To buy or not to buy? BG 380

[fyrfytr9166]

Im looking for a pocket pistol. Something relatively cheap. Ive been looking at the bodyguard 380 and the ruger LCP. Both have their ups and downs. So Im looking for everyones opinions. Mostly on the BG. Thanks guys/gals

 

[dfhawkins]

S&W BG 380

I just purchased a BG 380. I've run about 50 rounds through it without a hitch and like the feel of the grip, light perceived recoil, and the slide lock-back on an empty mag. I've carried a Keltec 3AT with a Crimson Trace laser for many years and like the trigger on this S&W better also. Probably need to run a couple more boxes of ammo through it to make sure it's dependable... but for $399 (including a laser) I think it's a good deal.

 

[Ranger98]

Hi fyrfytr9166,
Welcome to the Forum.
I have both the LCP & BG380.Of the two,the BG seems more comfortable to shoot.I have been fortunate and have had no serious issues with either one.
The BG does seem to have an over all better feel to it.They are both great pocket pistols in my opinion.
Best of luck to you with which ever one you decide on.

 

[Dub]

I was able to 'fondle' both the BG and LCP at my local brick and mortar prior to making a selection. The LCP seemed to fit my hands better than the BG and acquire target quicker. Of course everyones hand size and their dexterity is different.
Anyway treated myself to the LCP w/ Crimson Trace and have run 200+ rounds (assorted FMJ and defense carry HP's) down the tube with no failures of any kind. The good is it has been reliable, easy to field strip, looks like a cell phone in my jeans pocket when carried in the De Santis pocket holster, recoil is manageble at close quarters pulling the triggger as fast as possible all rounds on the paper, lightweight and only 0.8" something thick if memory serves.
The bad, gun seems to shift in my grip such that my second finger will no longer lay on top of laser actuation button squarely after the fourth round, field strip requires the use of a screw driver (or the lip of a spent magazine) to remove the take down pin, slide does not remain locked back after final round.
Would have liked to have shot both weapons prior to purchasing but was unable to do so. Good luck with your search!

 

[LBWill]

talked with a man at gun show yesterday and he owned both and was pretty animate about the bg 380 being a better gun . Ming you that was one mans opinion. I have shot a Ruger and didn't like the recoil and shock it put on my hand. Again one mans opinion.
Played with bg 380 at show and like it but you need to feel both and shoot both yourself. Just my.02 worth

 

[fyrfytr9166]

thanks guys. Got a gun show next weekend. Maybe Ill see them there!

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've got a BG380 and am pretty happy with it. It does what it's designed for. i.e. Packs real small and provides minute of pie plate accuracy at 25'. Where it excells is for slipping it in the pocket when dressed lightly. That said, I still don't have allot of faith in the 380 round itself. IMHO the BEST pocket pistol is still a airweight J frame S&W. ( It's what I carry most of the time.) A few less rounds but considerably more thump and 100% reliability. But that is an argument well worn out and reserved for another thread!
Buy what YOU like (and both if you "need" to ;-)

 

[kingwc]

My new to me BG380 with super senstive laser

I bought a "very" slightly used (only one magazine had been run through it) BG380 last night. I took into the back yard this afternoon and shot about 50 rounds of mixed brands of fmj with zero problems, point of aim and very smooth with less felt recoil than my LCP. The only complaint I have with the gun is that the right laser button is waaaay to touchy. If you barely touch it, lay it down on it's right side or even slide it into the case or holster the laser comes on. Any Ideas on how to correct this?
The man I bought it from bought it for his wife and she ran the batteries down twice just carrying it in her purse so she gave it back to him and took his LCP.

 

[fyrfytr9166]

I bought a "very" slightly used (only one magazine had been run through it) BG380 last night. I took into the back yard this afternoon and shot about 50 rounds of mixed brands of fmj with zero problems, point of aim and very smooth with less felt recoil than my LCP. The only complaint I have with the gun is that the right laser button is waaaay to touchy. If you barely touch it, lay it down on it's right side or even slide it into the case or holster the laser comes on. Any Ideas on how to correct this?
The man I bought it from bought it for his wife and she ran the batteries down twice just carrying it in her purse so she gave it back to him and took his LCP.

If you dont mind me asking what did u pay for it

 

[carbuncle]

Hi fyrfytr9166,
Welcome to the Forum.
I have both the LCP & BG380.Of the two,the BG seems more comfortable to shoot.I have been fortunate and have had no serious issues with either one.
The BG does seem to have an over all better feel to it.They are both great pocket pistols in my opinion.
Best of luck to you with which ever one you decide on.

Thanks for posting that pic, it's very helpful! I'm currently mulling over both of those and the P3AT: luckily I'm not in a hurry, because I'm changing my mind pretty much daily.

 

[robmcd]

I have the upgraded BG380 with ridge around the laser activation buttons and improved take-down lever. I seems like a great pocket pistol. I like the last shot lock back feature, manual safety, drift adjustable sights, lower bore axis for less muzzle rise. XS now offers 24/7 Big Dot night sights for the BG380.

 

[kingwc]

If you dont mind me asking what did u pay for it

$300 even.

 

[Ranger98]

Thanks for posting that pic, it's very helpful! I'm currently mulling over both of those and the P3AT: luckily I'm not in a hurry, because I'm changing my mind pretty much daily.

Your welcome..

 

[dark star]

sig p238

I know its not one you are looking at, but I too was looking at the BG380 and the ruger.
After holding the sig p238, I knew which one I wanted.
the sig was alittle more expensive $550 but it has night sights,nice wood stocks, the frame is alum. the slide locks back, it looks great and is reliable too. It even came with a sig holster. I am very happy with the purchase.
just a thought.

 

[worahm]

Just purchased a new, in the box BG-380, SN EAF3xxx. The out the door price was $382.00. The price included Florida state sales tax, and background check.

The dealer ordered an additional magazine without success. She was told the magazine is not currenly available. She placed the magazine on backorder.

Field stripped and cleaned the piece this morning. Had some trouble removing and re-inserting the take down pin but I finally figured it out.

Both laser buttons work well. Not too hard, not too soft. Someone mentioned that later BG-380 models had a ring around the buttons. Not sure what I am looking for but there is a ring molded into the frame around both bottoms.

The trigger pull is very LONG and not nearly as smooth as my M&P 40. Hope that does not turn out to be a problem.

Ordered a new BG-380 leather belt holster from S&W. The holster was out of stock but Smith was willing to back order.

Can't wait to fire the piece at the range. Bill, Florida

 

[justsumstuff]

I looked at both briefly last month in the store. The S&W was $100 more than the Tarus. This forum always creates more questions for me! Also, how can one tell the "age" of one wgen purchasing from a dealer or used? Also mention batteries, anyone know how much they cost and availability? Can I purchase the batteries at my local pharmacy? Thanks.

 

[Laddy Smith]

adding confusion...

Since you are considering the Ruger LCP, you might want to look at the Ruger LC9.

Slightly larger than the LCP but shots the 9mm

Lad

 

[Niz]

Justsumstuff, the laser requires 2 energizer 357 batteries, available for $4.99 each or 3 for $7 at my local walgreens. Found a 5 pack online for 5 bucks on amazon too. On the BG, EAAxxxx is the 1st serial number set. I picked mine up 3 weeks ago, and its a EAHxxxx. Also, anyone having problems with the laser buttons, removing them and rotating them in the button slot fixed my hard to press button. Also read earlier today on this forum that if you call Smith they will send you replacement buttons that work better. Calling them tomorrow, ill let you know.

 

[justsumstuff]

Justsumstuff, the laser requires 2 energizer 357 batteries, available for $4.99 each or 3 for $7 at my local walgreens. Found a 5 pack online for 5 bucks on amazon too. On the BG, EAAxxxx is the 1st serial number set. I picked mine up 3 weeks ago, and its a EAHxxxx. Also, anyone having problems with the laser buttons, removing them and rotating them in the button slot fixed my hard to press button. Also read earlier today on this forum that if you call Smith they will send you replacement buttons that work better. Calling them tomorrow, ill let you know.

Thank you very much!

 

[Lost Lake]

Just an FYI for those who are looking for a BG380:
Police Express has them brand new for $289 right now (first responder price) with FREE shipping.
To qualify to be a first responder is pretty easy, all police, fire, emergency personnel, military and prior military qualify. There's a link in the description detailing the requirements.
Lots of good deals on that site!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I bought the LCP before the BG was out. The BG is pretty nice and feels better in the hand but you add bulk to the overall dimensions to get that better feel in the hand. The LCP even with the laser is less bulk than the BG. I won't say one is better than the other. I just want to admit to the slight size difference. And CCW can be a fine line between what conceals vs. what shoots better.

 

[USAF385]

Since you are considering the Ruger LCP, you might want to look at the Ruger LC9.

Slightly larger than the LCP but shots the 9mm

Lad

I'm rather disappointed with the lc9. In my opinion it is quite a bit larger than the lcp (in terms of pocket pistols)... it could have been a lot smaller. People want small carry options these days, but I think the manufacturers put too much emphasis on the comfort of firing the gun. Personally, I'd love it if they made the lc9 as small as the Rohrbaugh r9.. I don't care if it "hurts" to fire, it's not a range gun.


LCP: Length: 5.16" Width: .82" Height: 3.6" 9.4 oz
LC9: Length: 6" Width: .9" Height: 4.5" 17.1 oz

Of course.... if the price was right, I'd consider one after they've been out for a while.

 

[azasadny]

Our Ruger LCP

We have put over 1100 rounds (mostly my reloads) through my wife's Ruger LCP in the year or so we've owned it and we really like the gun and it's concealability. I would like to look at a BG380 for a summer carry pistol for me as my Sig P239 is a little too big and heavy for summer carry...

 

[gearchecker]

My Ruger LCP has nearly 500 rounds thru it and it never misses a beat. I added a CT laser, and it's certainly a big improvement. Both pistols have such a short sight radius that is hard to keep a tight pattern on the target by using only the ramp sights. Once the laser was on I was able to shoot a 1" circle at 10 yds with it. Turn the laser off and I'm now inside of 2" groups.
Just having the laser and learning how the pistol moves around during a shooting session was quite an eye opener. Whichever pistol you decide to get will be a good choice for a pocket pistol. Take your time, put plenty of ammo thru it, and learn how to shoot it well. Both pistols are reliable now thet they're both in 2nd or 3rd generations and have most of the bugs worked out.

 

[Jason130]

The BG380 is my first pistol. I love it. Ive had it since Christmas and finally made it to the range, Ive been twice this week already, put about 200 rounds through it of Winchester range FMJ. Not one problem so far. First day I got it I fixed the laser, I have no complaints. took a bit getting used to the long heavy trigger, Still working on it but getting better, at about 15 ft, I can shoot a tight group free standing. I actually had my girlfriend who NEVER shot a guy before go with me today, She shot a 2 inch group at 15 ft. Love the gun so far!

Only thing I desperately want is night sights... These sights suck at my dim range, even with them painted white.

 

[SF180A]

I have owned the BG 380 since Christmas and have no complaints. It does what it was bought for quite nicely (a small concealable, reliable BUG). I have had no problems as the pistol shoots reliably each time i have had it out at the range (over 200 rds).
Being one who has Crimson Trace on 4 other pistols to include a J-frame Airweight, As this is a new pistol to me, I am still getting use to the pressure switch and developing that motor skill.

Best of luck with your decision. When in doubt buy them both and you cant go wrong.

SF180A

 

[Wee Hooker]

I looked at both briefly last month in the store. The S&W was $100 more than the Tarus. This forum always creates more questions for me! Also, how can one tell the "age" of one wgen purchasing from a dealer or used? Also mention batteries, anyone know how much they cost and availability? Can I purchase the batteries at my local pharmacy? Thanks.

DO NOT TRUST YOUR LIFE TO A TAURUS! They are the most problematic handgun line I've ever owned. Worst CS too.

 

[carbuncle]

I just picked up a BG 380 an hour ago, I looked at all the options and found the P3AT just felt cheap and rough in the hand while the Ruger felt OK but not as good to me as the BG 380 (I have big hands and the S&W grip feels more substantial). Mine was test fired on 01/22/11, $379.95 + tax, pretty average price for what I've seen online. I've been to 5 shops around here in the last week and this was the first I've found a BG 380 in stock at: I'd say they are moving through the shops at a good clip. I'll post pics and a review when I get some ammo and accessories together for a range trip.

 

[Nyteman 44]

I own S&W revolvers & autos in all calibers. but in .380 cal. , there is only one for me the older SIG P 230 : I've put 1000 rounds thru it in the past 5 years, all types of ammo without a hitch. still tight and accurate. I carry the 95 gr. hollow points in it.

 

[Niz]

I called S&W customer service on Thursday about some new laser buttons. They showed up in the mail box yesterday. Smith offered to mail them free, no questions asked. I can easily activate the laser now with absolutely no problem what so ever. A gentle touch turns it on, but have not had any issues with holster turn on.
Very pleased with the service. 100% satisfied with the BG380 when compared to the competition.