Bodyguard 380 trigger pull

Whether the long trigger pull on the BG380 is a problem or a feature is open to interpretation. Some people like the fact that it takes a very deliberate action to fire the little pocket pistol. Others rely on the safety to keep them out of trouble. Some like both (I'm in this camp).

Also, it's probably a good idea to define "accurately" when you're talking about such a tiny gun. I find it pretty easy to consistently keep the holes inside a 6" circle at 20-25', which is plenty good for anything I'd ever use the gun for (any farther than that, I have other options). Part of being able to do so required me to learn how to control that trigger (not difficult, but it does take a little technique to get it right). The good news is that you can dry fire the gun using the laser and see when your technique is good (or not). Just put the dot on something across your living room, and see if it moves as you dry fire.

I've only ever had misfires when using cheap Russian steel ammo, and even then, they all went bang after an extra attempt or two. I've only had one round out of many hundreds of rounds of "good ammo" FTF the first time, and that was one of the first couple rounds out of a brand new gun. Failure to release the trigger fully can also cause a FTF (by not allowing the trigger mechanism to reset). That's not an uncommon problem, though it's an operator error issue more than a gun issue, IMHO.

If you're expecting your BG380 to come back with a shorter, lighter trigger, you may as well return it to the gun store now... the way the trigger works is the nature of the beast, and by design... no "repair" is going to fix that. The one proviso is that it's always possible that your trigger actually has a problem that makes the pull harder than normal (it can't be longer, since it's designed to fire only after being pulled almost all the way to the trigger guard).
 
took your advice

I'm happy to report that I returned my bodyguard .380 today. A good friend invited me to the local range afterwards to try out his new Diamondback .380. What a superior handgun! Nice trigger that's for sure as well as great sights, balance...like a mini Glock! Ordered one tonight though Bud's for $375 out the door including the local gun shop transfer fee!!! Keep your Bodyguard because it's junk!:)
 
Good luck with your new gun - I sincerely hope you like it.

Personally, I wouldn't want to carry a pocket pistol with a 5 pound trigger and no safety, but if that's what you're looking for, it sounds like you've found it.
 
My BG 380 has a long trigger pull too, but it is only stiff at the first of the pull. After it breaks, the trigger comes back very smoothly till it fires. I also noticed that when rapid firing the gun I do not even notice the long pull or stiffness. When trying to sight gun and holding on target it seems you pull forever to fire. Long pull is just a safety factor, really don't want a hair trigger on it.
 
Exactly my point. While some will find the long, hard trigger on the BG380 mildly annoying at the range trying to drive tacks or perforate bullseyes, I predict that none of us would so much as notice if we had to use the little pocket pistol in anger.

So yeah, if I had bought the BG380 as a target pistol, I'd probably be disappointed. OTOH, it precisely fulfills the mission I actually bought it for (or could, that is... hopefully it won't ever have to).
 
I didn't buy it for a range gun, I have others that are more fun to shoot, and I really will only put a few rounds through it occasinally to make sure it still functions properly. It's my carry gun not a target pistol.
 
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I figured out how to shoot the 380--If attacked, point at the ground in front of you, pull the trigger, and try to hit your assailant with the shell casings as they eject from the top!
 
I purchased a .380BG this month. Got it home and the laser would not activate. tried new batteries with no luck. Called the store, and the manager said he would issue a new pistol. Not only did he do that, but he also paid for two boxes of ammo I was going to buy. I like that kind of service! When I took the pistol to the range, the laser would activate, but only by pushing on the buttons fairly hard. I found the trigger pull to be very hard. I know this is a DAO gun, but the pull was still unusually long. I sent S&W email and they said there was no fix for the trigger pull, that it was set at the factory to 10-12 pounds. Feels more like 15 pounds. They are going to send me what they described as better laser activation buttons. As far as accuracy, I was able to shoot 2" groups at 7 yards using the laser from a sandbag rest. My neighbor was able to shoot 1 1/2" groups from a free standing position. So, it is very accurate for a pocket gun. I just don't know if I can put up with the trigger pull. I may trade for a Ruger LCP .380 with a grip activated laser. Trigger pull is acceptable. Nice little pistol. Maybe the hard trigger pull will improve on the BG the more I shoot it.
 
First off, my trigger pull did get smoother but it will remain a long squeeeze. At the range try getting used to "staging" meaning to pull it back almost to where it wants to release, then finalize your sight picture and finish the smooth squeeze. When you need this gun for the real thing the adrenaline will overcome the perceived problem. You'll think it was a hair trigger while you are explaining the shooting to the detectives.
 
I was lucky enough to get to fire a .380 Bodyguard that a close friend had recently purchased for his wife to carry. I was looking for a gun for my own wife, and this one seemed like a no brainer.

After that experience at the range, and because of the same issues discussed on this thread, we ended up choosing a M&P Compact .9mm for her, which she has become very comfortable with. Just my .02
 
I was lucky enough to get to fire a .380 Bodyguard that a close friend had recently purchased for his wife to carry. I was looking for a gun for my own wife, and this one seemed like a no brainer.

After that experience at the range, and because of the same issues discussed on this thread, we ended up choosing a M&P Compact .9mm for her, which she has become very comfortable with. Just my .02

I have to say that I find some of the posts here pretty hilarious. An M&PC 9mm is anything BUT compact. A Bodyguard .380 is so much smaller it's not even a comparison. It's like saying, "Yeah I didn't like the Ruger LCP, so I got an assault rifle instead, and the trigger is much nicer."

OK? So?

It seems to me a lot of people here don't really understand the point of the Bodyguard .380. Is the trigger "easy" to pull? No. But so what? Do any of you think you're going to actually notice this in a SHTF situation? Of course not! I find the BG.380 a very competent weapon, and does not require a constant safety because of the trigger pul. I like knowing that I don't have to fumble with a safety in the event of an emergency where fine motor skills go out the window. Do I LOVE firing it like I do my 686 or M&P9? No of course not! No small-frame gun with a long trigger is that much fun to fire hundreds of rounds from. However, get good with it, put it in your pocket and forget about it. Practice with it some, and it could save your life one day.

An M&P9C is just way too big to be a pocket gun like the BG.380 is. Is the M&P9C a good choice for a CC gun? Absolutely! But it requires very different carrying procedures than the BG.380.
 
I have to say that I find some of the posts here pretty hilarious. An M&PC 9mm is anything BUT compact. A Bodyguard .380 is so much smaller it's not even a comparison. It's like saying, "Yeah I didn't like the Ruger LCP, so I got an assault rifle instead, and the trigger is much nicer."

OK? So?

It seems to me a lot of people here don't really understand the point of the Bodyguard .380. Is the trigger "easy" to pull? No. But so what? Do any of you think you're going to actually notice this in a SHTF situation? Of course not! I find the BG.380 a very competent weapon, and does not require a constant safety because of the trigger pul. I like knowing that I don't have to fumble with a safety in the event of an emergency where fine motor skills go out the window. Do I LOVE firing it like I do my 686 or M&P9? No of course not! No small-frame gun with a long trigger is that much fun to fire hundreds of rounds from. However, get good with it, put it in your pocket and forget about it. Practice with it some, and it could save your life one day.

An M&P9C is just way too big to be a pocket gun like the BG.380 is. Is the M&P9C a good choice for a CC gun? Absolutely! But it requires very different carrying procedures than the BG.380.

Point taken.
 
FWIW, I found that a drop of CLC lube on the hammer pivot and a LOT of dryfireing improved the trigger quality on mine quite a bit. That, coupled with a little practice makes the trigger very acceptable for the intended purpose and ranges of the bg380.
 
BG 380 trigger Pull

For those who live outside of Massachusetts (lucky you)..The state dictates what the trigger pull has to be in order to be "MASS COMPLIANT". Their way of handling gun violence is to put restrictions on the legal gun owner. Manufacturers have to submit 3 of each model they want to sell in Mass, pay thousands of dollars per gun, let them drop them from many heights and angles to see if they fire accidentally, have a round in chamber indicator and then MAYBE they will approve it. You cannot buy any new Colt, Glock, or many other weapons. Some you cannot buy new, only used and made pre 98 (Glock). SW is located in Mass, so they are probably making some hanguns ONLY Mass compliant so they don't have to make models for as many states (NY, CA, MA ) among others.

Approved Weapons Rosters - Executive Office of Public Safety
 
For those who live outside of Massachusetts (lucky you)..The state dictates what the trigger pull has to be in order to be "MASS COMPLIANT".


This does not apply to handguns with an external safety......
 
Trigger Pull

This does not apply to handguns with an external safety......


The Bodyguard is DAO..Requires 10lb trigger.Mass consumer protection regulations require that a double action handgun have a trigger pull of at least 10 lbs. in double action mode.
 
I owned the Ruger LCP and really liked the gun and dare say even enjoyed shooting it. It was very accurate which is improbable considering its iron sights are practically non-existent. Mine was not equipped with a crimson trace. I just bought the Bodyguard 380. My initial impressions of the design are positive. I shot 40 rounds through this gun and absolutely hate it. Because I have the LCP to compare it too, and my shooting partner has his, I was really unimpressed with the gun. The laser was off (expected), but manually adjusting it was sure a challenge. The thing moves really weird and it seems you would need an extensive amount of time to get it dialed perfect. I put this gun for sale and will be purchasing a new Ruger shortly. Finally, I had a ton of issues with my M&P 15-22 as well and it was new. Starting to really reconsider this brand.
 
I picked up a new black one with night sights for $539.99 exactly. You may want to shop around.
 
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