Bodyguard .380 or LCP?

Which do you recommend?

  • Ruger LCP

    Votes: 73 57.0%
  • S&W Bodyguard .380

    Votes: 55 43.0%

  • Total voters
    128
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Voted for the BG 380... I have two.

When I shopped, the guns I had access to were the:

Kel-tec P3AT
Sig P238
Ruger LCP
S&W Bodyguard 380

The only one I didn't shoot before I decided on the Bodyguard was the Sig. The Sig has a nice trigger (SA) so I know it would be easier at the range, but the Bodyguard was just too good of a deal at $350. For a true pocket carry gun, it's offers the most value compared to the other guns.
 
I owned the LCP and it was a great shooter but I sold it and purchased the Bodygaurd. So far I have no regrets. I like the last round slide lock, dual strike capability and the fact it has actual sights on it.
 
I recently bought a Bodyguard 380. I have never shot the LCP, but I've owned and carried a Kel Tec P3AT for two years. Since it appears to be identical to the LCP, I decided to go ahead and vote.

I vote for the Bodyguard 380, especially if you're going to get a laser for the LCP anyway.

To me, the Bodyguard 380 is the gun Ruger should have designed and built, instead of copying the Kel Tec P3AT and charging more for it.

The Bodyguard has better ergonomics and an overall better design, imo. For those that must have a safety or they don't feel comfortable carrying it, it has one. For those that don't feel comfortable carrying a gun with a safety, the trigger pull is strong enough that you don't need to use the safety. The sights on the Bodyguard are much better, and I found that the gun is very accurate without the laser.

As to how comfortable it is to shoot, to me both guns are uncomfortable with very long trigger pulls. I was actually surprised that the Bodyguard's trigger had such a strong pull. I guess, with the safety, I figured the trigger would be a lot easier than the Kel Tec. Well, it ain't. The Bodyguard 380 has a strong trigger pull and it took me about a clip and a half to get used to it. Once I got used to it, I found the gun to be very accurate. And, although I like the ergonomics of the Bodyguard better than my Kel Tec, both guns are small, light, and will jump when the trigger is pulled. It's a gun you really need to practice with, imo.

As to reliability, the Bodyguard 380 had zero problems through the first 100 rounds. My son and I shot it fast, slow, one-handed, two-handed, etc. -- no jams. I was very pleased with it. I found my Kel Tec to be reliable as well.

What sets the Bodyguard above the Kel Tec and LCP, in addition to the ergonomics and better sights, is the integrated laser - it's nice to have the laser option when/if you need it, and I just like the fact that it is integrated into the gun itself, as opposed to an add on. Plus, the LCP may actually end up being more expensive than the Bodyguard once you add a Crimson Trace laser to it.

So, I like both guns and I am not giving away or selling my Kel Tec. But I do like the Bodyguard better and I am carrying it right now.
 
If you're considering only the two, I'd pick the LCP. However, if you decide on the LCP, do take a look at the TCP before you purchase the LCP. TCP is very similar, but has lighter trigger pull, and slide locks back when empty.

Between the Bodyguard and LCP, I'd shoot them both at 7 and 15 and pick the one that feels best in your hand, and can shoot the best with, if concealability is not an issue with either.
 
I hate when polls ask A or B, and folks say c.
However, I'm going to recommend just that.
The Sig P-238.
Soft shooter, easy slide to rack, real night sights, slide locks back, looks good.
Yes, it is S/A only which may put some folks off as a pocket gun.
If you want high quality, D/A, in a mouse gun, Seecamp.
 
The 380 is way to expensive for what it is... around $15 for a box of 50.

If that's too expensive on a gun that isn't fun to shoot more than a couple mags, then I might suggest reloading.
 
I handeled and shot both the BG and LCP. I shot both equally well, the BG was *maybe* a bit more comfy to shoot. I was actually a bit more accurate with the LCP. The big thing for me is that if I am going to carry a .380 it HAS to be pocketable. The BG to me, was just a bit bigger in all the wrong places for me for my build in a pocket. The LCP is better in a pocket for my needs. I also despise manual safeties and the laser setup on the BG is horrible as far as I am concerned. Couldnt be happier with my LCP.

I did look at the Sig 238 too but I am not spending that kind of coin on a .380, its too big for true pocket carry, and of course the safety. Other than that, it is a really nice pistol, just not for me.

-Drew
 
LCP would be 3rd on my list. S&W Bodyguard 1st choice, then the TCP a very, very close second.
 
No need for a poll. They both feel completely different. Pick them both up one will feel better than the other.... then buy it.
 
I had a P3AT and sold it off to get the Bodyguard. The price has come down recently. I picked mine up for $365 plus tax. Thumb safety, slide lock, real sights. The only thing is the laser buttons are hard to operate but ther is a relatively easy fix for that. If you decide to get one look for one with a ser. # prefix above the EAB range. they had some updates on the later models. Mine is a EAJ. The Ruger looks like a Kel Tec. The Smith just looks cool!
 
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