New Bodygaurd 380s- problem free?

[SandboxVet]

Hello, newbie here. Was interested in a summertime carry weapon that is small and concealable especially in shorts. Ive been carrying my Glock27 for years and am very interested in the 380 bodyguard, but have read a lot online about past problems (Firing pin, laser/ buttons ect..) Have they worked these bugs out if I buy a new one today? I do love the size and feel of this weapon, came to ask the experts, thanks in advance for some input, much appreciated.

 

[Bilzer]

I just bought a Bodyguard 380 two weeks ago. Out of the box I broke it down, cleaned and lubed it. I took it to the range 3xs and shot 50-100 rounds each time. Got good groups and got used to shooting the gun. NO issues to report. I first had a Diamondback before selling it, and getting the Bodyguard. I like the lock back on last shot, ability to pull the trigger multiple times (in case you get a hard primer) and lastly the laser which is nice to have included. I have tried several of the pocket 380's and decided on the Bodyguard. It is one of the approved Off duty carry guns of LAPD, so they worked it over pretty good before choosing it.

 

[SandboxVet]

Thanks Bilzer, the only pocket pistol Ive owned in the past was a Kel TEC P32, I had nothing but jams, stovepipes and accuracy was plain horrible-sold it. I love my other pistols for wintertime carry with an insider holster (mostly my G27) I have looked at the Sig P238 and then I picked up the BG and loved the look and feel in my hand and the price wont get me in trouble with wifey, lol. Just being cautious as I always am when buying a new gun. I just figured the newer models might have had the bugs worked out.

 

[jstanfield103]

Sandboxvet, I have had 2 BG380 the first one I traded because I wanted another plinking gun. Big mistake, I bought a Sig Sauer 9mm compact (P290) did not like caring that gun just a little to bulky for pocket carry. I just bought the second BG380 2 weeks ago. Great little gun and carries so easily that you forget it's in you're pocket. They have changed the buttons from the previous for the laser, they are now using lock-Tite on the laser screw to prevent it from backing out, and I don't know but I believe they have fixed the firing pin breakage issue due to not hearing about it on the internet any more. Not for sure on the firing pin though. Both mine have been flawless. The first one I had I did the laser button fix which really helped and blue Lock-Tite the laser screw, never any fire-pin problem at all.
These are the best carry and feel really well made, feel sturdy in the hand unlike some of the other except maybe the Sig P238 for twice the cost.

 

[SandboxVet]

Thanks J, I really like the Bodyguard and its price for sure, kinda got burned on the last pocket pistol- like I mentioned before. I really appreciate all the input from you guys. I think Ill head out and grab one this afternoon. Thanks again!

 

[Ransom]

My BG 380 has been a solid shooter, other than when the laser screw backed out and kept the slide from cycling. Loctite Blue fixed that problem and no problem with it since. The laser is a bit flaky--I think I may need to clean the battery contacts or something because it sometimes goes off and comes back on while I'm shooting. But the laser is not very important to me--I only use it to check my aim as I'm pulling the trigger at the range. I bought it new in Sep. 2012.

 

[Rider414]

Laser

I just got a BG380.

After 50 rounds the laser was flickering on and off and then died. Replaced the batteries and still no good.

S&W customer service had me ship my laser to them. Hoepfully the next one will be more robust.

Other than that I really like the little guy.

 

[radar1972]

I've carried the BG380 for over 2 years. No problems. Great little pistol.

 

[BigCityChief]

The Insight laser screw was giving me fits every few hundred rounds or so but S&W replaced the screw with a stouter one and provided a "beefier" wrench. With those 2 items and a dab of blue Loctite, I've been a happy camper and have resumed carrying the BG380. Good luck with it!

 

[greybeard43]

I keep mine in a sticky holster for pocket carry. the desantis nemasis holster hangs up on the rear sight. I never leave home without it unless I can carry my shield. It goes bang when I pull the trigger and is remarkably accurate once you get used to the trigger.

 

[Chris L.]

I just bought a BG380 myself which I will pick up in 2 days, so I'm hoping I get one of the newer models. I can't wait to get it and learn the ropes. If everything works out, this will be carried quite often in summer.

 

[USAF385]

I've had mine for maybe... 1.5 to 2 years. Many hundreds of rounds have been shot with no issues to report. To be honest, I can't tell you if my laser is still sighted properly because I never use it. The screw hasn't backed out any on mine.

Overall I'm very happy with the BG. It's the only gun I own that I consider to be a true pocket gun.

 

[Maccabeus]

Even the old ones can BECOME mechanically reliable

SandboxVet, I know the feeling of getting burned with a KT pocket pistol. Years ago I sold a perfectly good P-11 for a P3AT because the 9mm was too heavy for my preferences in pocket carry (and if I'm going to carry something IWB, I prefer a 4506 or 4513TSW).

The Kel Tec .380 was a disaster that was never reliable even after sending it in for repairs. I bought an early model BG380 to replace it and loved it. Better grip, better construction, better controls, better accuracy, etc. Despite being a touch bigger, it was lightyears ahead of the KT.

Being an early model, I did have the takedown lever start to work out during firing. (Never had any problems with the laser buttons like some folks). After sending it back to S&W for repairs, it is rock solid and doesn't miss a beat when shooting. (Although, for full disclosure, the laser did die 2 days after coming back from S&W. Since I could care less about the laser in the first place, rather than send it back, I just took it out completely).

I was tempted by the caliber upgrade of the Diamondback DB9 which is essentially the same size as the BG380, so I rolled the dice and bought one. I lost. Sold that thing as quick as possible after getting it back from DB and have returned to my trusty Bodyguard. I'd much rather have 7 reliable rounds of .380 than an uncertain number of 9mm when I have to go light with ultra thin pocket carry. As long as you are OK carrying .380, you won't be disappointed with the BG.

 

[Brubakewn4]

So excited,, i too bought a Bodyguard 380 yesterday. Havent shot it yet,,, have to wait for help since its my first gun. I love the size and also agree the laser will be for learning pretty much and its cool. I dont think I would worry about turning it on tho if I had to use it for self defense. Got it for $429 which is not too bad a price. I wanted a Glock but they are hard to come by right now in this area. I will get that one for my 2nd and promote it to my bedside and use this little "Baby" (her name) for strictly a ccw.... Love this forum too!!!

 

[Ransom]

So excited,, i too bought a Bodyguard 380 yesterday. Havent shot it yet,,, have to wait for help since its my first gun. I love the size and also agree the laser will be for learning pretty much and its cool. I dont think I would worry about turning it on tho if I had to use it for self defense. Got it for $429 which is not too bad a price. I wanted a Glock but they are hard to come by right now in this area. I will get that one for my 2nd and promote it to my bedside and use this little "Baby" (her name) for strictly a ccw.... Love this forum too!!!

Congrats, Beth! And welcome to the forum.

 

[Brubakewn4]

Thank you!!!

 

[erik1166]

Just purchased my BG 380 last week. Have not shot yet but hoping to this week. Quite a bit smaller than my M&P..... Can someone recommend a holster? Does it really come down to personal choice and feel? If you have something you like let me know. Thx.

 

[Ransom]

Just purchased my BG 380 last week. Have not shot yet but hoping to this week. Quite a bit smaller than my M&P..... Can someone recommend a holster? Does it really come down to personal choice and feel? If you have something you like let me know. Thx.

Congrats, Erik! And welcome to the forum. I've found the Remora holster to be great for IWB and it's inexpensive too. I'm sure there are better holsters for other ways of carrying.

 

[jstanfield103]

Welcome to the Forum Beth and Eric, Great Place. I have a leather pocket holster for mine. I bought it off ebay and it's a great holster. The holsters are more of a preference thing, Some people don't even use the holster, just carry it in their pocket which is very comfortable the holster just lets it stand up.

 

[jack the toad]

My 2 cents on pocket 380's;
Taurus & Keltec- let someone else buy them
Ruger & SW- buy either one but I prefer the BG
Diamondback- Haven't tried and have no plans to
Kahr & Sig- Hope to try them both someday