Bodyguard or LCP

[jstanfield103]

Well I probably should not have read this post. I Love my BG380 and never did even like the LCP until I read this thread. Some on hear talked about the LCP-C (Custom), I looked it up and really thought that this is what Ruger should have done in the first place. Went to my LGS this morning and ordered one. Should be in Friday 6-5-2015. Now I will have both the BG380 and the LCP-C
Thanks guy's for feeding the addiction

 

[sooner*redneck]

Well I probably should not have read this post. I Love my BG380 and never did even like the LCP until I read this thread. Some on hear talked about the LCP-C (Custom), I looked it up and really thought that this is what Ruger should have done in the first place. Went to my LGS this morning and ordered one. Should be in Friday 6-5-2015. Now I will have both the BG380 and the LCP-C
Thanks guy's for feeding the addiction

let us know how u like the new lcp. I am wanting one as well to go along with my bg 380

 

[kbm6893]

As I suggest in every single 'which should I get' thread...
Do research problem threads on each pistol's 'Brand' forum, but Find a way to shoot each yourself (borrow, rent, try someone else's at the rang) and see which one functions better in YOUR hands.
Which one I prefer, or anyone else prefers means nothing if YOU can't shoot it well.

I Live in the Hot TX climate and carrying the Shield 365 days a year (and having grown up in Miami), I do need to ask...
What Florida conditions wouldn't allow you to easily conceal a Shield???

I carry a Ruger LC9-S. It's even smaller than the Shield. Last week while I was driving, I had to take the gun out of my waist band. It was digging into my side and uncomfortable. So while it is easy to conceal, there is still a reason for a smaller gun. I'd get the LCP, but I like a safety in a semi auto and the LCP doesn't have one. Plus, 380 ammo is expensive and I don't feel like buying 500 rounds of the stuff to test in the gun (spending more on the ammo than the gun costs) just to verify function. So I'll probably get a j frame. I used to own a 642. 5 ounces lighter than the LC9 makes a big difference. Makes pocket carry an option, too. I have pocket carried my lc9, but it's a hair too big and heavy for that.

 

[SickMAK90]

What sort of holster are you using? I never have issues with guns digging into my sides while driving but I'm a fairly thin guy.

 

[jstanfield103]

KBM, I also carry the LC9S because it is the best pocket 9 on the market. I carry mine in a thin pocket holster. Works great but every now and then I like some thing just a little smaller hence the Bg380 or mow the LCP-C. I carry the LC9S 90% of the time though.

 

[Iwant2shootlikehickock45]

I have the m&p bg w/laser and it is a great pistol. Easy to conceal. Nice ergonomics and features other 380's do not have. It isn't only 380 I plan to have

 

[checkmyswag]

LCP is a better gun, especially the latest model

 

[kbm6893]

What sort of holster are you using? I never have issues with guns digging into my sides while driving but I'm a fairly thin guy.

It's a nylon desantis holster. I think the pro stealth. I've tried leather and kydex IWB and it's even more uncomfortable.

 

[Vanousb]

I have both the gen 2 lcp (with hogue grip added) and bg (mp without laser). Both shoot fine IMO and both feel like quality guns. Both conceal well and both are made for close range situations. Yes you practice shooting both just like any, but they are not plinkers to shoot at range for hours on end for fun. For me I keep both. Can't go wrong with investing in an extra gun.

 

[RV4driver]

My LCP goes bang. My (two) BG's go click, click, bang. Sometimes.
And this is after SW's wonderful "service".

Oh, and my wife's LCP goes bang everytime, too.

Choose wisely, grasshopper.

 

[Jack Wagon]

Watch Palmetto State Armory for deals on the LCP. I recently picked up a brand new Gen 2 for $199. Hard to beat that price. No tax and $17 to ship.

 

[captorquewrench]

I like my BG. Easy to hide in women's clothes and I've been problem free. But concealing in a skirt suit or palazzo pants is not your concern - you have to choose what works for you.

Jar wrench is partial to her sig .380

 

[randyr5]

I have owned both.

Plusses for the LCP:
Lighter. Only a couple ounces, but noticeable.
A little less bulky, but not too noticably.
Simple. No safety.
Unmatched reliability.

Minuses for the LCP
No manual safety
No +P
Sights poor, but it doesn't seem to matter
Mine would smack my trigger finger with the trigger guard. Not a big deal. YMMV.

Plusses for the BG:
Manual thumb safety
OK to shoot +P
Slide locks back (most of the time)
Second strike (you're gonna' need it)
Better sights, at least compared to the original LCP
Looks better

Minuses for the BG:
A little heavier (by about the weight of a loaded mag)
Numerous complaints about reliability issues, although works fine for many.

If you don't need a safety or +P, I'd recommend the LCP. Mainly because the S&W appears to have some un-fixable design flaws affecting reliability.

David

It is my understanding that there is no SAAMI "+p" rating for .380 ammo. Anything labeled "+P" could be loaded to any pressure. So as far as shooting "380+p", do so at your own risk.

 

[Gamecock]

This is the internet.

Internet question: "Should I pick A or B?"

Internet answer: "C."

I agree with SickMAK90 in spirit, i.e., I'd pick the P238 as well. Except I go with Answer D, the P938. I have both the P238 and the P938. The packages are virtually identical, yet you get 9mm goodness with the P938. There is simply NO REASON to buy a .380.

 

[PirateJim]

Since this thread has resurfaced I'll report that I did go ahead and get an LCP. I have a bit over 250 rounds through it without a hiccup. I'm feeling lucky to have gotten a pocket gun that seems to work well, there are stories about both the Bodyguard and LCP giving grief, and stories of flawless operation. I'm certain either would be a good choice.

I must say that I was a bit surprised by the recoil when I started shooting it. From everything I had read I was expecting something pretty nasty, but the recoil really isn't that bad, but I went ahead and installed a Galloway 18# spring which softened it up even more, and doesn't seem to have negatively affected reliability.

I didn't actually shoot a Bodyguard, but the LCP's trigger stroke is shorter and doesn't seem to stack as much. but the determining factor for me was the slightly smaller/slimmer size of the LCP.

Recent purchase notwithstanding, I'm still a Smith& Wesson fan boy.

 

[Gamecock]

I'm feeling lucky to have gotten a pocket gun that seems to work well, there are stories about both the Bodyguard and LCP giving grief, and stories of flawless operation.

The credit may be yours. The smaller the pistol, the less mass their is to resist slide movement. Therefore, the smaller the pistol, the tighter you have to grip it so that it will function.

There are famous gun writers who don't know this. When you read of small pistol malfunctions, you should first suspect the shooter, not the gun.

 

[Elliot45]

Try a Sig P238

I own a .380 Bodyguard. While I like its size, I never really liked shooting it, particularly when I compare it to my Shield or 9mm Pro. Or for that matter, when I compare it to any other gun I own. About 4 months after I purchased it, I found a new Sig P238 on sale with night sights and laser (which I haven't attached) for under $500 and I couldn't pass it up. Shooting it was 100% better than shooting the BG. The only thing I didn't like about it was the plastic serrated trigger which I have replaced with a smooth stainless steel trigger which feels and looks better. I also replaced the finger-groove rubber Hogue grip with Rosewood grips but that is a personal preference thing. I do agree that the Sig P938 9mm is a nice gun but it is more expensive and I have the 9mm Shield. Also, in the picture I've posted, I have the extended magazine which came with the gun but if I want smaller I can put in a regular magazine. This is a nice small C&C gun and one that I feel much more comfortable shooting, practicing with and trusting my life with. I want to like the BG but it is hard when you have a better option. I will say that I've never had problems with my BG regardless of what kind of ammo I'm using. Regards, Elliot45

 

[Rickgus]

Elliot - Very nice and I do like the trigger! You've got a nice piece there, enjoy shooting it! - Rick