Shield or BG for EDC?

[Expygator]

This is one of those impossible 20 part questions...but here it goes. I'm really torn between purchasing a 380 BG and a Shield 9mm/.40 for EDC. I own an M&P .40 full size, but I have never shot either of the two aforementioned possibilities. Anyhow, I will carry in a cargo pants pocket for the most part, however I will also carry IWB whenever possible. ( whichever is the most discrete) I want this gun for protection while working, but my company forbids such. This is why I really need to deeply conceal the weapon. The shield barely fits with a holster in the pocket and the BG, disappears. I'm guessing either would be acceptable in a defensive situation inside of 10 to 15 feet. However, I enjoy range time as well. I will tell you that I prefer the Shield, and would eventually like to own both so I could adapt to most situations. I'm guessing that's what most people do.

So, in my case, which way would you go? and why? I'm open to suggestions on these and any other weapon that would be a suitable option. In addition, I'm guessing I would need a tuck holster, as my shirts are tucked in and I do a lot of moving around and climbing in my daily routine.

I'm sorry.....and thank you.

 

[S&W45Colt]

The Shield is the superior caliber and weapon of the two, but as you said, the 380 BG is more concealable. Pocket carry equals lint and dust, which to my mind says revolver. Revolvers have a higher margin of error when it comes to lint build-up etc. I'd suggest your purchasing a 642, 442 etc for you choice. They are very concealable and in a superior caliber. Testing shows the Speer +P 135 grain and Corbon DPX's open up out of a short barrel.

If you are going to be committed to cleaning your gun weekly, then by all means look at the 380 BG, the Shield is not a pocket gun in my mind. It's a great EDC and IWB gun, but not a pocket gun. You can also check out Seecamps, the SIG P238 and the Colt Mustang.

As I said though, money wise, ease of maintenance needed and a superior caliber to me make a S&W J frame the best choice, but that's just my opinion. YMMV.

 

[vigil617]

I would feel under-gunned with a .380, though the BodyGuard is certainly concealable in a pocket. YMMV. No offense to anyone who carries one, and not trying to start a caliber war. I just feel that 9mm would be the minimum EDC caliber for me. My current one is a .45.

 

[offduty]

I have both. When I can(wardrobe permitting) I carry my 40 Shield or 40c obviously because of the larger caliber. But there are many times my BG380 is carried due to clothing, as in summer. My thought is 380 better than nothing. The BG is just so easy to conceal but as stated feel much better with the 40's. I do shot the BG just as much as the others and able
to shot it as just about as accurate as the others. I,usually also carry an extra mag also when I carry the BG. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Protected One]

This is one of those impossible 20 part questions...but here it goes. I'm really torn between purchasing a 380 BG and a Shield 9mm/.40 for EDC. I own an M&P .40 full size, but I have never shot either of the two aforementioned possibilities. Anyhow, I will carry in a cargo pants pocket for the most part, however I will also carry IWB whenever possible. ( whichever is the most discrete) I want this gun for protection while working, but my company forbids such. This is why I really need to deeply conceal the weapon. The shield barely fits with a holster in the pocket and the BG, disappears. I'm guessing either would be acceptable in a defensive situation inside of 10 to 15 feet. However, I enjoy range time as well. I will tell you that I prefer the Shield, and would eventually like to own both so I could adapt to most situations. I'm guessing that's what most people do.

So, in my case, which way would you go? and why? I'm open to suggestions on these and any other weapon that would be a suitable firearm. In addition, I'm guessing I would need a tuck holster, as my shirts are tucked in and I do a lot of moving around and climbing in my daily routine.

I'm sorry.....and thank you.

I can't in good conscience recommend a firearm for someone to carry in a prohibited area, but otherwise, I'd recommend you get the bodyguard. The reason I say that is because with it you can carry 24/7 (even in the times you otherwise wouldn't, due to dress...etc.)...while saving for the Shield.
Also, be sure to use a pocket holster and you won't have to worry about lint or other debris.

 

[Hodgin]

I agree with Protected One. Personally, I would not go against company rules unless I was willing to lose my job over it. Having said that, the BG 380 is more concealable. I have a BG and a 9c. The shield is closer to the 9c than the BG and I carry my BG when my attire makes concealment difficult.

Concealment is the only reason I'd choose the BG over the Shield. I like my BG 380 but prefer the 9c in other areas.

 

[wildenout]

At the range the BG is SUPER snappy, I really did not enjoy shooting mine and have subsequently gotten rid of the darn thing. I would recommend the Shield since you are already used to the M&P platform, and get a good tuckable holster.

 

[Protected One]

At the range the BG is SUPER snappy, I really did not enjoy shooting mine and have subsequently gotten rid of the darn thing. I would recommend the Shield since you are already used to the M&P platform, and get a good tuckable holster.

With a Pachmayer grip the bodyguard feels much better in the hand (fit, and felt recoil), howevet it is NOT a gun for "fun at the range" - it's an up close and personal defense firearm.

At the range, I put enough rounds through mine to maintain the feel for the trigger pull. When I want to have fun I shoot the Browning High Power!

I still recommend making the purchase that you can afford NOW, and get the MOST use out of. In my mind that's the Bodyguard 380.

As far as holsters are concerned, the link below is to Bullseye Holsters. I have their tuckable Bodyguard holster with mag pouch - love it (they also make one for the Shield). Good luck!

http://shop.bullseyegunholsters.net/

 

[BigCityChief]

For pocket carry, the BG 380 is a much more viable option. The Shield, however, is the superior pistol, whether chambered in 9 MM or .40. Good luck with your choice.


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[shouldazagged]

Side note: front side pocket carry rather than cargo pocket holds the gun in place for the draw better even with a pocket holster, gives slightly quicker access with less reaching, and doesn't let the gun bang against the leg.

 

[Proline]

I have both. Becuase of the clothing I wear (business casual) during the week its the Body Guard all the way. Like OffDuty said that BG can disappear on your body. In your situation where you cant carry at work, if your gonna thats what you want. Never carried a 442 but I think you should also consider that. On the weekends or when clothes allow its the Shield all the time.

 

[S&W45Colt]

I can't in good conscience recommend a firearm for someone to carry in a prohibited area, but otherwise, I'd recommend you get the bodyguard. The reason I say that is because with it you can carry 24/7 (even in the times you otherwise wouldn't, due to dress...etc.)...while saving for the Shield.
Also, be sure to use a pocket holster and you won't have to worry about lint or other debris.

I use a pocket holster, you are still going to get lint, just less of it with a holster. Who wouldn't use a holster and carry just the gun in their pocket?

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Just echoing what most have said, I'd go BG, just because if you can only have one (for now), the BG is the one you'll be able to carry every day. I don't think anyone's arguing that the shield is the superior pistol, and if you save some cash you could pick one up later and carry it when dress permits. But for now, only 1, BG. Like they say, 1st rule of a gunfight is bring a gun

 

[Lost Lake]

I have all of the above, the full size 40, the Shield, the BG380, the compact and the 642.

The Shield is great in an IWB. But you will print with a tucked shirt as you move, bend, turn etc. For deepest concealment you need to pocket or ankle carry.

That's where a small j-frame shines. It conceals better than the BG380, shoots a better cartridge, and a 642/442 has an enclosed hammer that doesn't collect lint.

.

 

[Ransom]

I've got a Shield 9 and BG 380, and used to have a 638 J-frame. I agree that for first gun you'd be better served with a BG 380 than the Shield because the BG is more concealable. Getting a Shield later will be a good addition for when you can wear looser clothing or don't care as much about being detected.

As for J-frame vs. BG 380, I have been able to pocket carry both and they seem to conceal about the same. The BG is thinner, but it looks more like a gun when it prints than a J-frame does.

I really like the BG 380 and Shield combo because the manual of arms is the same, so your practiced habits carry over better between the two. I've found shooting a BG 380 to be easier than the 638. I can hit my target better and my hand feels less abused with the 380. If I ever get another J-frame, I'm going to seriously consider stainless steel to help with recoil. A model 60 or 640 would be nice.

 

[Proline]

I really like the BG 380 and Shield combo because the manual of arms is the same, so your practiced habits carry over better between the two.

Primary reason why I own both. Thought I was the only one that thought like that. Great point.

 

[Expygator]

BG or Shield

Thanks for all of the fantastic responses. I'm going tomorrow to look and hold the BG again. If its what I remember it as...feel, comfort, quality...I will likely come home with it. I've found what appears to be a reasonable,( not outstanding), price of $329.99 and tax. They want an additional 3% if I use debit or ccard.

What's the best way to approach them to sweeten the deal? I need a holster and defense/ range ammo. What should be my approach in an attempt for getting one or the other "thrown in" ?

And if they treat me right, I plan on buying another as a gift for a family member.

Thanks

 

[Hodgin]

Can't help much on the negotiation. Bodyguards were in short supply when I got mine back in early June. Not sure if it's much different now. I did get them to throw in one box of Hornady's Critical Defense ammo. It was the only 380 ammo the place had in stock.

If you haven't ever fired the Bodyguard 380, see if you can dry fire it at the gun shop before you buy. It has a long, heavy trigger pull that some people just can't tolerate. I'd say you need to dry fire any gun at least a time or two but especially one that has a bit unusual trigger pull.

 

[Expygator]

I bought it

Thanks to all for the honest opinions and information. I'm on a few forums for my various interests and half of them end up as pissing matches. Thanks for not being that.

I purchased the gun for 329.99 and tax....$350 OTD. There was no negotiation. They wouldn't do anything. I was going to purchase two if I could get a deal, but nothing. Not even ammo. That's alright because I feel like I got a fair deal. I'm going to go with someone's suggestion and get a Pachmayer sleeve/ grip. I looked at an Uncle Mike's holster for in the pocket. It was a size 3 and seemed to work well. I need an IWB holster as well. Suggestions?? And finally, the gunsmith said he can do a trigger job to reduce the weight to approx. 4 to 5 lbs for around $75. To reduce the travel costs more and requires additional parts. I'll hold off on both for now.

Thanks again.

 

[Protected One]

Thanks to all for the honest opinions and information. I'm on a few forums for my various interests and half of them end up as pissing matches. Thanks for not being that.

I purchased the gun for 329.99 and tax....$350 OTD. There was no negotiation. They wouldn't do anything. I was going to purchase two if I could get a deal, but nothing. Not even ammo. That's alright because I feel like I got a fair deal. I'm going to go with someone's suggestion and get a Pachmayer sleeve/ grip. I looked at an Uncle Mike's holster for in the pocket. It was a size 3 and seemed to work well. I need an IWB holster as well. Suggestions?? And finally, the gunsmith said he can do a trigger job to reduce the weight to approx. 4 to 5 lbs for around $75. To reduce the travel costs more and requires additional parts. I'll hold off on both for now.

Thanks again.

You got a good deal. I paid $100 more for mine several months ago. The 8# serves as a good "safety" in my opinion. I'd suggest reconsidering messing with it.