S&W Bodyguard 380

[giggitygiggity]

I am interested in the SW Bodyguard 380. I haven't been able to find a whole lot of information about this pistol. How is it as far as accuracy and reliability? Also, the integrated laser intrigues me. However, I am concerned that if something happens to the laser, if it would require basically replacing the entire gun to get it fixed. How and where do you put the batteries for the laser? If you drop the gun in water, will the laser still work? Thanks.

 

[sarduy]

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/02/05/sw-bodyguard-380-pistol-and-38-revolver/

 

[sarduy]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=499733

 

[MolleMan]

played with one today at academy sports and I asked the battery question myself and u remove one screw and it has a small battery like the one that goes in watches is all he told me

 

[rd2007]

Bass Pro Shop has it in a flyer I got this week, but not sure if they actually have it in the store. The latest Guns & Ammo magazine also has a feature on both Bodyguards. They gave it favorable ratings, but I like what someone said in another thread. The LCP already had its issues and they reolved it, the Bodyguard hasn't even had its issues yet..

 

[Storm]

I fiddled with one in a local shop. I liked it but could live without the laser. I wish they would offer it without at a bit lower pricepoint. Also, I found the laser button a bit stiff and difficult to activate. I'm not sure how I feel about the strobe setting.

I really don't want or need another 380. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon. If I end up owning the Smith it will only be because it is a Smith.

 

[Norvell]

I got the .380 last week and it's had no hiccups during 200 rds. The laser is in a module that lifts out/drops in after gun disassembly and secures w/one screw---so, I imagine Insight would handle necessary warranty work, etc. If you have to lift it out to replace batteries, you will probably have to sight it in again--I had to, though I was only familiarizing myself with it. The single screw that secures the unit took a few tries to line up, but once everything is back together, it holds the laser adjustment well.

 

[kokapelli]

I got the .380 last week and it's had no hiccups during 200 rds. The laser is in a module that lifts out/drops in after gun disassembly and secures w/one screw---so, I imagine Insight would handle necessary warranty work, etc. If you have to lift it out to replace batteries, you will probably have to sight it in again--I had to, though I was only familiarizing myself with it. The single screw that secures the unit took a few tries to line up, but once everything is back together, it holds the laser adjustment well.

Would you mind telling us how much you paid for your Bodyguard?

 

[speaksoftly]

Don't really see the need for a .380 considering the tiny 9mm pistols that are on the market today. Just my $0.02.

 

[kokapelli]

Maybe because with the exception of the Rohrbaugh, there are no 9mm pistols as small as the P-3AT/LCP, TCP, Micro Eagle, Seecamp etc 380s.

 

[gwolf]

I picked up the 380 bodyguard a couple of days ago; haven't had a chance to take it to the range yet. What I see, I like so far. I have heard a lot of people having trouble with how hard one must push to activate the laser. I resolved with a bit of felt tape behind the activation button. It activates very easily now. You don't want to use too much or it will activate in the holster.
I like the concept; mouse gun with big gun features, like slide lock on last round.

 

[jeffg44]

bodyguard380.com

There is a whole Bodyguard 380 forum at www.bodyguard380.com

 

[kokapelli]

Price?

 

[357reloading]

i used the Kel tec p3at with crimison trace for a backup. at first was terrrible until i used lapping compound to smooth everthing i could reach. Added a stronger firing pin, and main springs.

Improvements and made it a keeper. My reloads after 30 or so rounds, shooting 105 grain round nose lee cast bullets, lubed with xlox, over 3.1 grains of Unique, will cause feeding and ejection problems. Gets dirty in the chamber. Dont have that problem with commerical jacketed bullets. Have fired 50 rounds at a time, just to see if could get a feed or ejection problem

What surprised me the most was the improvement in the trigger pull. Not a tuned Colt 45 breaking glass but sure better than out of the box.