Ruger LCP vs. S&W Bodyguard

[Jimineer]

I've recently taken a liking to the new(?) S&W Bodyguard with the laser. I have not held one but only seen in magazine. However, I have heard a alot about the LCP although on various forums, but not really paid much attention.
Anyway, I would appreciate hearing some debate about the pro's and con's of the LCP compared to the Bodyguard 38 sp.

Thanks.

[edit] and for that matter, any comments or experiences with the S&W Nightguard

[edit] sorry, I meant LCR- the revolver

 

[barneyrw]

I question the need for a laser on a close range gun like the LCP or the Bodyguard. They are basically point and shoot guns for the distance they will be used at. I have a Crimson Trace Laser on my S&W Model 37 and in daylight it's hard to see the dot. Inside or at night it may have some value but again at the distance it will be used at, I'm not sure if it's really needed.

 

[jollyroger]

I haven't seen the Bodyguard 38, except in an online article, but I would assume it is similar to the J frames in many aspects. Having carried a 640 for many years, I can say I highly recommend the gun. I also have a 642, which is lighter and could be pocket carried. The major drawback to the j frame revolver is the size of the cylinder. No matter how you slice it, it makes pocket carry more difficult, uncomfortable and visible - even with a pocket holster. The LCP is flat and light, and conceals more comfortably and invisibly in a pocket holster.

When it comes to firing, however, the LCP is pretty snappy, and the sights are so low profile as to be a lot more difficult to acquire quickly. The shape of the auto focuses the recoil on the web of your hand.

The J frame has good sights, especially in its modern versions which have thicker front sights and larger notches than the original model 36. It can handle a wider variety of ammo since it is not dependent on recoil operation. The recoil from the gun is more dispersed because of the grip shape, which allows the gun to roll up slightly in the hand. Still not pleasant to shoot with stout loads, but better than the LCP generally.

 

[MikePGS]

Is this a contest to decide which one is uglier? If so, thats a tough one!

 

[chicharrones]

I'd love to try the Bodyguard. The LCP is everywhere, I need some diversity!

What I find questionable about the Bodyguard is the manual safety (on a DAO) and the appearance of a forward button to turn on the laser. If I'm going to want a laser on a pocket gun, I'd want it to turn on with the grip squeeze like Crimson Trace. However, the laser wouldn't stop me from buying the Bodyguard, just the manual safety would.

Although a laser isn't for everyone, I think it is a great idea from S&W to have it made into the gun. Then, I've fired LCPs with and without the laser and I prefer the non-laser LCP in actual shooting. Like barneyrw mentioned, the LCP is a point shooter in my opinion.

I'm so conflicted!

 

[G27RR]

Since the OP said Bodyguard .38 sp I'm going to assume he meant the new revolver and not the new .380 ACP.

I picked up the revolver about 10 days ago and would recommend it. I personally think it looks and handles much better than the Ruger LCR. The majority of it, including the cylinder, barrel, and frame are metal until you get to the handle area where the polymer begins.

I can shoot the Smith much better than my LCP. The LCP is very snappy an hard to grip. The Smith has a thin but easier to hold grip.
The laser is easy to remove entirely if you want to. I personally like that it only comes on when I want and not every time I grip the gun.

The trigger pull on the Smith is light for a revolver and works well. My LCP is reliable, I just can't shoot well enough with it to be comfortable carrying it. I can shoot other .380s well, like the Diamondback and Sig P238. It's just a grip problem for me with the LCP even with a pinkie rest.

 

[Yo Mama]

OP, pleaes look at 9mm options before you get either. If you're dead set on the .380, look at ammo price and availability. I just sold my .380 as it's almost as expensive as my .45 to shoot.

 

[Ben86]

I don't know much about the bodyguard, aside from that ridiculous marketing ploy of a laser.

But, I can tell you all about the lcp, I have one and carry it often. It has been 100% reliable and is surprisingly accurate for its size. When I carry it I can barely feel that it's there. On the negative side the sights are almost non-existent and the grip is so small it can be a challenge to hold on to it during rapid fire. All in all I wish I would have spent a bit more money and got the kahr p380, that way I'd have some decent sights. I do have the say that with a proper two handed hold recoil is not bad at all, I don't know why some people actually describe it as painful. Maybe a lack of testosterone. It's not an especially comfortable gun to shoot, but not bad either for the occasional practice session. And I do mean occasional as .380 ammo is still both expensive and hard to find thanks to ammo hoarders.

 

[hiram2005]

I have two LCP's, one is an extra, never fired. Guess I'm a hoarder of LCP's. I also have a BG 380 I just got on Saturday. I haven't fired it yet.

The LCP I carry has had about 200 rounds thru it with no problems. I'm looking forward to shooting the BG and see how I like it. I do know it won't replace my LCP, I will just switch off from one to the other.

Now, if you don't like the idea of a safety on your BG, just don't use it. Mine is going to stay on the off side, when I carry it.

And I have maybe 1100 rounds of 380 ammo about 150 of which are HP's. Also 2000 rounds of 40 cal HP's, oh I'm a baaaad boy!

 

[chicharrones]

Since the OP said Bodyguard .38 sp I'm going to assume he meant the new revolver and not the new .380 ACP.

Good point. The reference to the LCP threw me.

 

[Ben86]

Aww...ammo hoarders are so touchy. There's a difference between stockpiling and hoarding, and you sound like the former so don't be offended.

Let me put it this way, if you routinely clear out a whole shelf of ammo, you might be a hoarder. If you can't afford to put gas in your tank, because you just bought ammo, you might be a hoarder. We should do a Jeff Foxworthy like list for ammo hoarders.

I still consider .380 ammo expensive and hard to find because it cost more than .45 and I can't just go pick it up at my local walmart whenever I want to. I'm not really a big fan of that new fangled internet ammo ordering thingy.

 

[arrowhd]

I own an LCP and a S&W 642 which is similar to the BG 38. Kind of like comparing apples to oranges. I carry the LCP about 90% of the time simply because it is so small. I have also had 100% reliability with my LCP with roughly 300 rounds down the chamber. However, when possible I carry the 642. Just something about KNOWING the revolver is going to go bang when you pull the trigger is reassuring. It is quite a bit more difficult to conceal just because of the general width of the cylinder. I guess it depends on how you are going to carry also.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I also have the LCP and I have been really impressed with it. The most surprising thing about it has been its amazing accuracy, I don't know how its possible with it's atrocious trigger, but it shoots!

As far as hoarding goes, I'm sure glad I did. I have ammo and you don't.

I could care less if anyone else has .380 this is a free market economy and I love it! I can buy as much as I want!

Instead of whining and crying about hoarders, just try buying some extra ammo while it is available, its not that hard.

How is a little foresight a bad thing?

 

[ArmedBear]

Why the laser? I can shoot target-match-quality groups at 25 yards with a laser and a J-frame. The sight radius allows me to reliably hit a human-sized target, but no better, at that range, with just the sights.

That said, I don't have lasers on any guns, and I keep my J-frames simple. That's the point of the things, IMO.

 

[Ben86]

I could care less if anyone else has .380 this is a free market economy and I love it! I can buy as much as I want!

How considerate.

 

[LawofThirds]

Neither. The LCR rattles like a box of rocks and the new Bodyguard has a weird, springy trigger pull (it sounds like you're trying to drag a rake through a yard full of springs) that is poor with no clean release. Add in the awkward cylinder release, the poor laser activation button location and the polymer trigger guard and neither are worth the money. 642's are a far superior choice to both.

It really is a shame about the Bodyguard revolver, because the .380 bodyguard has some of the best ergonomics I've ever felt in a little gun. The laser is perfectly positioned, the trigger is good, the controls are easy to use and the sights pretty good considering the size.

 

[valorius]

IMO the LCP with a crimson trace laserguard pressure activated sight is far superior to the on/off/pulse switch of the integrated laser on the S&W bodyguard. The Crimson trace laserguard is completely reflexive and instinctive in operation, IMO.

A pic of my LCP with CT laserguard and +1 mag extension:

 

[oldfool]

like said above, it's apples and oranges
both have their place, and there is some overlap, but still quite different

I own an LCP, and use it for what it is, not for what it ain't
(translation = 7 shot derringer)
don't own a DAO or BG style, do own a S&W model 60 no dash snubbie 38
(it ain't a target revolver, but a derringer it ain't)
have done the Crimson Trace thing, didn't impress me much, but did some others, YMMV

have been known to carry either, both, but mostly carry "other"
both guns are strong candidates for CCW
which is best for you mostly comes down to your own carry preferences...
(meaning the larger picture of who/what/when/where/how/why)

 

[Ben86]

IMO the LCP with a crimson trace laserguard pressure activated sight is far superior to the on/off/pulse switch of the integrated laser on the S&W bodyguard.

I've got to agree with you there, a laser you have to manually press the button probably won't get used in a critical situation. It will just be pull-aim-fire, oh yeah there's a laser on this gun! Gimmick in my opinion.

 

[billofark]

S&w .380

I've seen a lot of talk about the S&W .380, but nothing from anyone who has owned/shot one. Well, I can tell you this. I bought one today. Took it to the range along with the elsie pea. Shot 100 rounds through each. And I am chunking the LCP. The S&W feels better and shoots better (did not misfire once). I like that it locks open when the magazine is empty, and I like having the safety even though it is DAO. I will carry it with the safety off, but I certainly don't mind having it available. This is a great firearm. The on button for the laser is right where your finger sits in tactical mode, and is easy to use if you so desire.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Get a Classic used J frame and leave it at that.

 

[valorius]

LCP accuracy at 25feet using Crimson trace laser and Federal Hydrashok ammo:



I coulda kicked myself when i jerked the last shot of the mag out of the 10 ring! Grrr...

In any case, an LCP will handily outshoot any derringer- or J frame.

 

[TexasBill]

In any case, an LCP will handily outshoot any derringer- or J frame.

Opinions are wonderful - even when they're wrong. I have a lovely little Model 60 J-frame that shoots just fine.

I I don't know why some people actually describe it as painful. Maybe a lack of testosterone.

Those who equate putting up with the LCP's handling (or lack thereof) with enhanced testosterone levels apparently also measure their manhood by how many times they can hit themselves in the head with a claw hammer. I can personally think of ways that are both more pleasurable and meaningful - and not self-inflicted.

 

[valorius]

Nice evidence you used to prove me wrong...wait....oh nevermind.

Though in honesty, i should have said, "...in my hands" at the end of the statement in my previous post. I cannot shoot anywhere near that well with a J frame using full power ammo.

 

[doc2rn]

I would like to see the LCR and the S&W Body Guard go head to head