Bodyguard 380 Problems, Part IV

[db4570]

Got my BG back from Smith and Wesson after its third time there for warranty repairs. I have posted here before about it. Here are the particulars:

Non-laser model, a few months old.
I only shoot name-brand ammo- Rem & Win, no steel or Russian.
Clean and oil according to S&W instructions.
Approx. 300 rounds through it.
I have been shooting guns for 30 years.

I was eager to take it to the range to see if they had fixed the FTFire light strike problem. For the first 60 rounds or so of Rem white box FMJ it worked fine with the exception of two FT lock when empty, and several auto-forwards, problems which I had pointed out to them the three times it has been back. Troubling issues, but maybe not the end of the world.

But then I switched over to a mix of Rem and Win white box FMJ and it had 3 FTFires out of the next 7 mags. All were the Win.

So in 100 rounds tested, I had 3 FTFires. 3% failure. Not acceptable for a defense gun.

It seems the gun is away at Smith more than it is here. I can't stand it any longer. I really wanted this gun to work because there is NOTHING else that is the same size and operates the same way.

Frustrated.

David

 

[Rickgus]

David - Sorry to hear you are still having problems after the third attempt! Three strikes and you are out! You need to let it go, call Smith and say enough is enough, I want the pistol replaced with another Bodyguard or another model of your choosing. I know you had "high hopes" in the BG working for you! Be firm, but don't overdo it with your frustrations or anger. We just saw a thread yesterday, the OP was feeling the same frustrations and he vented to the point, S&W CS people turned it over to their legal department. Whatever he said, must not have been very receptive to the S&W people listening to his plea. Just mildly ask for a replacement or refund. I think you have more than given them a fair chance in making it right!

Good luck and keep us posted! Oh and the BG isn't the only bang in town, you just need to start looking again! - Rick

 

[Timmeh8604]

Not sure if it helps, but my mom had been using the same Winchester ammo in her Ruger LC380 and was having the same issues. I know she switched to a different defense round in Winchester and it stopped. Just thought I'd share since she had the same problem: same ammo, different gun.

 

[Old cop]

I'm sorry to hear about your problems, I feel your pain. All of the tiny .380s I tried had problems, w/Glock 42 the worst. A friend picked up a S&W no laser .380 & loved it. Taking a leap of faith I did too and 400 rounds later (brand name FMJ & HP) no problems. The only modifications I've made are Houge overmold rubber grips and orange glow paint on the front sight. I'm not one to mess around w/trigger mods or any other internal stuff. If I don't like it the way it comes from the factory I pass it up. Be polite, hold your ground and ask for a replacement or refund. Ruger replaced my LCP aftr three trips back to the factory. Glock just told me, after "reconditioning" the 42 that there was nothing wrong. I traded the Glock w/full disclosure to the new owner.