Bodygaurd vs LCP: Opinions

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I don't know why people that are so picky about trigger pulls would buy a tiny, plastic pocket pistol with a DAO trigger. Its small, light, has a short sight radius, etc......no kidding its harder to shoot. Use proper technique and they are not that hard to master. I actually shoot my Bodyguard as well or better than many of my other pistols. I've been able to pick off clay pigeons on the 25yard berm on the range. I don't know how much more accurate than that it needs to be. The fact they as capable as they are is impressive. If you need better you are probably looking at the wrong class of pistol and shoot be looking at something larger.
 
Do not know about the bodyguard but do own the LCP. Sights suck but aren't totally useless. Could hit the milk jug at 10 yards 5 outta 7. Follow up shots are quick and not a lot of recoil.


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If it were me I'd buy the LCP or P3at. Not trying to rain on your parade, but I haven't heard s lot of good things about the BG. Hope your works out well for you.
 
If it were me I'd buy the LCP or P3at. Not trying to rain on your parade, but I haven't heard s lot of good things about the BG. Hope your works out well for you.
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I don't think you can "rain on people's parade" by saying you have an opinion based on what you heard rather than actual experience with both weapons. I've owned both carried both, and shot 100s of rounds through both. You aren't raining on my parade at all.
 
I recently went through this when I decided to finally get a bigger front pocket pistol than my Beretta 950 .25. I carried that for years with 9 rounds of hardball because it was small and reliable. However, like most folks, you always had second thoughts about a .25. I was a deputy sheriff in an earlier life and many of us carried a .25 as a backup. However, we didn't have the little .380's and 9mm's like now.

Anyway, I usually carry a PM9 or S&W 442 but neither is a pocket gun for me and with where I live, even the .25 was probably more than I needed. I'd heard of all these new little .380's and stopped by the LGS a week ago. Of all of them, for POCKET carry, the LCP was far and away the best fit for me and I impulsively bought it. Had some .380 from the old days and was able to get 100 rounds of CCI Blazer and 60 rounds of the generally well thought of Speer Gold Dot. I painted the front sight with flat white Testor's enamel after my first session outside. So far, it's run flawlessly with everything I've put through it with its included mag and the two extra Italian made spared I got off ebay. It rides in my Mika pocket holster that was made for the Beretta.

I've read a lot about this pistol now and some of the issues some folks have had. All I can say is that for pocket carry in a pocket holster, the LCP fits the bill for me perfectly. If I feel I need more then an IWB holster and the PM9 or 442 are with me. If I'm in the backcountry on a hike or SAR call, I carry an FNP45 or Kimber Compact CDP .45.

But for town, the little LCP is a winner.
 
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I've owned both and I prefer the BG380.

1. Better trigger. I don't think the pull is any different than the LCP but short stroking a BG380 will not give you dead trigger and you have second strike capability.
2. No "smileys" or bullet setback caused by the next round hitting the bottom of the feed ramp like the LCP.
3. Much, much better sights
4. Safety, if you choose to use it.

Both are good pistols but the I think the design of the BG380 makes it safer with heavier or more robust 380 ammo. The LCP is a fine pistol but I solidly prefer the BG380.
 
BG380

- Feels more like a gun should feel
- Good sights for this size of a gun
- Thumb safety is hard to sweep off quickly
- Laser buttons are completely wonky
- Long AND heavy trigger

LCP

- OK trigger
- next to non-existent sights
- extremely popular

I got out of the pocket gun game. Pick either, you should be fine. I prefer the BG380 but like the LCP too.
 
I had the Bodyguard, and have an LCP.

The Bodyguard laser is cool, the sights are real, and drift adjustable, (though I never had to drift mine) and the slide locks back on an empty magazine.
These are features the standard LCP doesn't have.

The trigger is no better than, and actually a little stiffer than the LCP's.

I only had one malfunction with the BG 380, but it was a serious one. Fortunately happened at the range. I fired the first shot of a new magazine, and the second shot attempt got a "CLICK".

I retracted the slide to find no round in the chamber. I initially thought I had accidentally ejected the magazine. It was seated fine. I tried to chamber the next round, and couldn't get the slide back far enough to do so. I fiddled with it for a day or so, couldn't get it fixed, and finally called S&W.

The rep I was talking to immediately said that it sounded like the setscrew for the laser had backed out, as though he had heard it before, and issued me the RA.

On its return, it worked as before, perfectly. But I couldn't get that backed out setscrew out of my mind. I knew I could Locktite it, but it's a tiny thing, and I could picture it stripping trying to get it out next time I needed to change batteries.

While it was gone, I had plenty of time to rekindle my affection for my LCP.

The LCP is so simple and reliable. I have had two, and never had a malfunction.

So, since the BG380 or LCP are for me, only a backup anyway, and a weakside pocket gun, simple won out, and the LCP stayed.

But the BG380 in my experience is a fine weapon, and if I hadn't had that one incident, would probably still have it.


Edited to add:Flourescent Orange fingernail polish on the front sight makes for a quick close range combat sight picture, and is surprisingly durable. I bought a whole bottle, put two coats on, letting it dry for a day between coats, and have never had to reapply, even with many draws and reinsertions from the Blackhawk pocket holster I carry the LCP in.

My carry rounds are primarily Speer Gold Dot 90 grain JHPs, or Winchester Ranger 95 grain JHPs.
 
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That's a good way to sum up the LCP: simple. S&W should have left the laser off (and many would argue the thumb safety) and they may have had a simpler and better pistol.

I so prefer the good sights, slide hold open and the overall feel of the BG380 but Ruger was right to keep of simple by not including a laser.
 
Actually, I think the laser for the LCP is damn near a necessity for us older guys. I painted my front blade flat white shortly after acquiring it. After realizing how limited it still was, I went back and spent time with the laser versions. I opted for the LaserMax vs. the CT due to its positive on off switch. To me, that provides a tactical advantage. The guys who think they'll fumble under a stress situation with that on/off switch have probably not trained, especially when they say all they'll have to do is adjust pressure of the grip switch of the CT to turn it on or off. Well, CT has seen the light and has introduced a positive on/off switch on a new model more like the LM.

When you get to the aging eyes stage of life, I think you'll find a laser site, especially in the dark, will be something one appreciates. Meanwhile, paint the front ramp of any black front sight white. It picks up better in low light. Orange will appear almost black
 
LCP hands down. The Bodyguard tried to be a big gun instead of being a pocket pistol. What I mean is it has full sights, levers, built in laser, etc which degrades its ability to be slim-lined and concealable. The LCP on the other hand is simple, light, and concealable. It fullfills its purpose of being small, slim, and concealable.
 
There is VERY little difference in carrying the BG380 vs the LCP. The levers, if you want to call them that, are very unobtrusive. Dimensionally they are extremely close with the exception of the larger front due to the laser, which I agree they could have done without. The sights of the LCP are a bit more snag resistant for obvious reasons but on the other end they aren't nearly as visible either. I would have much rather seen the BG380 with a front night sight than a laser.

BTW, my laser quit working a few weeks after I bought it. I haven't even bothered to send it back to get repaired. I don't really have a use for it.

Personally, I kind of see two different strengths or roles for the two. If you need a small pistol for deep concealment, and are carrying only that pistol, the BG380 stands out as a better shooter and more versatile pistol. If you are looking solely for a really small BUG then the LCP because of its slightly smaller size and smoother profile probably has the edge. If I still have my LCP I would have a weak side holster made so I can carry my spare mag for my 3913 with an LCP right behind it. I think they would have been a great role for it.

All that being said, the LCP I had and the BG380 I still have are WAY more accurate than they have any right to be. Neither of them is a "belly gun" (man I hate that term, it rates right up there with dum-dums) and both can be shot well at any reasonable distance with a little practice.
 
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I had a BG380 and sent it back 3 times for lite primer strikes on trip #3 I ask for my money
back I now have a TCP380 that works just fine.
 
Every manufacturer has a lemon once in a while. Normally S&Ws customer service is pretty good. I'm surprised you didn't get your problem resolved. I'm no fan of Taurus but I have heard a lot of good things about the TCP380.
 
Old thread. I'm sure he's already made his choice.

Anyway, the LCP got a small update for 2013. Significantly better trigger and larger sights.
Put a hogue hybrid grip and a 13lb wolf spring and it should be a much more comfortable shooter.
Oh, and you can get the magguts mag kit that adds a round without making the mag any larger.

I wouldn't get the TCP. Spotty quality from all the reviews I've read on the taurus forum.
 
I carry my LCP everywhere, that is what it is intended to do, ride in my back pocket. Terrible trigger, no sights, but I have it with me always. That is it's beauty. My guns with nice sights and great triggers ride in the truck. Reality, in a nutshell.
 
Had a TCP went back once for not ejecting, came back with light hammer strikes. traded it at gander for a BG380 and havent looked back. Last round hold open, real sights and an integral laser is what sold me. I bet the lasers on the front of the trigger guard work great but I just didnt like how it looked on either the LCP or sig 380.

Huh this is from april :) well theres my 2 dents too.
 
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