First ccw, shield vs bodyguard 380

[Marshal Tom]

Another vote for the Shield. More controllable and more power. Better for an all around gun. I carry one quite a lot in an IWB and when I am not carrying that it is an M&P 340 .38 in my front pocket. I have many choices but those are the two that get carried the most.

 

[SpinControl]

BG is a punishing gun. It is NOT a pleasure to shoot.
- hurts the palm.
- pinky is lonely (unless you get a pinky extension).
- trigger is SOOOOO long, so a lot of practice is required.
- 380 is an expensive caliber (when compared to 9mm).

That said, I bought the BG to buy time until I got a Shield. I figured that in the Summer, when I'm wearing little, the BG might come in handy, so it would not be wasted money. I'm currently using it as my CCW as I wait for my Shield.

To tame the BG, I've added a pinky extension that really aids in accuracy. I also added a rubber overgrip (Pachmayr 5173); while it made shooting the BG much much more comfortable, its spongy nature is annoying; the bottom also slips at times to cover the magazine slot. No trigger mod or any way to change the cost of rounds.

I just ordered a Shield. It will be my primary CCW outside of the scenario listed above.

Overall, I like the BG; having it is better than nothing. It's just not a plinker.

 

[petes67bird]

My LGS said their US a trigger job to cut it in half that is reasonably priced. Just in case you weren't aware.

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[Maddmax]

My LGS said their US a trigger job to cut it in half that is reasonably priced. Just in case you weren't aware.

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That just adds more cost again.

 

[USAF385]

As an owner of a BG and a Shield .40, I find myself carrying them near equally with the BG getting slightly more time.

For comfort, it's hard to beat the BG. I have a great IWB holster for my Shield but after a few hours of carry I start to notice it. Yes, with my tuckable IWB I can get away with carrying my Shield anywhere, but it's still more comfortable carrying the BG. If I'm business casual in a polo and khakis, the Shield works well because of the pants material. However, in suit pants, I feel the fabric is too thin and the Shield stands out a bit. The BG works better in that situation.

The trigger on the BG didn't take much getting used to for me. I also own a 642 so I was used to heavy triggers. At 20ft I can easily put 7 rounds in a 6" circle. It's a close quarters gun for sure, but it does its job well. At the same distance, I do shoot better with the Shield.

Which would I rather have on me if I needed to use it? The Shield. That's a no brainer. Do I feel like I'm at a terrible disadvantage if I only carry the BG? No.

My feeling is I CAN carry the Shield 100% of the time, but not as easily and comfortably as the BG. I do physical work where I'm squatting, kneeling, lying down at strange angles, crawling, climbing, squeezing through tight spaces, carrying large heavy objects etc. The BG definitely works better then. It's also my kayaking gun.

 

[petes67bird]

So in your opinion the bg first followed by shield type? Like I said I am buying both, just trying to figure out order of purchase.

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[stumper]

Amidst all the discussion about which caliber is a better SD round, I have to say I agree with the post that basiclly says its better to have a 380 and carry it than a 45 sitting in the safe. A carry guin that is not with you when needed is worthless.
I've been carrying for 20 years too and of course started out with a full sized 1911 followed by a Commander sized 1911, followed by an officers sized 1911.... I live in NC and found that except for about 4 months of the year I didn't wear enough clothes to comfortably carry a large pistol - and forget about the summer wearing shorts and a T shirt.. My carry guns wound up sitting home most of the time until I bought a little PPK in 380 about 12 years ago. Its been my primary carry gun ever since. These days there are so many choices for small 380 and 9mm pistols that even my PPK seems too big and definitely too heavy. My wife just bought a Body Guard some time back for her purse gun and we spent some time shooting it one day at the range. With the finger extension mags (which I also use on my PPK) I found it to be quite manageable and not all all uncomfortable to shoot. 380 ammo has also come along way in recent years and with some good quality ammo, I don't feel at all "undergunned" with my 380. Is a 40 or 45 a better SD round, sure... but it needs to be with you when you need it..

 

[Tundra5.7]

Funny..to all who thinks a BG.380 isn't enough gun for self defense I say this..come over,I'll let you start beating me up,and after two or three rounds of BG.380 thrown at you,I want you to tell me I should've had a 9m..and keep beating me up..The best gun for SD is one you can carry/conceal and shoot,it dont have to be an elephant gun,some suggest at least this calaber or that as a minimum..rediculous.Sure someone "could" keep coming at you after a.380 hit,but I can also link you a video on You tube showing a guy that keeps coming after a couple.40 rounds from a LEO..JMHO..Phil

Most people I know can shoot a Shield or LC9 sized weapon much better than they can the less powerful, pocket sized .380's. Do I want to be on the business end of a .380? Heck no, but when it comes to protecting my family and myself, I prefer at least the 9mm at a minimum.

 

[Dino1]

As an owner of a BG and a Shield .40, I find myself carrying them near equally with the BG getting slightly more time.

For comfort, it's hard to beat the BG. I have a great IWB holster for my Shield but after a few hours of carry I start to notice it. Yes, with my tuckable IWB I can get away with carrying my Shield anywhere, but it's still more comfortable carrying the BG. If I'm business casual in a polo and khakis, the Shield works well because of the pants material. However, in suit pants, I feel the fabric is too thin and the Shield stands out a bit. The BG works better in that situation.

The trigger on the BG didn't take much getting used to for me. I also own a 642 so I was used to heavy triggers. At 20ft I can easily put 7 rounds in a 6" circle. It's a close quarters gun for sure, but it does its job well. At the same distance, I do shoot better with the Shield.

Which would I rather have on me if I needed to use it? The Shield. That's a no brainer. Do I feel like I'm at a terrible disadvantage if I only carry the BG? No.

My feeling is I CAN carry the Shield 100% of the time, but not as easily and comfortably as the BG. I do physical work where I'm squatting, kneeling, lying down at strange angles, crawling, climbing, squeezing through tight spaces, carrying large heavy objects etc. The BG definitely works better then. It's also my kayaking gun.

I to have both guns, and I carry the Shield .40 more often. With a good holster I feel the Shield dissapear after little time wearing it. But forenzics will tell you that more homicides are commited with the .380 than any other caliber. Don't under estimate the .380, it is very leathal. And way more concealable. My wife loves the Bodyguard, only gun in our arsinal she likes to shoot. Up close and pesonable with the right load, it will stop you. Bodyguard is a great little .380, I have owned just about every brand in them and it is my personal favorite in the .380, next in line is the Bersa Thunder .380. Real nice gun if you get a good one.

 

[TDC]

Lots of good opinions that will be endless on this subject.

I'm currently in the process of evaluating three of the most sought after CC guns being produced today. Below are the three I'm working with. The dimensions of the LCP are very similar to the BG 380.

As is the case with all firearms, there are trade-offs, compromises and considerations that must be made by everyone. There is no perfect or near perfect choice when it comes to defensive CC guns, only the closest adaptation to what your needs are.

1. As others have mentioned shoot any and all you are considering before you decide.

2. As others have mentioned, try to carry all for concealment based on your usual clothing choices. If you're looking for a true "pocket carry" gun, arguably, the Shield and XDs are just marginally workable IMO.

3. Familiarity and functional practice are the key to effective use of any of these guns and calibers. In very close defensive situations, and with accurate placement, even the calibers like the 380 can be very effective when used properly, exceeding the effectiveness of poorly placed 9's, 40's and 45's.

4. In my mind the near-perfect CC gun would be an BG/LCP size 5 shot 40 or 45 ACP -- but then -- who among us could shoot it well and who would want to with the accompanying uncontrollable recoil.

So.... My advice to you would be to buy a Shield, preferably in 9mm, and just deal with the adaptations we all have to put up with... Later with your next purchase you can decide to opt for more power or more practical concealment.
..

JMHO

 

[2tango2]

The xds fits in your pocket? Are these normal Jean pockets or cargo shorts. I wear like Eddie Bauer jeans so normal pockets. Thanks

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Yeah, it won't fit in normal jeans pocket..it will in cargo style pants and I mean in the front pocket, not the cargo pocket

But if I have my druthers it will be the Shield in either the Sticky or Remora...the xds fits fine as well in either holster

 

[snubbyfan]

If the choice is between a gun you'll have with you always or a gun you'll have with you sometimes, then the answer's obvious to me. It's better to have a BG380 in your pocket than having a Shield at home because it doesn't fit your present mode of dress.
It sounds to me like you intend to get both but can only afford one now and the other later.
I'd say get the BG380 first, practice with it lots and carry it always.
I know where you're coming from, people say dress around the gun but I don't have the money for a new wardrobe. I have to make do with what I have. For me that means a 442 either on my belt or in my pocket in a homemade holster.

 

[Rider414]

I have both.

The BG380 is so easy to carry ANYWHERE!! It really easy to grab and go.

I love my shield and how it shoots but the little Bodyguard is awesome to carry.

 

[offduty]

I have a BG and a 40c. At work BG is in my pocket due to cloths I have to wear.. In winter 40c IWB and carry as much as I can and most of time BG is in my pocket also. Summer is almost always BG due to size. .380 better than nothing. I have large hands and Pinkey extension on BG and don't plan on shooting it in Self Defense situation, hopefully not that many times. As another post said, practice and get used to it. State again, .380 better than nothing.

 

[petes67bird]

Thank you everyone. I am gonna go to my father in laws tonight for dinner. I am hoping to raid his gun safe. He never shoots but has a lot of guns. Last time I was there I got a ruger Mark II. I am gonna see if maybe he has a small 380 that way I can get the primary and bug together. I didn't think of that before.

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[petes67bird]

All he had was an Inverness 380 cheapy so I passed.

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[uechikid]

.380 with the right ammo will at least give you an opportunity to get away from a bad situation. I would however consider something like the LC9. Not as small as the BG, not as big as the Shield.
As has been stated many times in many places, "the best gun for self defense is the one you have with you".
Good luck.

 

[SpinControl]

BG is a punishing gun. It is NOT a pleasure to shoot.
- hurts the palm.
- pinky is lonely (unless you get a pinky extension).
- trigger is SOOOOO long, so a lot of practice is required.
- 380 is an expensive caliber (when compared to 9mm).

That said, I bought the BG to buy time until I got a Shield. I figured that in the Summer, when I'm wearing little, the BG might come in handy, so it would not be wasted money. I'm currently using it as my CCW as I wait for my Shield.

To tame the BG, I've added a pinky extension that really aids in accuracy. I also added a rubber overgrip (Pachmayr 5173); while it made shooting the BG much much more comfortable, its spongy nature is annoying; the bottom also slips at times to cover the magazine slot. No trigger mod or any way to change the cost of rounds.

I just ordered a Shield. It will be my primary CCW outside of the scenario listed above.

Overall, I like the BG; having it is better than nothing. It's just not a plinker.

Why, S&W, couldn't you make the BG380 like the Shield (ergonomics, recoil, trigger)? WHHHHYYYY?!???

All I can say is WOW. If ammo weren't so expensive and scarce, I would have kept shooting! Just got my 9mm from D&L today - well after a 2 day wait at the FFL. I put 25 rounds through it w/o a hitch. I cleaned it first as others have recommended. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. WOW.

Time to get wider pants. My IWB is a little tight, but the BG is now relegated to the safe. Again, not a 'bad' gun, just not fun to shoot; also .380 ammo is more scarce for me. BG is a great size though.

 

[petes67bird]

Got a brand new xds for a steal today. Had to jump on it at 500 delivered. Thanks for the help guys.

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[2tango2]

Got a brand new xds for a steal today. Had to jump on it at 500 delivered. Thanks for the help guys.

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That is a GREAT price! Congrats. I'm waiting for the xDs to come out in 9mm as well. I think that will be a hot little gun, probably be just as hard to find as the Shield.

I suggest using Frog Lube on your XDS.....mine loves it