Bodyguard 380 trigger pull

[PeterWD]

I too have the exact same experience as you describe. Thanks to you and others I will contact S&W for a shipping label. Agreed, this is way to long and hard a pull, and invites laser bobble and easily results in a pulled shot to either side depending upon righty or lefty.

 

[tech363]

I purchased the BG380 for my wife as a CCW. After field testing, we realized she could only fire a couple of rounds before tiring. I fired the weapon as well and had the same problem. I contacted S&W and they were very professional and quick in response regarding a shipping label and details of warranty work. We recently received the repaired product and, while there is a minimal difference in trigger pull, it is still not a reliable firearm. I contacted S&W again regarding the issue. We even tried other models of S&W firearms to provide an example of the trigger pull we prefer. On the second correspondence, S&W seemed to have no concern or solution to the ongoing issue. I plan to trade the BG380 on a reliable CCW and make sure I don't make the same mistake again in purchasing S&W products.

 

[dbbrooks]

Really? All the way?

Well. my second trip to the range with the BG380. First time I shot it at the end of my shooting and I was surprised by the long pull but I was running out of time, stopped shooting and didn't give it much more thought. Today I took it and it seemed to have such a long pull I felt like I was running out of squeeze to get it to roll over and when it finally did I was always off target aim so to speak. I tried and tried but rarely good stay in physical control of my aim while trying to get to the END of go dammit! So when I got home I cleaned the gun and watched the action dry firing. The gun doesn't roll over until you are against the trigger guard. Is this right? I'm serious it always felt like I was running out of finger to get it to fire! I understand the hard pull and long pull for safety and I actually like that but for whatever sakes all the way to the guard? I would be very grateful for some feedback. Do I have a bad gun or is it a bad gun?

 

[RobsTV]

... Today I took it and it seemed to have such a long pull I felt like I was running out of squeeze to get it to roll over........ So when I got home I cleaned the gun and watched the action dry firing. The gun doesn't roll over until you are against the trigger guard. Is this right? I'm serious it always felt like I was running out of finger to get it to fire!....

Almost same results with my BG380.

It does not touch the trigger guard before firing, but is so close, I could see how some might think it is touching. Not good. Based on reviews, seems normal.

 

[dbbrooks]

Alternative

So, I guess I have to surrender and look for another because if this is normal I don't like it. Ant suggestions?

 

[RobsTV]

So, I guess I have to surrender and look for another because if this is normal I don't like it. Ant suggestions?

Problem is, if you want something small and in the power range as the BG380, they all seem to be lacking something. While the BG380 trigger is not liked, it is still better than most triggers in the small and light pistol group. I went with a Shield 40 for excellent trigger in a pocket carry package, but still a huge gun in comparison to the BG380. Unfortunately, it's all about compromise, and the Shield wins this one hands down.

My finger and hand is sore after 2 magazines in the BG380, just doesn't fit right, yet the wife can shoot 50 rounds without problem. It's her gun now. No problems with the Shield shooting all day long. Even shooting 40 rounds through my S&W 500 is more enjoyable to me than using the BG380.

 

[dbbrooks]

Problem is, if you want something small and in the power range as the BG380, they all seem to be lacking something. While the BG380 trigger is not liked, it is still better than most triggers in the small and light pistol group. I went with a Shield 40 for excellent trigger in a pocket carry package, but still a huge gun in comparison to the BG380. Unfortunately, it's all about compromise, and the Shield wins this one hands down.

My finger and hand is sore after 2 magazines in the BG380, just doesn't fit right, yet the wife can shoot 50 rounds without problem. It's her gun now. No problems with the Shield shooting all day long. Even shooting 40 rounds through my S&W 500 is more enjoyable to me than using the BG380.

I agree completely and thanks for your reply. After I shoot two mags I want to put the gun away.I have the Shield 9mm and it truly is a wonderful gun. I am paranoid and maybe I shouldn't be. I want to carry and have no fear of concealment issues (print etc.) and I just haven't found a way to carry the Shield comfortably. It is a little big for the pocket and IWB is tough because I tuck my shirt in and living in SE Florida I wear very light clothing. I'd carry the Shield all the time if I could find a way to do it comfortably and not worry about being singled out because someone figured it out. Any suggestions I'd be very glad to hear them!

 

[huk_finn]

plastic wire tie,put it between your finger and trigger. Pull trigger back to just before it fires and hold it there till you fasten the wiretie around the back of grip.
Put in storage for a week or 2, this should stretch/weaken the spring.
I never tried it , but heard it works.
It wont do anything for the long pull though

 

[radar1972]

I've had a BG for almost 2 years and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Long trigger pull? Yes, but it's DAO and that's the way they are. I don't use the manual safety, so I prefer the long pull. As others have stated, it might keep you from making a mistake when it matters most.
I did not buy it for a range gun, I bought it because it's a great little carry pistol that is very, very easy to carry, either in a belt holster or in a pocket holster.
The laser? I think I've turned it on maybe three times since I bought it. If it ever breaks, I wouldn't know it 'cause I don't use it. If I ever get into a SHTF situation, that silly laser is the last thing I'll be thinking about.

 

[jstanfield103]

I traded my BG380 and have regretted it ever since, have another one on the way. It does have a long trigger pull. It is suppose to have a long trigger pull this is normal for this style of gun. Look at the Ruger 380's and the other's this is designed into the gun. I have a Sig Sauer P290 pocket 9mm that is also very long in the trigger. I would not want a pocket gun that did not have the long trigger pull.
I do believe there is a company coming out with a fix for it but can't remember their name as of yet because I was not interested in it. It will reduce the trigger pull some how. But I would prefer to keep the warranty intact.

 

[3dots]

I actully love the trigger on this ccw. It's extremely safe so you got one in the pipe, no need to rack. It's long but you can feel the break point and can come real close to it on next rounds. For me it also adds a relaxed smooth pressure in my palm and helps me get on target quickly. 500 rounds Fed American Eagle and not a single FTF FTE or lock open...that is some clean burning stuff. Hell, I'm in love with this recipe!

 

[K.macocker]

I have pulled the trigger of several BGs. Some pulled nice and efficient (long and stiffer than any other gun it's size) But it worked well.
While some others were down right terrible and useless!!
my friend bought one, and my wife couldn't get it to fire. I tried and nothing. My buddy tried and nothing. Unloaded and tinkered and finally got it to work dryfiring. Loaded and finally got it to fire. Worst trigger pull of any gun ever. This is Not "normal for a pocket gun"!!!

So I've seen the decent ones and the ones that are nearly impossible to shoot.
It's not "supposed to be that way" as some has claimed. I'm guessing those people have a decent one and believe everyone has a BG like theirs.

I've pulled the trigger on kel-tec, diamondback, LCD, TCP, and BG. The BG has been the worst every time!! Even the "good" ones sucked compared to other mentioned guns.
We love our S&W FS 9 and .40. But this BG is not for me.
We now own a pair of TCPs and love them!! Best trigger of the pocket guns hands down. While long for safety reasons, No issues what so ever.
The LCP was ok. Trigger was better than the BG but still heavy. And doesn't hold the slide back after last shot and that killed it for me.
People that have the Kel-Tec seem to love theirs. We love our TCPs. I know..... "Taurus sucks" lol. I'd prefer a s&w but they cost 2x more and have severe trigger issues! So to avoid all this I now have a Shield!! Lol

Yes I know this is an old thread I'm revising.

Enjoy
Kmac

 

[toyfarmerjj]

My BG is a serial # ECE, Just bought it and shot it two days ago. Now I am a die hard S&W collector… but I was very disappointed with my BG. First I had trouble racking the slide. My friend who I shoot with weekly also had difficulty pulling the slide. When I did shoot my BG it misfired 5 times and jammed twice in 50 rounds. THe trigger pull was not an issue in that I have been shooting my LCP. My laser was right on target. I will continue to shoot my BG, but I am not going to make it my carry weapon.

 

[donhov]

Mine is about 2 months old. Serial # KAK XXXX. I have fired approximately 200 rounds but constantly dry fire it while sitting here on the computer. Would guess 500 or so rounds. As stated above, very long trigger pull. Mine breaks about 1/32 before the trigger guard. Pull is under 10# but very consistent. Breaks cleanly. Definitely not a target quality gun but quite accurate for such a short barrel. Wife also had one,
Serial # KAR XXXX traded for a Sig 238. Haven't fired the Sig till next week but very easy for her to rack the slide, not so much with the S&W which was one of the reasons for trading it off. They are almost exactly the same size. Cant see anything of the bottom one when they are laying one on top of the other. Surprised me. I don't like "Plastic" guns but for quick and easy I love my BG. Mine surprisingly came from the factory with the all steel barrel, not the MIM one in my wife's pistol. And the trigger pull is not great but as said above acceptable and consistent. Galloway makes a replacement part(Short trigger bar) that moves the trigger forward a little but no one seems to be able short of changing springs etc) to be able to substantially lighten it without creating more malfunctions, at least that was my impression after reading many threads about this problem.

 

[limodude]

Iam new to the forum but I do own a bodyguard .mine has functioned flawless. With over 600 rds of all kinds! But it is a newer model KAM serial # bought in 2013 no ff no ffeed laser works perfect thou I only use it now and then.

I WOULD GUESS my trigger pull is arund 10 lbs but its only my bug so nbd it a do what it was designed for inho mine rides in a De Santis pocket holster in my front pocket I forget its there ! Its NOT a target gun wasn't built for that nor was the trigger but if you take the time at the range to learn the tricks to shooting good groups at 7 yds it can be done ymmv

Iam glad I bought later production run as it has not had 1 single problem I trust it with my life.I guess they got the kinks worked out

Even my take down lever is easy to remove with a figernail and snaps right in place once you know how atleast mine does again ymmv .

 

[Bill Brown Hardhead]

Wife CCW

I bought the BG380 for my 71 year old wife who had previously carried a 40 year old S&W .38 special, all steel and now way to heavy. I was warned by a gun shop owner about the trigger pull, but thought he just wanted to sell me a different pistol and didn't think any more about it until today. We had a chance to check her out with her new toy and after several minutes of dry fire we went hot. She started complaining about the trigger 'not working' almost from the first magazine, but I thought she just had to get used to the new feel. I was wrong! It has the longest pull of any of our several handguns. I am much bigger than she is and it clearly doesn't really fit my hand, but I allowed for that and still found the pull too uncertain for my taste. She carries this in a Sneaky Pete holster, not in her purse, and while I don't expect a hair trigger, for my preference and experience it needs to be modified to some extent.

 

[rcamp01]

This is the fix visit this page
Short Stroke Trigger Kit for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 pistols :: Bodyguard 380 Performance Parts :: Smith & Wesson® Performance :: Galloway Precision

 

[rcamp01]

The fix video
How To Videos :: Galloway Precision

 

[kramden]

I got the Galloway kit . Best $ I've ever spent on a gun. Night and day difference!

 

[ecurrent]

How to contact S & W

UPDATE: Got my gun back from S&W. Fixed! Whatever they did to the trigger made a night vs day difference. I think they did some other fine tuning as well. The laser is dialed right in now, where before it was way off right/low & I had not yet adjusted it. They did throw in an extra free magazine, which I think is the least they could do after really disappointing me with a brand new gun that messed up. Very happy with their customer service though. Reminder of why I spent a little extra on the Smith name & warranty I guess. Will report back with any issues as more rounds are put through it. Hope the other issues I'm seeing here clear up. It really is a great little gun.

I have the same problem shooting low & right + horrible trigger pull. I am security for our little church and bought the 380 so I wouldn't freak out any visitors with my Glock. The weapon is just too dangerous to use in a room full of people. How do I contact S&W? I'd PAY to have them fix it. This isnt my first S&W but it is the first to disappoint.