Bodyguard 380 range report

[tritontr]

serial#under 500
Shot wwb 95gr.fmj,Fiocchi 95gr fmj,Remington 95gr fmj 150 rounds total no FTF or FTE no mechanical failures. Iron sights were ok but hard to pick up so I painted the front sight tonight after cleaning. Accuracy was ok but not as good as the Taurus TCP. Laser was fine not as bright as an Armalaser and was way out of alignment did not have allen wrench to dial in. Bodyguard did operate smoother the more rounds that were used. Overall workmanship was good all the parts were free of burrs and the feed ramp was smooth enough from the factory to not need polishing. The trigger pull was a typical D/A maybe a little on the long side but easy to get used to. First impression(my opinion) laser is not a plus this gun would be great with a good night sight three dot system. You will have limited holster options because you could turn on the laser while in your pocket holster and not know it, pretty soon you have dead batteries so I don't know if where the on-off button is placed will be a good thing just have to wait and see if pocket holsters will be a problem with the laser. The safety is personal choice but you don't have to use it . The double strike capability is a definite plus. This is a nice pistol but the hype for the BG from the Shot Show was a little over the top.

 

[tritontr]

follow-up on Bodyguard .380 above

 

[M29since14]

Thanks for the report. In reading the BG380 posts this AM it looks like the laser is giving a little trouble for some folks but the most important thing is that the guns seem to be running pretty smoothly, in most cases. My own BG380 only has about 50 rounds through it but has caused no trouble.

Other posters have pointed out S&W sends a wrench for adjusting the laser in the ziplock bag that contains the cable lock. I keep forgetting to look for it.

 

[SMSgt]

Lasers=gagets. Something to go wrong.

 

[gabriel76]

Lasers=gagets. Something to go wrong.

The way I see it, the laser is mainly a great dry-fire practice tool. You practice with the laser so you won't need it during a real engagement. If it fails during practice, no big deal. Some gadgets have a useful place.

 

[gunlovingirl]

I think most people who have a laser equipped gun have enough shooting experience that even if the laser fails, whether in practice or emergency, they can still use the sights, pull the trigger and put the bullet on target. My feeling is that a laser can help get you on target faster. It's also a great aid if you have to draw your gun in low light or darkness. But, if for whatever reason it fails, that certainly doesn't mean your gun is useless. Anyone who has to rely on a laser shouldn't own a gun. This is all just my opinion, but I happen to like the laser. But if mine fails, whether in dry-fire OR emergency, no big deal. I've been shooting for years without one. I just see so many who don't care for lasers infer that a person who uses one is defenseless without it. Definitely not true. But, to each their own.

 

[Goffman]

Misty, did your BG380 finally arrive? I read a post of yours a bit ago in which you mentioned that you were having some challenges with getting the pistol shipped.

 

[PittShooter]

I put 175 rounds through my BG last weekend. I was impressed with the comfort as compared to my LCP. No stinging or sore hand.

I like the laser for practice, although I'm not sure I would even try to turn it on during a defensive situation. Unlike the intuitive CT laser on my LCP, I'm not a huge fan of the laser button positioning on my BG. I will say though that I carry in a tight Uncle Mike's #1 pocket holster and the laser does stay off. I find it to be a useful feature although I will admit I am pro-laser.

My laser was close to perfect out of the box as far as sighting goes. Minor tweak and it was great. I will probably try to mark the front sight as well, not sure which method yet. Shooting with the laser vs. sights the accuracy was pretty even.

I have had no problems at all with the operation of the gun, it's been rock solid so far. Trigger pull is as expected.

Overall I'm very pleased with the product.