Bodyguard .380 vs. LCP Custom?

[TripleB]

I've got my first concealed carry handgun narrowed down to two choices: the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380 (no laser) or the Ruger LCP Custom .380.

I'm going to be carrying it in the front pocket of my blue jeans/dockers/short (in a holster of course) because that is the spot that will best suit my current needs and situation.

Can't find a Bodyguard .380 without a laser to try (or an LCP Custom for that matter) at any local ranges.

If there is anyone out there who has purchased one of these two pocket pistols? If so, which one did you go with and what was the deciding factor in your decision?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

btw: I realize this is a Smith & Wesson forum so the consensus would probably be for the Bodyguard, but I'd really like to hear why you chose it over the LCP...or maybe you went with the LCP or LCP Custom

TripleB

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I'm a m&p lover. But the LCP is a better pistol IMHO. The trigger is dramatically better on the LCP (although my understanding is the early LCP triggers were awful). I don't know about the "custom". I carry the stainless as my EDC. I would highly recommend.

 

[Brother_Bluto]

Looked at both, rented/shot both. The BG felt better in my hand. Trigger isn't an issue for me.

 

[Lead Pipe]

I haven't shot either but after holding both at my LGS I would lean towards the LCP. Just felt better in my hands. I have to shoot both before my final verdict though.

 

[db4570]

Many will disagree, but I chose the BG over the LCP (which I previously owned and liked a lot) mainly for the external safety. Even with the long hard trigger pull, I am more comfortable with a safety.

Two of your conditions make me recommend a safety even more strongly for you: 1st time CC, and pocket carry. Although for a first CC I might also recommend a larger gun.

David

 

[Old cop]

I purchased the LCP when it first came out so I can't speak to the newer custom model, but my LCP had every failure known to plague an auto loader. I'd given up until I got the no laser Smith .380 in February and after 600 + rounds of FMJ & HP not a single failure. Just my two cents worth.

 

[DocB]

I've got them both and prefer the new LCP Custom. It just seems smaller and lighter to me. They both shoot really good.

 

[Gaucho59]

I compared both (I'm a M&P fan and carry a Shield and a 9c). For me the Custom's trigger was far superior and the reviews on the 'net for the BG were pretty universally negative. I have 1000+ flawless rounds thru my LCP Custom and love it. With the Hogue grip, it's actually fun (and surprisingly accurate even out to 50 ft!) to shoot. I'm not a fan of pocket carry however and usually carry my Shield or 9c. When I do carry the Custom, it's IWB and appendix. It completely disappears there and is super easy to draw quickly with a good firing grip. Hope this helps...

 

[pesty3782]

I have had both and both shoot pretty good. The plus on the Smith is the slide locks back unlike the LCP. The trigger on the LCP is much better than the Smith. I sold the Smith and continue to carry the LCP Custom. Plate racks at 10 yards is doable with both guns.

Tony P.

 

[oldiegoldie]

I carry the BG with laser. Have dry fired the LCP and the trigger pull is better than the BG. What keeps me carrying the BG is it is a true double action only. The hammer is not partially cocked as is the LCP. It has re-strike capability, while the LCP doesn't. And BG has an external safety. It all comes down to what is important to you. Both are very good. You might want to look at the new Remington RM380 also. Good luck.