New BG380 Disassembly

[Texas Solo]

I can't imagine why/how rotating the takedown pin would release the slide though... gotta believe it's the way the OP is holding the gun while trying to force the takedown pin to 9 o'clock

You would be incorrect. My new BG380 serial# EALxxxx does the same thing. Rotating the takedown pin anywhere past 5 oclock position disengages the slide stop (much less rotating it to the 9 oclock position.) I have to manually hold the slide stop up to get the pin out. It's a PITA. S&W says I shouldn't have to do that....send it back.

 

[pedropcola]

Armchair quarterback alert, so bear with me. The two controls share zero common parts, points of contact, etc. besides the slide. I believe that while pressing very hard (necessary) downward on the newer takedown pins you are applying pressure to the slide. Any pressure on the slide in the rearward direction, ie any pressure that is not straight down, will allow the slide lock to release. If you can use something hard and non marring, like hard plastic, to press down on the pin without contacting the slide I would bet that the slide would miraculously not release from the lock back. Tiny gun, big mitts, darn hard takedown pin, that is the recipe. YMMV.

 

["T"]

Texas Solo, let me know how it comes out if you send yours back. I have been living with holding the slide stop up until I get the takedown pin rotated to the 9 o'clock position. Or, like FyrFyter told me, leaving the magazine in holds my slide stop in position like it is supposed to work.

 

[survivalbob]

I just purchased the bodyguard 380 to compliment my 40 S&W compact. I have only fired 6 rounds through it, but wanted to field strip it, to make sure the manufacturer lubricated it properly before I fired too many rounds through it. Without holding the slide in a manner to release the lock, and then rotating the pin, past the 6:00 position, the pin would not move. It felt as though the pin would come out at 9:00, but with the slide not locked, I was not comfortable releasing it. When the manufacturer "suggests" the proper disassembly, and you do something contrary to instructions, I don't trust them to stand behind the product, if something breaks. It sounds like more people are having this problem. I need more info before I force the pin out.....

 

[Copnomore]

Bob, this is not a unique problem. They have not updated the manual. First, empty the mag and re-insert it into an empty weapon. Then lock the slide back. Without putting too much pressure on the slide rotate the takedown lever to the 9 o’clock position, if needed use a piece of plastic, it will not mar the composite body of the gun, the lever will not touch the ridge around it as you pass the 6 o’clock position.

That should do it.

 

[jbyers]

Rotating the taketown lever is releasing the slide

I am also having this issue, and at first I thought I was bumping the release while trying to pry down the lever. I held the gun firmly, being very careful not to touch the slide release and its very visible that rotating the take down lever to approximately 6:00 slightly raises the slide causing it to snap back closed.

It is virtually impossible to get the pin out at 6:00 like it says in the owners manual, I will try the 9:00 position as mentioned here if I can stop the slide from releasing. Any suggestions?

This is my first handgun. I liked the size and feel of the gun. I bought it to learn how to shoot safely and accurately before I apply for a concealed carry permit. I have shot, disassembled, and assembled handguns in the past but never with the difficulty I'm having with by BG. I have a newer model, has the ring around the laser, and if I can find a way to disassemble I will be very happy with it overall.

 

[GeorgeP]

Many of my autos require a slight rearward pressure on the slide when working its pin or release i.e. GLOCKs use a release. You have to develop a special hand hold. When I first got my BG380 it too would drop the slide stop/release because the "cam" action of the pin would move the slide ever so slightly. I just started using my special hand hold to hold the slide rearward and it works great. Oh, and I use a floor plate from a magazine (removed to replace with a pinky extender) to turn the pin. Works pretty good.

 

[HeWhoAngersYou]

Hope this video review and tear down reassemble helps

Hey everyone, new to the forum, I have made a video review of the BG .380 with a tear down and reassemble, hope this review helps, please watch other gun reviews and shooting videos of mine while you are there, rate and leave your comments, questions. thanks and safe shooting. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 gun review and field strip HD - YouTube

 

[Bill the Kid]

Take Down Pin

Just bought the BG380 and I can't get the breakdown pin to rotate even to the 6 o'clock position let alone the 9 o'clock position. I have not been able to take the gun down to clean it yet. Any suggestions?

 

[MarineAir]

I bought my BG380 in October (EBUxxxx) and at first it was hard to remove the takedown pin. After 200 rds and four disassemblies for cleaning, the pin is getting easier to remove. The pin has a machined groove in the shaft where a straight rounded spring engages the groove when the pin is assembled in the 3 o'clock position. (works like a cam-loc fastener on aircraft). You will see this when you get the pin out. Here is what I did: With the slide locked back the barrel should be loose (it should wiggle). I put a couple drops of RemOil on the pin shaft. It's hard to see when the gun is assembled but the oil will get in there. I then pinched the take down lever between my thumb and forefinger and worked it back and forth until it would rotate to the 6 o'clock position. It took a few times and was somewhat hard to work. At the 6 o'clock position you have rotated the pin so the retention spring is not in the pin groove. At this point you should be able to wiggle and pull on the pin until it comes out. The first time you may need to pry the lever out slightly to get a hold of it with your fingers. Hope this helps.