Bodyguard/Underwood Light Primer Strikes

[RestingBear]

I bought a Bodyguard 2.0 the first week of June, 2025. Date of manufacture was 03-14-25.
I've made two trips to the range with it. I have fired several rounds of various fmj ammo, Hornady Critical Defense, Underwood 90 gr. XTP hollow points, Underwood 68 gr. Extreme Defender, and Inceptor ARX.
I experienced some feeding issues with the Extreme Defenders before I polished the feed ramps. Now it feeds fine, as did all the other ammo choices. The reason for posting this thread is that twice - once each range trip - I had light primer strikes on Underwood Extreme Defenders. Not sure about the first time but the second time I had loaded the 10 rounds mag, inserted it with the pistol at slidelock, and used the slide release to send the slide forward. First round didn't fire. Waited and examined that chambered round. It had a fairly significant primer strike. Reloaded it and it fired as did the rest of the magazine.
I need opinions. Do you think it is an ammo issue, slide not fully in battery, or something else. I am a fan of Extreme Defender but am leary of it now. I fired multiple rounds of Inceptor ARX with no issues. It will be my choice for now until I sort this out.
Thoughts?

 

[pinefd]

Sorry, I can't answer your question with regard to the primer strikes, but I did want to comment about my recent experience with Extreme Defenders in my BG 2.0. The Extreme Defenders are generally my go-to ammo for any and all of my .380 and .32 auto pistols, and up until my last range session, they have been with my BG 2.0 as well. But last time out, I experienced a few feeding issues with them for some reason. Note that my gun was purchased around the same time as yours, and I polished the feed ramps before ever taking it to the range, and I have about 500 rounds on the gun now. So I'm a little disappointed with the BG/Xtreme Defender combo right now, and am using other ammo with it until I can figure out what's going on.


Frank

 

[RestingBear]

Sorry, I can't answer your question with regard to the primer strikes, but I did want to comment about my recent experience with Extreme Defenders in my BG 2.0. The Extreme Defenders are generally my go-to ammo for any and all of my .380 and .32 auto pistols, and up until my last range session, they have been with my BG 2.0 as well. But last time out, I experienced a few feeding issues with them for some reason. Note that my gun was purchased around the same time as yours, and I polished the feed ramps before ever taking it to the range, and I have about 500 rounds on the gun now. So I'm a little disappointed with the BG/Xtreme Defender combo right now, and am using other ammo with it until I can figure out what's going on.


Frank

I would encourage you to try the Inceptor ARX rounds. They are also fluted but have a rounded nose more akin to FMJ. They feed great in my BG 2.0 and are very soft shooting too. I don't think I've ever seen them in the local gun stores in my area. I ordered some direct from the company.

 

[tarheel13]

The Extreme Defenders are generally my go-to ammo for any and all of my .380 and .32 auto pistols, and up until my last range session, they have been with my BG 2.0 as well. But last time out, I experienced a few feeding issues with them for some reason.
Frank

It would help to know what type of feeding issues you experienced. Was it failure to feed into the chamber, failure to extract, stovepiping, or some issue with the magazine or slide? I carry with Underwood Xtreme Penetrator as the chambered round but I don't have any in the magazine due to concerns with how it might feed from the magazine into the chamber. I'm hoping this strategy may give me the best possible round without the reported issues related to feeding. What do you think?

 

[GnarlsR2]

I've noticed on my BG2 after less than 50 rounds, the extractor area and firing pin port gets very carboned up. You might try holding the striker safety button down and work the striker in and out to see if you can feel any grittiness. Because I will not drift the rear sight off to get the striker assembly out, I use non-residue contact cleaner and compressed air to clean the striker and extractor area. I'm surprised how much carbon and residue comes out.

Regarding ammo type, I understand the interest in specific defense ammo, however there are a good number of excellent SD ammo options. Since penetration has been discussed often with 380 ammo, my first round is PMC Bronze 90 gr FMJ, 2nd​ round is Hornady Critical Defense 90 gr FTX, and the 3rd​ and other 8 rounds are Federal HST 99 gr JHP.

I slingshot the slide, the slide lock is a little too difficult for my comfort.

Whatever ammo fails to fire, extract or otherwise doesn't work, it will not be in my defense carry magazine.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I believe it to be an ammo issue. Two weeks ago during a range session I had several issues with hard primers.

This happened with Underwood Extreme Defender 9MM, 38 Spl, and 357.

Multiple guns and shooters were involved. So it wasn't a gun issue.

I've since gone back to Federal HST.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I would suggest Black Hills Honeybadger over the Inceptor.

 

[tarheel13]

Regarding ammo type, I understand the interest in specific defense ammo, however there are a good number of excellent SD ammo options. Since penetration has been discussed often with 380 ammo, my first round is PMC Bronze 90 gr FMJ, 2nd​ round is Hornady Critical Defense 90 gr FTX, and the 3rd​ and other 8 rounds are Federal HST 99 gr JHP.

Just FYI on the Federal HST, here is a gel test from 3 years ago. First he measures velocity with a 980 FPS average. Here he shoots the 99gr bullet from an M&P EZ Shield with a 3.5 inch barrel into gel. Good expansion with 10.5 inch penetration. This is an FBI equivalent test with 4 layers of fabric.

 

[JoeB51]

Bullet seated to long causeing slide yo not go fully into battery or primer not fully seated. Both are ammo problems.

 

[oldbbb]

Because there was "a fairly significant primer strike" I wound think the slide was fully into battery.

 

[RH45]

I've noticed on my BG2 after less than 50 rounds, the extractor area and firing pin port gets very carboned up. You might try holding the striker safety button down and work the striker in and out to see if you can feel any grittiness. Because I will not drift the rear sight off to get the striker assembly out, I use non-residue contact cleaner and compressed air to clean the striker and extractor area. I'm surprised how much carbon and residue comes out.

Regarding ammo type, I understand the interest in specific defense ammo, however there are a good number of excellent SD ammo options. Since penetration has been discussed often with 380 ammo, my first round is PMC Bronze 90 gr FMJ, 2nd​ round is Hornady Critical Defense 90 gr FTX, and the 3rd​ and other 8 rounds are Federal HST 99 gr JHP.

I slingshot the slide, the slide lock is a little too difficult for my comfort.

Whatever ammo fails to fire, extract or otherwise doesn't work, it will not be in my defense carry magazine.

That is the only reason why I won't buy a 2.0 bodyguard.
As a competition shooter since the 90s, I KNOW that the striker and the striker channel HAS to be clean and dry. Removing the rear sight to get the striker out is just STUPID engineering

 

[Rule3]

If it was handloads I would say the primer was not seated correctly. BUT, Why mess with any ammo that doesn't work. Just use another name brand and skip the boutique stuff.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I always charge by racking the slide, pulling it all the way to the rear, and letting it slam.
When my BG2.0 was brandy-new, it seemed a little hesitant going all the way into battery, when charging. Hence, I started racking the slide to charge. It may be that first shot was just slightly out of battery.
As regards cleaning the striker, most guns don't permit, or encourage, routine removal of the striker/firing pin. I always check for free movement, when cleaning while field stripped. Not just the BG2.0; the P365 as well. If it moves freely, without grit, all is well. If not, it's compressed air time, and that generally solves the problem.
Moon

 

[John16415]

I bought a Bodyguard 2.0 the first week of June, 2025. Date of manufacture was 03-14-25.
I've made two trips to the range with it. I have fired several rounds of various fmj ammo, Hornady Critical Defense, Underwood 90 gr. XTP hollow points, Underwood 68 gr. Extreme Defender, and Inceptor ARX.
I experienced some feeding issues with the Extreme Defenders before I polished the feed ramps. Now it feeds fine, as did all the other ammo choices. The reason for posting this thread is that twice - once each range trip - I had light primer strikes on Underwood Extreme Defenders. Not sure about the first time but the second time I had loaded the 10 rounds mag, inserted it with the pistol at slidelock, and used the slide release to send the slide forward. First round didn't fire. Waited and examined that chambered round. It had a fairly significant primer strike. Reloaded it and it fired as did the rest of the magazine.
I need opinions. Do you think it is an ammo issue, slide not fully in battery, or something else. I am a fan of Extreme Defender but am leary of it now. I fired multiple rounds of Inceptor ARX with no issues. It will be my choice for now until I sort this out.
Thoughts?

I think the problem is with the firing pin. Mine does the same thing. I hear that Remingtons do better. I'd like to use up the ammo I have before buying any more. I also had other problems and did some work to the gun. If it doesn't work right, I'm going they an Sig for self defense. I don't trust my Bodyguard yet.

 

[pinefd]

I've noticed on my BG2 after less than 50 rounds, the extractor area and firing pin port gets very carboned up. You might try holding the striker safety button down and work the striker in and out to see if you can feel any grittiness. Because I will not drift the rear sight off to get the striker assembly out, I use non-residue contact cleaner and compressed air to clean the striker and extractor area. I'm surprised how much carbon and residue comes out.

Regarding ammo type, I understand the interest in specific defense ammo, however there are a good number of excellent SD ammo options. Since penetration has been discussed often with 380 ammo, my first round is PMC Bronze 90 gr FMJ, 2nd​ round is Hornady Critical Defense 90 gr FTX, and the 3rd​ and other 8 rounds are Federal HST 99 gr JHP.

I slingshot the slide, the slide lock is a little too difficult for my comfort.

Whatever ammo fails to fire, extract or otherwise doesn't work, it will not be in my defense carry magazine.

Hey, Gnarls, could you possibly explain...in layman's terms...how you use the contact cleaner and compressed air for cleaning the striker and extractor area without removing the striker assembly?

Thanks in advance, and for all of your other great info and posts here, from which I've learned quite a bit.


Frank

 

[John16415]

My Bodyguard is brand new and I only fired maybe 25 rounds. Probably 2 out of six were light primer strikes. I field stripped it and cleaned and oiled it. Haven't had a chance to try it yet. Also had to adjust the front sight. I just thought an American company such as S&W would have been good out of the box.

 

[GnarlsR2]

Hey, Gnarls, could you possibly explain...in layman's terms...how you use the contact cleaner and compressed air for cleaning the striker and extractor area without removing the striker assembly?

Thanks in advance, and for all of your other great info and posts here, from which I've learned quite a bit.


Frank

Hi Frank,

On my BG2...

Sure... I purchased an 11 oz. can WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner Quick-Drying, with a little red tube. That will probably last me for several years.

I always wear nitrile gloves when working on my guns.

I put some paper towels in the bottom a small 1 gallon trash can. I hold the slide down towards the bottom because I don't like using ANY kind of spray out of can that blows the chemical all over. I've watched YT videos with guys demonstrating how they clean their firearm, no gloves, and use a spray can cleaner. For me that's too dangerous to get spray onto something I don't want the chemical on or platter some spray on my skin or in my eyes. I'm exposed to enough environmental toxins and food toxins, so I don't need to contaminate my body deliberately. I do use a 12 oz. can of Hoppe's No. 9 Foaming Bore Cleaner because it gently foams out of tube, so I can control the amount.

I spray the firing pin and spring. I spray the firing pin port and the extractor. I hold the striker safety button down and move the striker in and out to feel for any grittiness. I then take my canned air and blow the spring and striker area off, and blow air into the firing pin port and extractor area. I'm surprised at how much carbon and metal particles is blown out of that area. I do that 2 or 3 times.

I put of small drop of Clenzoil on the striker safety button and on the extractor claw.

So far, at just over 300 rounds of 9 different ammo brands, I've had zero failures. However, I clean my firearms after every use. I know some of my range buddies clean their firearms when they get in the mood or around 500 rounds. My defense carry will always be in the absolute best performing condition I can make it. I'd rather be called "an anal gun nut" then die because my gun had a misfire while in a self-defense attack.

 

[GnarlsR2]

Hey, Gnarls, could you possibly explain...in layman's terms...how you use the contact cleaner and compressed air for cleaning the striker and extractor area without removing the striker assembly?

Thanks in advance, and for all of your other great info and posts here, from which I've learned quite a bit.


Frank

Hi Frank,
Thank you for your kind words.
See my post on how I do it on my BG2.

 

[pinefd]

Hi Frank,

On my BG2...

Sure... I purchased an 11 oz. can WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner Quick-Drying, with a little red tube. That will probably last me for several years.

I always wear nitrile gloves when working on my guns.

I put some paper towels in the bottom a small 1 gallon trash can. I hold the slide down towards the bottom because I don't like using ANY kind of spray out of can that blows the chemical all over. I've watched YT videos with guys demonstrating how they clean their firearm, no gloves, and use a spray can cleaner. For me that's too dangerous to get spray onto something I don't want the chemical on or platter some spray on my skin or in my eyes. I'm exposed to enough environmental toxins and food toxins, so I don't need to contaminate my body deliberately. I do use a 12 oz. can of Hoppe's No. 9 Foaming Bore Cleaner because it gently foams out of tube, so I can control the amount.

I spray the firing pin and spring. I spray the firing pin port and the extractor. I hold the striker safety button down and move the striker in and out to feel for any grittiness. I then take my canned air and blow the spring and striker area off, and blow air into the firing pin port and extractor area. I'm surprised at how much carbon and metal particles is blown out of that area. I do that 2 or 3 times.

I put of small drop of Clenzoil on the striker safety button and on the extractor claw.

So far, at just over 300 rounds of 9 different ammo brands, I've had zero failures. However, I clean my firearms after every use. I know some of my range buddies clean their firearms when they get in the mood or around 500 rounds. My defense carry will always be in the absolute best performing condition I can make it. I'd rather be called "an anal gun nut" then die because my gun had a misfire while in a self-defense attack.

Hey, Gnarls, thanks so much for the detailed explanation! Extremely helpful! One follow-up question, though...you mention the Hoppe's Foaming Bore Cleaner, but I wasn't sure in what context it was mentioned. Is this used as part of the clean-out process noted above, or was this just noted as an additional product you use during the general cleaning process?

Thanks again,

Frank

 

[GnarlsR2]

Hey, Gnarls, thanks so much for the detailed explanation! Extremely helpful! One follow-up question, though...you mention the Hoppe's Foaming Bore Cleaner, but I wasn't sure in what context it was mentioned. Is this used as part of the clean-out process noted above, or was this just noted as an additional product you use during the general cleaning process?

Thanks again,

Frank

Hi Frank,

Good question. I was just referring to another type of non-pray that I use.

I use the Hoppe's Foaming Bore Cleaner primarily on my guide rod spring assembly.
I put the guide rod on a clean folded rag and foam on a good amount of HFBC and let it soak a minute.
I wipe off the foam and blow off the remaining foam. I'm always surprised at how much that guide rod and spring will collect carbon and tiny particles of ammo brass and copper. I lubricate the guide rod spring with a few drops of Clenzoil.
I like my guide rod and spring well lubed.

I'm not saying my method or clean & lube process is the right way or the best way.... it's been working for me for the past 5 years that I've been very active at my shooting and frequent range days. I watched 20 or 30 videos on guys cleaning and lubing, some methods I just don't agree with how they are doing it. Since I don't compete I don't need the "Jiffy Lube" methods, I like taking my time and doing a thorough job.