S&W M&P Bodyguard .380

Tabletop review of the S&W Bodyguard .380

[@stang302flies]

This is a great little carry gun, bought one a few weeks ago, put 100 rounds through it with out a problem. Very easy to take down and clean. Well worth the money. 100% satisfied. Took my apart and cleaned it and back together with ease. Nice waist holster from uncle Mikes fits it fine.

[@markricher7362]

Everybody has their favorite .380 mine is the Bersa Thunder. It has a key to unlock the gun, a thumb safety, a hammer decocker, magazine disconnect. It's like they went overboard on the safety features. My S&W Bodyguard has a lite strike problem, the striker (firing pin) doesn't hit the primer hard enough to spark the gunpowder so you just have to keep pulling the trigger hoping it will fire. I've read others have this problem also. Galloway Precision makes a trigger kit to apparently fix this problem. But I'll carry my Bersa, it's flawless!

[@jrbailey3208]

Someone's probably already said, this but using a LIVE round for a tool.......really, really, REALLY, Bad Ju-Ju! Loved your presentation, especially in your detailing of the actual 'finer points' of the operation of the pistol (ie, Double Strike, full length rails, etc.). Thanks for providing a highly usable video.

[@devildog_iii3492]

JR Bailey nah, used to use rounds for all sorts of shit in the Marines. As long as ur not hitting the primer w a hammer, it's all good. Thanks for the comment.

[@tomn5880]

Just for my two cents: Wife and I have gone through most pistol brands made. She has trouble with racking a slide and the sting of a revolver unless it is too big to carry. We gave up our other pocket pistols for this S&W M&P 380 bodyguard because she could rack and release the slide with out any problem or struggle. We use Hornady 90 gr. FTX because that round seldom passes through.

[@devildog_iii3492]

Tom n my wife has trouble racking even the bodyguard and trigger pull on revolvers is an issue too. I'm at the point where maybe it's time to try a 32 Beretta Tomcat.. glad the bodyguard works for u guys.

[@tomn5880]

Minuteman: A 32 would be better than a paper broom handle. I've seen the round bounce off weathered oak fence posts. Check her technique while racking. Most females tend to try to push the slide down through the mag. well rather than to the rear. Check out the sig. 238, very light recoil spring (and it's Single action only), (look at you tube, sig. 238 problems first). The Ruger SR-22 L.R., has a very soft recoil spring and is DA/SA with thumb safety. I recommend CCI mini mag 36 gr. HP for the Ruger, (based on CCI research) Also consider that she just does not want to carry. Good luck.

[@devildog_iii3492]

Tom n yea a 32 isn't my first choice.. I have a 238, but she doesn't like cocked and locked. And is kinda on the fence about carrying too.

[@tomn5880]

My wife has her CCW because if I become disabled while out and about, she can take possession. She really loves M&P 380 BG. She has carried her Ruger SR-22 with CCI Mini Mag 36 gr. HP however the BG is much smaller and has better stopping power. Carry is not for every one. Some embrace the responsibility and some do not. I am one who takes responsibility for my self and for others safety. As an instructor, I'll tell you not to force her to carry against her will.

[@devildog_iii3492]

Tom n I'm likely grabbing a P22 soon, maybe she'll like that one. She has her FOID, and gonna do CCW soon when my friends avail for same reasons u stated.

[@davidharris1179]

Awesome in depth video , thx.

[@devildog_iii3492]

Thanks man, appreciate it.

[@bodysupport]

The holster you mentioned at 5:18 can you still get that from ted cori? I can’t seem to find it.

[@devildog_iii3492]

Yea he sells more off email. contact [e-mail]

[@phitausundown]

I picked up a new no-safety model recently. The texturing is really aggressive. Actually had to sand down a hot spot i was having on the grip. But i love the gun.

[@devildog_iii3492]

Nice, saw them at shot show. Kinda strange they opted to plug the old frame instead of making a new one... Hoping to get a conversion kit soon for mine.

[@phitausundown]

+Devildog Minuteman I agree. I was on the fence about it. But I knew I didn't want the safety model. At least the re made the slide and just were lazy with the frames.

[@devildog_iii3492]

+phitausundown what's different on the slide? Didn't notice any difference.

[@phitausundown]

+Devildog Minuteman the safety rides into the slide. Locking it. The safety less Model doesn't have the cut out in the slide. That is all. Nothing major. The slide serrations are uninterrupted

[@Forwardoperationbase]

thanks for the review

[@skg-vids]

Nice video. I have the same pistol, but with no laser. How did you find the ruger ammo? I bought a box to try and had to double strike about half the box and triple strike one round. Now run Hornady American Gunner XTP with no issues. Plus I did upgrade to the XS Big dot sights. I was really apprehensive, but had to have night sights, but they are better than the stock sights.

[@devildog_iii3492]

The ARX for me has been accurate, and I had 2 that I had to double strike out of 350rds. Wish Hornady made critical duty for 380.. I think I'm going big dot too, the orig sights are pretty bad unless there's a lot of light around the target or the pistol itself.

[@ncbible1575]

Looked at this and the Lcp 2 yesterday. Thought the Lcp 2 trigger was too light with it charged (half cocked hammer). Liked the body guard but haven't decided yet. Between the Jframe 442 or the bodyguard

[@devildog_iii3492]

ncbible15 haven't played w the lcp2 yet, love the 442, but the bodyguard w laser isn't a bad option either, esp so small

[@DavidS19551]

Thanks...i use liberty civil defense in my 38 special...i thought about that...but i like it light..less recoil means accuracy...u think Arx has enough punch? David

[@devildog_iii3492]

D Snlove yea, it seems to have one of the highest ftlb ratings and acts as a "round nose" HP" also nothing to clog

[@tjmooremusic]

Good review. Thank you. I've been looking for a reliable, 380 for my wife and have been looking at several different models. I do think that the laser on this particular gun is a strong selling point. It comes down to, reliability, price, ( unfortunately ) And ease of use. I am familiar with have an the opinion that sub compact pistols are up close and personal defense weapons. Not highly accurate especially under pressure. That's why I like the lazer. Anyway thanks again for a good review. Peace.

[@tjmooremusic]

Devildog Minuteman Yep. Good advice. This Is the problem with small auto loaders for those without strong hands. Leads me towards a double action revolver if I can find a small one with a lazer. ..still lookin around with my much better half. ;) Any suggestions on that would be appreciated. Thanks. Safe shootin to ya and remember to keep your powder dry. Peace.

[@devildog_iii3492]

+tjmooremusic M&P bodyguard 38 CT revolver has laser, some 638/642 etc have laser grips. Can buy the CT grips for any other revolver. I like the bodyguard 38 laser thou cuz it’s up top and finger won’t get in way of it

[@tjmooremusic]

Devildog Minuteman Thanks for the tip!

[@davidharris1179]

My carry gun and I love it. When wearing jeans I carry it in the small pocket above my jeans pocket. Change pocket I guess

[@devildog_iii3492]

Yea it’s definitely easy to carry

[@bencox8252]

i also use the arx rounds in my bodyguard because i work with it and its densely populated, shot a few things, holes arent too big but everything literally explodes as if i shot it from the side instead. i gave all my glocks back for this gun amd its everything ill ever need it to be. and yes, disassembling this thing is a pain, 400 rounds only problem i had was maxxtech ammo, the powder wasnt burning all the was so it didnt have the force to push the slide back. trying to find a triggerguard taclight for it since i dont need a lazer, if anyone finds one inbox me please

[@abc456f]

waiting for my new m and p bodyguard to arrive at my local ffl. don't know why anyone would iwb carry with it. my whole point in getting it was to have a pocket pistol when I don't want to carry iwb my taurus pt111 g2 which I can carry reasonably comfortably but when wearing a tighter shirt it prints too much.

[@devildog_iii3492]

I pocket carry around home, and if I bring it out its iwb. So small I don't notice it, but the training I do most is for IWB draws. So it's where it needs to be when I react.

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Really nice vid !

[@devildog_iii3492]

Thanks, I will hopefully have more soon!

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Terrific

[@DavidS19551]

Good video..I got mine about 3 weeks ago..ive put 150 rds in it so far...my first 50 i had about 3 light strikes but no other problems. I took it out yesterday and put 75 rds without 1 problem..even with steel ammo...which i don't like. I see you are using ARX Ruger ammo..i am using it too. i was using Powerball but like ruger better. Do you like the Ruger ammo..seems really good.. let me know if you like it!!

[@devildog_iii3492]

David Siegel nice, that's a reason I like the double strike. The ARX had been flawless so far after 1000rds, and is accurate. Gonna stick w it for a while.

[@bencox8252]

Devildog Minuteman 1000 rounds of defense ammo, whew boy $$$

[@devildog_iii3492]

Ben Cox haha yea, I like to run what I carry usually. I reload too so my other calibers get a lot of different loads. I have a 21 w over 4000rds and has never been cleaned or lubed w no issues.

[@irvan36mm]

This is my motorcycle carry gun for now,until all this COVID crap is over and the LGS can restock a Glock 26.

[@devildog_iii3492]

I carry a 340pd on my bike

[@repterria879]

HOW do you turn the safety on?

[@devildog_iii3492]

+Sharki _ just flip it up like a 1911

[@__0sc4r91]

How do u buy it

[@devildog_iii3492]

The pistol?

[@__0sc4r91]

The m&p bodyguard 380

[@devildog_iii3492]

How do I BUY it or like it??

[@__0sc4r91]

Devildog III how did u bought it

[@devildog_iii3492]

From a gun store

[@davidokonski7054]

The take down pin is not that hard to remove. And mine is brand new

[@devildog_iii3492]

Great, this video is 4 years old. And it was that hard to take out. Go ahead, watch other videos.

[@jeffsmith7650]

Very dangerous using a live round to pry take down lever especially with primer pushing on anything solid or otherwise.

[@devildog_iii3492]

+Jeff Smith we used to use rounds in the Marines to do a lot of things in the field. Non issue. No where near the pressure needed to set off primer. Even shows a round in directions to take out

[@jeffsmith7650]

Thank you for the reply ,not having Militery experience ,I have learned firearms trying only through NRA instructors school. Thank you for your service to this country.Respectfully Jeff Smith

[@devildog_iii3492]

Jeff Smith all good. I know it freaks people out and I'm sure civilian instructors will teach not to. I'm just more comfortable doing that because have never seen a ND from it and have put rounds thru the ringer. And have crushed primers while reloading with no det. As long as u don't impact hard enough to send cup into anvil ur good. Thanks for the comments.

[@skipfreeman3465]

Devildog Minuteman Do you know if the light primer strike issue that the bodyguard 380 had has been worked out with the m+p 380 bodyguard?

[@devildog_iii3492]

+Skip Freeman I've heard nothing from S&W saying they fixed any issues, but I have t had any light strikes with mine.

[@delcomurf]

breaking gun in, magazine keep slipping out, that happen to anyone????????

[@devildog_iii3492]

delcomurf hasn't to me, but is was hard to lock mag into grip w a 6+1. Took a little but it wore in and became easier.

[@devildog_iii3492]

xtremecyclesports yea was fully in, didn't have to be too firm w it. Yea it's a great little 380.

[@Blues-man.]

I have one, don't carry it it, has the worst trigger I have ever pulled, it is a well built gun, but I can"t shoot it worth a crap ! S&W need to redesign the trigger....

[@devildog_iii3492]

Yea the trigger leaves a lot to be desired.. I can shoot it well if I stage the trigger for longer shots, but realistically it's a 3yrd and less defensive pistol. May try a trigger job on it.

[@J.R.F.23]

+irish ways The Galloway trigger & Spring kit, does improve it a little. The more its shot it also improves. Around 1000 rounds through mine so far. Averaging a 9-10" group at 50 feet. I do recommend the Williams Fire Sights and the Talon Grips on it!

[@bratcafe5632]

I have fiber optic sights.....

[@devildog_iii3492]

Cool