Continuing major problems with Bodyguard 380

[ColRJBrinkman]

I did research. I read the bad and the good and the bad had been with the older model BG 380. There was more good about the newer version than bad so that's why I went with it vs the Sig or Ruger. It's in SW hands to repair and if I get it back and it still doesn't work right, I'll send it back again until they fix it. If not I'll sell it and go for a Kahr or Glock or anything else.

 

[M29since14]

If your experience turns out to be like mine I'd suggest you start shopping for a Kahr. The S&W is a nice design that incorporates the features I want (thin, lightweight, good sights, thumb safety), but any gun that can't be counted upon to fire is useless to me.

 

[wingriderz]

It sucks to hear stories like this, because the small pocket 380's are what many people carry to prevent robberies, etc. If a gun doesn't work 100%, it can't be trusted, so why should we carry it. When I work the gun shows for my boss, the 2 pocket guns I recommend the most are the BG, & the LCP. I don't even mention the Keltec unless the customer asks. It's sad that this happens, & even if they fix it, I would never trust it until I wasted hundreds of $ of ammo to test it. Another gun [LCP] would be cheaper. Good luck to you sir. GARY

You recomend the B G And the LCP bolth have had a lot of issuses. Do you tell your customers that the Original Lcp is a direct copy of the Kel Tec???

 

[KSDeputy]

I bought a BG. Dry fired it a few times, hated the trigger. Sold it unfired. I bought a Ruger Custom LCP. I like the trigger pull, shoots well, I carry it around the farm.

 

[OLDSTER]

.380 Bodyguard

My BG has over 400 rounds of Hornady American Gunner 90 gr. XTP though it without any problems. 100 % reliable. However, it was ammo finicky at first ( but so was my KahrP380, Kel-TecP3AT,and Ruger LCP ), getting a few light strikes on Fiocchi, Tula, and Magtech. But since I've stuck with Winchester and Hornady no problems at all. This BG is by far my favorite .380 that I've owned

 

[Yeahya]

No-one should have to buy a gun from a major Arms company thinking it might work. I just bought the BG and now I'm reading all these problems and people buying a hundred dollar trigger to make it as nice as a LCP, RIDICULOUS. If S&W cant build this gun to work every time they ship one then quit making the thing. This is far as I'm concerned is pure BS and unacceptable. If I was the CEO heads would be rolling they'd fix it or be looking for work. If mine is a problem Ill make them fix it if I never carry it, it's the principle of the thing. GET IT FIXED OR QUIT MAKING IT.

Hate this, going to the range with a chip on my shoulder before the first shot, I'll throw it fifty yards if it does not work.

Sell the 380 for 250 dollars and buy a shield. Use the extra cash for ammo . Just ridiculous! Too concerned about new releases to address ongoing issues like the bodyguard!

 

[ColRJBrinkman]

Sell the 380 for 250 dollars and buy a shield. Use the extra cash for ammo . Just ridiculous! Too concerned about new releases to address ongoing issues like the bodyguard!

My primary is a 45 Shield. I want a pocket weapon preferably a 380 as a secondary carry. SW has it and they are about 6 weeks out (they've had it 2 weeks, so hopefully in 4 more weeks) I will know if I keep it or sell it. SCCY's new CPX-3 380 has been getting pretty rave reviews. May check that out. Time will tell.

 

[GeoJelly]

SCCY's new CPX-3 380 has been getting pretty rave reviews. May check that out. Time will tell.

This is the first I've heard of the SCCY CPX-3 - so I hit the Google and it looks like it's vaporware. Did they actually release it? I had my BG .380 for about a year before I gave up on it - but it sounds like the more recent production examples are doing better ...

 

[garddogg56]

What revision is your Bodyguard? A good indication is the stamping on the magazines. 1, 2, and 3 are the revision numbers I am aware of. If it's anything but "3", get in touch with S&W and they will update the firearm for you at no cost (minus shipping).

I have had a hell of a time with a Glock 42 and "weak" ammo not cycling the firearm. 85gr are an absolute no-go. 90 and 95gr work but not consistently. 100gr ammunition is the only type that has cycled it 100% every time.

I have five magazines for my BG and other than the stamped round count there arn't any other numbers on any of my magazines.OH by the way 1300 rounds thru my Bodyguard FLAWLESS

 

[Penmon]

How many rounds have you put through this gun?
If less than 300 keep shooting it before sending it back.

Do you have more than one magazine?
If so is it failing to feed or stove piping with both? If just one magazine is problematic will the second one feed without problem.

Have you cleaned the magazine then lightly greased the spring?
You should also check for burs on the follower or the inside of the magazine body, pay careful attention to any areas that has a cut out or recess area also look for rub spots on the interior of the magazine body.

Try a different type of ammo, I would first try a round nose FMJ round and see how that goes, then if that works try some hollow point styles, I have seen a few styles of HP's with a plastic insert in the cavity to facilitate feeding.

Hope this helps,

 

[tobimaru]

I have five magazines for my BG and other than the stamped round count there arn't any other numbers on any of my magazines.OH by the way 1300 rounds thru my Bodyguard FLAWLESS

I completely mixed up my firearms, I was thinking of another gun. Disregard my previous comment on magazine stamping # please. Glad o hear you are happy with your Bodyguard! I really enjoy mine, its proven to be a very good ankle gun for me.

 

[ColRJBrinkman]

I have three magazines. All three had the same issues. It's not even extracting the empty casing from the barrel every time either. As for the CPX-3 no release yet which is too bad.

 

[garddogg56]

It may be a blessing the Sccy has a latter release because the 1&2 are still having problems.I would never buy a new release

 

[gonerydin]

It may be a blessing the Sccy has a latter release because the 1&2 are still having problems.I would never buy a new release

I've had a SCCY CPX2 for a couple of years. Without going into great detail, let's just say I won't be buying another one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[eb07]

My thoughts and take on the smaller pocket pistols:


All smaller pistols run with smaller/tighter tolerances and room for error and failure. That is the nature of the beast. ALL manufacturers suffer these issues. The smaller they are, the more chance for failures. They are inexpensive unless you are buying a rorbaugh.

If you get one that works, keep it and love it. If you get one that has issues you will lose confidence in it no matter if the manufacturer repairs it or not. Send it back to the factory, get it repaired, then sell it or trade it in and move on..... find one that has your complete confidence for carry.

 

[tonyb64]

I bought a BG 380 when they first came out. I put over 400 rounds through it before I sold it 3 years ago. The only problem I had was with the laser, which S&W promptly replaced. I read about all the problems others had since 2011. I can't believe this cool little weapon still has all theses prblems.

 

[tobimaru]

At the store yesterday I seriously considered ANOTHER Bodyguard 380 purchase as a backup to the one I currently own and carry. Specifically the non-safety model.

The issue came down to price. At $349.99 it was cheap but not cheapest. And, if I'm honest, there's NO WAY I'd buy it and carry it without modification again (specifically; trigger). A minimum additional cost of ~$100. So, ~$450 for another Bodyguard akin to the one I own and love now? Sorry, no.

Picked up a new Ruger LCP II for $289.99 instead. Trigger seems perfect, feels amazing in hand. Definitely new competition for my BG380 when you consider price. Sure, it's a little ***** but assuming it's reliable I can overlook it's blocky exterior.

 

[W.E.G.]

I have two BG380's.

I've been following the internet sales, and it seems the Ruger .380 is on sale more often than the BG380.

You can get either one for about $200 if you shop the sales.

My unmodified BG380 guns fire Hornady Critical Defense ammo 100% flawlessly.
One of them does not like (10% light strike - but fires on second strike) German-brand GECO cheapo ball ammo. It likes all the other cheapo ball ammo fine.

Mind you, when I fire the BG380, I pull the trigger like I mean it.
No "staging" the trigger to take some sort of carefully aimed shot.
Never will I ever fire that gun for its intended purpose in such a situation which would allow that kind of trigger manipulation.
I can only foresee firing it under condititions where I'm drawing it as fast as I can, and pulling the trigger as hard as I can, before some muscled thug physically overpowers me.
So, I practice firing it ONLY in that manner.

So far, so good.

 

[Charles City]

Nice primer strikes on yours W.E.G.. I see that the PPU casings are lightest, and I've had the same results with that ammo as well. Mine still light strikes other ammo too, like WWB and reloads with CCI small pistol primers.

I didn't see this thread when posting about a similar problem with my BG 380. It seems as though there are quite a few of these in circulation that suck. I just want to know does anybody make a good firing pin for this gun. I guess Galloway stopped, anyone else?

 

[ColRJBrinkman]

On one of the many BG 380 "negative issues" posts on this board, one guy had 3 BG and after 4 send backs to SW his first BG was finally fixed and shoots fine. So I'll be patient and give SW time as I really like the BG 380 and want it to work. I want a pocket pistol as a secondary back up so it's either a 380 caliber or a pocket 9 which I have read have their own issues.