New Bodyguard

[jnichols2]

I've been carrying my M&P bodyguard 380 everyday since 2015 & lost track of how many rounds I've put thru it. I usually put around 50 rounds a month practice shooting it. My carry loads are either Federal Hydra shoks or Hornady Critical Defense. Reliability with both of those brands has been 100%. I get a occasional light strike using Monarch/PPU ammo, Remington green box too. But never the defensive carry loads. Keep it clean at all times and it will serve you well. Great little pocket gun!

I favor the Hornady Critical Defense for short barrels. I've heard foriegn (Monarch/PPU) ammo uses hard primers. I don't know about the remington. Right now, I have American Eagle and Winchester White Box. Anything the Smith doesn't like, I'll feed to the Glock 42.

 

[comiskeybum]

I presonally love my bodyguard and will only replace it if it breaks or they come out with a 2.0

 

[joeintexas]

I can't comment on the BG 380 but I do have the BG 38spec. I had a failure to fire on many rounds, sent it in to S&W and they replaced the firing pin. So far so good, have put 50 rounds through it and all fired. I was told that fix is standard procedure for the misfires. It was an older model so the newer ones probably have the fix in place. Aside from the misfires I really do like the little revolver, light weight, carries in pocket very well and for a short barrel it is surprisingly accurate. I imagine the BG 380 is as well.

 

[URIT]

Ammo is an important decision so here are ballistics testing results from various 380 and other handgun calibers fired from short barrel pistols:

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/

 

[oldiegoldie]

I had bad luck using Fiocchi .380 ammo [no problem in 9mm though]. the primers in Fiocchi may be hard....others have reported no problems.

i have read that Federal has the most sensitive primer. not being a reloader i have no first hand knowledge of primer brands. wish someone knowledgeable about primers would step up with good research data. not trying to hijack this thread....hard primers are mentioned often when BG failure to fire is discussed.

 

[Funflyer]

My BG has several hundred rounds (300+) through it without a hiccup. I carry it with Ruger ARX ammo.

One thing, if you find the magazines catch on the release when inserting them, a quick radius and polish on that corner of the mag will make them glide past the release like butter. See the last post of my BG range report. One more Bodyguard range report

 

[jnichols2]

I did submit the rebate yesterday, and have two questions.

1. jeppo asked if I had received the email, I have not.
Does this email come quickly, or after several weeks?

2. I was given a "tracking number" to track status. But it didn't say where to go for tracking?

Advance thanks to those who have answers.

 

[jnichols2]

I took it to the range today. I had another new gun, so I only shot 60 rounds, all were perfect.

I got 4" groups at 7 yards, and 6" at 10 yards. These will tighten up as I get used to the pistol.

 

[KSDeputy]

My pocket pistol is a Ruger Custom LCP, the one with a red trigger. It has a good trigger, sights, and I like it. Slips into my pocket in an Uncle Mike's cloth holster. Shoots well, is consistently accurate at distances of up to 15 yards.

 

[Jeppo]

I did submit the rebate yesterday, and have two questions.

1. jeppo asked if I had received the email, I have not.
Does this email come quickly, or after several weeks?

2. I was given a "tracking number" to track status. But it didn't say where to go for tracking?

Advance thanks to those who have answers.

So, I found 3 emails regarding my submission on a 442.

I submitted online on 11/22 and received an email immediately from [email protected]. Maybe your email went into "spam"?

I received an identical email on 11/29.

The third email came on 12/6 telling me the submission had been approved and that the prepaid Master Card would arrive in 10-15 business days.

Actually, the card arrived very soon after 12/6. The whole thing took about three weeks which shocked me.

The first email contained a link for checking the status. I never bothered to check. You might see if you can find anything at:

https://www.smithandwessonrebates.com/#/tracker?tn=InsertYour9DigitTrackingNumberHere

 

[686-380]

I second the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense (not Xtreme Penetrator). My tests have gotten about 9" of penetration with hollow points, some even less.

I've been carrying my Bodyguard .380 for about 7ish years now. It is the perfect size, where I can perform whatever task I need to, unencumbered.

It provides a modest level of protection for a modest environmental threat.

 

[jnichols2]

Jeppo,

Nothing in my spam. Your link didn't get my tracking info, but it took me to the page. I entered my tracking number, and got results.

"Results for :815503825

Status : In Process
Your rebate is valid and is scheduled for final processing. Please refer to your rebate form for estimated processing times.

Promotion Name :
The $50 Winter Promotion
Submit Date :
12/12/2017

Rebate :
$50.00
Submission Type
ON-LINE"

Thanks again !!

 

[comiskeybum]

Precision one .380 hollow points were proven to be the best on a major youtube test some years back. HST's were at the top of the list as well along with Gold dots.

 

[micocyco]

A lot of people are going to the small 380 pocket pistols.
I tried to like the B G for years & the LCP as well. When Ruger came out with the LCP II I got one. It now has 600 rounds fired, shoots any HP I put in it.
Maybe S&W will get with it & make some real changes in a G B 380 2.0

 

[Bamabred]

I love my LCP II. The issues with the BG scared me away. I think I want a Kahr CW380. Anyhow, I use HSTs. For whatever reason the old tech is average in most calibers, but excels in 380. It's the only hollow point I will use. Other than that I'm going Lehigh Defense.