Can you talk me out of a Bodyguard .380? = Success!

[Thunder71]

Local place has them on sale for $329.99, which is quite a deal from what I've seen.

Had a hankering for a small pocket gun lately just for those few times it would be nice to carry something very small. Had an LCP, hated it - so that's where the Bodyguard comes in to play.

[eastenn]

Here's 2 reasons from budsgunshop.com Kahr CM9 $387, S&W M442 $367
I prefer the shape of a small revolver for pocket carry.

[Popeye]

Sorry Thunder I can't do it. If you didn't like the LCP, The best I can recommend is a CM9. Even though I really think it's to big to be considered a true pocket pistol like the LCP.
True pocket pistols like the LCP /P3at are what they are. Just SD tools. JMO. Good luck.

[Thunder71]

I should have mentioned that I have a PM9, MK9 and 642, all of which are a bit large for pocket carry for me.

Thanks everyone!

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[hss.strat]

http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aast9mmv380a.htm

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot26.htm
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot27.htm

Grab a little 9mm. The Taurus P709, Kel-Tec PF-9, Ruger LC9 are pocket sized. They fit in the pockets of most the jeans I wear. The size/weight reduction in a .380 over the 9mm micro guns doesn't justify the loss in power and grip-ability. I could put on a PF-9 or a P3aT, wear it all day and not be able to tell you which one I had on. So why not go with the better cartridge? That's just me anyway.

The bodyguard looks awesome. I've played with it a few times myself but can't justify owning one.

[Thunder71]

As I said, I do have a PM9 which is smaller than all of those - I can fit it in my pocket, but to me it's not a pocket gun in the clothes I typically wear when I would prefer to pocket carry.

It literally comes down to carrying a .380 or carrying nothing at all, it's a very small amount of the ovreall carry schedule so I'm not overly concerned with the lack of performance from a .380

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[rjt123]

If you're not too price sensitive, I think highly of my Sig P238. It's Sig's version of the old Colt Pocketlight Mustang .380. Also, I didn't much care for the trigger on the Bodyguard 380. Reminded me of the terrible trigger on the LCP. JMO

[rjt123]

If you're not too price sensitive, I think highly of my Sig P238. It's Sig's version of the old Colt Pocketlight Mustang .380. Also, I didn't much care for the trigger on the Bodyguard 380. Reminded me of the terrible trigger on the LCP. JMO

Forgot to add...Colt has also recently reissued the Mustang, so you could get essentially the same gun from either maker.

[Markis82]

If you didn't like the LCP, which is the best shooting mico .380 out there, what makes you think you will like the S&W any better? I had an LCP too. The size was great. But, I could not hit the broad side of a barn with it. The pistol would turn and twist in my hand causing me to constantly regrip. I replaced the LCP with a CM9, sold the LCP, and don't miss it one little bit. Besides, a gun with the laser built in sounds like nothing but problems, to me. Plus, after experiencing the LCP for over 2 years, I have determined I do not care for the .380 round at all.

[JFootin]

That's a fine choice, Thunder. I assume you handled it, checked the trigger, the ergonomics? It has a built in laser, doesn't it? Nice feature that should help you hit better than the broad side of a barn. S&W quality. If you didn't like it, you could probably flip it and get almost all of your money back. Go for it!

[Popeye]

Thunder I have a Kel Tec .380 It is not my EDC my PM9 is, but there are those times that I must not print in anyway. This is where the P3at comes into play. I have over 800 rounds through it and it has been flawlees after it's inital 200 round brek in. Actually it been flawlees after a Fuff and Buff and the first 50. I can say that at first I was not liking the P3at to much but as time has gone on I've come to respect that little pistol and give it credit for what it is. Actually it seems to have become a much better gun with age and the trigger doesn't seem as gritty as it once did. It's still not a fun gun to shoot but then again I didn't buy it to be a range toy. I do not know anything first hand about the bodyguard.380 to form any sort of an opinion. If it scratches your itch for a Pocket .380 than I'd say hop right over to the LGS and pick it up, shoot it for all it's worth and enjoy.

Good Luck. Popeye.

[Thunder71]

Thanks guys, was posting quick responses as I sat through a meeting...

To address some questions:

The LCP and I just didn't get along... other than the size, I hated everything about it. Handling the Bodyguard it felt better, not like holding a thin brick, while still being small. The grip on it is much better, the trigger on any of them pretty much suck in my opinion - so no clear winner there.

Also, since it's going to be a pocket gun - I actually like the idea of the safety. In regard to the Mustang/P238, single action only in my pocket doesn't sound the greatest, even with a safety, call me a bit paranoid, and even though I carry guns in my Smartcarry none of them are single action.

I could take or leave a laser, my experience with the laser on an LCP was not positive - I could never see it unless the conditions were right, so it was point and shoot only since the sights are virtually non-existent on an LCP, vs the Bodyguard which actually has decent sights if needed or time allows.

Like popeye, there are times where there is no margin for printing or exposure, hence the desire for a smaller carry piece.

[tnshooter]

I can give you my story with a BG .380 I purchased. Bought one from my LGS, took it to the range and had light primer strikes on probably 1 out of every 4 rounds that I tried, using WWB ammo. Thought it might be the ammo, so I bought 3 more different brands and headed back to the range.... Nope, not the ammo because it did the same thing with all the other brands that I used. So, I contacted S&W, sent the pistol back on their dime. Got it back after about 10 days, so I headed back to the range again. Same freaking thing...light primer strikes on 4 different brands of ammo. Needless to say, I was not only disappointed but downright ticked off about it. I went directly from the range to the counter of the LGS (range is in their basement), told them about the problems I was experiencing and that it had already gone back to S&W and that it was still doing the same thing. I promptly told the clerk that I wanted to trade it off because an unreliable SD weapon, is only a rock to be thrown at the BG. This was supposed to be my wife's EDC pistol, and I will aboslutely not allow my wife to carry an unreliable weapon. They politely looked up my purchase, gave me full credit for what I paid for it, and I immediately purchased a Bersa Thunder CC .380 PLUS I got a holster for it, a holster for my XD-40, and $13 cash back. Sweet deal, plus my LGS made things right....can't get any better than that.

Now, with all that being said, I'm sure that there are some good Bodyguard .380's out there, but mine was junk. A friend of mine has one and has never had any problems with his. I guess I just got a lemon, but what made my mind up to trade it off was all the negative comments about them on most of the gun forums, plus it came back from S&W and still didn't work right....too bad, so sad, see you later BG .380 and I haven't looked back.

Just my personal experience with that particular pistol...take it for what it's worth.

Rick

[Popeye]

Thunder after atempting to learn more about the BG.380 and reading these demensions I'm not seeing where the BG.380 is all that much smaller then your PM9. Like I mentioned I know nothing about the BG.380 and not trying to rain on your parade but the difference to me anyway seems like your giving up more than your getting in return with a .380. that is only and 1/8th of an inch narrower 1/4 inch shorter and the same height. Plus .380 ammo cost more. Just an observation....Popeye.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson®
Model: Bodyguard 380
Manufacturer Number: 109380
Finish: Black
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6 rounds
Action: Double Action Only
Internal Laser Sight: Insight®
Grips: Polymer
Length: 5.25 inches
Width: .75 inches
Height: 4.1 inches
Weight: 11.85 ounces
Barrel Length: 2.75 inches

[Garland]

I know that the Kahr P380 has gotten a bad rap lately but I love mine. I also have a PM9 (carrying that one today) and a S&W 638 Airweight. The little .380 fits in pockets that neither of the other will comfortably go.

[Thunder71]

Interesting find, you may have just talked me out of it and cured that itch. Gander won't match their online price, so I think it wasn't meant to be.

Thanks everyone, certainly a lot if valid points in this thread.

I knew the LCP was close in size, but a huge difference in pocket - I guess the Bodyguard is 'bigger enough' to make it not worthwhile, though probably much lighter.

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[Popeye]

tnshoooter
I also had a Bersa Thunder .380. mine was not the CC model though. It was a Satin Nickle Standard .380 that I shortened the beaver tail on. It was a great inexpensive gun that broke down easly and had a simplistic straight blow back design. I'd still have it if I didn't get the PM9.
It was just to close in size with the PM9 and offereing less in the .380 round though for me to keep it. Plus I had a friend who really wanted it in the worst way. So he now owns it. Sounds to me like your LGS came through for you and made things right and your wife ended up with a very nice pistol. Congrats.

[tnshooter]

Popeye,
I know exactly where you're coming from on that one...I tried like the dickens to talk her into a 9mm. She wouldn't have any of that though. Apparently someone she works with had a Kel-tec or something similar in .380 and she already had her mind set so all I could do is point her in the right direction... The triangle wins again (as always)!! I love our LGS...Guns & Leather in Greenbriar, TN. They know how to take care of their customers, that's for certain....

[kerby9mm]

I have 2 sigP238s One has the triggerguard laser on it made in May 2010 Has upgraded safety,flat recoil spring,upgraded extractor It also has the thinner slide than my newer one which is the Equinox version Both of them are noticeably smaller than my mk9 and mk40 (after handling both mks the 9 is smaller and lighter than the 40) I like guns that feel like guns and not toys and the p238 fits that category for me Just my opinion Hope you make the purchase you are happy with

[kerby9mm]

I have 2 sigP238s One has the triggerguard laser on it made in May 2010 Has upgraded safety,flat recoil spring,upgraded extractor It also has the thinner slide than my newer one which is the Equinox version Both of them are noticeably smaller than my mk9 and mk40 (after handling both mks the 9 is smaller and lighter than the 40) I like guns that feel like guns and not toys and the p238 fits that category for me Just my opinion Hope you make the purchase you are happy with

[Popeye]

Popeye,
I know exactly where you're coming from on that one...I tried like the dickens to talk her into a 9mm. She wouldn't have any of that though. Apparently someone she works with had a Kel-tec or something similar in .380 and she already had her mind set so all I could do is point her in the right direction... The triangle wins again (as always)!! I love our LGS...Guns & Leather in Greenbriar, TN. They know how to take care of their customers, that's for certain....
I'll take the 9mm everytime over the .380 but that Bersa thunder .380 is a nice choice for women. The recoil is manageable and is loaded with safety features,which IMO anyway is not a bad idea being that more often then not carried in a purse. Racking the slide on a BT.380 is not that bad either which many women seem to like. The Sa/Da trigger is nice as well as the decocker/safety. All in all nice little gun for the money.

[TriggerMan]

If you're not too price sensitive, I think highly of my Sig P238. It's Sig's version of the old Colt Pocketlight Mustang .380. Also, I didn't much care for the trigger on the Bodyguard 380. Reminded me of the terrible trigger on the LCP. JMOI agree, the P238 is a great shooter. Recoil is managed well, it has great sights and you can amuse yourself by buying various grips for it.

[Ubaldo99]

Congrats, Thunder, on the S&W BG380. Purchased mine on Black Friday at the CTD store for $299.99 but had to stand in a long line to get it. But I am really liking it. Have put about 200 rounds thru it so far and no problems. Really like it for pocket carry. Got a CM9 too, but the BG380 is a bit more comfortable for pocket carry. Good luck with yours. :)

[ltxi]

I agree, the P238 is a great shooter. Recoil is managed well, it has great sights and you can amuse yourself by buying various grips for it.

Yeah....grips. Bought a base, black/black version and wife bought me a set of blackwood grips for our anniversary early last month. I like it. Don't know why Sig doesn't sell that particular permutation right out of the box.....except to make a few more bucks on overpriced grip panels.