I owned a first generation LCP that was so troublesome it was replaced and I got rid of it b/c I lost trust in the product. Next came the Glock 42, another disaster that I got rid of (Glock folks were not very customer friendly). My M&P .380 (no laser) was purchased this past February and has been 100% w/over 600 rounds of FMJ & HP. Maybe it's just luck but I like the S&W b/c of it's reliability and accuracy.
Bodyguard or LCP
- Thread starter PirateJim
- Start date
I have both. Actually, I have had one far longer than the other. My LCP has the brushed stainless slide and has always been flawless.
My BG was an early model (EAAxxxx) with all the issues. I sent it back to S&W to be repaired. They decided it couldn't be repaired and would send me a new one. We've been in that holding pattern for several months now. They say they are waiting for production.
IF I ever get the replacement gun, I'll break it in and let you know how it works compared to the Ruger. I only wish S&W had sent my BG to a media test session. I bet the replacement would have been a lot quicker in coming.
Right now, based on customer care, my nod goes to Ruger. I hate to say that - I've owned S&W products for nearly six decades.
My BG was an early model (EAAxxxx) with all the issues. I sent it back to S&W to be repaired. They decided it couldn't be repaired and would send me a new one. We've been in that holding pattern for several months now. They say they are waiting for production.
IF I ever get the replacement gun, I'll break it in and let you know how it works compared to the Ruger. I only wish S&W had sent my BG to a media test session. I bet the replacement would have been a lot quicker in coming.
Right now, based on customer care, my nod goes to Ruger. I hate to say that - I've owned S&W products for nearly six decades.
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I purchased a Bodyguard and it's been 100% reliable for me, but it is modified (RTK trigger, a few springs, hardened firing pin, grips).
I think the LCP's out of the box were/are more reliable in general, but that doesn't mean they're all great. Smaller and lighter than the Bodyguard which is nice, until you go to shoot it. Just too small for my hands, personally.
Pocket guns from all manufacturers seem to be notoriously hit and miss in this price range. And if it's not the gun, it's the ammo. To me, that makes it very important to have a pistol that can handle malfunctions and problems because no matter what you get it WILL happen eventually.
The Bodyguards DAO second-strike capability is really nice. I haven't needed it yet, but I'd rather pull the trigger twice than have to take my gun out of battery to rack a bad round out.
Last round hold open is important to me. All my autos do this, it's a feature I've trained with since day 1. The LCP not holding open bothered me.
I think the LCP's out of the box were/are more reliable in general, but that doesn't mean they're all great. Smaller and lighter than the Bodyguard which is nice, until you go to shoot it. Just too small for my hands, personally.
Pocket guns from all manufacturers seem to be notoriously hit and miss in this price range. And if it's not the gun, it's the ammo. To me, that makes it very important to have a pistol that can handle malfunctions and problems because no matter what you get it WILL happen eventually.
The Bodyguards DAO second-strike capability is really nice. I haven't needed it yet, but I'd rather pull the trigger twice than have to take my gun out of battery to rack a bad round out.
Last round hold open is important to me. All my autos do this, it's a feature I've trained with since day 1. The LCP not holding open bothered me.
I looked at both at the time I bought my BG and liked the features of it over the Ruger as mentioned in the previous post. Mine came with the laser which I thought was also an added benefit. Mine originally had some feeding issues but the gunsmith where I purchased the gun polished the ramp and barrel and it's never had a problem with any ammo including hollow points since then. I do not carry it often as I try to keep my Shield with me most of the time. I took it to the range recently as I had not fired it in awhile and I remembered a couple of things I had forgotten, like it is not a fun gun to shoot. After I bought the BG, I got a deal on a Sig P238 that came with night sites (and a laser that could be attached which I've never done) and an extended magazine. I find this gun is much easier to shoot and it isn't much bigger than the BG so it might be something to consider if you can get a deal. Most of the little Sigs are priced to high in my opinion and I wouldn't have purchased it if I hadn't got a deal, but I did and I'm happy with the gun although I still haven't sold my BG for some reason. Regards, Elliot45
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For small, I like the Kel-Tec 3AT. JMHO. Fits in front jeans pocket even with the new, smaller, less fabric front pockets now fitted on most jeans.
tjhodges310
Member
I own the laser-less BG 380 for when the Shield won't work. My father-in-law owns an LCP (one of the older ones with milled sights and longer trigger pull). Neither of us have had any issues with either of ours. Personally I have owned the BG for just over a year and I would estimate I have 1500 rounds through it without a single hiccup. There's a little bit of ware on the barrel but that's to be expected.
IMHO, I believe the BG is a better built pistol and a much better value. The BG is a Melonite finish and the LCP is blued. You also get 2 mags with the BG and just 1 with the LCP . Also, the guild rod on the BG is metal. It's plastic on the LCP.
IMHO, I believe the BG is a better built pistol and a much better value. The BG is a Melonite finish and the LCP is blued. You also get 2 mags with the BG and just 1 with the LCP . Also, the guild rod on the BG is metal. It's plastic on the LCP.
First you condemn all BG's and LCP's to the trash heap and then contradict yourself by branding them as reliable.
Which is it?
Just because they are reliable doesn't mean I don't hate them.
kthom
Member
I am a Smith & Wesson fanboy. I have also had a good bit of experience with pocket sized .380 semi autos. These are hardly ever my first choice for carry, but there are times and there are circumstances when one is so much better than nothing at all. I've had experience with the Kel-Tec, the Kahr, the Taurus, and the LCP. I have friends who own the Sig and others. The LCP and LCP-C are the smallest, lightest and easiest to carry and use of any of the truly pocket sized .380's I've tried, and that includes the S&W Bodyguard. All small guns involve compromise, but I've found the LCP to fit this niche overall better than any of the others available.
I own a second generation LCP and have had it for several years. It has been in all respects reliable and I have had no issues with it. The sights are poor, but typical for the breed. I recently purchased the new edition of the LCP, called the LCP-C for "Custom". It has the red trigger. This gun has a really decent set of sights and the trigger action is considerably improved over the original LCP models. The sear releases sooner so the length of the trigger pull is reduced. The trigger is a solid piece of anodized aluminum compared to the plastic ones on the originals. I have found this new custom model to be excellent for it's purpose. The original sights were adequate for the purpose and intended use, but I really enjoy having an actual decent set of sights on the new gun. Additionally, Ruger now offers an extended mag that allows one additional round of ammo in the mag, plus it provides a much better grip while still being concealable and pocketable. This new custom model has fired every brand of ammo I've tried in it and it has eaten all of them without any failure to function at all. That includes some Fiocchi, some RWS, as well as a couple other brands that most of the other .380s I've had simply would not feed well. I am VERY pleased with the new Ruger LCP-P semi-auto. I sometimes use it for a backup gun and almost always have it when I'm travelling as a second (backup) gun in my vehicles.
If you purchase a new Ruger, you will get a coupon that will allow you a 20% discount on accessories. I used mine to buy two of the extra round extended mags. They work without issue. I have full confidence in both my second model of the original LCP (it's now my wife's to carry as she wishes and it's more acceptable to her in her purse than the heavier J Frame or Shield. It fits easily and securely in her coat pocket (with a good pocket holster and a zipper on the pocket) when we ride our trike. She shoots all three of these guns well, and with proper ammo, both she and I are comfortable at those times when we only have the LCP's at hand. That does not happen very often, but there are times when it is about the best solution to having a firearm immediately at hand. And that's the only way a firearm is likely to be of any value ... IF it is immediately at hand and available for use.
I've been carrying firearms since the 60's, much of that time in harm's way. I would have dearly loved to have this LCP-C as a backup gun during those years, and I continue to enjoy having it now. I have as much confidence in it's function as I do with any of the ones I carry every day. And I fully believe that a few of those .380 rounds delivered to the proper location will accomplish what needs to be done. It's at the lower end of my list of acceptable personal defense rounds, but it's on the list. Take a look at an LCP-C .380. I don't think you can buy a better one for pocket carry. It's a simple striker fired weapon that just flat works for me. Yes, due to it's size it's not the easiest weapon to fire but I do not feel nekkid when it is all I have at hand. That's my two cents worth. YMMV!
I own a second generation LCP and have had it for several years. It has been in all respects reliable and I have had no issues with it. The sights are poor, but typical for the breed. I recently purchased the new edition of the LCP, called the LCP-C for "Custom". It has the red trigger. This gun has a really decent set of sights and the trigger action is considerably improved over the original LCP models. The sear releases sooner so the length of the trigger pull is reduced. The trigger is a solid piece of anodized aluminum compared to the plastic ones on the originals. I have found this new custom model to be excellent for it's purpose. The original sights were adequate for the purpose and intended use, but I really enjoy having an actual decent set of sights on the new gun. Additionally, Ruger now offers an extended mag that allows one additional round of ammo in the mag, plus it provides a much better grip while still being concealable and pocketable. This new custom model has fired every brand of ammo I've tried in it and it has eaten all of them without any failure to function at all. That includes some Fiocchi, some RWS, as well as a couple other brands that most of the other .380s I've had simply would not feed well. I am VERY pleased with the new Ruger LCP-P semi-auto. I sometimes use it for a backup gun and almost always have it when I'm travelling as a second (backup) gun in my vehicles.
If you purchase a new Ruger, you will get a coupon that will allow you a 20% discount on accessories. I used mine to buy two of the extra round extended mags. They work without issue. I have full confidence in both my second model of the original LCP (it's now my wife's to carry as she wishes and it's more acceptable to her in her purse than the heavier J Frame or Shield. It fits easily and securely in her coat pocket (with a good pocket holster and a zipper on the pocket) when we ride our trike. She shoots all three of these guns well, and with proper ammo, both she and I are comfortable at those times when we only have the LCP's at hand. That does not happen very often, but there are times when it is about the best solution to having a firearm immediately at hand. And that's the only way a firearm is likely to be of any value ... IF it is immediately at hand and available for use.
I've been carrying firearms since the 60's, much of that time in harm's way. I would have dearly loved to have this LCP-C as a backup gun during those years, and I continue to enjoy having it now. I have as much confidence in it's function as I do with any of the ones I carry every day. And I fully believe that a few of those .380 rounds delivered to the proper location will accomplish what needs to be done. It's at the lower end of my list of acceptable personal defense rounds, but it's on the list. Take a look at an LCP-C .380. I don't think you can buy a better one for pocket carry. It's a simple striker fired weapon that just flat works for me. Yes, due to it's size it's not the easiest weapon to fire but I do not feel nekkid when it is all I have at hand. That's my two cents worth. YMMV!
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Harley88
Member
It is DAO not striker fire.
CaptRon956
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I'm getting ready to walk out the door right now & go for my nightly walk down the trail. My M&P bodyguard .380 loaded up with Hornady critical defense is with me.... And yes, I always remember to bring my CHL with as well.. 
kthom
Member
You are correct, Harley. Was typing in a hurry and didn't get it right. Since I'm an old revolver guy, I am much more at home with either a DAO or striker fired semi auto, since the shooting drill is pretty much the same ... just draw, point and shoot without anything else to fumble with. Those who grew up and spent much time shooting handguns with external safeties usually don't think twice about it, but for me, manipulating one of those is not sub conscious for me. For me, my safety is in my head, and if a handgun is not safe to carry without manipulating a safety, I pretty much don't have any use for it. Thanks for your correction. I appreciate it. Same end result, but not accurate as far as description goes.
Thank you all for the feedback! It is incredibly useful. Given my objective is something smaller than my J-frame and more powerful but not much bigger than my Seacamp for super easy pocket carry, along with the positive reports here and elsewhere on the LCP, I think I will go that way.
But I will retain my S&W fanboy badge, my .40 Pro sleeps next to me and my Shield remains my primary EDC.
Cheers!
Jim
But I will retain my S&W fanboy badge, my .40 Pro sleeps next to me and my Shield remains my primary EDC.
Cheers!
Jim
RV4driver
US Veteran
LCP, from experience.
Hogue makes a grip for the LCP I think would really work for a lot of people who feel the gun is "too small" in hand to shoot comfortably.
Handall Hybrid Ruger LCP Grip Sleeve Black | Hogue Inc.
https://youtu.be/8h0UZm5BW10
Handall Hybrid Ruger LCP Grip Sleeve Black | Hogue Inc.
https://youtu.be/8h0UZm5BW10
sooner*redneck
Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2015
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- 23
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I have owned 2 lcps, a keltec p32 and currently own a bodyguard 380 no laser. I would trust my life to any of the 3 brands without a second thought. I prefer the bodyguard because i shoot it better. I will definetly own another lcp at some point though. Do not think you will be unhappy with either one!
It is unfortunate that the LCP doesn't have a slide stop lever...even an internal one. It's pretty widely believed that the Ruger LCP is a "copy" of the Kel-Tec P-3AT. Kel-Tec's P-32 (which I have) has an internal slide stop lever. You cannot manipulate it from the outside, but it will hold the slide open on an empty magazine. The P-3AT uses about the same frame width as the P-32, but has a wider magazine and chamber for the wider caliber, so this internal slide stop lever was removed from the design. The LCP, being a copy of the P-3AT, shares this lack-of feature.
There are magazine followers on eBay and such for the LCP that purport to add this functionality to the gun. I have no experience with them, though, and I make no recommendations for them. Simply an observation.
I liked the Kel-Tec P-3AT/Ruger LCP, but didn't like the lack of a last round hold-open. So I bought the Kel-Tec P-32 instead.
There are magazine followers on eBay and such for the LCP that purport to add this functionality to the gun. I have no experience with them, though, and I make no recommendations for them. Simply an observation.
I liked the Kel-Tec P-3AT/Ruger LCP, but didn't like the lack of a last round hold-open. So I bought the Kel-Tec P-32 instead.
Me too
Have 3 of them and never had a problem with any of them. Easy carry, very reliable, not fun to shoot but will do the job if needed.
Have 3 of them and never had a problem with any of them. Easy carry, very reliable, not fun to shoot but will do the job if needed.
Thank you for the clarification, Rick! Great call.
martybee
Member
I prefer the BG380 over any of the others. It is a beautiful piece and I am very happy with mine!
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