shortened range session and pressed 0 for the operator, who promptly greeted me with a friendly tone of voice. I began by telling her I had a Bodyguard 380 and she politely interrupted me with, "I'll connect you to Customer Service, sir."
Paul then answered and I repeated that I had a BG380 and that the trigger failed to return forward after my third fired round. He apologized and asked me for my serial number and address. He then asked me for my email. About three seconds after he had my email, he said, "I'm sending you a FedEx shipping label that you can just print out. Simply box up your gun and call FedEx to pick it up on our dime. We'll get it right for you and send it back quickly."
I did as he said and shipped the gun off that same Wednesday. According to FedEx's tracking number, S&W received my gun two days later on a Friday. I may be wrong, but I'm guessing S&W doesn't repair guns on Saturdays or Sundays. Impressively, they shipped my gun back to me the following Tuesday and it arrived at my home on Thursday. S&W has no control over the shipping time, so that means they had my gun for two working days, Monday and Tuesday and they didn't even wait until Wednesday to ship it, they sent it out Tuesday.
I talked with my best friend who is in the manufacturing business (he makes boats) and he agreed with me that in today's day and age, a two day warranty turn around is extremely impressive. Heck, I think two days would have been impressive 50 years ago. By the way, when I opened the shipping box and found my little black factory case inside, I unzippered and found an extra magazine secured in the elastic band designed for just that purpose.
So off to the range I went today (Friday). I fired 50 rounds of Winchester white box, 12 rounds of Winchester Silvertip hollowpoints, 12 rounds of Cor-Bon defense loads, and 18 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense .380 ammo. Every single shot went off without a hitch and the gun was much, much more pleasant to shoot than my Ruger LCP equipped with a Crimson Trace laser.
I showed the gun to several other shooters (and even let them fire it) and everyone was impressed. One guy is a S&W fan he was completely enthralled with the little carry gun.
After an excellent afternoon at the range, I went hom and I called S&W and spoke with Jeff at Customer Service. I asked him if I could find out what had been done to fix my BG380. He typed my serial number into a computer and told me that the trigger and trigger return spring had been completely replaced. The gunsmiths doing the actual work should be at their stations, doing what they do and not answering phones. Jeff didn't have any more info than that and I don't think he was covering anything up but rather that was what he knew.
I am surmising, speculating, guessing, and possibly full of it, but I think there may have been some bad triggers, bad springs, or a need for a design change for how the spring is supposed to stay in place under recoil. I dry fired my gun quite a bit (not excessively though) and it only failed under recoil.
So, to sum up: I liked my BG380 a lot. I was disappointed that it broke. I was very happy with how easy it was to send back to S&W and how it cost me nothing. I am impressed that S&W got the gun back to me so quickly. I'm very pleased to have an extra magazine at no cost as a way of apology from Smith & Wesson. The gun shoots great now. I don't just like my BG380, I think I now love it.
Oh, and one more thing. I told Jeff at S&W that I was extremely impressed with their customer service and warranty and that I would buy another S&W product in a heartbeat. He graciously replied that it was very kind of me to say that and that it was appreciated.
Neato.
I am not one to say I will never buy a new car during its first year of production. Nor do I believe in 2010 that cars made on Mondays, Fridays, and perhaps even those made before noon or after 4pm should be avoided at all costs. I also do not believe in avoiding first year production firearms of a new design. I will agree that I probably would not buy a John Model 1 from John's Gun Manufacturing, serial number 3, when JGM, Inc. has only been incorporated for a month and a half. But I would, have, and will buy a new gun from Smith & Wesson since they've been around since 18 freaking 52, are a publicly traded company, and they have a lifetime warranty.
An outstandingly good warranty at that, as I just found out.
I called S&W that same Wednesday after returning home from my shortened range session and pressed 0 for the operator, who promptly greeted me with a friendly tone of voice. I began by telling her I had a Bodyguard 380 and she politely interrupted me with, "I'll connect you to Customer Service, sir."
Paul then answered and I repeated that I had a BG380 and that the trigger failed to return forward after my third fired round. He apologized and asked me for my serial number and address. He then asked me for my email. About three seconds after he had my email, he said, "I'm sending you a FedEx shipping label that you can just print out. Simply box up your gun and call FedEx to pick it up on our dime. We'll get it right for you and send it back quickly."
I did as he said and shipped the gun off that same Wednesday. According to FedEx's tracking number, S&W received my gun two days later on a Friday. I may be wrong, but I'm guessing S&W doesn't repair guns on Saturdays or Sundays. Impressively, they shipped my gun back to me the following Tuesday and it arrived at my home on Thursday. S&W has no control over the shipping time, so that means they had my gun for two working days, Monday and Tuesday and they didn't even wait until Wednesday to ship it, they sent it out Tuesday.
I talked with my best friend who is in the manufacturing business (he makes boats) and he agreed with me that in today's day and age, a two day warranty turn around is extremely impressive. Heck, I think two days would have been impressive 50 years ago. By the way, when I opened the shipping box and found my little black factory case inside, I unzippered and found an extra magazine secured in the elastic band designed for just that purpose.
So off to the range I went today (Friday). I fired 50 rounds of Winchester white box, 12 rounds of Winchester Silvertip hollowpoints, 12 rounds of Cor-Bon defense loads, and 18 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense .380 ammo. Every single shot went off without a hitch and the gun was much, much more pleasant to shoot than my Ruger LCP equipped with a Crimson Trace laser.
I showed the gun to several other shooters (and even let them fire it) and everyone was impressed. One guy is a S&W fan he was completely enthralled with the little carry gun.
After an excellent afternoon at the range, I went hom and I called S&W and spoke with Jeff at Customer Service. I asked him if I could find out what had been done to fix my BG380. He typed my serial number into a computer and told me that the trigger and trigger return spring had been completely replaced. The gunsmiths doing the actual work should be at their stations, doing what they do and not answering phones. Jeff didn't have any more info than that and I don't think he was covering anything up but rather that was what he knew.
I am surmising, speculating, guessing, and possibly full of it, but I think there may have been some bad triggers, bad springs, or a need for a design change for how the spring is supposed to stay in place under recoil. I dry fired my gun quite a bit (not excessively though) and it only failed under recoil.
So, to sum up: I liked my BG380 a lot. I was disappointed that it broke. I was very happy with how easy it was to send back to S&W and how it cost me nothing. I am impressed that S&W got the gun back to me so quickly. I'm very pleased to have an extra magazine at no cost as a way of apology from Smith & Wesson. The gun shoots great now. I don't just like my BG380, I think I now love it.
Oh, and one more thing. I told Jeff at S&W that I was extremely impressed with their customer service and warranty and that I would buy another S&W product in a heartbeat. He graciously replied that it was very kind of me to say that and that it was appreciated.
Neato.
I really like my BG380 and after about 400 rounds fired not one single misfire. But from all the posts about trigger problems I decided to email S&W to see if there is an upgraded part I should have installed. I was shocked at the reply! Get this, quote: We have had no reports on trigger problems at this time. There are no plans to modify any of the parts. unquote. No reports! Must be alot of liars on the internet! LOL
I almost pulled the trigger (no pun intended) a week ago. But they were asking $500 and this thread was in the back of my mind.
Instead, I drove down to my local pawn shop and traded away a POS Taurus 85 revolver for a well used Glock 26 that has been pumping them downrange flawlessly.
When they have worked the bugs out, I'll likely buy it.
Ergonomics, size, and weight seem about perfect in a .380
Instead, I drove down to my local pawn shop and traded away a POS Taurus 85 revolver for a well used Glock 26 that has been pumping them downrange flawlessly.
When they have worked the bugs out, I'll likely buy it.
Ergonomics, size, and weight seem about perfect in a .380
Take Down Lever Dislodging
So I will post my BG 380 experience, which to this point is disappointing.
Bought my BG 380 on July 30 at the Nations Gun Show in Chantilly VA. This seemed to be the only one offered for sale at that show. The dealer said I was lucky to get it---Hmmmm
.
Took it to the NRA range on August 1 and was very pleased with feeding and reliability until round 46, at which time the take down lever backed out of the gun, the slide went forward on the frame and nearly disasembled from the receiver.
After reassembling the gun the take down lever would only stay in the gun for a shot or two.
Called S&W CS on Monday, August 2, got FedEx return label, sent back on Saturday 7 August, got back via FedEx yesterday (27 August). Almost three weeks for turn-around including shipping.
So, back to the range with the "repaired" BG 380 today, 28 Aug. The take down lever only stayed in the gun for the first 12 rounds or so. Very disappointing.
Will be back on the phone with S&W CSR on Monday for the next go-round.
By the way, the returned gun included 2 additional magazines, so who knows, my magazine collection may grow yet again.
Would be interested in any other stories with take down lever failures.
So I will post my BG 380 experience, which to this point is disappointing.
Bought my BG 380 on July 30 at the Nations Gun Show in Chantilly VA. This seemed to be the only one offered for sale at that show. The dealer said I was lucky to get it---Hmmmm
.Took it to the NRA range on August 1 and was very pleased with feeding and reliability until round 46, at which time the take down lever backed out of the gun, the slide went forward on the frame and nearly disasembled from the receiver.
After reassembling the gun the take down lever would only stay in the gun for a shot or two.
Called S&W CS on Monday, August 2, got FedEx return label, sent back on Saturday 7 August, got back via FedEx yesterday (27 August). Almost three weeks for turn-around including shipping.
So, back to the range with the "repaired" BG 380 today, 28 Aug. The take down lever only stayed in the gun for the first 12 rounds or so. Very disappointing.
Will be back on the phone with S&W CSR on Monday for the next go-round.
By the way, the returned gun included 2 additional magazines, so who knows, my magazine collection may grow yet again.
Would be interested in any other stories with take down lever failures.
There have been a few problems with the takedown lever in some guns. One guy complained that it kept gradually working its way out and he had to keep pushing it in. Another had the pin come out completely on a shot and the whole slide came off and sailed down range. Earlier this week I sent my BG back to S&W because the trigger wouldn't reset and in my letter also asked them to make sure the lever was within specifications. Stay on top of customer service. A big disappointment to have the gun in the shop so many times and for so long.
It's too bad, I am from Mass, in fact 10 minutes from S&W. I shot the BG,about 50 rounds after several other guys shot 100's of rounds before me and other than the laser buttons being hard to turn on, everything was fine. I came across a new website called ***************** and for the most part lots of really good info and reviews... go figure... I believe there has been thousands of these built and sold, sooo I doubt that there is a majority of them with problems, seems more likely a handful. Like the old saying... bad news travels fast good news doesn't... unless you look for it. I for one will be buying at least one soon as they become legal here in Mass..
Big Holes
Member
Bought my BG last week and fire it today for the first time. No pin problems, but at least 1 ftf per each full mag tested. Some had two to three ftf's per mag. This consistently happened with EVERY magazine I ran through it. Using three different types of ammo, range rounds to two major name brand ammo. Some ftf's shot on the second firing while some took two to three more pulls to get the round to fire. No other problems to report, but after over 250 rounds the problem didn't change....far from reliable as a self defense weapon. I would assume there is nothing I can do to fix this problem.... so I guess it is on it's way back to the factory
Is S&W going to stiffen up the laser button so that it can be pushed with just a little effort? Right now, if I was carring it as a CCW it is useless! Or is this an Insight problem? On the BG 380 forum they are suggesting using a plastic tube to stiffen the button? Any thoughts?
