New M&P Bodyguard and Range Review

[1076TSW]

My M&P affliction continues, I added a non-laser Bodyguard to the collection last week. The casing envelope is marked Sept 2014.

This is my first .380 as I'm not a fan of the small calibers for self-defense. I have realized over time that a pocket gun is useful, as a bug to the backup, or when light clothing or deep concealment dictates.

I purchased the gun for $335.99 from Sportsmans Warehouse. I also bought 50 rounds of HPR 90gr JHP (XTP) and 50 rounds of HPR 100gr TMJ, the only two types of .380 they had in stock.

I also purchased a pack of snap caps, not a regular purchase for me, due to the smaller firing pin and size of the gun. Probably didn't need to, but I did it anyway.

I dry fired the gun about 500 times and also dropped and reseated the mag about 100 times. The first few times the mag stopped about halfway in, so I smacked it with the heel of my hand and after 3 or 4 times that problem cleared right up.

I have read quite a bit in my .380 research and noted many saying the pocket guns can be very picky about what type ammo they like. Keeping this in mind, I decided to buy several different brands and test them with this particular Bodyguard. I began a search that lasted several days and purchased ammo at Academy Sports (Aquila 95gr round ball and Federal 95gr FMJ) and Walmart (WWB 95gr and Tula ?gr).

I also picked up 5 extra mags for the gun.

I packed the range bag with the Bodygard, 5 S&W six round mags, and all the ammo, except the Tula (oops, forgot it at the house).

I loaded 31 rounds of the Aguila and had 3 FTF that required a 2nd hammer strike to fire. Bear in mind, these are the first rounds fired from the gun.

Next up came 31 rounds of the Federal. Flawless.

Now we get to 31 rounds of the slightly flat nosed WWB. 1 FTF in the second magazine.

Next up are 31 rounds of the HPR TMJ. Flawless.

I went back and ran the remaining 19 rounds of Aquila. Flawless.

Then the remaining 19 rounds of Federal. Flawless (50 of 50).

Might as well finish off 19 more rounds of WWB. 1 FTF, 2nd strike went bang.

I finished the session firing 24 rounds of the HPR XTP. Flawless. The rest of the box will be my carry ammo for now.

Observations from the first 200 rounds fired:

- Slide locked back after each magazine, no problems.

- Recoil spring just as tight as when I began, my M&P .45 seems to be easier to chamber a round. I believe that's due to how narrow the Bodyguard slide is compared to a duty gun.

- 4 total FTF in the first 100 rounds with the Aquila and WWB.

- 1 FTF in the next 50 with the WWB

- Last 50 rounds were Flawless.

I will put another couple hundred rounds through it soon, but I feel comfortable carrying it as a backup gun, with the HPR, now.

A quick note about my carry ammo decision. I watch TNOUTDOORS9 Youtube videos on ammo testing. I have also started watching SHOOTINGTHEBULL410 on Youtube for his take on ammo tests. The HPR is the only brand of the final contestants in STB410's .380 testing that I could find locally. Looks like an online order may need to be placed.

I was particularly interested in STB410's results since he used a Taurus 738 with a 2.8" barrell, close to the 2.75 Bodyguard.

 

[db4570]

So in 200 rounds you had 5 FTFs. That's 1 out of 40. Better odds than Russian Roulette, but not that much. Not something I'd feel comfortable carrying. Welcome to the club of owners of unreliable BG380s.

BTW, I always wondered if FTF is Failure to Fire, or Feed. Both are deal-breakers in my book, though.

Some will tell you it just needed a couple hundred rounds through it to get "broken in". Mine has 300 through it and is going back to S&W for the 3rd time for several issues, including failure to fire. It has had plenty of time to get "broken in".

David

 

[ginzo]

Good report.
Lucky for me my 2-.40's eat anything. Not a hiccup in either one yet. My alternate carry or BUG if needed are J-frames, can't go wrong with a revo, although my .40c gets the call the most.

Are those bodyguards 2nd strike capable or do you have to rack them?

 

[1076TSW]

db4570,

The failures to fire were in the first 50-75 rounds, and with Winchester White box, which I've had trouble with in 9mm before (weak, won't cycle a CS9 or 5906 slide occasionally). The majority were with the Aguila which may have hard primers.

Federal and HPR were Flawless.

Does your BG have the laser? How old is it? I am curious if the non-laser units have solved some issues.

 

[1076TSW]

ginzo,

The Bodyguard is a DAO, second strike capable. Almost all rounds fired after a second strike, one Aguila took a 3rd strike.

 

[lesgeaux]

My non-laser Bodyguard is a solid pistol. Comparing it to other brands, to me it has much better fit and finish. I have had one hickup with Monarch Steel case. To date I have 150 round through the gun. I had kept a Keltec for 5 years and sold it to pay for this one, good move I think.

 

[1076TSW]

lesgeaux,

I picked up 2 boxes of the Monarch steel case last night. Cheapest .380 I have found at $12.99 per 50, the Tula was $14.99.

Looks like a steel case range day soon since I still have that box of Tula to shoot up.

 

[Paparoot]

Hope you have better luck than my wife with the BG380. She does about 300 rounds a week through it but it has become increasingly a struggle. Never gets through a session without a FTE or FTF...particularly with the crappy Russian steel casing stuff. Slide stopped locking back after about 500 rounds or so and never works now even with new mags and new mag springs/ Unfortunately SW customer service doesnt understand the word service/ Doesnt carry it now but we both have some fun with the little rascal at the range from 7 yards.