Posting this primarily because of all the bad reviews. Just got a new Bodyguard 380. Took it home, cleaned it, then off to the range. I had to use the range's cheap, overpriced ammo. Only put 50 rounds through it and had no problems at all. Besides my ugly primer strikes which are apparently not a problem. The trigger is very smooth but long. It's going to take some practice for quick shooting. I didn't think the trigger was overly heavy although my girlfriend (who is pretty new to shooting) could not fire the gun. When staging the trigger, I put 3 out of 3 rounds in the bull's eye at 7 yards (the minimum shooting distance at this range.) Needless to say, I was pretty impressed by the accuracy of this little gun. I find the laser completely useless probably because of user error. This is my 1st laser on a gun. It looks zero'd to me but when I try to use it, I think I'm moving the gun to look for the laser and have no idea where my shots were landing. Anyway, I don't think I'll ever use it again. The stock sights are phenomenal compared to the gun's competition. I think I'm going to paint the front sight to increase nocturnal visibility. I don't care much for the XS lollipop style sight. Anyway, I hope this helps somebody. I know there is a lot of negative reviews of this model. I'll keep everyone updated if I have a reliability issue.
First Impressions of the Bodyguard 380
- Thread starter Beretty
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gonzogeezer
Member
I bought a BG380 for size and the laser. I kept it for the size and accuracy at SD distances. The laser cannot be turned on quickly and, like you, I sometimes find the buttons are cranky. I do not practice with the laser because of that. I would use it inside my house where I would have time to turn it on to assist with aiming in the dark.
As for the trigger, mine seemed to get better the more I shot it, maybe that's break-in, maybe a strengthened index finger, but almost all the pocket guns I looked at in the class were the same, DA only. And it acts as an effective safety, so much so I never use the manual safety.
She's a good little gun, and I can carry her as part of my concealed carry rotation, in the pocket or IWB.
As for the trigger, mine seemed to get better the more I shot it, maybe that's break-in, maybe a strengthened index finger, but almost all the pocket guns I looked at in the class were the same, DA only. And it acts as an effective safety, so much so I never use the manual safety.
She's a good little gun, and I can carry her as part of my concealed carry rotation, in the pocket or IWB.
silentflyer
Member
Had one traded it because of the heavy trigger pull. Got a Ruger LC9, much better trigger as semi-auto's go, still not a S&W wheel gun..
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I've had my BG 380 a little over a month (bought new) with weekly trips to the range. The trigger has gotten much better since my first time, but I think it's me getting used to it, not the trigger changing much. I've found the laser to be useful when practicing if my shots are not right on target--helps to see what's happening while I'm pulling the trigger and correct for it. But really it's a very accurate gun using the iron sights.
The screw that secures the laser compartment backed out on it's own after several trips to the range. It kept the slide from fully opening, which prevented take-down. I kept messing with it until the screw moved enough to lock the slide open and then I was able to take it apart. I applied Loctite Blue to the threads and put it back together. I've had it back to the range once without any problem. Hopefully that fixes it and I'll still be able to remove the screw someday to replace the batteries.
Other than that, I've been very pleased with the little gun. And I love how similar it is to my Shield, which could be a big advantage if I ever need to use it in an emergency.
The screw that secures the laser compartment backed out on it's own after several trips to the range. It kept the slide from fully opening, which prevented take-down. I kept messing with it until the screw moved enough to lock the slide open and then I was able to take it apart. I applied Loctite Blue to the threads and put it back together. I've had it back to the range once without any problem. Hopefully that fixes it and I'll still be able to remove the screw someday to replace the batteries.
Other than that, I've been very pleased with the little gun. And I love how similar it is to my Shield, which could be a big advantage if I ever need to use it in an emergency.
Different strokes for different folks. I tried one that a fellow had at the range one time. Hated it. Wouldn't have bought one anyway because at the time I was carrying an LCP w/CT laser. I really liked that little gun, but decided I wanted something with a little more horsepower and smoother trigger pull. Now a PM9 is my constant companion. No laser this time, but am very happy with it!
oedipus rx
Member
I tried to like it but after three trips to the range , all of which left the web of my hand (btw thmb/4fngr) bloody. Never got comfortable with the length of the trigger pull and seldom hit my intended target. Woefully disappointed; I traded it for a sweet M60...point and click.
I bought a Bodyguard 380 last week. I like it. My wife also was not able to fire the gun. She had the trigger staged but could not pull it the tiny little bit more to fire. I had no problem. Question on using the laser - Do you still use the sights since the front sight would block you from seeing the full laser or do you look more at the laser point and less down the sights ??
Hugo Stiglitz
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Loved it so much I bought another one. Picked up a couple of parts kits with the laser to try out. Laser looks neat but outside in the sun at 10 yrds, I can't see the red dot. Both have the heavy Hitter spring kits in them from Galloway, one has the flat trigger. Tried their curved one. Didn't care for it. I have shot double/single action guns my entire life, the trigger doesn't bother me. My Walther PP/PPK/PPKS have worse double action triggers. At 7-10 yrds they will get the job done.
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