S&W .380 Bodyguard?

[bushmaster1313]

I was at the LGS to see the gunsmith. Not many guns in the cases or on the racks, but there was a .380 Bodyguard. I told the man behind the counter, "No way I will buy a pocket pistol till I move to a carry friendly jurisdiction," but I was allowed to handle it and dry fire once.

Very impressive. Lightweight, solid, very concealable, and it came with a built-in laser sight.

1) What's it like to shoot?
2) Is this a popular concealed carry gun?
3) Enough power for a couple of shots in the chest to stop an attacker?
4) Will rapid shots with a left hand hold tend to drop the magazine?

 

[banger]

Stay away.... Bad Ju-Ju.

Beacoup reported problems (including mine).

Save yourself the headache and hold out until you find a Ruger LCP.... At least they work.

 

[rwsmith]

I thought......

Stay away.... Bad Ju-Ju.

Beacoup reported problems (including mine).

Save yourself the headache and hold out until you find a Ruger LCP.... At least they work.

I thought the problems were fixed. But of course you'd have to research buying one used.

 

[OLDSTER]

My BG ( M&P later version ) was completely reliable with Hornady American Gunner.

 

[Gary M]

I have 2017 ($225) and 2018 ($200) model without the laser and haven't had any issues with either one with about 500 rounds through each and no idea how many from previous owners. Both bought used within a few months of each other.

The trigger is long and stiff but from what I have read, this was to keep in compliance with some jurisdiction requirements and I doubt I'd want a 3-4 pound trigger on a pocket gun anyway. To me it is almost like a "2 stage" where I can take up the slack to a certain point and then know where the trigger will break.

I was looking for a Ruger LC9 (not 9s, personal preference, not a striker fan) for the larger caliber and better ammo selection but ended up with a Kimber Solo Carry ($350) (also gets a bad rap, but again, no problems for me but I shoot the recommended loads) and the only issue I have had is their 8 round mags suck (nosedive the first 2 rounds) and I ended up trading those off for some 8 rounders for my 1911.

If I did not have other alternatives when I picked these up, I probably would have passed on all 3, but no regrets that I didn't.

 

[max]

I had one, but didn't keep it. It was reliable what little I shot it. It was easy to conceal and I felt safe carrying it in my pocket with the long trigger pull and safety.

It was hard to shoot and I couldn't hit anything. It just didn't fit what I wanted.

 

[Rick H.]

My .380 M/P Bodyguard has worked flawlessly. It has the green Crimson Trace laser on it and I really like it for its intended purpose. I did put a trigger kit in it which helped reduce trigger pull just a tad, but more importantly moved the break point out a little from the frame. I carry it in those situations where I need absolute concealability and for that purpose it works very well. I had a Ruger but didn't like it much at all and sold it for the Bodyguard. The green laser is super easy to see and distinguish.

Rick H.

 

[mrmike7189]

Mine works fine for $275 pistol.... I dont shoot it much. It carries nice in the pocket only 15oz loaded.

 

[Old cop]

I had one in 2014 and all was well until it developed light strike problems like many others. I had S&W repair it the got rid of it, purchased the LCP and never looked back. I've put hundreds of rounds of FMJ & HP through the LCP absent a single hiccup of any kind.

 

[Bourget117]

I've had one since 2015. Absolutely love it. Super easy to carry and conceal. Very safe in the pocket. Very accurate too. I carry it more than any gun I own.

 

[ChillyDog]

Have a 380 BG, since 2017. No laser. It functions good. No reliability issues. I don't have more than 250 rds through it. 380 ammo has come a long way. It is defiantly not the easiest pistol to shoot, but it does serve the purpose when you need something very small to conceal.