M&P Bodyguard 380 Reviewed - Unbox, Teardown, Rangetest, Cleaning

[@abc456f]

Additions that really make this gun a winner for me: Hogue gripitall beaver tails rubber grip sleeve, Pierce pinky extension, strip of Talon rubber grip tape where I index my left thumb (right hand shooter), magguts +1 mag extension (7+1), painted the front sight bright white. 3000 rounds without a hiccup. Desantis nemesis pocket holster. Other than showering and sleeping, gun is in my pocket at all times. Excellent review, one of the best I've seen.

[@ringwood]

Thank you very much for this complete review. Not only is your review above and beyond what I expected to find while researching this firearm, but your followers comments also add much appreciated perspective on other opinions about this firearm.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Im glad you found the review to be helpful.

[@jeffmcclendon3835]

Thank you both for your video. It shows how the .380 round actually has plenty of recoil and how shooting pocket 380s is no easy thing. Just getting a decent thumbs forward grip on the Bodyguard 380 takes practice. The gun looks so small and we always hear how wimpy 380 is. Forget all of that. Pocket 380s require lots of practice to be effective and in the case of the Bodyguard 380 and with the price and availability of 380 ammo even more so. I personally love the Bodyguard 380 but I have plenty of experience with double action triggers. The Bodyguard 380s trigger is not that heavy as far as the weight of it. It is just that it is consistently about 8 lbs for the full length of the long trigger pull. Lots of dry firing with an impeccable high as possible grip and getting as low on the trigger as possible really helped me to shoot it well. It has always fired for me and I carry it often.

[@J.R.F.23]

I own a modifies S&W Bodyguard 380 with a green laser. I upgraded the trigger, springs, sights and guide rod. Yes it has a HEAVY trigger... very heavy! but I have smoothed it out a bit. I prefer this pistol over other micro 380's; because of the "Double Strike Capability". Occasionally with .380 bulk ammo there have unreliable ignition. Every time I double strike the bulk ammo, it went bang! I have never had any issues with any type of .380 carry ammunition. I do NOT recommend this pistol to inexperienced shooters, for two reasons: #1) With a trigger pull weight as high as this, most newer shooters will jerk the trigger... thus being all over the target. #2). Micro pistols with calibers higher that .22LR have significant recoil... Enough so that I find novice shooters who own pocket 380's rarely, if EVER practice with them.

[@jimamber3405]

One of my favorites for conceal carry - Very very safe firearm with the thumb safety n heavy trigger pull as well as second pull capability if primer fails to go off

[@richb.4374]

I'm not a big fan of the trigger on my Bodyguard either but once you get used to the long pull, it's not that bad. The trigger has a clean break, but it seemingly takes forever to get there. The long steady pull is intentionally designed into the gun for safe pocket carry. There is no way that gun will go off by accident with that heavy of a trigger pull.

[@jameshoiby]

When people talk about the trigger and the safety I think they are forgetting this is targeted to a different market -- it's often a POCKET carry gun. Of course it should be in a holster, but a pocket is an adverse environment and I would feel much better with a long trigger pull and a safety, at least in this case.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

This is the exact reason the wife purchased it. She did not feel comfortable with the Glock as a pocket carry.

[@jettschenker]

I have 2 of these. One of the very few true double action semi-auto pocket pistols.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Two of the same model??

[@EmmaDee]

@@retrotechandelectronics I’ve got this one with the crimson laser (bodyguard) and also the Ruger 380 lcp with a laser I added on. I run around in workout shorts, or pants, and don’t leave home without it. I don’t go to the damn mailbox without it. Sadly I’m on alert the minute I walk out the door. I’ve practiced enough with both of these to offer me a bit of personal protection to assist with the odds in my favor if need be. Lastly, I’ve got carpal tunnel and rheumatoid yet the pressure hasn’t been a problem to work through any pain in the event of an emergency

[@retrotechandelectronics]

@@EmmaDee my wife would like to put in considerable more time at the range with this one to make this one her carry.

[@usnchief1339]

Love mine! Very safe up close and personal pocket pistol. Your target needs to be about 0'-10' away. I don't even notice it while carrying daily.

[@bobarmstrong8603]

Had a little problem on reassembly; slide would not close all the way after inserting locking lever. This is the only site where you said barrel must be showing fully open on the frame before inserting the locking lever back in. Right On! Thanks.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome!

[@vinniedegennaro318]

Very nicely done. Great tear down instructions as well. Thanks much!!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craigparish521]

If your thinking of buying one , save lots of disappointment. Don’t. It’s not the typical S&W. Don’t take my word check these out on U Tube many videos. This pistol is NOT reliable at all !! To many design issues .

[@johnkachaylo1759]

Great video. Really an excellent review and fun to watch.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wayartio]

Great content and excellant narration. Thank you for a great presentation. I brought mine new in 12/2020. Have only run 1 1/2 boxes of magtech 90 GN FMJ but it is a player for sure.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jameshoiby]

Love that Heath oscilloscope at the end. Talk about nostalgia. Thank you for the video!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Have a look at it in action Oscilloscope Music - Heathkit O-12 DYNACO ST70 edition kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZyTqWCqirqirNU

[@mkelsho]

It is a double action, but that heavy trigger is a secondary safety feature. When you fire a round with this weapon, you mean it.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

True story.

[@BeeBait]

Trigger gives you a second to decide if you really want to end that life on the other end. As someone who has been targeted for mugging because of my size, I'm glad I went with this out of all the other choices. Cheapest, smallest, but still with a grip I can hold comfortably. Good caliber for reliability and no unneeded frills. Yeah, I wanted the laser, but they didn't have it. Should get it by the end of next week.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks for sharing.

[@justinwells6795]

I actually really like the trigger, not overly heavy and very predictable but I like double action guns

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Something for everyone.

[@rickyjones1784]

Me too

[@glenhar1225]

Makes it the safest pocket carry out there

[@play150]

Love the stopmotion bits

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks! That was I believe my first stop motion animation work in a video.

[@jsimpson4]

I carry this daily and appreciate the long pull for safety reasons. It gets easier to shoot the more you practice. Great vid!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you!

[@keithtate1241]

I have a S&W M&P Bodyguard and while it does have a heavy trigger I have found it to be very accurate, reliable and eats everything I feed it. It is my pocket backup EDC my subcompact 9mm is carried in an IWB holster. Thanks for the video.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I believe with practice improvements will come quickly. We will see how the laser system works on it.

[@richb.4374]

Mine shoots great. Dead on point of aim with generic range ammo. You just have to get used to the long heavy trigger.

[@samuellenoir7964]

TRUGLO makes a great set of replacement sights for the bodyguard.

[@somethingsmith3242]

8lbs for a full double action trigger is not bad at all… Put a trigger shoe on it and it feels much better and lighter; it’s not, but it feels like it. Love my BG for what it is; light 7 shot double action semi auto that feels like a double action only revolver, but with 7 rounds instead of 5.

[@tjstrongbone5373]

"that is no match trigger right there" no shit!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Indeed

[@Xxpoo]

Nice thorough review. I’ve owned mine since they first came out with the gray button Insight laser and have shot over 1500 rounds without a hiccup. The trigger pull and slide springs have relaxed considerably over the years. If I don’t shoot it for a while the trigger pull surprises me with the first shot being so long compared to my Sig 365. And did I mention it’s SNAPPY with that narrow light frame beating you up.

[@melzwings]

Thank you for this review. Great video I just bought this gun for CC

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Congrats!

[@guynall4025]

Getting one tomorrow with the crimson trace laser gave my Taurus spectrum to my daughter after a day at the range she liked it much better than her ruger ec9s

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yeah I saw the laser option, the wife didnt want that one though.

[@guynall4025]

@@retrotechandelectronics thanks for the video. Very informative fellow squid I assume by your picture

[@retrotechandelectronics]

@@guynall4025 Glad you enjoyed it and correct, a CT

[@curtisbarrow7650]

Great stop motion!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks, I put a lot of work in that 10 seconds....

[@kayok07]

It's like a J frame with the trigger when you master it you will shoot your other pistols better most pocket pistols and small framed revolvers are expert pistols for sure

[@ensidfkgnur]

Thanks for the video! Despite some of the issues I may get one of these just due to the size for CC. Also, great work on the disassembly stop-motion, that's going above and beyond! Liked and subscribed

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jaredmcdaniel5519]

They Need To Come Out With The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Pro with a double stacked Mag!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Would be almost as wide as long..

[@j0nnY77x]

Yeah smith and wesson needs to compete against the ruger lcp max 380.

[@DNA81]

I did a Shepherd Tactical trigger upgrade on mine and now it's my everyday carry.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Ill look into that, thanks.

[@richwins6260]

Excellent take down and cleaning video

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tommydemis9094]

I also have this exact same gun. The trigger pull makes it very difficult to hit what you are aiming at... always pulling low... so it's not just me!!! : )

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Definitely something different. I’m testing the laser trading system for this one.

[@linoguglielmo141]

Thank you for this thorough review

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doctorwade927]

I have a extension on my G26 mag. Makes it much more manageable. Would you consider doing a video on tearing down and proper cleaning of a Glock?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Wow, you're right! I dont have one. Ill put it on the list, thanks.

[@ogunquit7me]

Thank you! Very thorough!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome.

[@isaiasfranco2428]

I loved that video, thanks my friend

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ryanranard5187]

Is the metal used for the rails and everything aluminum or steel?

[@coollee303]

Great video... thanks!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@jeffriley3875]

Mine has an awful trigger. Sight are better with a litttle orange paint and he safety is just about unusable from the holster

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Honestly I can’t tell what constitutes a truly aweful trigger on double action.

[@usnchief1339]

Trigger great for pocket carry, sights not needed...holster?

[@MarvinSheats]

Hi; what cleaning chemicals did you use on the barrel?

[@thomaseverett757]

How do I order another hex rench

[@oaskasdfa]

Qith or without red laser???

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Without laser

[@garysamuel9521]

Ignorance: California is one state of our union which has passed laws for their citizens. I am a Democrat and do not want to register firearms; however, this is a great endorsement for SW M&P BG380, (own two) informative and entertaining. Good job, well done, thanks.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

A gun owner who votes democrat and doesnt like the laws that are passed. Glad you likes the video, however I cant help you on the politics.

[@charlescovington9687]

It is a great gun to throw at someone, by the time you jack a round in the chamber and pull the trigger, forget it. Got this for the wife, She can't pull the slide back, much pull the trigger. now it set's in the safe. Talked to S&W, They said to send it back to S&W, told them what the problem was. It came back just like I sent it

[@retrotechandelectronics]

These problems we did not experience.

[@johnhubble5373]

Glad they (Democrats ) Made it so they wouldn’t let my neighbor register or even own a handgun. He’s kind of a a slow witted, angry MAGA Faux News Watcher

[@retrotechandelectronics]

.

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Handle too small to hold on to.👇👎

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Handle? What handle?

[@TheMad0ne]

@@retrotechandelectronics haha