S&W bodyguard 380

[abreed]

I got a chance to try my new body guard on the shooting range today. I was really pleased as to the accuracy of the weapon straight out of the box.
The only problem was that the 380 failed to open the slide when the weapon was empty about half the time.
Is this a known problem?

 

[Ransom]

I have not heard of that as a common problem for the BG 380. It could be related to the magazine. Do you have more than one to try it out on?

 

[jstanfield103]

II have not heard of that problem as of yet, and I watch all the BG380 posts.

 

[Protected One]

I got a chance to try my new body guard on the shooting range today. I was really pleased as to the accuracy of the weapon straight out of the box.
The only problem was that the 380 failed to open the slide when the weapon was empty about half the time.
Is this a known problem?

Don't think so. I've read tons of reviews on the Bodyguard and this is the first instance of that happening that I've seen.
Had mine for a few months now...love it. Have to get my front sight adjusted today though. Finanlly realized why my shots are going left

 

[gdnagle]

No problems here either, as above make sure you mag is seated, try another, good slap makes sure.

 

[abreed]

Thanks everyone, I have sent an Email to Smith & Wesson and will report back.

 

[Bilzer]

Sounds like a magazine issue> I have put 500 rounds through mine and never experienced anything like that.

 

[abreed]

Could I have the locking pin in wrong?

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Check your grip incase you're inadvertently touching the slide catch while shooting. I shoot thumbs forward and this happens on some pistols for me. It takes very little pressure to keep the slide lock from doing it's job.

 

[S&W-Fan]

I saw that problem because the magazine follower had a little bit of resistance at the end of travel. I caused the problem when I took it apart. I realized the problem after the magazine bottom and spring was removed. When the follower was allowed to slide down the upside down magazine without the spring it had the slightest bit of resistance near the end and would stop. This slight, extra resistance worked against the slide lock spring such that it didn't react fast enough on the last round.

Also I wonder if hot ammo might also throw the slide timing off.

 

[radar1972]

I have put several hundred rounds through mine with 2 different magazines and never had that issue.

 

[abreed]

From Smith & Wesson Level 1::
That occurs with the BG380. It's because of the small polymer frame. The shooter has a tendency to limp wrist the pistol on the last shot. This does not allow the slide to recycle properly. To prove this load and fire with one hand, you will see that the slide will lock back.

 

[lucasoil4u]

When you clean the gun dont forget to clean the Magazine! Dirty mags will make this happen!

 

[Lost Lake]

I've never had it happen and never heard of it. I'd look for limp wristing or riding the slide.

 

[Rider414]

Stop limp wristing it!!


Haven't had a issue with my BG.

 

[Ironbark]

I had a similar issue with my H&K after a couple of mags I realized it was me holding my thumbs a little to high and I was touching the slide release. Changed my grip and problem solved.

IB

 

[K31Swiss]

I got a chance to try my new body guard on the shooting range today. I was really pleased as to the accuracy of the weapon straight out of the box.
The only problem was that the 380 failed to open the slide when the weapon was empty about half the time.
Is this a known problem?

I've had similar problems on a new BGT380. Figured out it was both a weak magazine spring (this also caused miss-feeds of the last round) and the corner of the magazine follower that lifts the slide lock inside the magazine well is worn or chipped, so sometimes it works and usually doesn't work after the last round because the shock from firing moves the follower around a little bit to allow the slide lock to slip off the corner.

Just sent an email to S&W today.

 

[3dots]

"Could I have the locking pin in wrong?"

Mag spring may be backwards.

 

[Rider414]

I posted earlier in this thread that it didn't happen to me. Well it has happened a few times. The only variable has been ammo. I tried a few boxes of PMC and it happened.

 

[K31Swiss]

Got a reply back from S&W in about 3 hours. Said to send the mag in and they would replace it.

And, no, spring is not in backwards. You can depress the follower with a feather.