Problem with Bodyguard 380

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tmgplc

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Hello, I just joined this forum and got a Bodyguard 380 about 2 months ago (serial EAF...).

I have had several issues since I purchased this gun and have put in about 300-350 rounds through it. The laser failed right out of the box and went back to SM for repair.

The last 2 times I took it out for practice I have had a problem where at least one bullet in every magazine failed to fire. I can see a perfectly centered indentation in the primer, but the bullet just didn't fire and had to be ejected manually. When I tried to refire the same bullet a second time it would fire. I have tried several types of target ammunition (Remington, Winchester WB, etc.) and have the same time regardless of ammunition type.

I am fairly new to guns and wanted an opinion . . . should I send it back to Smith a second time or just outright sell it.

Right now I can't count on this as being reliable and am thinking of getting a Ruger LC9 or Kahr PM9 if I can get comfortable with the reliability of the Bodyguard.

(btw I also have a SW 642 and Springfield XDSC 9 and have had no issues)

Thanks for your opinions and insight.
 
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Light firing pin strikes seem to be a common problem. I would call S&W customer service and talk them about it.
 
I'd send it in. I've never gotten a gun that had problems, but a friend of mine always seems to and he sends them in every time. He's had Remington accurize a model 700 including trigger job and bedding the action for free. Seems like when guys send them in they get a better than factory gun back!
 
I appreciate the comments. I guess I may first see what I can get on a trade for the LC9, but I paid $400 and now it lists for $350 so I am going to take a huge loss. I know that SW will take care of the issue, but I find it hard to rely on this pistol.

How would you describe the problem on the BG380? Trigger, firing pin, etc?
 
Loco Weed said:
Following repeated disappointments with my BG380 I sold it at a loss and picked up an LCP and an LC9. No problems with them Yet, however since the LC9 is also a first generation gun I will be waiting to find out just what recall it may have later, because, as you all know the LCP has already weathered one recall itself.
Click to expand...


There Ya go, I fixed it for ya!
 
I shot it again this morning and had the same problem again. I have had it with the reliability of this pistol. I called SW and sent it in for repair. In the 3 months I have had this gun it has been into SW twice and has never functioned reliably. I may trade or sell it as soon as I get it back.
 
What kind of ammo were you using this time? What do the indentations in the FTF primers look like? My BG380 puts a pretty good dimple in the primer, and only the crappy Russian ammo ever failed to fire (along with one of the first few rounds I put through a new gun, once).
 
I have tried winchester, remington and hornady. I have had failures in each brand.
 
I have been going between getting the BG380 or a Ruger LCP.
I think i have seen enough to make my decision. BG is a sexy looking gun but if it doesnt work worth a ****, whats the point.
LCP it is for me and my wife.

Sorry your having problems with the gun you bought... hopefully S&W will get it right for you
 
tmgplc said:
I shot it again this morning and had the same problem again. I have had it with the reliability of this pistol. I called SW and sent it in for repair. In the 3 months I have had this gun it has been into SW twice and has never functioned reliably. I may trade or sell it as soon as I get it back.
Click to expand...

You ought trade it in towards The Governor, just imagine the fun S&W will have correcting that thing!
 
tmgplc said:
Hello, I just joined this forum and got a Bodyguard 380 about 2 months ago (serial EAF...).

I have had several issues since I purchased this gun and have put in about 300-350 rounds through it. The laser failed right out of the box and went back to SM for repair.

The last 2 times I took it out for practice I have had a problem where at least one bullet in every magazine failed to fire. I can see a perfectly centered indentation in the primer, but the bullet just didn't fire and had to be ejected manually. When I tried to refire the same bullet a second time it would fire. I have tried several types of target ammunition (Remington, Winchester WB, etc.) and have the same time regardless of ammunition type.

I am fairly new to guns and wanted an opinion . . . should I send it back to Smith a second time or just outright sell it.

Right now I can't count on this as being reliable and am thinking of getting a Ruger LC9 or Kahr PM9 if I can get comfortable with the reliability of the Bodyguard.

(btw I also have a SW 642 and Springfield XDSC 9 and have had no issues)

Thanks for your opinions and insight.
Click to expand...

I have the same FTF problem after mine came back from the factory. In fact it is worse than before. I now have 1 out of 3 FTF and they all go bang on the second strike. Some self defense weapon, eh?
 
BG 380

I've had the same problem with FTF. They will fire on the second strike but ***? I shot 25 rounds through mine and 7 or 8 FTF's. Back to S&W it goes.
 
Just took my BG 380 to the range and had the same failure to fire issues with MFS ammo, didn't have anything else to try so don't know. Seems to be an issue so I'm sure S&W will fix it. Like the way it shoots(when it does). I would say I had 10 out of 50 ftf's:mad:. S/N EAJ5XXX.
 
Habbyguy said:
What kind of ammo were you using this time? What do the indentations in the FTF primers look like? My BG380 puts a pretty good dimple in the primer, and only the crappy Russian ammo ever failed to fire (along with one of the first few rounds I put through a new gun, once).
Click to expand...

Yeah my 380 hasnt had a misfire yet... I did have an issue w 2 rounds but because I was getting used to the double action and wasn't pulling the trigger all the way back and smoothly. I would stop right before and then BAM. I wonder... are you committing to the shot when and following through with the trigger pull when you are having an issue or are you pulling the trigger slowly, resting before the actual release of the hammer then pulling the trigger all the way?
 
I have been having the same FTF with my BG380, however, it is only with ammo from Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, etc. I am starting to think they use a different/harder metal for primers in that part of the world.It probably happens on 1 in 3 rounds and it will usually fire on the 2nd/3rd trigger pull.
I have never had the problem with Winchester, Remington or Hornaday ammo. I use Critical Defense FTX for my defense rounds and I have fired over 200 rounds of it to keep confidence in the gun as a CCW.
I have a LCP also, but the BG380 is a much better shooting gun for me and makes for a perfect carry gun in the warmer months, when concealing is a little more difficult.
 
Wow, I am awaiting delivery of my BG .380 and these posts now make me wonder. I'm getting mine through my local dealer and it is ordered thru Davidson's so lifetime replacement is included. Sounds like I need to keep my receipt in my pocket (haha)
 
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