Ruger LCP 380 vs. S&W Bodyguarad 380

[Buckweet]

This Saturday 3/5, Cabellas will be offering the Ruger LCP .380 with 2 mags, and a galco pocket holster for $319.00.

I've put about 50 rounds through a friend's Ruger LCP (and really found it quite acceptable), love the weight and design for carry.

That said, I also like the looks and weight of the S&W Bodyguard .380. I currently own a S&W M&P 40C and love the gun, but not the weight for carry. FWIW, I realize that I shouldn't expect the Bodyguard to shoot (nor have the knock-down power) like the M&P 40C.


Would appreciate your thoughts on the virtues (or preference) of each gun. For those who've shot both the LCP and the Bodyguard, is there a hands-down favorite?

Many thanks!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Ruger all the way

 

[ritepath]

I have an LCP great gun no problems....but I'd love a little brother to keep my M&P 9c company.

315...you can't really go wrong.

 

[Prorock]

Really like my LCP. Sounds like a good deal too.

 

[billymac]

I like my LCP. It does a great job for what it is. Ive owned it for about 2 years now and have not had any issues other than the initial recall. And by the way, Ruger service has always been top notch I like my XD 40 more, but it just isn't practical to carry on many occasions.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Im packing a tag team of an LCP and an M&P40c as well

 

[pistolpacker]

Fired both numerous times and I tend to like the Bodyguard myself.
-First it has big boy sights, which is one of its biggest advantages over the LCP IMO.
-Second, with alittle larger grip(more in circumfrence than length)over the LCP i find it easier to hold and more controllable when shooting controlled pairs, especially when firing hotter self-defense loads.
-I like the trigger on the Bodyguard more as well. It just seems more refined to me.
-It comes with a laser, but IMHO it has little to no value when concealed carrying your weapon as the button is poorly designed and in a bad spot for instant access, ie. when fractions of a second count its just one more step and likely to get you killed in a quick draw and fire scenerio. For HD where time is'nt such a factor the laser has its place, but since it was designed as a deep concealment gun i find the laser a wast and would purchase one for myself if it didnt have that damn thing on it.
With all that said the LCP is a great gun that is fun to shoot and wont beat you up to bad. One word of warning, people with larger hands tend to pinch the LCP more than they actually hold it so if you have large hands keep that in mind.

GOOD LUCK

 

[P30shtr]

First off let me say this, 9mm or .45acp.(M&P40c). I find .40 hype that people get sucked into. Wrong thread, wrong time. Ish talking done. I have an LCP and like it (not love it). Sights, what sights? Capacity, mehh. Stopping power, ehh, thats another debate but (its only .mm smaller than a 9mm). CC, amazing. And thats what it was designed for. That said, my LCP has been great. 2-3 jams in the first 750rnds aint bad (flawless after 50). The bodygaurd actually has sights which, is a plus and, a laser. The LCP has been out a bit longer and might be more reliable (no exp. with the S&W, just speculation). Most firearms you say "go out and fondle'em and see which one fits best". In this case chances are neither will be comfortable because theyre both so small. Had the BG been out when I got my LCP I might have thought twice but it wasnt and I'm happy for the most part with it. I guess all you can do is go off of features and, in that the BG wins. And mags, the ruger only comes with one, not sure bout the S&W. Sorry if this seems more like a rant about small .380's than actually being of help, hopefully it was a little bit. Its almost bed-time.

 

[fragin228]

Sig p238 if you want a gun you can get pleanty of practice with. I have shot 500 rounds through my sig in two months and it has only one FTF and one FTE on the first 50 rounds, none since. If you dont practice for the real scenario, you are waisting ammo.

HOWEVER, Sometimes, I do think about owning a 3-6oz lighter .380 :-(

Why cant I get enough guns?

 

[Buckweet]

Fragin, the P238 is my other top consideration. Double the price... And I'm sure close to double the quality/construction... Sounds like most of the new P238s are getting much higher praise than the early production guns.

 

[fragin228]

Yeah man, dont worry about the problems with the first generation of the p238. That was just a magazine problem. Thats fixed now.

I bought the Sig p238 thinking it would be the only .380 i'd ever own and my 1 true dedicated ccw. However, I realize now that I must have a slightly lighter gun for pocket use.

I carry the sig p238 in the waistband at the small of my back super comfortably but i cannot seem to find a pocket holster that makes it actually work in a pocket.

I am thinking of picking up a diamondback .380 (because i can get one for 230) or a ruger lcp just to have one a little smaller and lighter.