Bodyguard .380 report

[Hover Lover]

I registered for this forum for the sole purpose of giving kudos to S&W. I am not a pro, just a Joe Blow that likes guns and believes in the right of self defense. Forgive the lack of technical expertise.

After a few years of "borrowing" my wife's S&W 638 airweight 38 special, I have had a hankering for my own pocket pistol. In the hot, muggy South, a big rig gets uncomfortable. I like to just throw a small gun in my pocket if I am running to the store or gas station. I live in suburbia, so I do not gear up for war when I leave the house.

I just got the BG380 last week as an early Christmas present from a very loving wife. I read the bad reports and was a bit skeptical, but I love the brand and my M&P 40 has been flawless. It was hard to find one in stock (they are selling like crazy in Houston) but I stumbled across one at a local pawn shop for $380 new. I have seen them as high as $550 in bigger sporting goods stores.

I love the way it fits my hand and the fact that it has real sights. The design is great.

I went to the range and put 100 rounds through it. I tried 3 types of ammo. Winchester and Remington ball and Federal Hydra-shock 90gr. hollow points. The first few shots were ugly. That trigger pull is absurd. Especially for a DAO with a safety. After adjusting to that issue it shot very, very well. With my hands resting on my knee, it shot a 1" group at 15ft. I shot about a 3" group standing, unsupported. I am sure a well trained shooter could do even better. I never would have expected that out of such a small pistol. The laser stayed aligned well and was easy to adjust.

I've had zero problems with it so far. If it matters to anyone, the sn prefix is EAF, not the EAA that has had issues.

My buddy with a LCP is selling it and getting a Bodyguard after he tried mine.

Way to go S&W!

 

[PittShooter]

1) Glad to hear you like the BG, hope it serves you well. I'm quite a fan and have had no issues with mine. The accuracy is impressive and I like the BG much more than my LCP. The trigger takes some getting used to, which is a great excuse to go shoot and shoot a lot.

2) You have married a wonderful woman, hang on to that one!!!

 

[reosta]

EAA vs EAF

That SN seems to make a clear distinction. I have a BG with SN#EAA and last week, after 300 Rds, the take down pin took flight.
My buddy just bought one with the SN#EAF and it has a "tough" take down pin and harder trigger pull.
Mine is back at S&W for repairs. Hopefully, (I stressed it), they will take care of both problems.
Other than that, love the gun.

 

[chief1911]

Just bought an EAE

This gun is great. Both laser and iron sights are dead on. After cleaning it, I shot 50 rounds with no malfunctions. I have owned two Keltecs and a 380 Taurus. Neither shot this well or had zero problems like this Smith. I do think the trigger is much to hard but I am still able to shoot this gun well.

 

[giguchan]

All,
I'm an "EAB"SERIAL... I had some issues with mine it's already back at smith...i'll keep you posted. I agree you have a pretty cool wife!

 

[seaswol]

First my serial number is EAF3xxx. Couldn't find spare mags at the on-line stores. Ordered two directly from S&W and they showed up in 5 days. Out of the box, 25 rounds WWB were flawless, 25 rounds of Fiocchi - flawless but then of the 25 rounds of Prvi PPU, six did not go bang, three of them did go on the second strike but the remaining 3 still did not fire. When reloaded and struck two more times they still did not fire. Just think, 475 more rounds of the Prvi to shoot. At seven yards, I am very happy with the grouping. Also, the 380 is much more comfortable to shoot than my old P3AT. After a few hundred break in rounds, I'll try some of my Double Taps for excitement

 

[TACC1]

Welcome aboard, and thanks for posting. Not being any kind of
pro myself, that's the kind of info I wanted to hear.
TACC1

 

[Hungry In Oxford Ga]

Question regarding stopping power

I am so glad to see your post. I am contemplating buying the new 380 BG over another 642 38. I just bought my wife another 642 and was thinking of buying me one as well. These will be glove box guns except I will be carrying mine sometimes. I have a Sig P220 that I carry now but as you said it is way to heavy for the south.

But I worry about stopping power. What rationale can you give me to buy the .380 over 38 SPCL?

I appreciate your comments in advance!

 

[Springfield Bob]

BUG380 stopping power

Bullet placement is very important. Use a good bullet and you should be ok. I know of two men shot and killed with a .380. One was killed with 3 body shots and the other was one head shot . I love my BG380. If you have not ,go check one out for the feel of it. Good luck!

Bob




TE=Hungry In Oxford, Ga;135756389]I am so glad to see your post. I am contemplating buying the new 380 BG over another 642 38. I just bought my wife another 642 and was thinking of buying me one as well. These will be glove box guns except I will be carrying mine sometimes. I have a Sig P220 that I carry now but as you said it is way to heavy for the south.

But I worry about stopping power. What rationale can you give me to buy the .380 over 38 SPCL?

I appreciate your comments in advance! [/QUOTE]

 

[C_Heath]

Mines EAB40XX hope its a good one.

 

[Hover Lover]

Thanks for the kind words about my wife. She is deserving of the praise. I am lucky to have her. I have a question for you guys. I noticed that the glass or plastic cover for the laser gets fouled after putting some rounds through it and effects the clarity and visibility of the laser. It doesn't bother me, it is obvious with it located just under the muzzle that it is going to get dirty. What is the best way to clean it? I don't want to use harsh chemicals that may cloud or damage it, but I need something that will get rid of the gunk.

 

[Copnomore]

The book says its OK to use normal cleaning procedures. It also states, you can put a thin film of oil on the lens when you go to the range in order to keep the powder residue off the lens. I didn't use the oil film but after the last time I cleaned my weapon I wasn't worried about oil or solvent getting near the lens. Well, it's back at S&W for a new laser. I got a halo effect around the red dot. Apparently, the seal around the lens didn't quite seal.

 

[Ranger98]

Rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip also work to clean the laser lens..

 

[straightshooter380]

I'm shopping around now to buy a BG 380..........

Everybody doesn't have them, if they do it's not a great price.

Anybody got any suggestions other than EXPRESS POLICE for a good price?

 

[Lost Lake]

I called three gun shops in my area and they all had them, and they all asked between $425 and $450 until I told them S&W just dropped the MSRP to $399, then each one of them went to $349. They are out there. Quite a few on GunBroker going for around $350.

 

[giguchan]

I had to "remind" My dealer about the price drop too..

 

[giguchan]

Welp,
I got my EAB58XX back from smith. I have not had the chance to get to the Range yet, but i will tell you right off the bat the did repair/replace the Laser activator situation.I just hope it isnt TOO sensitive..they also worked the Safety and worked on the slide release.

I have been hearing that they will or will not send you a free mag. They included one in the Box for my trouble. I was also shocked to find out that they sent it back to me via the USPS..

when i return from the range i'll post my findings.

thanks for support

 

[retiredjd]

Welp,
I have been hearing that they will or will not send you a free mag. They included one in the Box for my trouble. I was also shocked to find out that they sent it back to me via the USPS..

when i return from the range i'll post my findings.

thanks for support

How long did it take to get back ?

 

[giguchan]

I sent it out just Before Christmas... It took a lot longer to get it back but i cant blame smith for that though.... I sent it during their time off. I sent it out a few days before 12/25 and i just got it back 2 days ago or so..

 

[retiredjd]

I sent it out just Before Christmas... It took a lot longer to get it back but i cant blame smith for that though.... I sent it during their time off. I sent it out a few days before 12/25 and i just got it back 2 days ago or so..

Thanks. S&W received it yesterday. I sent it back for a feeding problem. Last round remained in mag, slide locked back. Hope to get it back soon. EAF9 series