BODYGUARD 380 VS LCP

[rEVOLVED]

Hey, everybody. I am going to the gun show today to look for a new concealed carry gun. I just sold my kel-tec PF-9 to have more money to put towards a micro 380. I shot the Bodyguard and loved it. Haven't shot the LCP recently enough to remember if I like it. Any opinions? If I do get the LCP, it will probably be the CT model, since I dont have good enough eyes for those tiny fixed sights.

I understand the Bodyguard is a little bigger/heavier than the LCP, but which one is a better pocket pistol? I want something that I can have on me at ALLLLLL times. I am right on the fence with these two. The LCP is attractive because of size/weight and I think CT is a better laser than the Insight, but I've read of many accuracy issues with the LCP. Thanks to anyone who has some help to offer. Trying to make a decision TODAY

 

[smitholdtimer]

rEVOLVED

This will not answer your question between the two pocket pistols you mentioned but I will share "Hear Say" information I received just last week. While visiting a local Gun Store I had asked about the LCP and was handed a "Diamondback" brand very similar to the Kel-tec and the LCP. The manager advised that the trigger pull on this Diamondback was so much better and that several of the local Policemen had switched to it and traded off their LCP's as BUG's. I have not obtained one nor done more than "Dry Fire" but can attest that the trigger is much better and the three white dot sights are more visible for older eyes. The Crimson Trace is available also. You may want to investigate and I'm not a rep for any brand and I know this is a S&W site also. Just thought I'd share this as information to be used as you see fit. Regards

 

[RSY]

Trigger pull is the last thing I would be concerned about with these guns. If it ever comes time to use one, that'll be the last thing on your mind. Reliability is king...it is all that matters with these platforms.

 

[mlk18]

I went with the LCP as I am not a fan of lasers and do not want to have one integral to the gun (especially when I have to pay for the feature like it or not). My LCP is slick, smooth and very small. I have about 250 rounds through it with no issues. The sights are horrible, but they are all you need on a pocket gun. And once I painted the front sight neon green they are actually usable. This gun rides in my pocket as a back up, but I would not be afraid to carry it alone if the situation warranted.

The Diamondback on the other hand has a reputation for being unreliable. But I will let you do that research on your own. Good luck.

 

[Loco Weed]

I had a BG380 and after two trips to factory and problems still cropping up I traded it in. Other shooters are having still more problems. I got an LCP and it's highly accurate and carries the same as my several P3ATs and uses the same holsters. I'm through with the BG forever and really love my LCP.

 

[Harry58]

I shot both & went with the BG380. It fit & felt better in my hand. IMHO the sights are better, it has a bit less felt recoil, & the bit of extra weight is not an issue. It still fits nicely in a front pocket.

 

[gunlovingirl]

+1 for the BG380

 

[zbird]

I also went with the LCP, I have no need for a lasor on a gun that will be shot with in 7 feet, (as most gun fights are). Also, there will be no time to turn on the lasor, hopefully enough time to point and shoot.

 

[rEVOLVED]

Thanks, everybody, for your input. I was able to get the LCP at the local gun show for $315 after tax. It all came down to the fact that I was looking for something to have on me as often as possible, and the LCP is undoubtedly less bulky/lighter than the BG. Leaving for the range in about half an hour to test it out. Probably won't post range reports here since it is the S&W forum.

 

[dirtdigs]

Love the BG 380. My wife and I bought an LCP for her and a BG for me at the same time. Got both out on the range and we both immediately didn't like the LCP. Very weak sights, no slide lock on the last round and it is a handful to shoot, compared to the BG. Have put plenty of defense rounds down range to have high confidence for CCW.
Bottom line the Ruger is up for sale and we have his/hers BG380's now.

 

[tracel2000]

I just purchased this gun (BG380) two weeks ago. My only complaint was that the buttons to activate the laser were extremely hard to use. I had to push the buttons multiple times before the laser would activate. The gunsmith at the store I bought the gun from said there was no fix for this and that it was an inherent problem with this pistol; however, I contacted S&W customer support who sent me new buttons within three days, which were firmer. Now the laser activates easily and I could not be happier with this gun. I tested similar guns in this class, such as the Ruger LCP, and I preferred the looks, feel, price and the performance of the Bodyguard 380. I highly recommend this gun for concealed carry. IMHO, this is the best looking gun in its class, and has a great price (S&W recently lowered the MSRP as of April 2011) to $399

Highlights:

1. Light weight, easily concealed in pocket

2. Locks open on last round

3. Integrated laser:

a. Three modes:

i. Depress buttons (ambidextrous) once: laser on

ii. Depress twice: pulsating laser

iii. Depress third time: laser off.

iv. Automatic laser deactivation after five minutes (for accidental laser engagement)

4. Initial buttons that came with gun (April 2011) very difficult to activate the laser.

a. S&W customer support acknowledged the buttons on some models were too “soft.”

b. S&W mailed new firmer buttons to me, that arrived in three days, and were easy to install.

c. The new buttons worked much better/perfectly, and the laser now activates easily

5. Integrated safety

6. DOA

7. Reliable.

8. Feel of gun in hand is perfect for me (better than others in class)

9. Accurate.

10. Looks smooth and “cool.”



Thank you for all of your reviews.

Best regards.