LAPD authorizes S&W Bodyguard/Ruger LCP .380s

[Sonny Crocket]

On March 1, 2011, LAPD authorized .380 semi-auto pistols for off-duty and on-duty back-up use.

In order to encourage officers to carry back-up and off-duty firearms, as well as to take
advantage of the technological advances in firearm and ammunition construction, the
Department has authorized the following .380 caliber pistols and ammunition:

Approved Pistols
Ruger LCP, caliber .380
Smith and Wesson Bodyguard, caliber .380 (LAPD SKU ONLY, no manual safety)

Approved Ammunition
Hornady Critical Defense, .380 caliber, 90 grain load

In order to deploy either of these firearms, officers must first successfully shoot the
Department's "Back-Up Qualification Course", at either the Davis Training Facility or the
Elysian Park Police Academy. The "Back-Up Qualification Course" must be shot with
Department approved .380 ammunition only. Officers must supply their own duty ammunition
for the qualification course and for deployment in the pistol. Upon completion of the "Back-Up
Qualification Course" of fire, officers shall take their qualification receipt to the Department
Armory and have the pistol entered on to the Department's Firearms Inventory and Tracking
System (FITS).

The Smith and Wesson pistols are equipped at the factory with a laser aiming module. This laser
module must be disabled by the Department Armorer, prior to the pistol's deployment. The
Armorer will disable the laser module by removing the batteries; there will be no permanent
modification to the pistol. Once these procedures are met, officers will be certified to carry the
.380 pistol for back-up and off-duty use. These .380 pistols are an optional individual officer
purchase. Therefore, the pistols will not be maintained by the Department armory. If a pistol
becomes unserviceable, the officer must return the pistol to the manufacturer for repair. Once
these repairs are completed by the factory they must be verified by the Department Armory, prior
to the pistol being redeployed. Additionally, the Department will not supply any .380 caliber
ammunition.

 

[Broker50]

That's interesting, disable the laser by removing the batteries! I have a Ruger LCP, might prefer the S&W, but don't want the laser, so, I'll stay with the Ruger. Seems like S&W would offer it without the laser, guess not, they don't seem interested in making what the customer wants (no lock, square butt revolvers).

 

[CrossRifles2008]

I still believe Smith & Wesson cares about its customers, and fans, but as far as no locks are concerned. They aren't going to drop that and take on the legality head aches, until sales are affected by the lock. I tell you when I win the lottery, and can afford shooting 500 S&W rounds the lock won't stop me from buying one.

 

[Habbyguy]

What is it with bureaucrats (particularly those in California)???

They force an officer to buy a BG380 model that doesn't have a manual safety (why?), and then requires them not to have a working laser (why again?). Seems to me if you've drawn your off-duty or back up weapon, any danger from the laser is pretty much overwhelmed by the danger from having a barrel containing a hot .380 round pointed in precisely the same place (and without a safety, for what that's worth).

Or maybe they're just concerned that all the officers will use the lasers as pointers when giving powerpoint presentations to school children...

 

[18DAI]

I can see the LCP but the BG380? Evidently nobody did a T&E. Regards 18DAI.

 

[off road]

I find the fact that they require Hornaday CD ammo, interesting.

 

[Shuz]

I can see the LCP but the BG380? Evidently nobody did a T&E. Regards 18DAI.

Would you please explain T&E?

Test and evaluation perhaps?

 

[18DAI]

Yes, Test & Evaluation.

In the past, when an agency approved a handgun for on or off duty use, the firearms unit would test samples of the gun prior to approving it.

Based on my personal examination of the BG380, the reports of other officers locally who have evaluated it, and the miriad of complaints about the BG380 here and elsewhere on the net, I'm surprised it was approved. Regards 18DAI

 

[Maximumbob54]

I see a lot of LCP sales but why buy a BG when the laser is non functional and it costs more?

 

[Robinett_11B]

I can see the LCP but the BG380? Evidently nobody did a T&E. Regards 18DAI.

+1....my thoughts exactly.

 

[WilliamG]

Because the .380 is still smaller? And still packs a punch?

 

[igor455]

i find th\at interesting, i use hornaday critical; defense in my sig 232 that i carry when my back is rea;lly acting up. i have fired some of it and i feel it will do well especially out of the sigs 3.6 in barrel. it will be interesting to see how the smith preforms on the street. i was not impressed with the 38 revolver version of that twosome adn wouldnt carry one even if you gave it to me

 

[BUFF]

I note that officers must supply their own .380 ammunition for both the qualification course and for carry. Is this the same for other ammunition? For all qualification? For duty/off-duty carry?

 

[CALREB]

No all other qual ammo is provided, for duty weapon,duty ammo fired for qual and replaced every six months and generally qual ammo for back up/off duty guns provided also ,but this is not one of the normal calibers carried.So if you want to carry one of these guns you have to provide the ammo needed approx 2-25 rd boxes.

 

[Rudy40]

Jeez. I agree with the no safety but disabling the lasers ? The BG's were plagued with issues early on -- I'm surprised it's not the LCP and P3at.

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

They want the lasers to be disabled so officers rely on their training with the sights and not with a laser. The laser should assist your aim instead of being your aim. Also, the BG has had many problems but what I do not understand is why not use the good ole' 38 special wheel gun as back up? The BG 380 is 6+1 and most of the Smith's wheel guns in 38 are 5 rounds. Plus the 38 special has hotter loads which I do not think the .380ACP does that I know of. Something tells me that S&W made a sweet deal with LAPD that they cannot refuse.

James

 

[maddtrapper]

Probaly because sometimes you want or need the lightest and easy to conceal gun. Im sure theres lots of guys still carrying the snubs though.