Bodyguard .380 report

[PittShooter]

I wanted a BG380 from the first day I saw it. I enjoy my 40VE, I love my M&P45, and my 22A is always a blast to shoot. All have been flawless guns for me since the day I bought them. However, when I was ready to purchase my BG380 I did just a bit more research to assure myself it was the gun for me. It was at this time that I began to read about some of the "issues" associated with the pistol. I would have to imagine that the primary reason people purchase this weapon is as a cc piece. In that regard, we want a weapon that is reliable above all else. I know S&W has sold a ton of these little guns, and I might even argue that of the entire lot, the ones with problems probably represent a small percentage. But, when push comes to shove, we need to know that our weapon will perform flawlessly. I will always be a S&W fan, and the next gun on my list is the M&P15-22. However, for my own protection I have chosen a Ruger LCP for my ccw (now we just need to pass a cc law in Wisconsin). I still believe that the BG380 is the superior weapon, and I may still consider one in the future. But for right now, and only in the case of the BG380, S&W needs to earn back my trust.

I have an LCP. It also had problems when first released. I find that it is more prone to stovepipes or FTE's than my EAA BG is. Must keep a firm wrist when shooting, this will help avoid cycling issues. Mine has also been a little more picky about ammo than my BG is.

1500 rounds through my EAA BG now, no major issues other than i accidentally peeled off a laser button when using a pancake holster. More my fault than the gun. S&W sent me 2 more free.

YMMV, just some thoughts.

 

[pedropcola]

I can't think of a SINGLE recent offering from any of the major manufacturers that hasn't had some initial hiccups. I am not saying that it's ok, it just seems like things are coming to market not quite wrung out. I think that may be a product of our instant gratification society. Who knows. Probably should never buy the first offering of anything unless you like beta testing.

SW BG380
Glock Gen4 9mm's
Sig P250
HK They might actually get a pass on this, maybe someone else will chime in.
Ruger LCP
Beretta Nothing really new in awhile.

Anyway, once I did that "fix" on my laser buttons my BG has been very nice. Couple hundred more rounds and I will be content to use it for its stated purpose.

 

[ronmanci]

how accurate is the laser? when shooting do most use the laser or the sights. or both maybe?

 

[WilliamG]

I find it very accurate. Actually it's an accurate shooter with or without the laser in my experience.

 

[pedropcola]

I have only shot mine outdoors and the laser was invisible in bright daylight. So I used the sights and mine were very easy to pick up (I would prefer a wider rear but still very serviceable) and shot to POA at 10 yards. Grouped nicely. I would say grouped nicely for a BUG but the truth is it just plain shot very accurately at 10 yards. I didn't try it any further out. Worked 100%. I had to alter my thumbs forward grip to thumbs straight up because I tended to ride the slide release and it wouldn't lock open. Once I adjusted my grip it worked as advertised. This thing is as accurate as you are to reasonable ranges.

Edited to add: Since I couldn't sight in the laser I just moved it to just above the front blade when sighting normally. That way I know it will hit just below the laser and it is a quick way to pick up the front sight. If you see the dot, the front blade is right there, very quick transition.

 

[brent701]

how accurate is the laser? when shooting do most use the laser or the sights. or both maybe?

once dialed in, I think it is as accurate as the shooter can shoot it.

You can't see if very well outside during the day

I went to a indoor range and sighted mine in at 7 yards. was easy to do and has stayed dialed in at 7 yards 800 rounds later. I am going to go recheck it though soon.

and do I use it. No, not really. I always shoot out doors and never really use it.

 

[stew16]

BG 380 mag release

The mag release button on my bg380 seems to be really soft to push. Two different rear pocket holsters, but when carrying in my hip pocket my magazine will release on its own. pull the bg out of the holster and the mag will drop to the floor. not a good thing. I love the gun but this could be a problem. Mine is a EAB model which I think is one of the earlier ones. I sent a message to S&W a day ago but no answer yet. Anybody else seen this or have a remedy for it?

 

[stew16]

Kudos to S&W

After contacting S&W I returned my BG .380 on the Thursday before the 4th of July. The following wednesday I received a notice it was being shipped back and by Thursday I had it in my hand. Repairs were perfect. No mess, no hassle, no expense. Pistol and mag release has a whole new feel, Much tighter and no problems with the butt cheek releasing the mag. Makes me proud to own 6 S&W pistols!

 

[drover]

Had my EAH BG380 for a month now. This gun is pocket pistol perfection in every way. The fit and finish are a 10, shooting it is a 10, carrying it is a 10, what else can you say. I've had zero problems with mine. I'm shooting 3" groups at 50ft with the iron sights, wow! What else can any anyone want from this type of gun. In my humble opinion this is the best 380 on the market regardless of price!

 

[greybeard43]

I have an EAN bg. It is a very fine pistol and works flawlessly. I don't find the trigger that hard (i used to own an amt backup, my oldest son now owns it). I have heard that the trigger on the baby desert eagle isn't easy also) The BG has the best iron sights of all the pocket pistols. Dovetailed makes them easy to change when you want tritium or dots or whatever. I personnaly don't see the laser as an issue. If you can't sight your target or use point shooting when really close, then a laser without a flashlight is a problem. You must see your target clearly. Lasers seem to be the current fad but I can't see getting rid of an excellent pistol because of laser issues. You can bet that other laser mfrs have an eye on this pistol and also bet that S&W isn't going to be putting up with shoddy components from one of their vendors for very long. My laser works fine, but I really want a tritium dot front sight.

 

[adav93]

Slide won't go all the way back FIX!!

I'm posting this where ever I can, because it could cost a lot to fix for no reason. If you are shooting your BG380 and the slide won't go back all the way, it is probably because of the little screw that holds the laser in place. The tiny screw that holds the laser in the bottom part of the gun has shaken loose, and is blocking the slide from locking back. I went home, noticed the screw was poking up, tightened the screw...problem SOLVED. This is a simple problem to fix, and I'm going to call S&W for a new screw just in case...problem SOLVED.

 

[redsfan2]

I'm looking at getting a 380 for my daughter and giving it to her when she gets her permit. One of my local dealers has a used one that he's got for 359.00 ... I've bought enough there to know he's going to knock about 40. bucks or so off that. That still would seem to be the price .. or maybe a little higher than one is going for new.
Also heard about problems with different serial numbers .... this one is a EAN which Mr. Graybeard says is a fine pistol. I have to admit that I'd rather pay a few dollars more from a guy that I know to be a good sort for a gun that I know is going to be dependable. ... having said that I don't want to overpay for no good reason ..
thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.