Which one do I want? Bodyguard or LCP? Obviously the one with the track record of reliability and durability. Laser is a nice feature but not a requirement. So, do I go with the more expensive S&W or opt for the LCP and use the saved cash for some target ammo?
Bodyguard or LCP?
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Not to change your train of thought or desires, but, instead of the LCP take a good look at the LC9. Just a little bit bigger but much easier to shoot and control. If the laser is a need, CT has one available for the LC9. The LC9 has replaced my 3913 as EDC.
Already have a P380 that was returned to Kahr five weeks ago. Hopefully it'll come back soon. Also have a PM9 that's been a tremendous performer for the past seven years and I wouldn't trade it for anything. My 21A .22 LR, SP101 .357 and M&P 40C are also keepers. Just wanting to add another mouse gun to the stable and having a difficult time deciding.
LCP. Well made, reliable and accurate. Better value too. Not butt ugly either! 
All the deputies who like 380 for a BUG went with the Ruger LCP. All of them are well satisfied.
I'd personally choose the LC9 as I'm not a 380 fan. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI.
All the deputies who like 380 for a BUG went with the Ruger LCP. All of them are well satisfied.
I'd personally choose the LC9 as I'm not a 380 fan. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI.
I dont care for anything in 380 but did get a LC9... and it is for sale. The best LC9 trigger will never equal the worse S&W J frame.
Assuming that you are comfortable with the effectiveness of the .380 round, the question should be which of the two feels best in your hand.
I own both and have found each to be reliable and accurate (within the limits of the .380 round). These are meant to be among the smallest of the centerfire pistols which means the barrels are short and the grips can usually handle only two fingers.
Both S&W and Ruger build fine firearms and both models have been on the market long enough to work out most operational "kinks". So my advise, for what it is worth, is go to your local range, rent each pistol, and find out which fits you the best.
I own both and have found each to be reliable and accurate (within the limits of the .380 round). These are meant to be among the smallest of the centerfire pistols which means the barrels are short and the grips can usually handle only two fingers.
Both S&W and Ruger build fine firearms and both models have been on the market long enough to work out most operational "kinks". So my advise, for what it is worth, is go to your local range, rent each pistol, and find out which fits you the best.
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greybeard43
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FWIW you cannot fire +p ammo in the Ruger. You can in the smith. For around 350 bucks (including laser), you get the smith. Adding the laser to the Ruger costs quite a bit extra. I have read that the Ruger can be somewhat tempermental in different types of ammo. The Smith (in my experience) is not. As the man said, both are american firearms with excellent warranty service. Both are good value. I would say buy the one that you like the best.
cooperduper
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LCP +P
Just curious where the info about no +P in the Ruger came from? My early production gun came with a manual with no statement saying "no +P". Has something been learned after these have been on the street for a while?
Just curious where the info about no +P in the Ruger came from? My early production gun came with a manual with no statement saying "no +P". Has something been learned after these have been on the street for a while?
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greybeard43
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The manual says that +p ammo may result in the need for more frequent service. It also says that +p+ ammo must not be used. I have read that people have talked to the S&W svc reps and were told that +p was ok although not for extended shooting sessions. (stuff is too expensive for that anyway)
rck281
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I have owned and used a Seecamp 380, Kel-Tec P3AT, Ruger LCP and Kahr 380. IMHO the Kahr is by far the best of the lot. The Seecamp is very small and well made but is very difficult to shoot. I really like the Kel-Tec better than the Ruger. I think it is easier to shoot - maybe it just fits my hand better. Never had a chance to try the Bodyguard.
Haven't tried the LCP, but have a BG380 and love it. Well built and accurate with little practice. The Kahr CM9 is also a fine pistol in 9mm. The cheaper version of the PM9.
The CM9 was not available at the time so I got the BG380.
If price is a concern and you don't need the laser, the LCP would be my choice in 380.
The CM9 was not available at the time so I got the BG380.
If price is a concern and you don't need the laser, the LCP would be my choice in 380.
Maximumbob54
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I already traded my LCP away. I had rented one before so I should have known better. The thing is just too small for my hand. I still prefer and love my Bersa Thunder .380 for a "small" gun. I just don't care for micro autos. Too whippy, to hard to see sights, just too small. I would carry a 442/642 now before buying either one. But if you must, I found the Ruger to have better fit and finish than the BG's I looked at.
I have owned, at various times, a BG380, an LCP, and a Bersa 380. I don't have any of them now. I do have an LC9, and really like it.
The LCP is just too small for me. I can see that it is great as the ultimate deep conceal pistol...but it was just too uncomfortable to want to practice with, which I believe should be done.
The BG380 is a nicer, better fit...however, I traded it with another pistol for a 1911 that I wanted. I wouldn't mind having another BG380, and very well might again, just for grins...but my LC9 is filling any CCW needs I have. I feel better carrying a 9mm than a .380; that might not be the ultimate scientific justification, but it is more comforting to me.
I wanted to like the Bersa 380, but the trigger was stiff and heavy, and the finish seemed cheap and rough. I had the "stainless" finish...if I ever do buy another one, I'd like to have the CC model, in black. I might buy one, just to have...but like I said, the LC9 is answering any needs I have at the moment.
The LCP is just too small for me. I can see that it is great as the ultimate deep conceal pistol...but it was just too uncomfortable to want to practice with, which I believe should be done.
The BG380 is a nicer, better fit...however, I traded it with another pistol for a 1911 that I wanted. I wouldn't mind having another BG380, and very well might again, just for grins...but my LC9 is filling any CCW needs I have. I feel better carrying a 9mm than a .380; that might not be the ultimate scientific justification, but it is more comforting to me.
I wanted to like the Bersa 380, but the trigger was stiff and heavy, and the finish seemed cheap and rough. I had the "stainless" finish...if I ever do buy another one, I'd like to have the CC model, in black. I might buy one, just to have...but like I said, the LC9 is answering any needs I have at the moment.
the suggestion of the lc9 imo is the best. i had a lcp which was doable but the trigger on the lc9 is better. bodyguard 380 i also had one, bought it, fired it, and sold it all in 2 days. the trigger was horrible with a long reset and the buttons for the laser didn't work properly
jdh
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I got the BG cheaper than I could have picked up the LCP so it was no contest.
What really sold me on the BG was the sights. It has real sights dovetailed into the slide instead of the little nubs left over from the machining on the slide of the LCP.
What really sold me on the BG was the sights. It has real sights dovetailed into the slide instead of the little nubs left over from the machining on the slide of the LCP.
greybeard43
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I intend to replace mine with tritium in the future when they start coming out with those things. At least with the bodyguard you have that option. I have read gripes and b#@$#es about the trigger, laser, you name it. If you don't like it, buy something else, some people like to get on these forums and nit pick. If you paid attention, you probably wouldn't buy anything.
iflyem1
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I have the LCP and love it. Most of the guys I know that carry off duty use the LCP for in the pocket carry.
Will Carry
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I have a Ruger LC9 and really like it. It's too big for a pocket pistol unless you have big pockets. There is nothing like a little 380 pocket pistol! I have a DB380 that I carry everywhere either as a BUG or a light carry.
The 380 round gets very little respect from some people, but don't let that dissuade you from buying one. The LCP would be my choice. I consider it a contact weapon. When the barrel makes contact with flesh, operate trigger. My DB380, however is more accurate and has less felt recoil than the LCP.
The 380 round gets very little respect from some people, but don't let that dissuade you from buying one. The LCP would be my choice. I consider it a contact weapon. When the barrel makes contact with flesh, operate trigger. My DB380, however is more accurate and has less felt recoil than the LCP.
USAF385
US Veteran
My two cents:
I bought an LCP a while back because I wanted something extra small for those occasions where I needed it. It was a good gun and served its purpose well. It had no real sights but I always defended it by saying it wasn't a target gun and not meant to be fired at any real distance.
Later I picked up a BG380 on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. It fits my hands better, is easier for me to shoot, and the fact that it actually has sights makes it very accurate... even at greater distances.
The safety is another feature to consider. The BG has one, the LCP does not. Depending on your preference that's a good thing, a bad thing, or.. it doesn't matter.
The laser is yet another feature to consider. I don't use it personally. I just don't use lasers. I did try it just to see how it works and it was dead on straight from the box. I'm sad to say I had a better grouping with the laser than without. All seven rounds in a quarter size at 10 yards. My BG is newer and from what I can tell doesn't have the hard laser button issue. It's easy to turn on and cycle through.
I kept the BG and traded the LCP. For me, the BG was simply better overall. It's the only gun I comfortably carry in a pocket holster.
Essentially, the only thing that matters is which one works best for you... unfortunately the only way to find that out is to shoot both.
The LC9 is far too big in my opinion to be a substitute for an LCP or BG. Yeah, it's a 9mm but a lot of the time the reason for a .380 is the size. The only way I could comfortably carry an LC9 is in a IWB holster.. and in that case I'd rather carry my G27 for more rounds and an overall better gun... considering it's not much thicker.
I bought an LCP a while back because I wanted something extra small for those occasions where I needed it. It was a good gun and served its purpose well. It had no real sights but I always defended it by saying it wasn't a target gun and not meant to be fired at any real distance.
Later I picked up a BG380 on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. It fits my hands better, is easier for me to shoot, and the fact that it actually has sights makes it very accurate... even at greater distances.
The safety is another feature to consider. The BG has one, the LCP does not. Depending on your preference that's a good thing, a bad thing, or.. it doesn't matter.
The laser is yet another feature to consider. I don't use it personally. I just don't use lasers. I did try it just to see how it works and it was dead on straight from the box. I'm sad to say I had a better grouping with the laser than without. All seven rounds in a quarter size at 10 yards. My BG is newer and from what I can tell doesn't have the hard laser button issue. It's easy to turn on and cycle through.
I kept the BG and traded the LCP. For me, the BG was simply better overall. It's the only gun I comfortably carry in a pocket holster.
Essentially, the only thing that matters is which one works best for you... unfortunately the only way to find that out is to shoot both.
The LC9 is far too big in my opinion to be a substitute for an LCP or BG. Yeah, it's a 9mm but a lot of the time the reason for a .380 is the size. The only way I could comfortably carry an LC9 is in a IWB holster.. and in that case I'd rather carry my G27 for more rounds and an overall better gun... considering it's not much thicker.
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