Has S&W fixed the light strike issues with the 380 Bodyguard?

[dman535]

I have seen lots of talk on the Bodyguard and its problems with light primer strikes. Are the latest batch of these pistols out of S&W fixed or do you guys feel there is still a concern?

 

[gonerydin]

I’ve had no problems with mine in 4 years. Could all change tomorrow [emoji846]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Funflyer]

I've had mine for over a year now and have yet to see a light primer strike.

 

[Old cop]

Got my no laser BG Feb. 2014 and fired hundreds of trouble free rounds until 2016 when the light strike problems started, mostly w/the WWB range ammo but I’d lost confidence in it.

 

[Ransom]

I have an original Bodyguard with laser and have not had a light strike in several hundred rounds. There were a few in the beginning but it seems that breaking in the pistol has resolved the issue.

 

[garddogg56]

Over 1500 rounds no problems,she's my EDC

 

[raven28690]

Bought one without the laser earlier in the year and so far have shot federal, wolf, monarch, and blazer without any light primer strikes or any issues at all. Do however need to get some better sights for it tho.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have seen lots of talk on the Bodyguard and its problems with light primer strikes. Are the latest batch of these pistols out of S&W fixed or do you guys feel there is still a concern?

The idea that ANY firearm should have light primer strikes is a mystery to me, as the one thing that should NEVER happen with any firearm is that it fails to fire (assuming the ammo is good).

S&W was disqualified from one of the military trials when the military was looking for a replacement for the 1911 (the M9 Beretta was ultimately adopted) because the primer strike energy was not great enough. Why a brand new gun should be so close to the line is a mystery, and it seems that S&W has had light hit issues with almost everything since, and especially after the brand converted to frame mounted firing pins.

I just don't get it.

 

[OLDSTER]

I bought the new M&P version when it came out. Love that little guy and no light primer strike issues. Totally reliable pistol.

 

[oink]

I sent one back for that issue. I really haven't shot it enough since it's return to know if it's fixed. It was for the wife and she has taken to carrying a Glock 43 reliably and I'd rather her carry a 9 anyhow. I do need to drag it out and see if it's fixed. The August issue of American Gunsmith actually addresses the issue. So if it is still an issue with her gun I may try their fix.

 

[oldiegoldie]

I sent one back for that issue. I really haven't shot it enough since it's return to know if it's fixed. It was for the wife and she has taken to carrying a Glock 43 reliably and I'd rather her carry a 9 anyhow. I do need to drag it out and see if it's fixed. The August issue of American Gunsmith actually addresses the issue. So if it is still an issue with her gun I may try their fix.

would you mind briefly sharing "their fix"?

thanks in advance.

 

[oink]

It describes relieving some metal at the front (toward chamber) of the slot for the cross pin on the firing pin to lengthen the slot by 2.5mm. This allows the firing pin return spring to push the firing pi further back and pushing the tail of the firing pin further out toward the hammer so the hammer will spend more time in contact with the firing pin when struck, transferring more energy to the firing pin. Other modifications may be necessary. The article covers some other topics and is worth reading for anyone that has a strong interest in the gun. The article explains the fix much more clearly and competently and should be read in full before attempting the modification. Consult a qualified gunsmith. This is gunsmith work, not Bubba work. I'm Bubba Oink. S&W will not think kindly toward you if you send your gun in after botching the modification.

 

[cocojo]

I installed the Galway Santiago trigger system in my M&P Bodyguard and it took care of the light strikes with all ammo used. Its a short stroke trigger but with much better ignition. They are $99.00 dollars, well worth the money and its looks awesome.

 

[jstanfield103]

I have not looked in a long time but did not Galloway make a new firing pin for taking care of this problem.

 

[M29since14]

The idea that ANY firearm should have light primer strikes is a mystery to me, as the one thing that should NEVER happen with any firearm is that it fails to fire (assuming the ammo is good).

S&W was disqualified from one of the military trials when the military was looking for a replacement for the 1911 (the M9 Beretta was ultimately adopted) because the primer strike energy was not great enough. Why a brand new gun should be so close to the line is a mystery, and it seems that S&W has had light hit issues with almost everything since, and especially after the brand converted to frame mounted firing pins.

I just don't get it.

Me neither! I don’t know what the current BG380s are doing so I can’t help the OP. I can say that the one I sent back to the factory complaining of light strikes is still just as useless as it’s ever been. When I got it back I didn’t fire ten rounds before I got the first fail-to-fire. A shame. It’s a nice little gun, otherwise. Has all the features I am looking for - except the ability to reliably fire a perfectly serviceable cartridge. I’ve never seen such a ridiculous situation from S&W.

 

[oldiegoldie]

I have not looked in a long time but did not Galloway make a new firing pin for taking care of this problem.

Galloway made a stainless firing pin to replace the original MIM firing pin. i installed 5 of them, not because the originals caused problems, but to head off any potential problems. there were some broken [original] firing pins in the earlier Body Guards. Many thought this was due to dry-firing.

 

[oldiegoldie]

It describes relieving some metal at the front (toward chamber) of the slot for the cross pin on the firing pin to lengthen the slot by 2.5mm. This allows the firing pin return spring to push the firing pi further back and pushing the tail of the firing pin further out toward the hammer so the hammer will spend more time in contact with the firing pin when struck, transferring more energy to the firing pin. Other modifications may be necessary. The article covers some other topics and is worth reading for anyone that has a strong interest in the gun. The article explains the fix much more clearly and competently and should be read in full before attempting the modification. Consult a qualified gunsmith. This is gunsmith work, not Bubba work. I'm Bubba Oink. S&W will not think kindly toward you if you send your gun in after botching the modification.

thanks, very well explained. am going to get a copy of article.

Now, here is a "Bubba" test that i think validates your [American Gunsmith] explanation. having access to Body Guard, Ruger LCP, and Remington RM380, i did the "pencil test" with all three.
A new pencil with flat eraser is dropped into barrel [eraser end goes in barrel] and barrel pointed up. pull trigger and note how far pencil rises. the pencil will barely clear the barrel on Body Guard. On LCP it easily clears barrel by about a foot and the RM380 propels the pencil 3' out of barrel. your results may differ. i got same results with 3 Body Guards. Be sure there's not a cartridge in chamber. it will ruin a good pencil [and, probably your day].

 

[Linejudgemick]

Unfortunately my M&P Bodyguard 380 "had" light strikes

The M&P BG380 I bought did have light strike issues when I bought it. I'm glad to say that S&W did fix my pistol though. The link below chronicles the experience I had getting mine repaired and I will say it has always "gone bang" since the repair. Regards.

Did S&W Fix Your M&P 380 Light Strike Issue?