Got me a Bodyguard .380... Not very happy

[rogo123]

Body guard with laser

If you want a REAL bodyguard , then get one.

.38 special.Revolver. Metal.The newer ones shoot plus P ammo. Centennials are even better.

Slick as grease in and out of your pocket. leave it in your jacket pocket and shoot it right thru your jacket if you have to.
Keeping your hand in your pocket and your hand on your gun the bad guy doesn't even know you have him covered. Ask any retired cop about this.

No laser. No flashlight. Just reliable defense.

We are drowning in technology. Just get a real gun and practice with it.

We all need to study the tactics and methods of the old gunfighters. Don't forget the lawmen of the 40s and 50s like Jelly Brice, and others.

 

[pedropcola]

If you go even further back I am sure there was some codger claiming the whole double action thing was just a gimmick for Sears and Roebuck to sell more guns. Just kidding.

A pocket .380 is a real weapon. It is a real small weapon that is easily concealed. Much more so than even my beloved 649 or your centennial. Summer happens, shorts, flip flops, tshirts. If you can conceal a bigger gun, great. Lots of us can't. If I put a SW snubbie in my shorts I would print badly. These smaller guns are a great minimal option. You guys are getting way too hung up on the laser. Learn to shoot first, the laser is merely an additional option. The sights on the BG380 are the best in class. Use them, but the laser works too.

 

[turbo38gn]

If you go even further back I am sure there was some codger claiming the whole double action thing was just a gimmick for Sears and Roebuck to sell more guns. Just kidding.

A pocket .380 is a real weapon. It is a real small weapon that is easily concealed. Much more so than even my beloved 649 or your centennial. Summer happens, shorts, flip flops, tshirts. If you can conceal a bigger gun, great. Lots of us can't. If I put a SW snubbie in my shorts I would print badly. These smaller guns are a great minimal option. You guys are getting way too hung up on the laser. Learn to shoot first, the laser is merely an additional option. The sights on the BG380 are the best in class. Use them, but the laser works too.

Thanks G od.. some sensibilty...

 

[Black_Sheep]

We are drowning in technology. Just get a real gun and practice with it.

I agree, there's way too much dependance on technology. Purchase a quality handgun and practice until shooting becomes second nature, then practice some more...

 

[Habbyguy]

I agree entirely that a laser really isn't "necessary"... but at the low $300 selling price for a BG380, it's not like it costs you anything.

I also agree that getting a gun and practicing with it is the best way to get proficient.

OTOH, there are a couple potential advantages to having a laser. One would be that some miscreants will go through an immediate behavior adjustment when they realize there's a red dot hovering on their chest (whether that makes the shooter more accurate or not is immaterial - at that point, all that matters is the bad guy's opinion). A second often overlooked advantage of a laser is that it makes it possible to shoot from "unusual angles", like if you're shooting laying on the ground or around a corner (when you might be able to expose only your right hand to retun fire if you have a peep hole or mirror to sight with).

Would I expect any of these sitiations to happen? OTOH, I expect to never have to draw my firearm in self-defense. Do those scenarios require the extra time to turn on the lasers? Yep - so certainly, learn to shoot without it... but as for me, I'll take any potential advantage I can get if things get hairy.

 

[pedropcola]

It is very easy to get a mindset against technology. It is the old "remember when" syndrome. I do it too. I hate cell phones but I tend to forget how the phone companies would rape us with the cost of long distance service. When you could find under a quarter a minute, wow what a great deal. Now, it is basically free, given away for nothing. Don't ignore technology or the advantage it provides you. If you teleported your old gunfighter to modern day he would bring his skills and add some of the modern technologies and be even better than he was "in the day". Technology applied with common sense and good training is a nearly unbeatable combination. Train with the primary skills first, but to ignore a potential advantage that a (fill in the blank) can provide is shortsighted at best and downright ignorant at worst.

 

[Copnomore]

Pedro makes a point! Most of the "old gunfights" resulted in entry wounds in the back, at night. Just think how well that would have worked with a laser sight. Most gun fights were much closer than depicted on the screen and most missed with the first shot. The movie Open Range with Kevin Costner probably portrays a more realistic view of the skills of a gunfighter. Not that I think two men would have taken on five or more in broad daylight. Now, if you take the likes of Annie Oakley and others that were in the shows, they were superb marksmen and marks"lady" using the term loosely. But they were not gunslingers or gunfighters. If they were, they would probably have been shot in the back by some scumbag trying to get an advantage on them. That’s just my opinion and I could be wrong.

 

[tracel2000]

I just purchased this gun (BG380) two weeks ago. My only complaint was that the buttons to activate the laser were extremely hard to use. I had to push the buttons multiple times before the laser would activate. The gunsmith at the store I bought the gun from said there was no fix for this and that it was an inherent problem with this pistol; however, I contacted S&W customer support who sent me new buttons for free within three days, which were firmer. Now the laser activates easily and I could not be happier with this gun. I tested similar guns in this class, such as the Ruger LCP, and I preferred the looks, feel, price and the performance of the Bodyguard 380. I highly recommend this gun for concealed carry. IMHO, this is the best looking gun in its class, and has a great price (S&W recently lowered the MSRP as of April 2011) to $399

Highlights:

1. Light weight, easily concealed in pocket

2. Locks open on last round

3. Integrated laser:

a. Three modes:

i. Depress buttons (ambidextrous) once: laser on

ii. Depress twice: pulsating laser

iii. Depress third time: laser off.

iv. Automatic laser deactivation after five minutes (for accidental laser engagement)

4. Initial buttons that came with gun (April 2011) very difficult to activate the laser.

a. S&W customer support acknowledged the buttons on some models were too “soft.”

b. S&W mailed new firmer buttons to me, that arrived in three days, and were easy to install.

c. The new buttons worked much better/perfectly, and the laser now activates easily

5. Integrated safety

6. DOA

7. Reliable.

8. Feel of gun in hand is perfect for me (better than others in class)

9. Accurate.

10. Looks smooth and “cool.”
Best regards

 

[lhump1961]

I 100% agree.
I watched a video at the range Sunday waiting for my turn. and They were talking about why you should have a laser. there are times you will need it.

I have lasers on both my carry guns....love it! Crimson Trace grips light right up without effort and show instantly where you're at. As for fumbling for a button...?? It is on all the time...lights up when I grip the gun naturally...no fumbling or guessing! I practice with it both on and off but don't depend on it to send rounds towards my intended target. I figure a laser makes sense 'cause I can't be sure I will have time to acquire a good sight picture in the dark under pressure. The quicker I'm on target the quicker I can respond and the laser can only help.

 

[lhump1961]

Another thought on lasers...

I'm sure that many of the members here have vastly more experience than I when it comes to self defense. There are many law enforcement officers and military people with a lifetime of training and practice along with real life experience. As for me I have been around guns all my life hunting and such and am an ex-Marine myself. I am very comfortable with a gun in my hand. But if I ever have to draw a weapon on another person it will be the first time. I know that has to be true for the majority of us here on this forum. I don't know how cool I will be in that situation and for me I see the laser as a tool that can only help.

 

[cmj8591]

Scenario 1: You have your laser working great at the range and you feel very confident of your BUG. You hit the doodoo and your gun comes out. For what ever reason, where’s the little dot!? Maybe the battery is dead. Maybe a reflection is eating the light. Maybe the button is broken again. Now your mind has to process this whole problem, come to a solution and go to “plan B”, the iron sights. Not many people, professional gun people, everyday Joe’s, have the ability to switch on and off like is needed to deal with this. Dedicated attack from a bad guy, you’re dead.

Scenario 2: “It was a dark and stormy night” like the story goes. You have a bad guy in your house, in the dark. You grab your trusty night stand gun and go to work. On goes the laser. Now you have a red light and a red arrow pointing to your every whereabouts. Dedicated attack from a bad guy, you’re dead!

I could go on with this but I think you get the point. If you want to survive a gunfight, if you are serious about learning the art of gun fighting, then throw the laser, and for that matter the rail lights that are so popular now, away. Learn to shoot using iron sights. Learn to shoot without any sights. Learn to shoot. When you’re done, go and learn it again. You will never know everything you need to know to be completely prepared. And you surely can not replace this lack of knowledge with a laser.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I just purchased this gun (BG380) two weeks ago. My only complaint was that the buttons to activate the laser were extremely hard to use. I had to push the buttons multiple times before the laser would activate. The gunsmith at the store I bought the gun from said there was no fix for this and that it was an inherent problem with this pistol; however, I contacted S&W customer support who sent me new buttons for free within three days, which were firmer. Now the laser activates easily and I could not be happier with this gun. I tested similar guns in this class, such as the Ruger LCP, and I preferred the looks, feel, price and the performance of the Bodyguard 380. I highly recommend this gun for concealed carry. IMHO, this is the best looking gun in its class, and has a great price (S&W recently lowered the MSRP as of April 2011) to $399

Highlights:

1. Light weight, easily concealed in pocket

2. Locks open on last round

3. Integrated laser:

a. Three modes:

i. Depress buttons (ambidextrous) once: laser on

ii. Depress twice: pulsating laser

iii. Depress third time: laser off.

iv. Automatic laser deactivation after five minutes (for accidental laser engagement)

4. Initial buttons that came with gun (April 2011) very difficult to activate the laser.

a. S&W customer support acknowledged the buttons on some models were too “soft.”

b. S&W mailed new firmer buttons to me, that arrived in three days, and were easy to install.

c. The new buttons worked much better/perfectly, and the laser now activates easily

5. Integrated safety

6. DOA

7. Reliable.

8. Feel of gun in hand is perfect for me (better than others in class)

9. Accurate.

10. Looks smooth and “cool.”
Best regards

Why would one need a pulsating laser????

 

[lhump1961]

Scenario 1: You have your laser working great at the range and you feel very confident of your BUG. You hit the doodoo and your gun comes out. For what ever reason, where’s the little dot!? Maybe the battery is dead. Maybe a reflection is eating the light. Maybe the button is broken again. Now your mind has to process this whole problem, come to a solution and go to “plan B”, the iron sights. Not many people, professional gun people, everyday Joe’s, have the ability to switch on and off like is needed to deal with this. Dedicated attack from a bad guy, you’re dead.

Scenario 2: “It was a dark and stormy night” like the story goes. You have a bad guy in your house, in the dark. You grab your trusty night stand gun and go to work. On goes the laser. Now you have a red light and a red arrow pointing to your every whereabouts. Dedicated attack from a bad guy, you’re dead!

I could go on with this but I think you get the point. If you want to survive a gunfight, if you are serious about learning the art of gun fighting, then throw the laser, and for that matter the rail lights that are so popular now, away. Learn to shoot using iron sights. Learn to shoot without any sights. Learn to shoot. When you’re done, go and learn it again. You will never know everything you need to know to be completely prepared. And you surely can not replace this lack of knowledge with a laser.

I can tell by your choice of words, "your BUG", "doodoo" and "the button broke again" that you don't think much of lasers. Judging by the way you describe your scenarios I'm not sure you know how they work or at least how I use it. (I do agree with your comment on the rail light though). I am a bit surprised that you can find no use, none, for a tool that tells you instantly where you are aiming. Not that it replaces iron sights, I know how to do that, too. But you know what? That's fine! I'm alright with the fact you don't like 'em and that for you they have no place in "the art of gunfighting." Some people like standard transmissions on cars and some like automatic. Some people like their steak rare, others well done. It's all good...just a matter of opinion.

I like 'em...you don't. Cool. I think we'll both sleep well tonight.

 

[turbo38gn]

For the record... nighttime in my house, means my "bug,doodoo, or whatever you want to call my BG380.. is in the vault... when it's dark and I'm going nite, nite.. the M&P45 with a trl1 is next to me.. lets not forget.... the BG380 is in my book my backup gun or the gun I take when I can't hang something bigger on my side or in my pocket.. just thought I would share that..

 

[lhump1961]

I just purchased this gun (BG380) two weeks ago. My only complaint was that the buttons to activate the laser were extremely hard to use. I had to push the buttons multiple times before the laser would activate. The gunsmith at the store I bought the gun from said there was no fix for this and that it was an inherent problem with this pistol; however, I contacted S&W customer support who sent me new buttons for free within three days, which were firmer. Now the laser activates easily and I could not be happier with this gun. I tested similar guns in this class, such as the Ruger LCP, and I preferred the looks, feel, price and the performance of the Bodyguard 380. I highly recommend this gun for concealed carry. IMHO, this is the best looking gun in its class, and has a great price (S&W recently lowered the MSRP as of April 2011) to $399

Highlights:

1. Light weight, easily concealed in pocket

2. Locks open on last round

3. Integrated laser:

a. Three modes:

i. Depress buttons (ambidextrous) once: laser on

ii. Depress twice: pulsating laser

iii. Depress third time: laser off.

iv. Automatic laser deactivation after five minutes (for accidental laser engagement)

4. Initial buttons that came with gun (April 2011) very difficult to activate the laser.

a. S&W customer support acknowledged the buttons on some models were too “soft.”

b. S&W mailed new firmer buttons to me, that arrived in three days, and were easy to install.

c. The new buttons worked much better/perfectly, and the laser now activates easily

5. Integrated safety

6. DOA

7. Reliable.

8. Feel of gun in hand is perfect for me (better than others in class)

9. Accurate.

10. Looks smooth and “cool.”
Best regards

What brand of laser do you have? Sounds complicated! Mine has "OFF" or "ON". "OFF" means off, 'nuff said. "ON" means that when I grip the gun in a natural shooting position that the laser lights up. If I relax my grip a little it goes off. Very natural and easy to control. Only lit when I want it lit. Most of my guns don't have lasers...only the two I carry. It adds to your options without taking anything away.

Don't know what to do with a "pulsing" laser. Did they provide any reason for that?

 

[lhump1961]

For the record... nighttime in my house, means my "bug,doodoo, or whatever you want to call my BG380.. is in the vault... when it's dark and I'm going nite, nite.. the M&P45 with a trl1 is next to me.. lets not forget.... the BG380 is in my book my backup gun or the gun I take when I can't hang something bigger on my side or in my pocket.. just thought I would share that..

Can't argue with that logic. I will carry a .380 but it ain't for the house. My wife has a .357 (likes the point and shoot simplicity of revolvers) and I have the same or my 1911 .45 handy for the home.

 

[cmj8591]

Lhump, I do know about lasers and how they are used. My point is that this thread is about using a laser on a gun that you are going to depend on to save your life. What the whole laser issue comes down to is that it’s a gimmick. Are they fun to use? Yes, they are. I have several that I have fooled around with from time to time. And, yes, they can be used as training tool in some circumstances. But should you depend on one to guide you during what will be the most important and stressful event you will likely ever experience? My answer to that is no. From the questions and comments made here it seems like some people are doing just that. A gunfight is a time when your response should be as simple as possible. You should be dealing with as few variables as possible. You need to be relying on the dependability of your weapon and the dependability of your training and your willingness to survive. The laser is just one more thing that can go wrong in this mix. People come to this forum with questions about gun stuff and look to the experience of the posters here for guidance. No one reading my posts really knows what my experiences, or the experiences of anyone else here, really are. Everything here must be viewed in that context. If you like lasers, then great, I’m sure Crimson Trace is very happy to hear that. If you don’t like what I have to say about lasers, then that’s great too. That’s just my opinion based on a lot of combat experience, for what it’s worth.

 

[06muscl]

laser issues

I called S&W today and they are sending me new buttons for the laser - they know there was a problem with the rubber being to soft - don't know what they did to fix it - we'll see

 

[Macerate]

I love my BG .380. The laser is just a bonus. I prefer it over the LCP and P3AT for a couple simple reasons:

1) Slide locks open on last shot.

2) The fit of it in my hand.

3) Actual adjustable iron sites.

4) The ability to pull the trigger again if it FTF's on me as opposed to having to clear the chamber with one of the others.

5) It looks better too.

I have absolutely no problem activating the laser from my pocket with one finger, and those reasons above make it a much better gun in my eyes as opposed to one of the others.

 

[lhump1961]

Lhump, I do know about lasers and how they are used. My point is that this thread is about using a laser on a gun that you are going to depend on to save your life. What the whole laser issue comes down to is that it’s a gimmick. Are they fun to use? Yes, they are. I have several that I have fooled around with from time to time. And, yes, they can be used as training tool in some circumstances. But should you depend on one to guide you during what will be the most important and stressful event you will likely ever experience? My answer to that is no. From the questions and comments made here it seems like some people are doing just that. A gunfight is a time when your response should be as simple as possible. You should be dealing with as few variables as possible. You need to be relying on the dependability of your weapon and the dependability of your training and your willingness to survive. The laser is just one more thing that can go wrong in this mix. People come to this forum with questions about gun stuff and look to the experience of the posters here for guidance. No one reading my posts really knows what my experiences, or the experiences of anyone else here, really are. Everything here must be viewed in that context. If you like lasers, then great, I’m sure Crimson Trace is very happy to hear that. If you don’t like what I have to say about lasers, then that’s great too. That’s just my opinion based on a lot of combat experience, for what it’s worth.

Don't get me wrong...I respect everyone's opinion and on this subject I don't think we are as far apart as you might think. I hear what you are saying. Although we may differ some on this I would be willing to wager that we would agree on a lot more things than we would disagree.