Bodyguard .380 Opinions Appreciated...

[WaMike]

I agree with those of you who can't pull beans out a front jeans pocket very quickly, and ever since I had my back pocket picked (twice!), I'm reluctant to carry anything other than a comb in mine.

I carried a S&W Mdl 49 on a belt holster (usually not tucking in my shirt....hey, it's finally now in style!), but like any revolver, it's more difficult to hide than a skinny semi-auto.

I carried a 1911 cocked & locked for years, so I'm comfortable with the idea (and no, I wouldn't put one in my pocket either). But Kimber's Micro is really, really nice. But almost just as good is Browning's 1911-380 and their 1911-22. I have both, they're easy to hide in a holster just above my rear jeans pocket and easily accessible. I've put about 500 rounds through the .380 and many hundreds through the .22.

Cocked and locked or hammer down on an empty chamber? A subject that's been discussed ad nauseum. There's something to be said for the deterrence factor in the noise a round makes when being chambered and with practice one can do either at almost identical speeds (although the chambering act obviously requires two hands).

Anyway, I bought both Brownings for about the same amount as one Kimber. Although......that Kimber is sweet....

 

[lmacrichter]

I went out today wearing my favorite pair of jeans to a local gun shop trying to figure out what I can and can't carry in my front pocket as my first concealed carry handgun.

I found out that, with my current wardrobe, guns like the Shield 9mm/Ruger LC9s/Sig P938/Glock 42/etc. just aren't going to work for my concealed carry needs right now. All the guns would fit but to easily pull them out in a time of need, not happening very smoothly.

Handguns that that do work are the M&P Bodyguard .380 (without laser), Ruger LCP Custom, Kahr CM9 (the only 9mm in the bunch), Kahr CW380, and Sig Sauer P238 (although this one is about $120 more than what I was hoping to spend).

Can anyone give me your opinions, thoughts, and experiences (both good and bad) with the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380?

Thank you!

TripleB

I had a ton of problems with my BG so I traded it for a P238 and am glad I did. I have put close to 1000 rds of all brands ammo, cheap and self defense without a single problem of any kind. Love this little gun and carry it everyday.

 

[TripleB]

Why carry concealed in your front pocket when there are better options?

For me, at this time, it is my best option for several reason:

a) I have an 8 year old who still loves to hug his dad around the waist in public.

b) My wife isn't real happy about me carrying (or even talking about guns) so to be able to just slide it in my pocket quickly without drawing much attention to it would be helpful.

c) I think I'm more likely to carry if I don't have to change my wardrobe and am just able to slide it in my pocket not matter what I'm wearing.

I do plan to go to 9mm (or larger) IWB in several years...after my son son gets older and my wife gets comfortable with me carrying.

Thanks for everyone's advice!!!

TripleB

 

[HKB]

That is a good point, however, it would take me too long in denim to pull a pistol. Tactical pants pockets give much more room if your going to carry that way and the lightweight material gives much better access.

Pocket carry has a serious benefit: you can have your hand on your weapon and not draw attention, and if you were robbed you'll never pull a gun from your belt, but when the lowlife is on you and your hand is in your pocket, SURPRISE!!. Hopefully the scumbag will see a bright flash followed by nothing.

 

[Szumi]

I have the no laser bodyguard. I have no problems clearing the plate rack with it. The trigger pull isn't as nice as my J frame but it is manageable and I have no worries of a ND. After I practice with the two mentioned all my other pistols feel like they have great triggers.

 

[Fox4506]

I got a BG 380 for Christmas!! I love it! It's the no laser version, which is what I prefer. I've only fired a little over 100 rounds through it but it's functioned perfectly so far.

As for the trigger pull I have to agree with the posters that like a long trigger pull for pocket carry. I also think that people that have shot revolvers in double action will have less problems getting used to the trigger....it's basically the same.

I love pocket carry and have done so with a j frame for quite a while...and an M&P 40c and HK P2000sk on occasion with the right pants. It's about as convenient as you can get to carry a gun. I've carried in jeans, shorts, 5.11's and other tactical pants and have no problems with any. I also agree that you can have your hand on the gun in your pocket and it doesn't look suspicious...I've done this many times.

I'm carrying Critical Defense in mine now, but I've ordered some Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator and I'm going to try that when I get it. The reviews on it have been very good from what I've seen.

Fox

 

[kbm6893]

That is a good point, however, it would take me too long in denim to pull a pistol. Tactical pants pockets give much more room if your going to carry that way and the lightweight material gives much better access.

Never had that problem and I wear jeans most of the time. Place thumb on back of slide and draw weapon. Thumb prevents anything catching. Works with a revolver with a hammer too.

 

[686-380]

Congratulations!

I got a BG 380 for Christmas!! I love it! It's the no laser version, which is what I prefer. I've only fired a little over 100 rounds through it but it's functioned perfectly so far.

As for the trigger pull I have to agree with the posters that like a long trigger pull for pocket carry. I also think that people that have shot revolvers in double action will have less problems getting used to the trigger....it's basically the same.

I love pocket carry and have done so with a j frame for quite a while...and an M&P 40c and HK P2000sk on occasion with the right pants. It's about as convenient as you can get to carry a gun. I've carried in jeans, shorts, 5.11's and other tactical pants and have no problems with any. I also agree that you can have your hand on the gun in your pocket and it doesn't look suspicious...I've done this many times.

I'm carrying Critical Defense in mine now, but I've ordered some Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator and I'm going to try that when I get it. The reviews on it have been very good from what I've seen.

Fox

I would also consider Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense. My tests show a bigger wound channel with outstanding penetration.

 

[SpecRacer]

I went out today wearing my favorite pair of jeans to a local gun shop trying to figure out what I can and can't carry in my front pocket as my first concealed carry handgun.

I found out that, with my current wardrobe, guns like the Shield 9mm/Ruger LC9s/Sig P938/Glock 42/etc. just aren't going to work for my concealed carry needs right now. All the guns would fit but to easily pull them out in a time of need, not happening very smoothly.

Handguns that that do work are the M&P Bodyguard .380 (without laser), Ruger LCP Custom, Kahr CM9 (the only 9mm in the bunch), Kahr CW380, and Sig Sauer P238 (although this one is about $120 more than what I was hoping to spend).

Can anyone give me your opinions, thoughts, and experiences (both good and bad) with the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380?

Thank you!

TripleB

I can't believe no one has posted this yet. Are we all that totally emasculated?

Here is the tip. Get rid of the little boy pants and get big boy pants so you can carry a big boy gun. Any man who is more interested in how his *** looks than its safety has problems best discussed over in the Vanity Fair Forum.

 

[jeff1981]

I'm please with mine

I have the M&P version, and I find it a good shooter, considering what it is. I typically carry it in a leather wallet holster, nothing fancy. It's what I take when I cannot, for whatever reason, wear a belt gun or carry my j-frame in a pocket. It also works well as a backup.

 

[Silverlobo]

I received my Cross Breed Belly Band with the Kydex shell for my BG 380. I've been wearing it in the same place as my IWB.
It's comfortable. I barely notice it there since I don't have it pulled extremely tight, just enough to keep it in place. I always wear a t-shirt with my dress shirts and as the belly band keeps the t-shirt pulled down tight I don't notice the bit of looseness in my shirt required to keep from printing.
The only thing to remember is your shirt has to be thick enough or dark enough that the black doesn't show through. Other than that, I like it, so far.

 

[fz1fan]

I went out today wearing my favorite pair of jeans to a local gun shop trying to figure out what I can and can't carry in my front pocket as my first concealed carry handgun.

I found out that, with my current wardrobe, guns like the Shield 9mm/Ruger LC9s/Sig P938/Glock 42/etc. just aren't going to work for my concealed carry needs right now. All the guns would fit but to easily pull them out in a time of need, not happening very smoothly.

Handguns that that do work are the M&P Bodyguard .380 (without laser), Ruger LCP Custom, Kahr CM9 (the only 9mm in the bunch), Kahr CW380, and Sig Sauer P238 (although this one is about $120 more than what I was hoping to spend).

Can anyone give me your opinions, thoughts, and experiences (both good and bad) with the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380?

Thank you!

TripleB

I have a a bg380 no laser over 1000 rounds through mine and I love it. I've yet to have a problem with mine. The trigger pull is comparable to my 442 j frame imo. I think its plenty accurate for what it is and I find it to be a tack driver. I painted the front site orange and added some decal grips to it to make it perfect. I've shot a lcp 380 and an lcp380 pro and I didn't care for it, the ergonomics of the smith are way better. Oh and lets not forget that ruger charges an arm and a leg for extra mags, 39.99 for the lcp vs the 19.99 .380 mag from s&w.

 

[speedy996]

Just bought my BG, end of Dec. waiting for ammo, and a day at the gun range, all this is very new to me. Have a lot to learn.
Waiting for my ccp, should be here in 2 more weeks I hope. My wife is not very exited about all this, certainly not interested in CCP. But thinking can change with time. I did not think I would have a hand gun in my life time , and I have. Hope I never have to use it !
What would you suggest to use as a home carry hand gun?

All these comments regarding the BG are very helpful to me.

 

[xcutter]

Can anyone give me your opinions, thoughts, and experiences (both good and bad) with the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380?

Thank you!

TripleB

I owned a Kel-Tec P3AT as my first pocket gun. I absolutely hated it. Too many FTE's and was painful to practice with. I traded it in for the BG380. This was an improvement, but I did not care for the trigger. I was able to rent a Sig P238 at the local range. It shootls like a charm. I feel more confident carrying this than I ever did with the BG380. I mostly carry my Shield 9mm. But when I need something light and small, I love this Sig. It does cost a bit more, but I could of saved a lot of money by buying the gun best suited for me from the beginning. BTW, if you plan to carry the Sig the way it is designed to be carried (cocked and locked), you will need a good holster like a Remora or N82.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I like the Bodyguard for what it is, but I doubt the power of the .380 round against a determined assailant. Mind you I am not volunteering to be hit with one and weight and size are a factor, but I would opt for at least 9mm. My favorite carry guns are the S&W CS9 and CS45 which I can easily pocket carry. I will likely switch to a snubby S&W Model 627. If the Bodyguard is your choice, get the laser version as placement will be critical.

 

[Old cop]

I've read a lot about the lousy trigger on the BG .380 but have to say it's similar to my J frame so no learning curve. I added a Hogue slip on grip and painted the front sight in white appliance touch-up. It's accurate, reliable and easily conceals in a pocket holster. Throw in an extra mag and I've got plenty of rounds on tap.

 

[Slufstuff]

I agree with those recommending wearing cargo or tactical pants for pocket carry. Much more forgiving than jeans, plus extra pockets for your keys, wallet, knife, light, etc.

I will go against the grain here and recommend the Kahr CM9. I pocket carry my CW9 all the time, and it is even bigger than the CM9. 9mm is a worthwhile step up from any .380 (I am not knocking .380 fans, I sometimes carry a Kel-Tec P32 if wearing shorts or jeans, which is even lower power). I can even pocket carry a Glock 26 if needed in the roomy cargo pants pocket, but I am more comfortable with the Kahr, due to the slim single stack width.

 

[Whitwabit]

​

There is a night and day difference between the p238 and bodyguard. I own the p238 and shot a bodyguard some. Spend the extra money and get the p238.

That's exactly what I did last night .. Had been looking at the P-238 on Bud's a couple of times over the past 2 weeks but found it a little cheaper else where ..

Looked at Bud's add for the Sig P238HD again last night they had it at 720.99 retail .. then noticed I had an e-mail from buds and they offered it to me at a substantially reduced price better then I could find it anywhere on the web !! First time that had ever happened ..

So I decided I probably couldn't find it at a better price.. so accepted their offer and should have it in a few days ..

Tried the BG a couple of times at the range and just couldn't get the feel of it .. I love my 40c and wouldn't trade it but the BG seemed wasn't made for me !!

 

[latinracer]

how much did you pay if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Deepfork]

I can't believe no one has posted this yet. Are we all that totally emasculated?

Here is the tip. Get rid of the little boy pants and get big boy pants so you can carry a big boy gun. Any man who is more interested in how his *** looks than its safety has problems best discussed over in the Vanity Fair Forum.

Not ready to look like a fat *** old man. If that works for you, great. If you choose to wear cargo pants to a nice place to dine, I'm glad I'm not with you. My gun should fit my life, my life should not fit my gun. And it sounds like you have some personal issues that you need to deal with. Just sayin'.