MolleMan
Member
Need a good carry gun for working. I like the Bodyguard but the LCP has alot more aftermarket options available. Want ya'lls opinions?
Bodyguard VS. LCP
- Thread starter MolleMan
- Start date
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Just my opinion, the bodyguard fits my hands well and is easy to shoot all day long. Feels like a larger gun to me. Plus, I wanted a laser, so it was a bonus that is was already in there.
LCP was much harder for me to hold well and more difficult for me to shoot well. Plus, I didn't like the CT laser module, just couldn't activate it as easy.
I choose the Bodyguard and really like it. You really need to hold and shoot them both to see which YOU like more.
LCP was much harder for me to hold well and more difficult for me to shoot well. Plus, I didn't like the CT laser module, just couldn't activate it as easy.
I choose the Bodyguard and really like it. You really need to hold and shoot them both to see which YOU like more.
helitack32f1
Member
I haven't shot the Bodyguard, but I liked how it felt when I checked one out. I am now seeking one out now that I sold my LCP. I sold the LCP because in my hands and others, it shifts after every shot and has to be readjusted before the next. I fell out of love with it. May actually be out of love for the idea of a pocket .380. I bought it for the times I couldn't hide my Glock 23 adequately enough. Turns out that doesn't happen very often.
Paladin38-40
Member
The thoroughbreds
Bodyguard = S&W 38/49/649.
All others are genetically altered imposters.
Bodyguard = S&W 38/49/649.
All others are genetically altered imposters.FruitCake
Member
I had the LCP and sold it. I purchased the BodyGuard 380 and love it. The BG is built like a tank compared to the LCP. I recommend the BG380 over the LCP anyday.
SniperJon
Member
Love my LCP but like others have said, it is a handful to get used to. With some practice and the Laserlyte side mount laser, it can be a very accurate little gun.
I love my little LCP and thought I wanted a BG just to get the safety and nice sights. However.com after shooting my brothers I loved it, but his laser switch (both sides it seemed) was really hard to get on/off and for some reason it's strobes? Is the pad touch operated or a normal pressure switch? I couldn't really tell, he pulled it out of his pocket at Christmas and it was all kinds of pocket nasty. It could have been dirty or something???
My boss has one of the CT's on his LCP and IMHO it takes up precious space on the grip, of course I also detest the CT he has on his G27.
You can't go wrong with either IMHO.
My boss has one of the CT's on his LCP and IMHO it takes up precious space on the grip, of course I also detest the CT he has on his G27.
You can't go wrong with either IMHO.
PX15
Member
JMOfartO:
I think a person would be well served with EITHER the Bodyguard OR LCP..
I am a big Ruger fan, and I have two LCP's, and my wife has her own. I also have an LC9.
Love 'em all.
One of my LCP's has both the Innovative Arms external sight upgrade, AND the CT Laser.
I've had a CT laser (or Lasergrips) on various pistols and revolvers for a long, long time, and never been disappointed with any of them.
I believe the best thing for someone to do who is considering either the Bodyguard or LCP as a cc weapon for personal defense TRY and get their hands on both, even better try to shoot both.
That's the only way to make an informed decision between the two IF a person really isn't sure of which he/she might want.
I love my Rugers, I'm happy for those who love their Bodyguards..
I don't think a person has to criticize one simply because he/she has the other..
I'm just glad we have choices.
No Offense,
Jesse
P.S. Attached photo is of my LCP w/IA external sights and the CT Laser. The 2nd photo was taken of a group shot w/LCP @ 7 yards, using the laser.
I think a person would be well served with EITHER the Bodyguard OR LCP..
I am a big Ruger fan, and I have two LCP's, and my wife has her own. I also have an LC9.
Love 'em all.
One of my LCP's has both the Innovative Arms external sight upgrade, AND the CT Laser.
I've had a CT laser (or Lasergrips) on various pistols and revolvers for a long, long time, and never been disappointed with any of them.
I believe the best thing for someone to do who is considering either the Bodyguard or LCP as a cc weapon for personal defense TRY and get their hands on both, even better try to shoot both.
That's the only way to make an informed decision between the two IF a person really isn't sure of which he/she might want.
I love my Rugers, I'm happy for those who love their Bodyguards..
I don't think a person has to criticize one simply because he/she has the other..
I'm just glad we have choices.
No Offense,
Jesse
P.S. Attached photo is of my LCP w/IA external sights and the CT Laser. The 2nd photo was taken of a group shot w/LCP @ 7 yards, using the laser.
Did not like the trigger on my buddys BG380 one bit, not quite as nice as the DAO trigger on my 442. The laser also seems like an afterthought, nice to have it on there I guess but I don't like the activation method.
What kind of aftermarket stuff are you talking about btw? What do you need on a pocket gun, a laser maybe?
What kind of aftermarket stuff are you talking about btw? What do you need on a pocket gun, a laser maybe?
GunNut
Member
Owned both and prefer the Bodyguard over the LCP. They are both really good guns, but I found the LCP hard to hold onto whereas the BG grip is much nicer.
Four Knives
Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2009
- Messages
- 103
Had both, like both.
Sold LCP in favor of Bodyguard due to:
1. Useable/Upgradeable sights
2. Slide lockback @ last round
@ PX15 - never non-integral sights on an LCP...custom job or special order?
Sold LCP in favor of Bodyguard due to:
1. Useable/Upgradeable sights
2. Slide lockback @ last round
@ PX15 - never non-integral sights on an LCP...custom job or special order?
Everything is a trade off. The S&W will likely be easier to shoot. However, the LCP weighs less and is thinner, thus making it easier to carry. The carry part of this issue is what you will be doing 99.999% of the time. I have the LCP and have never had any trouble with the little gun-FTF. FTE, or with the magazine. Most social problems involving these guns will be at very close distances to any attacker so pinpoint accuracy may not be such an issue. I also own the S&W model 36 and 38. I love my little Smiths, but to carry all the time I want the LCP due to the weight and size. It just depends on what you want. It would be best if you could try both, but that may not be possible.
PX15
Member
Four Knives:
The external sights on my LCP are a part of the "Innovative Arms" slide refinish/external sight upgrade package.
My daily carry LCP was showing slide wear and I was looking around for a place to have the slide refinished. I read good things about the Innovative Arms upgrade on the dedicated LCP (www.elsie.com) forum (www.innovativearms.com) and give them a call.
Innovative Arms is a small family business, and Phillip and Jenny Woodall put out top quality work. The last time I checked there was a backlog of LCP's waiting for the IA LCP upgrade package.
If you have any interest you might give them a call @ 1-803-528-8709.
The IA upgrade consists of the addition of a standard, reverse ramped rear sight (reverse ramped so that a one handed friction cycling of the slide could be managed if the one hand was out of commission), and a Trijicon night sight on the front. After the sights are added, the slide is refinished. There are two options beyond the standard package, a mirror polished feed ramp, and/or a mirror polished barrel. The extras are optional and only $5 ea.
Can't find a negative with a mirror polished feed ramp and the polished barrel looks good.. lol
FWIW I don't even think external sights, OR a laser on a self defense weapon used for personal defense at self defense distance is even GENERALLY necessary.
The vast majority of such confrontations occur very close up, very quickly, and are resolved with few rounds fired. OR, basically a "point and shoot" situation.
IF you have time you pull your weapon point it as best you can at the center mass of the threat and pull the trigger..
But, for those times when you might actually have TIME to try and acquire a good "sight picture", then the external sights, or Laser can certainly be positives.
I loved my first LCP (I have two, and my wife has her own) that I wanted it to be as "good as it could be".. For me, that "good as it could be business" meant IA sights AND the CT Laser.
Between the $150 paid for the Crimson Trace Laser & the $160.00 paid for the IA upgrade I could have bought another LCP.. But then my carry LCP would not have been as "good as it could be", to ME..
I must fess' up that I'm a big Ruger fan. I've owned one or more for over 45 years, and yet to have a bad one. (knock on wood).
Recently I shot my friends LC9 and loved it, so I bought one. I love my LC9 so much it's replaced my former iwb 9mm choice (HK P2000sk) to the gun safe.
No offense to those who might find fault with my thinking.. At 69 years of age, I often find fault with it myself.
Best Wishes,
Jesse
The external sights on my LCP are a part of the "Innovative Arms" slide refinish/external sight upgrade package.
My daily carry LCP was showing slide wear and I was looking around for a place to have the slide refinished. I read good things about the Innovative Arms upgrade on the dedicated LCP (www.elsie.com) forum (www.innovativearms.com) and give them a call.
Innovative Arms is a small family business, and Phillip and Jenny Woodall put out top quality work. The last time I checked there was a backlog of LCP's waiting for the IA LCP upgrade package.
If you have any interest you might give them a call @ 1-803-528-8709.
The IA upgrade consists of the addition of a standard, reverse ramped rear sight (reverse ramped so that a one handed friction cycling of the slide could be managed if the one hand was out of commission), and a Trijicon night sight on the front. After the sights are added, the slide is refinished. There are two options beyond the standard package, a mirror polished feed ramp, and/or a mirror polished barrel. The extras are optional and only $5 ea.
Can't find a negative with a mirror polished feed ramp and the polished barrel looks good.. lol
FWIW I don't even think external sights, OR a laser on a self defense weapon used for personal defense at self defense distance is even GENERALLY necessary.
The vast majority of such confrontations occur very close up, very quickly, and are resolved with few rounds fired. OR, basically a "point and shoot" situation.
IF you have time you pull your weapon point it as best you can at the center mass of the threat and pull the trigger..
But, for those times when you might actually have TIME to try and acquire a good "sight picture", then the external sights, or Laser can certainly be positives.
I loved my first LCP (I have two, and my wife has her own) that I wanted it to be as "good as it could be".. For me, that "good as it could be business" meant IA sights AND the CT Laser.
Between the $150 paid for the Crimson Trace Laser & the $160.00 paid for the IA upgrade I could have bought another LCP.. But then my carry LCP would not have been as "good as it could be", to ME..
I must fess' up that I'm a big Ruger fan. I've owned one or more for over 45 years, and yet to have a bad one. (knock on wood).
Recently I shot my friends LC9 and loved it, so I bought one. I love my LC9 so much it's replaced my former iwb 9mm choice (HK P2000sk) to the gun safe.
No offense to those who might find fault with my thinking.. At 69 years of age, I often find fault with it myself.
Best Wishes,
Jesse
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crracer_712
Member
I got the LCP with the LaserMax laser, 350 otd. I do like the feel of the BG better in my hand and the fact that it has the LSHO. I have yet to find one that the buttons consistantly worked on. I wouldn't let that totally stop me as it has the nicer sights on it though. I'm sure I'll end up with a BG someday.
I tried both out and went home with the LCP. The main reason was that the LCP was much lighter and thinner. I wasn't looking for a comfortable shooter. I wanted the smallest/reliable .380 I could shove in my back pocket. the LCP just did that better...for me
rodinal220
Member
I bought the Smith bodyguard BG38 after shooting both weapons and preferred the S&W feel over the Ruger.My brand new BG38 experienced sometimes cylinder rotation,FTF,and impacting high 4" and several inches left of center at 3 yards and it was barely in the upper left of the target at 7 yards,15 yards was off the target.This was with 158gr +P lswhp and GoldDot +p 135 jhp.
Contacted S&W customer service who sent me a pre-paid Fed-Ex shipping label.A week later I got a call from S&W saying the revolver could not be repaired and that they were going to replace it with a new gun.Three weeks later I received a new revolver.
New BG38 has been 100% reliable but still printing left and high,not "as" bad as the original gun but not to my liking.Hand loading some Berry's plated 125 fp got me perfectly zeroed.Gun seems to prefer 110-125 jacketed and not lead.
Once I run about 500 more rounds of assorted ammo I think I will "start" to trust it.
Contacted S&W customer service who sent me a pre-paid Fed-Ex shipping label.A week later I got a call from S&W saying the revolver could not be repaired and that they were going to replace it with a new gun.Three weeks later I received a new revolver.
New BG38 has been 100% reliable but still printing left and high,not "as" bad as the original gun but not to my liking.Hand loading some Berry's plated 125 fp got me perfectly zeroed.Gun seems to prefer 110-125 jacketed and not lead.
Once I run about 500 more rounds of assorted ammo I think I will "start" to trust it.
MolleMan
Member
I like paddle holsters personally because their comfortable and i knew the LCP has paddle holsters available so I thought it would be nice for a comfortable OWB carry that i could throw my t-shirt over and be close to almost hidden.
I want to:
-*Be comfortable in working conditions* (construction and mechanics)
-Be quickly accessible
-Be lightweight
-Be almost or completely hidden
Other than that I like the BG380 just don't know anything about reliability being as its fairly new.
Any other carry options that could meet those listed above are welcome.
I want to:
-*Be comfortable in working conditions* (construction and mechanics)
-Be quickly accessible
-Be lightweight
-Be almost or completely hidden
Other than that I like the BG380 just don't know anything about reliability being as its fairly new.
Any other carry options that could meet those listed above are welcome.
OpelBlitz
Member
I had this exact question last year when I was in the market for a .380 pocket pistol.
My brother, mother and father each have the LCP. My brother preferred the Bodyguard, but he couldn't use that as his backup gun because his Dept. wouldn't allow it (Because of the integral laser). So, he went with the LCP. My parents bought LCP's, because my brother bought one, they liked it enough without giving the Bodyguard a chance. I've fired the LCP and it just wasn't comfortable to me, so I held off until the Bodyguard was available so I can get my paws on it. It felt SO much better in my hand than the LCP. I rolled the dice and picked it up; I don't regret it one bit. The only real problem is that there is no CCW in Illinois. But that's a discussion for another thread. I do, however, take to places where I CAN legally carry it.
Firing it is also more comfortable. I don't feel like it'd flip out of my hands and my hand just wraps around the grips better. I don't see myself using the laser much, but I ignored that when I made my purchase. Considering how close these pistols are in terms of their construction, I doubt the Bodyguard will have much reliability issues.
Since someone took pics of their Rugers... Here's a crappy picture of my BG380 and the DeSantis holster it lives in.
My brother, mother and father each have the LCP. My brother preferred the Bodyguard, but he couldn't use that as his backup gun because his Dept. wouldn't allow it (Because of the integral laser). So, he went with the LCP. My parents bought LCP's, because my brother bought one, they liked it enough without giving the Bodyguard a chance. I've fired the LCP and it just wasn't comfortable to me, so I held off until the Bodyguard was available so I can get my paws on it. It felt SO much better in my hand than the LCP. I rolled the dice and picked it up; I don't regret it one bit. The only real problem is that there is no CCW in Illinois. But that's a discussion for another thread. I do, however, take to places where I CAN legally carry it.
Firing it is also more comfortable. I don't feel like it'd flip out of my hands and my hand just wraps around the grips better. I don't see myself using the laser much, but I ignored that when I made my purchase. Considering how close these pistols are in terms of their construction, I doubt the Bodyguard will have much reliability issues.
Since someone took pics of their Rugers... Here's a crappy picture of my BG380 and the DeSantis holster it lives in.
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I have the Smith, it has great sights for a small gun. I like a thumb safety for a pocket gun so the Smith is the only choice of the two mentioned. I do not use the laser so that was not a selling point either way for me. Overall the Smith is a good all around gun and I would recommend it.
crracer_712
Member
Well, I got to shoot my LCP last night quite a bit. I just installed the Hogue grip on it, much more comfortable. I've never had anything with a laser and took some time shooting this last night. I was impressed with how accurate the LCP was as I was able to see exactly where it was pointing in relation to the sights. Shot a half dollar size hole in a piece of sheet metal with 6 rounds, no strays at about 7 yrds
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