Bodyguard .380

blackram_air

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For those that our interested like myself. I have read that the new bodyguard .380 would sell for $575. Well I just found that Impact guns it taking orders for $449.99. Not a bad price considering it comes with the laser.
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$449.50 looks like the MSRP. Not sure that is just Impact's price or not. I might be willing to go that if it feels right in my hand. I don't have gigantic monkey hands but they're not tiny doll hands either. I hope it feels right. I've thought about a Taurus 738 TCP (less than $300) but I'd be willing to go the extra money for an American made S&W w/built-in laser.
I've never shot a .380. Is it a good choice for a CCW? They seem to be real popular as of late but I've read articles stating they are not suitable for a CCW.
 
$449.50 looks like the MSRP. Not sure that is just Impact's price or not. I might be willing to go that if it feels right in my hand. I don't have gigantic monkey hands but they're not tiny doll hands either. I hope it feels right. I've thought about a Taurus 738 TCP (less than $300) but I'd be willing to go the extra money for an American made S&W w/built-in laser.
I've never shot a .380. Is it a good choice for a CCW? They seem to be real popular as of late but I've read articles stating they are not suitable for a CCW.

Hey ... the .380 was good enough for James Bond. Wasn't it??

I shot a sheet of 3/4' plywood with my .380 Kel-Tek P3AT. All I can say is that I wouldn't want to get hit by a .380, especially with home defense loads.
 
Hey ... the .380 was good enough for James Bond. Wasn't it??

In fact I believe that Mr. Bond's Walther PPK was, at least in the novels, chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm).

(Prior to that, in From Russia With Love I believe he carried a .25ACP Beretta).

So yeah - it ought to be plenty!

--Neill
 
I don't recall the exact quote but I believe the reluctant Bond was told he had to upgrade to the 32 because it hit like a brick through a plate glass window. The awesome power of the 32 seems mostly appreciated by the Europeans.
 
The 380 will certainly kill you. While not the best choice in any gunfight, my LCP makes carry possible when I can't carry my 40. I carried (pocket) my J-frame for years when the weather was hot and wearing cover clothes made shoulder or waistband carry difficult.The J-frame seemed to be pulling my pants down and was never comfortable. No joke, you can almost forget you're carrying the LCP in a pocket holster the gun being so thin and light. The Body Guard looks like a nice pistol. The application of a pocket gun doesn't really require a laser, in my opinion, and S&W probably should offer the same model without a laser. Looks exciting, but expensive.
 
Just recently shot a Walther PPK 380 (james bond) at the range this pass weekend and loved it....never fired a 380 round before...Snappy lil bugger! Just browsing around the S&W site for what my next potential CCW would be I noticed the Body Gaurd series ads. Very interesting! Cant wait to see them pop up for sale! I might have to consider one
 
Impact guns it taking orders for $449.99

Not to cast aspersions, but Impact Guns is rarely the lowest price dealer around. I would bet they sell elsewhere for less. $450 seems high to me even with a laser.
 
I am considering the Taurus PT738 (US made also I hear) and like it's clean no-snag build. For my daughter I like the Smith because I anticipate an element of deterrence with the laser. It dramatically advertises to the potential target that they are obviously facing something out of the ordinary. It may also attract attention more broadly.
I'll have to review the operation of the two guns though. I don't want my daughter to have extra steps to deal with.
 
I am considering the Taurus PT738 (US made also I hear) and like it's clean no-snag build. For my daughter I like the Smith because I anticipate an element of deterrence with the laser. It dramatically advertises to the potential target that they are obviously facing something out of the ordinary. It may also attract attention more broadly.
I'll have to review the operation of the two guns though. I don't want my daughter to have extra steps to deal with.

You post presents a "target rich environment."

I will not carry a handgun without a laser primarily because it permits me to remain well trained economically. As an instructor, I view the laser as more important as a training aid than a tactical aid for the non-professional.

More important, however, there is no practical deterrence value for anyone carrying a concealed laser-equipped handgun. I can't think of a scenario where an opponent would have "evaluation time" to be deterred and your daughter (or anyone else) would survive the outcome of providing that amount of time where something bad will happen. And it is illegal in most places to "brandish."

I hope other instructors chime in as well.
 
I am anti-laser for the most part. As a Firearms Instructor I am very focused on the fundamentals of shooting (especially instinctive shooting, target identification and point shooting). In my experience; most people can point shoot with greater speed and accuracy than an equally well trained person can shoot with a laser equipped handgun. But I agree that it could be used as a good training aid. Especially in the understanding of how trigger pull effects accuracy and point of aim.

I also agree that a laser would do little in the way of deterrence. If the situation has reached the point that a gun needs to be drawn the next step is up to the bad guy; fight or flight. If he stays the only deterrent should be a chest wound. If he runs that gun needs to go back to concealment asap.
 
I don't have a laser, so I can't have someone point it at me to verify this, but I doubt that the laser's beam is very visible to someone unless it's pointing right in their eyes. I'll bet that the 'bad guy' won't see the little red dancing dot unless they are looking down at their chest, and what 'bad guy' will be looking at their own chest? I see little or no deterrence factor here at all...

Now, I can understand a tactical flashlight and its a big, bright beam that leaves no doubt that the intended victim has highlighted the 'bag guy.' This may deter the 'bad guy' who will go pick on someone less prepared.

My $0.02.
 
Just can't wrap my arms(hands) around the bodyguard.. I would opt for the Taurus slim in 9mm before spending that amount on something that looks like it is the black sheep of the family. zorro49
 

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