Smith or Ruger 380

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Which models?

I prefer the S&W Shield over the Ruger LCP. For me it just shoots better and IMO looks better too. No one I know has complained about failures in either.
 
I have the S&W 380 (Bodyguard). Very reliable, with the normal caveat. Check the ammo you will be using. Fair warning - the trigger stinks, really REALLY bad. That said, I can shoot puppy toe groups (one ragged hole) at 7 yards with it.

I want the SIG 380, but I could buy two of the S&W’s with extra mags for the same cash.

EDIT: correct “by” to “buy”
 
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I am not sure reliability has been and issue with either company.
They are very small guns and many people cannot shoot them accurately do to their diminutive size.
This can also cause grip problems & limp wristing shots.
 
Bill_G

A friend of mine has an early version of the S&W Bodyguard .380 with the laser module. While the DA trigger is a bit stiff and long in it's travel it's still not bad for a pocket size .380. I wouldn't get the laser version as my friend has had nothing but problems with it, rendering it to be essentially useless. It does have a slide stop lever, decent sights, and I did like the comfortable and ergonomic grip frame. Overall the gun has been very reliable with the exception of the laser.
 
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It's pretty much just a question of which model fits your needs and your hands best. Both companies make quality handguns that are about as good as anyone's. Getting a lemon is always possible, but unlikely.
 
I had the opportunity to put 50 rounds of FMJ through a rental S&W 380 Bodyguard. The trigger is stiff but smooth enough to be usable. The gun is DAO which is a good thing since light strikes requiring a second pull were common. The slide is supposed to lock back after the last round. Usually it did but laying the gun down was often enough to release the slide. With my relatively small hands (I shoot my M&P 9 with the smallest grip insert.), the Bodyguard grip is 2-1/2 fingers long. I don't know if there is an extended magazine with room for all three fingers.

I looked at, but didn't shoot, an LCP. It is definitely a two-finger gun. I have heard of an extended magazine which might have room for three fingers.

I have handled, but not shot, a Kahr CW380. With the 7-round extended magazine, its grip is long enough for three fingers but the gun still disappears in my front pants pocket. The CT380, which has a full length grip surrounding its 7-round magazine, might also be small enough.

Another gun to consider is Remington's DAO RM380. A bit bigger than the others, it may be marginal for pocket carry.
 
While both the S&W Bodyguard .380 and the Ruger LCP make for very serviceable CCW pieces, I would always go with my SIG P238 or Colt Mustang as my first choice in a pocket size .380. Very nice SA triggers, decent sights, and quality construction make both these semi-autos reliable and long lasting performers.

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The LCP 2 trigger is worlds better than the LCP. I bought the LCP when they first came out and put it aside for the 2 after trying (and immediately buying) one. Reliability with both has been excellent, and the 2 has actual “sights” you can see should you want to aim.

The Shield has a good rep as well and you probably won’t go wrong with one of those, but I haven’t fired one myself to give a legit review of one. If you have a chance to shoot them side by side that will be the best way to really see what works for you.

Stay safe!
 
I had a BG. Very serviceable if a bit long of a trigger. I carried an LCP for years, but I have moved on the the II. The trigger is very nice.

I wouldn't discount the Pico, either. I'm currently considering the Baby Rock. Seems like a nice little 1911 .380 that won't break the bank.
 
I rented and fired the S&W, the LCP, the Glock 42 and the RM380. I have big hands and liked the Glock overall but bought the Remington RM380. I didn’t like the LCP. It reminded me of my old Kel-Tec P3AT, which I hated when I shot it. The S&W was okay but the RM380 fit my hands best. The Glock would be hardest to conceal.
I like to shoot mags with flat base plates in the RM380 because the finger extension of one of the mags just gets in the way.

The thing I brag about with the RM380 is it feeds and eats every cartridge I have shot with it and I have pretty much tried every available commercial .380 offering in it.

The thing that the RM380 has against it is the long DA trigger pull. It is just a bit too long and took some work getting used to.

If you have the ability to rent guns try as many as you can. The one or two you think might be your favorite just may not be.
 
My grandfather has a BG380 with the original insight laser. He’s taken it out a couple times I think. It’s hard to shoot because of the trigger pull, but I can say that it does feel decent in the hand and the sights are above average for a .380. To my knowledge it’s been reliable for him.
 
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