Report: Problems with new S&W Bodyguard 380

[S&W-Fan]

I am starting to have this problem. The slide sometimes does not lock back after the last shot and when I slap the mag in with the slide back it closes without hitting the release. Any suggestions before I send it in?

Sounds like a wimpy spring or debris in the slide release such that it has occasional random operation. Thoroughly clean and lube the slide release such that it moves easily and fully into the notch in the slide.

Be sure the slide can move freely all the way back, everytime, to allow the slide release to lock. In that split second the slide is back the slide release needs to pop up into place. Observe the operation with an empty mag inserted.

The follower in the mag MUST move freely, especially on the last round. The mag spring must have enough tension to push the follower up against the slide release such that it locks the slide open in the milliseconds the slide is back. Remove the mag spring and possibly stretch it out a little bit and lightly lube the 4 sides of the follower. Without the spring installed, work the follower thru the magazine and observe if there is any binding in the end of travel-mag empty position.


My 2 cents.

 

[doublesecretprobation]

Brand New BG 380 broken take down lever

I just bought a brand new BG 380 this past Saturday, May 4th. Waited the required three days to pick it up. Brought it home Tuesday night and didn't have a chance to do anything with it. Was looking at it tonight for the first time. I'm no novice but I always read the instructions on new firearms before I do anything else. Read the directions on how to field strip the gun and got to the point where you turn the take down pin to the 6 o'clock position and pull it out. Problem is only half of the pin came out, the other half is still in the frame. Needless to say I'm happy at all. This is a BRAND NEW GUN THAT HAS NEVER BEEN FIRED. Great quality control guys, yes that's sarcasm. I'm sure I'll have no choice but to go through the dance to sent it back to S&W for repair, which I'll do and then I'll sell it as soon as it is returned and buy something else. Needless to say I have purchased my last firearm from Smith and Wesson.

 

[offensive]

I just bought a brand new BG 380 this past Saturday, May 4th. Waited the required three days to pick it up. Brought it home Tuesday night and didn't have a chance to do anything with it. Was looking at it tonight for the first time. I'm no novice but I always read the instructions on new firearms before I do anything else. Read the directions on how to field strip the gun and got to the point where you turn the take down pin to the 6 o'clock position and pull it out. Problem is only half of the pin came out, the other half is still in the frame. Needless to say I'm happy at all. This is a BRAND NEW GUN THAT HAS NEVER BEEN FIRED. Great quality control guys, yes that's sarcasm. I'm sure I'll have no choice but to go through the dance to sent it back to S&W for repair, which I'll do and then I'll sell it as soon as it is returned and buy something else. Needless to say I have purchased my last firearm from Smith and Wesson.

I have posted previously in this thread with issues with a BodyGuard 380, I sold it and the new owner has had no issues with it at all. I got trolled by another member over a comment similar to yours, I will say this. M&P's are a different firearm entirely and the same can be said about the revolvers. I'd take it back to the dealer if I were you

 

[JDP530]

I sent my BG back because of misfires so I cannot check the take-down pin right now. But, it seems like it pulled out easier if its rotated about 180 to 270 degrees. If you do get the pin out you will see a spring wire across the bottom of the hole that fits into a groove in the pin to hold it in place.

 

[BMCM]

Honestly If i really wanted a .380 I'd take that thing back, get a refund and go buy a Beretta Tomcat.

Cheers
Bill

 

[doublesecretprobation]

I took the BG 380 back to the dealer tonight and he is going to send it back to S&W. He said he has never seen the pin on a take down lever break like that, like alone on a gun that has never been fired. He thought the people at S&W would want to see it. We'll see what happens. I'll post whatever i find out.

 

[offensive]

I took the BG 380 back to the dealer tonight and he is going to send it back to S&W. He said he has never seen the pin on a take down lever break like that, like alone on a gun that has never been fired. He thought the people at S&W would want to see it. We'll see what happens. I'll post whatever i find out.

Is he giving you a replacement so you are not further inconvenienced?

 

[Lmc]

Bodyguard trigger pull issue

Hi, I just bought the Bodyguard for my elderly Mom since the concealed carry she has now is too heavy. But I had't realized how hard the trigger pull is and how long the travel. She's barely able to pull it. Earlier in this forum something somebody said implied that the trigger pull might get easier with use. Is that true, and if so what is the best way to loosen it up?
thanks

 

[Lost Lake]

No that trigger is long and hard and doesn't seem to get better.

Sorry.

I know I can shoot mine, and if needed in a self-defense situation it would work, but it's not a target gun.

.

 

[Lmc]

Trigger pull LCP vs Bodyguard

Thanks for your reply. Would you say the Ruger LCP trigger is any lighter or shorter?

 

[TheMystro]

Sure it is. Mine is a tack driver at 7-10 yards...

I noticed my serial number was KAJ4*** and it was test fired on 4/20/2013 so its about as new of a gun as you can get off the line. I have 200 rounds through mine and it has been flawless.

I know I can shoot mine, and if needed in a self-defense situation it would work, but it's not a target gun.

.

First thing I did was to check if the laser screw was loctited and it was. I added some white paint so I can easily see if the screw moves at all. After 100 rounds since painting, the screw hasnt moved.



With orange reflective tape on the front sight, its about as perfect as a pocket pistol can be. My trigger is also smooth with no grittiness since I Froglubed the gun.



Great primer strikes. The Bodyguard 380 can not chamber TulAmmo. I shouldnt have to say to avoid it but in these hard times, you cant be that picky but avoid TulAmmo.

 

[edritchey]

My new bodyguard 380

Received my new S&W bodyguard yesterday took it to the range today and had a lot of failures to fire with it. Sometimes it took several pulls of the trigger to get it to go off, but usually only two pulls.

I was using PPU FMJ ammo I'm going to try something else before I panic and send it back. I was able to get the sights dialed in within the 50 rounds I put through it so far.

I noticed that the firing pin to primer strikes are very light even after multiple strikes.

I cleaned it and lubed it and am hoping it works better next trip to the range.

EDR

 

[edritchey]

My new bodyguard 380

Pictures of the light strikes with my new Bodyguard .380

Should I send this back to be repaired or is there something I can try on my own?

 

[Fastbolt]

...
I was using PPU FMJ ammo I'm going to try something else before I panic and send it back. ...

If it were me, I'd try the BG 380 with any of the major American brands of .380 ammo ...

None of the BG 380's owned and used by our folks have exhibited any problems when used with the standard Winchester FMJ loads (or Speer GDHP) used for quals.

Last time I asked, S&W uses an assortment of American produced ammo in their testing (it seems to rotate among brands).

 

[edritchey]

Failure to fire

I had one heck of a time finding any American ammo in my area but was able to get a box of federal hydro shocks and it worked 100% so no more PPU in this little gun.

 

[r100s]

I bought my BG in Jan. I have a few hundred rounds through it and it has performed flawlessly. I put some lock tight on the laser screw to take care of the backing out problem. It's pretty accurate at 20 feet and I love the gun. It shoots anything I have put through it. No problems with the field take down. I am starting to have this problem. The slide sometimes does not lock back after the last shot and when I slap the mag in with the slide back it closes without hitting the release. Any suggestions before I send it in?

Have you gotten yours repaired? My BG380 has the same problem. I think the problem is that the polymer frame. My unit has too much gap between slide lock and the actual polymer frame so that the slide lock won't stay straight up when it gets pushed up with empty mag. I have compared some of other BG380s and found out that the area should be very tight without any spacing. This issue is also chewing up the part on the magazines... I will be contacting S&W to send this in for repair.

 

[Box20022]

Have owned my Bodyguard for over two years now and use it as my conceal carry weapon. I have only fired it less than fifty times though and it has not failed . My serial number is EAK32xx . Observations after two years you need to do periodic maintenance and cleaning if you carry everyday which some people tend to overlook. My BG380 needs constant lubing to keep the trigger from sticking to the rear which some posters complained of, also unload and clean your magazine. The laser on mine is sticky on one side and I can never realistically turn it on with one finger while aiming the BG380, also in daylight I cannot really use the laser at all to sight in. Does anyone else have problems with daylight laser use ? Granted I have fired it sparingly but like any weapon routine cleaning,lubrication, and maintenance is a must to keep your weapon at the ready.

 

[Topscout1]

I have had my BG380 just a few weeks now. I traded for it used. The SSN IS EAN9xxx. I have put several types of ammo down the pipe and I am very pleased with it. The problem I am starting to have is when I brake it down for cleaning. I can lock the slide back with the mag well empty, but when I turn the takedown pin to remove it, as I turn the pin toward 6 o'clock the slide release moves and the slide closes. The only way I can keep the slide to stay locked back is to stick a empty mag in and lock the slide back. Then when I turn the takedown pin around to 9 o'clock and remove it the slide stays locked back until I pull down on the slide release. This seems to be a minor problem, but I am worried if this may be a problem that can cause additional problems. I have not read any post with a similar issue on the forum. Is this something to worry about? The gun works perfectly other then this.

Thanks for any help.

Tony

 

[3dots]

Hi Tony,

Bedford, TX here! The slide lock is spring loaded to hold it down when cycling. The notch on the follower of an empty mag pushes up on the lever engaging the lock. With no mag in the well, if you relieve the pressure on the lock the spring will cause it to fall and the slide will slam shut. I think as you're working the pin out, somehow this is happening.

Check the fit of the lock to the slide and make sure it looks healthy. If so, and it stays open on the last rnd, I wouldn't worry about it and just keep the empty mag in while you're busting it down.

 

[Topscout1]

Thanks

Thanks 3dots,
Everything looks good and healthy with the slide lock. I will just use a empty mag when taking it down like you suggested.