Bodyguard 380 - On to the next big problem

[xzhync]

I got by BG back today having sent it in on August 19th for the "trigger failure to reset" problem. I went out to test it and found after approx 175 rounds that the trigger problem seems fixed, but now I have a new problem. Today, at around round 160 or so, my take-down lever/assembly pin came out...and then kept coming out every few rounds. I came home and called S&W customer service. I talked to Paul and he told me to clean the take-down pin counter-bore area really well with a tooth brush. I did that and then returned to the range immediately. Right away (after 6 or 7 rounds) the take-down lever started coming out again. Paul indicated that this problem has usually presented itself right away with a new gun, but mine didn't show up until around 160 rounds today (probably over 350 rounds total since I bought the gun). The take down lever problem was the furthest thing from my mind since it hadn't even come close to happening to that point. It seems like either the take down pin itself is worn or the spring catch or hole has loosened up. I can't really explain why it started to happen all of a sudden. After the 2nd range trip of the day I came home again and immediately boxed it up. It is already on it's way back to S&W.

So, of the 3 main problems that are being discussed on this forum (ie. trigger reset problem, take-down lever backout problem, and laser failures) I have now experienced two of the big 3. Yes, I am getting a bit frustrated.

I sure would appreciate anyone else's shared experience on this take-down lever problem. For those that have sent it in for this problem, did you get it back yet and was it fixed? If so, what was done to the gun to fix it?

 

[Loco Weed]

My BG is in the shop now for a trigger that won't reset and troubles with the laser buttons. I look forward to it being back within a week or so. I asked them to check the take-down lever to make sure it was within specs. Now I see a poster is having problems with extraction. What's next? I hope my take-down lever stays put after I get it back and start breaking it in. Doesn't the FTC have lemon laws? That would be the last resort. If I have any more problems I think S&W would owe me a new pistol. You must be getting mighty frustrated by now.

 

[Mike Walsh]

xzhync.......My Bodyguard continuously lost the take down level/pin after the first 25 rounds out of the box. I sent it back to Smith and it's been returned to me functioning 100%. Maybe a design or manufacturing flaw? I pounded about 125 rounds through it tonight with out a hitch, keep the faith on his little gun, I think it will turn out to be the best of the pocket 380 breed.....m/w

 

[firehawk1]

xzhync.......My Bodyguard continuously lost the take down level/pin after the first 25 rounds out of the box. I sent it back to Smith and it's been returned to me functioning 100%. Maybe a design or manufacturing flaw? I pounded about 125 rounds through it tonight with out a hitch, keep the faith on his little gun, I think it will turn out to be the best of the pocket 380 breed.....m/w

I still like this pistol even after the trigger issue. IMO for it to turn out to be the "best" of the pocket 380's S&W will HAVE to address the travel and pull of the trigger. They will have to retrofit a lighter weight spring for starters. The trigger on mine travels about 1/4" before ANY resistance is felt. That tells me that the pistol would fire with the trigger 1/4" away from the frame, NOT pulled all the way back to the frame as it does now IF that slop was removed. S&W can, and has to do better.

I believe it was on GunBlast.com that he stated HIS BG 380 had a 6.5# trigger pull. Mine has to be at least double that.

 

[xzhync]

xzhync.......My Bodyguard continuously lost the take down level/pin after the first 25 rounds out of the box. I sent it back to Smith and it's been returned to me functioning 100%. Maybe a design or manufacturing flaw? I pounded about 125 rounds through it tonight with out a hitch, keep the faith on his little gun, I think it will turn out to be the best of the pocket 380 breed.....m/w

Mike, your update is encouraging. Mine is still there. I called today and the CSR said it was still being evaluated. Hopefully, they are taking the time to fix it correctly. Did you get any report of what was done to yours to "fix" it?

 

[Mike Walsh]

xzhync..... No I didn't call to inquire, and the paper work returned with the gun didn't say. It looks like a new lever/pin was installed....m/w

 

[USMC76]

My Take Doawn Lever Status

I also called S&W yesterday as my BG 380 has been in their hands for a week now for the second return for the take down lever issue. Was also told that my gun was under evaluation. CSR acted as though this is not a common problem and indicated he had only one other call on the issue. He also did not now what the fix was. He was not able to provide a time frame for fix and return.

 

[EarlFH]

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, buy a post lock S&W. It's not the old S&W of great quality fame, anymore. There are tons of older Smiths available on the market, that don't fall apart. (flame suit on)

EarlFH

 

[xzhync]

I also called S&W yesterday as my BG 380 has been in their hands for a week now for the second return for the take down lever issue. Was also told that my gun was under evaluation. CSR acted as though this is not a common problem and indicated he had only one other call on the issue. He also did not now what the fix was. He was not able to provide a time frame for fix and return.

I know just from this forum, there are more than 2 people with this problem. I believe I have heard of at least 5 or 6 posters with the same issue. I bet there are plenty of others. I wish the S&W customer service people would just provide straight talk. I hope they don't think we are that stupid. They damage their own credibility with those types of answers. We never know if we are being told the truth.

When I sent the gun in the first time (for trigger reset failure) I got it back in approx. 9 days. When I told the CSR person that, he said that was exceptionally fast and that repairs typically take several weeks. I told him that is ok provided they are truly looking for the proper, fix.

Has anyone received their BG380 back from S&W having been fixed for this take-down lever problem? If so, have you shot more than 100 or 200 rounds without a problem? I would really appreciate hearing any updates on this problem from either satisfied or dis-satisfied customers.

 

[Rich G]

Bodyguard 380

Looking for a small pocket pistol, I was all set to buy a Bodyguard 380 the other day, until I dry fired one at my local dealer. Couldn't believe how stiff the trigger seemed compared to many other similar 380's I've looked at.

Does anyone know what the trigger pull weight is rated on the Bodyguard 380? Can't find it on S & W sites.

Is the trigger adjustable? Can it be upgraded?

Thanks

Rich G

 

[Fastbolt]

A couple of thoughts, prefaced with the admission that I have no experience or familiarity with the new .380 BG at this point (nor does a .380 interest me, but that's another subject).

As much as the gun companies invest time and effort in factory testing before they release a new gun, I've come to dislike being a beta tester for new models. I like to wait at least a year before spending my money on new designs.

That said, I realize that if everyone felt the same way that gun companies would have a hard time selling anything new. Fortunately, there's always seemingly no shortage of folks whoa re eager to be the first on their block to buy anything new.

I'd think it not uncommon, or surprising, to have some teething pains surface with any new design, either because of design, production or parts issues, especially when you consider how vendor parts play a role in many products.

I suspect that S&W will iron out any issues that occur with their new products. Their lifetime warranty and support are pretty much a standard within the industry, after all.

Also, when you consider the rather large number of people who answer the customer service phones for the company, and who are responsible for fielding questions and complaints about ALL of the company's product lines, meaning not just firearms, it's hardly surprising they may not have all the info about all the products. They only know what they're told, and the product updates have to filter their way down to them, just like with any other company.

Besides, the experience and product knowledge of the people answering the phones can vary, also as with any other company. Maybe you're getting a former production or repair person, or maybe you're getting someone who is only able to answer limited questions, generate warranty shipping labels, take parts orders (without knowing anything more than what appears on their computer screen about any given product) or something else more simple in nature.

 

[Mike Walsh]

xzhync..... I agree 100% will you on the manufacturers being up front on weapons problems. I buy and carry a product to protect myself with, tell me YES, we had a defect, and YES this is how we fixed it, don't put a gag order out for fear of bad press.......m/w

p.s......I like this .380 and S+W will get it back over and over till it's right!.....

 

[kas1263]

What's too bad is that if you buy a defective gun you just can't return it like just about anything else, and get a new one, letting the dealer deal with S&W.

 

[jimmyj]

Good Morning:
It is never a good idea to purchase a new model until it has been in the field for at least a year or maybe two.
My BUGs were always revolvers. (never a problem-always worked)
Remember the Model 61 Escort?
Jimmy

 

[Rich G]

Looking for a small pocket pistol, I was all set to buy a Bodyguard 380 the other day, until I dry fired one at my local dealer. Couldn't believe how stiff the trigger seemed compared to many other similar 380's I've looked at.

Does anyone know what the trigger pull weight is rated on the Bodyguard 380? Can't find it on S & W sites.

Is the trigger adjustable? Can it be upgraded?
Anybody know?

Thanks

Rich G

 

[Loco Weed]

The trigger is neither adjustable nor upgradeable. It can only be repaired. I think the trigger pull is way past 12#. The heavy trigger contributes to the safety of the gun... you really don't need the manual safety at all.

 

[Mike Walsh]

I agree, this type of firearm is an extension of your fist, not a IPSC competition gun. Reliability, safety, and it's got to be quick. I don't mind the DA only or the weight of the trigger pull, the manual safety is plus too. An accident in your pocket would be an ugly mess!

 

[PittShooter]

I don't find the trigger on mine all that different from my LCP. It has smoothed out a bit with about 500 rounds through it. Didnt' take me long to get used to its characteristics, I like it just fine.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I'm kind of wondering about all the reported problems with the new S&W .380. My small go to .380 is a Kel-Tec(in spite of my promising myself never to buy anything with "Tec" or "Tech"in the name). But what Jimmy said reminded me of my last office in the Chicago PD, there was a framed S&W M61 Escort, marked "For attempted suicides only".

 

[mag318]

AKAOV1MAN, PM sent.