Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 - Malfunctions First 50 Rounds

[@keithcrook8591]

Thanks for putting this out. Just a good reminder to myself to give it a bit of time after the initial production run before I snag one.

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I think it will be a great option for a .380 pocket pistol.

[@corvega_joe]

Same. I want one really bad but my logical side is telling me “Wait a few months to see if there are any problems and if there are, they’ll most likely make an upgraded version in a year or so.”

[@BYoun69]

I’m thinking the same thing. My opinion on the Fuse as well.

[@WettDoggTV]

Always do that.. Getting a gun on its initial release is usually a bad choice.. My nephew got the 43x as soon as it dropped and he has had all kinds of issues, I got mine about 6 months later and it hasn't had a single issue

[@BYoun69]

@@WettDoggTV I never had issues like that 25/30 years ago but they weren’t striker fired either. I agree though, first run always has issues.

[@jscampz]

New out of the box guns, especially microcompacts like this tend to have similar problems on initial use - Hard to load the magazines, hard to seat them, failures to feed, extract, etc. All of these specific failures are caused not by the magazine springs needing to 'break in' like a captured recoil spring (though that is likely part of it as well), but rather that the finish inside of the body of the magazine itself is sticking to and grabbing the spring, follower, and cases on their way up and down the magazine, causing resistance during every step of the firing cycle. Cleaning and lubricating the inside of the magazine, the spring, and the follower with something like ballistol for initial break in has resolved a lot of these magazine related issues pretty quickly, as well as simply putting a few boxes through it. Overall, this gun looks leagues better than the LCP Max despite those hiccups. Great review!

[@averagemarksman]

I have no doubt that the magazine spring needs to be broke in. All of the things you listed are great and I know those things but a first time gun owner doesn’t. A first time gun owner also doesn’t have the knowledge to solve the problems. I think it’s a great little pistol.

[@BanditApache-nd6lu]

It’s so funny to me. Every review you have issues with firearms. I own all the firearms you review and have never had one issue of any kind. Amazing.

[@averagemarksman]

How’s it funny? The magazine stiffness out of the box caused feeding issues with the Bodyguard 2.0. We unboxed and ran multiple guns in the last two weeks with zero issues. Guns without issues 2.0 Metal Carry Comp, Shield Plus Carry Comp, Kimber KDS9c Rail. Guns that had issues - Fuse, Bodyguard (magazine/ammo two different videos - I wouldn’t call these issues) and Prodigy 4.25” Comp (ejector tension was way to high) You purchased all 6 of those new releases and haven’t had a single issue?

[@toadranger50]

Same thing here. I can count on one hand the ftf I’ve had with all my different makes and models.

[@averagemarksman]

@@toadranger50 and you have also purchased all of those random guns within the first week of the release? The videos clearly document the issues and why they happen.

[@toadranger50]

@@averagemarksman yeah a lot of them were recently released.

[@cacinaz8802]

Just a follow up to my last post. I got to the range and put 40 rounds through the pistol without any issues. I polished the speed ramp - both parts on the barrel and on the frame ramp. Took apart both magazines and cleaned and lightly oiled. I cycled both defensive hollow point and FMJ rounds through it. BTW the pistol was very dirty with factory gunk so I cleaned it thoroughly and applied oil sparingly. I adjusted the manual safety so that I can engage, disengage with light pressure.

[@averagemarksman]

All good information. Thanks for following up.

[@FauxAmis78]

My M&P Shield 2.0 mags were all three like that at first: took leaving them loaded, loading them with a speed loader, and shooting a good 100-150 rounds to get them to normal. It’s much easier to lock the slide back, insert the magazine, and then slingshot it to chamber the first round, that way you’re not pounding on your new gun.

[@averagemarksman]

Even with the slide locked back it wouldn’t have chambered the first round.

[@ChangeTheHeartsOfMen]

Clean it first. There's lubricants from the factory thicker than normal lube. Clean and lube first.

[@averagemarksman]

It’s 100% a magazine problem.

[@henrywal]

Glock or HK everything else is a hope

[@anthonyesposito7]

​@averagemarksman what seems to be the problem?

[@jerryjerrylee]

I bought one Saturday. Fired 300 rounds, multiple brands. No problems. It's, fast, minimal recoil, returns to target lightening fast. Rear sight is wide at longer range but the gun isn't for 30 yards plus.

[@averagemarksman]

That’s awesome, Jerry. I’m a big fan. The magazine issues will work themselves out over time. I agree, it’s fast. Cycles great.

[@sputnikone6281]

Mr. Average Marksman thank you for a straightforward and honest review. To the best of my knowledge most new pistols have a break in period and yes even the best firearms makers do have a small percentage of faulty pistols and magazines in the initial production run. I offer just three little tips based on my personal experience over the decades when breaking in new pistols & I reiterate one tip that you mentioned. 1) always oil a pistol before shooting in for the first time out of the box and for the next few shootings too. 2) never use training ammo, reloads or hollow point ammo until the pistol has had 300 - 400 rounds thru it, use good quality FMJ of the maximum or near maximum manufacturer recommended weight only for the break in period. thereafter you can try out other ammo types 3) Always use a load assist device on new magazines for the break in period until you are able to load the mags to full capacity easily without a load assist device. 4) As you mentioned never fully load new magazines during the initial break in period (let's say the first 100 to 200 rounds) - always load one or two less rounds and I would add even with the use of a mag loader.

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Lot's of great points for people reading the comments.

[@captnhuffy]

Huh

[@averagemarksman]

@@captnhuffy exactly lol. I just agreed and moved on with my life.

[@captnhuffy]

​@averagemarksman Hey now. Wait a minute now... You have a life? 😂😂😂😂 two thumbs 👍 up 👍

[@averagemarksman]

@@captnhuffy haha. It is true - I have a life.

[@stephenbonaventure9423]

You’re the second guy out of 50 videos. I watched on this particular gun that had a little issue not too bad for Smith & Wesson but what’s nice about Smith and Wesson? They have an awesome customer service that takes care of you.

[@averagemarksman]

Most large gun manufactures have excellent customer service. No worries on my end. I don't think its going to be a problem though.

[@jimwaite7840]

My friend, I really enjoyed this vid. Love the presentation and honesty buddy. Well done

[@averagemarksman]

@@jimwaite7840 thanks for watching and commenting, Jim.

[@TheRealPuddlez]

Mine had been great. I do load a round down in the ext mag right now but no issues at all feeding any ammo

[@averagemarksman]

That great news. It’s a sweet little pistol.

[@TheRealPuddlez]

@@averagemarksman it really is!

[@williamsmith3091]

Glad I wasn't the only one who had these same issues 😅

[@averagemarksman]

It’s shooting great now. The magazines were a real pain at first though.

[@R.PTactical]

Hey Nick. Great, honest review. I had the same issues with the stiffness. It loosen up with time. I absolutely love this little thing lol. Keep em coming brother. Stay safe 🙏

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks! It has shoot great after the springs loosened up a bit.

[@JohnMooreVlogs]

I appreciate you showing the whole experience instead of cherry picking. It's funny how you almost never see these guns malfunction when they're in the hands of a "professional gun reviewer." My experience has been that most guns have some kind of hiccup or anomaly at least once in the first 200 rounds. People that claim their gun(s) never malfunctions simply don't shoot enough! I bet that gun you're shooting will start to behave after a couple hundred rounds. In addition to the stiff magazine springs, the extractor face probably needs to wear in. FTF's where you can push the slide into battery are often extractor related.

[@averagemarksman]

John, thanks for commenting. I agree. In my experience the majority of guns have a hiccup or two out of the box - especially the small the guns. I think this pistol will work out just fine in the future.

[@benthere404]

I always lightly polish feed ramp and chamber on all new semiautomatic pistols, helps save ammo from break in texting.

[@benthere404]

I meant testing

[@averagemarksman]

@@benthere404 that’s a great thing to do. You shouldn’t have to though!

[@benthere404]

@@averagemarksman True, but shouldn't really have to break one in either if all the surfaces are smooth with no sharp edges. A little 1000 grit sand paper is much cheaper than 300 rounds of ammo

[@rickrigsby7620]

Sister has an EZ, same deal with mags. Simply leave a round out and it operates fine

[@averagemarksman]

@@rickrigsby7620 it’s very common. Just pointing out issues that shouldn’t happen.

[@cacinaz8802]

Appreciate the honest review. Just took possession of mine yesterday and haven't fired it yet. You did not explain your process for out of the box firearms so some of the comments below could be invalid. I always field strip a new pistol and give it a thorough cleaning. I use Kroil and JB Bore Paste to guarantee getting the bore down to metal. Too much factory gunk. Then I always put a CLP through it and then dry patches so a very light coat remains. For my new 2.0, I used a Dremel and polished the feed ramp, cleaned the receiver assembly and applied sparing lube to the rails. I took apart both magazines, and cleaned inside and out, and applied a very light coat of oil. I also lightly oiled the magazine release, slide catch, slide release. I adjusted the manual safety so that it engages more easily, but not too loose. Okay, so all of this to precent the issues you experienced. I haven't fired it yet so who knows. I will get back once I do but I will put 150 - 200 rounds through it for break in first. My magazines lock and drop without issues. Interesting that when you rack the slide with a magazine in place (unloaded), the slide locks back and will not go into battery unless you drop the magazine. BTW the trigger pull is 3 lb. 15 oz (Lyman gauge) versus my original Bodyguard (DAO) at 8 lb. 7 oz.

[@mikemar42]

FINALLY A REAL REVIEW! I'll tell you my LCP max ran like trash the first 200 rounds. After that it was sweet as silk. Great channel, btw I was sub 1K! Congrats bud.

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks, Mike. We started the channel just over a month ago and we appreciate the support. I plan to put several hundred rounds through it after I finish the 1000 rounds review of the P365 Fuse.

[@Steven-gv1ke]

My LCP Max ran flawlessly from the beginning. 600 rounds. 100 of them were Hornady XTP, and it ran flawlessly. I can fill the magazines easily to 10 & 12 rounds.

[@michaelshook4023]

Bought mine last week. Cleaned and lubed like normal, 250 rounds of a mixed bag of ammo, no issues. Took it back out today and got 3 shots in before the thing jammed shut with a live round and wouldn’t open without a mallet and rod. Rough outing today for the 2.0

[@averagemarksman]

Oh man, I had to use a fence post to rack mine after it jammed on a Remington round.

[@michaelshook4023]

@@averagemarksman I agree 100% with what you said though. In my experience, this is not a 12 round gun.

[@ohbeammeup42]

He is exactly correct. Gun manufacturers like to exaggerate how many cartridges their pistols can hold. Maybe later after it is well used but for now I load one of two fewer for reliability, ease of insertion into the magazine and the mag into the well. This has been my experience with a number of new pistols with double digit capacity.

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@JonCarter-i3k]

Possibly a dumb question, ... have you cleaned it and lubed it before shooting it ?

[@waterhead1359]

Wouldn't matter

[@gardenfox93]

It’s a great question. Some guns I have bought have been so gunked up and gritty that it caused malfunctions. That being said, I’ve never bought a Smith & Wesson that was gunky or gritty out of the box. They are usually ready to go straight out of the box. I still always clean them before my first shots.

[@averagemarksman]

The best was perfectly clean and lubed from the factory. The malfunctions were 100% spring/magazine related and I believe they would work themselves out over time as the springs break in.

[@averagemarksman]

@waterhead1359 - facts.

[@woodystube1000]

@@waterhead1359 Respectfully, it absolutely matters. Brand new guns come full of grease and debris in some places and are dry in others. To start with a true blank slate, a new gun should be cleaned of all that junk and then oiled in the right places.

[@RecrutaZero78]

Thank you for your honest review!

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching. We will review it after we pull several hundred rounds through it.

[@RecrutaZero78]

@@averagemarksman can’t wait for it! Yesterday I had some bad experience with my Ruger lcp max so Im looking for a substitute. Let’s see if S&W will be the one.

[@averagemarksman]

@@RecrutaZero78 all of the videos will end up in a playlist about Bodyguard so it will be easy to see how it performs.

[@spinwater66]

I definitely respect S&W......but since this pistol is a new platform for them and as Honest Outlaw quoted "tiny little guns, have tiny little problems". I'll just wait till the guys who are sponsored with free ammo get 1000 or so rounds down range before I decide on a 'winner". Thanks for posting this video!

[@averagemarksman]

100%. That’s the exact reason I’ve never been a fan of tiny guns.

[@rickrobinson8417]

Thanks for the honest review. Hopefully after it breaks in all will be good.

[@averagemarksman]

I hope so too! I’ll keep making videos about it for updates.

[@SparkyTom1]

I appreciate these brutally honest reviews. The magazine not dropping out even when full is concerning. My Ruger LCP 2 worked flawlessly from the start.

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks! Just documenting my experiences for folks to see. Glad to hear that about the Ruger.

[@TTime685]

@@SparkyTom1 LCP Max? I just picked up Security 380 a couple months ago and it's been flawless as well. Such a fun gun to shoot.. love it

[@Steven-gv1ke]

​@@TTime685my Ruger LCP Max also runs flawlessly with 600 rounds through it. It's also not a problem to load the magazines to full capacity like he mentioned here. The icing on the cake is that the LCP Max usually is about $100 cheaper, sometimes more than $100.

[@johndomutz1052]

Appreciate the honest comments, and the comments from your listeners. I want one of these but will take the advice not to buy from initial production runs. Also, will see if they improve the rear sight problem. Almost every reviewer has pointed this out.

[@averagemarksman]

Hopefully the magazine issue works itself out without to much of a headache. Thanks for watching!

[@russelldaniels1797]

Most of the brand new S&W mags aren't seated properly internally. The spring gets bound up on the follower, isn't fully seated into the groove yet. Load them up to almost full, then turn upside down and smack the top round onto a table top upwards into the mag. Acts like a dead blow hammer and gets the spring to seat into the follower property.

[@averagemarksman]

I'll look into that - its an interesting point. Shouldn't happen though and once the last round is pushed in place tension should properly seat the spring in my opinion. Thanks for watching.

[@russelldaniels1797]

@@averagemarksman yeah, it's weird. With my Shield Plus, only the 10 and 13 round mags did that. But the two 15 round Equalizer mags I use in it were fine from the start. I also have a MP 2.0 40, and one of the three mags for it did the same thing. There's a little lip on the follower that the spring gets hung up on, and you'll hear a pop or clicking noise once it fully seats. I'm assuming it's the same situation here, but you know what they say when you assume... 🤣

[@codyrawks]

I read someone's comment the other day that had a similar issue until they heard a strange "pop" when loading their mags. Then it stopped happening...

[@averagemarksman]

@@codyrawks which would mean the spring is properly seated on the follower. It’s possible. You shouldn’t have to take the magazines apart.

[@JeffWilkinson]

Great, honest video that shows the flaws. Thanks for that. I'm going to pick one of these up, and now I know what to expect. Just a side note, I've never had a failure to feed or eject with my Hellcat, even straight out of the box, and I've put 600 rounds through it so far. I have to use a mag loader to get the rounds in, though. However, even brand-new I didn't have to slam the mags in with the 13-round one like you've had to on the Bodyguard 2.0. Maybe something is a little wonky in Smith's manufacturing process.

[@averagemarksman]

You’re going to like it. It’s a great little pistol.

[@AlSimon]

My Bodyguard 2.0 has been flawless with all brands of ammo. With a loaded 12 round mag, it's far easier to leave the slide open and load the round, then remove the magazine, add the extra round using an Uplula and when inserting it in the gun, put the mag on a table and push down on it. I can shoot 1.5 inch groups at 8 yards with it and hit the 8 inch plate rack out to 15 yards.

[@averagemarksman]

That’s awesome. I’ll never consider carrying that pistol 12 + 1. 1.5” group at 8 yards? What ammo?

[@AlSimon]

@@averagemarksman Fiocchi Training Dynamics. Inexpensive compared to other brands too.

[@averagemarksman]

It ran well for me as well.

[@ronaldjensen6592]

Couldn't even run a mag thru gun, gun wud't cycle and jammed every other shot, after you cleared it. all other ammo i have used, no problems. Love the 2.0, ron

[@averagemarksman]

I’m glad it’s working well for you.

[@larrysfarris]

Personally, I got into the habit of loading and unloading new magazines several times over a few days in order to ‘break in’ the springs. Leaving springs either fully compressed (or uncompressed) doesn’t really break them in. It’s the cycling between compression and non-compression that tends to get better break-in results. That’s been my experience over the years, anyway. I’ll load a new magazine (or one with new Spring) up to full capacity and let it sit for 3+/- days and then unload it completely and allow it to sit for the same amount of time. And then repeat that process a few times; I have few issues with magazines as a result.

[@averagemarksman]

@@larrysfarris that’s a great way to do it. I’m sure it helps.

[@larrysfarris]

@@averagemarksman Some wise man (it certainly wasn’t me) once said if you don’t have good working magazine(s), then basically you’ve got a single shot pistol. That may be a bit of an exaggerated comment but it does drive home an important point especially if you find your life depending on it. Personally, I tend to not trade off or trade around firearms that use magazines and as a consequence, I tend to buy a few extra magazines for them - I want them working well into the future. But that’s just me.

[@averagemarksman]

@@larrysfarris I’ve heard it before and it’s completely true. It’s a useless pistol without magazines.

[@billjohnsonseattle]

Looks like I better wait for the Bodyguard 2.1 😂

[@averagemarksman]

@@billjohnsonseattle ha. I think it’s just a magazine issue. Should buff out.

[@glen8449]

Thank you

[@rgkmadison]

Top notch review

[@averagemarksman]

@@rgkmadison thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@801guitar3]

Thanks for the video. I have pistol that has this same issue, it works fine with less rounds in the mag.

[@averagemarksman]

It’s an awesome little pistol. A few days from now I’ll pull the magazines out of the box and test it again.

[@801guitar3]

​@@averagemarksman Nice. From my experience, and it is limited experience, mag springs get broken in faster from being worked. storing a loaded mag may loosen it up some but loading and unloading it will speed it up.

[@averagemarksman]

@@801guitar3 I agree. I didn’t plan on shooting it until I spend more time shooting the Carry Comp so leaving it loaded was worth it for now.

[@GleamingTheTube78]

Had the same issues with a shield plus 13rd mag.

[@averagemarksman]

Recently? I haven't had any issues with Shield magazines purchased in the last 1-2 years.

[@GleamingTheTube78]

Was about 2 years ago. Very challenging to completely load the mag. Could not seat the mag when full. No issue on the 11 rounder.

[@averagemarksman]

@@GleamingTheTube78 it happens. Thanks for getting back to me!

[@TTime685]

​@@GleamingTheTube78 Ever heard of a Uplula loader?

[@GleamingTheTube78]

@@TTime685seems to be popular amongst reviewers on KZbin but haven’t used it myself.

[@Fifty7Chiefs]

Awesome advice on new magazine !!

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching!

[@JMV2277]

Finally! An honest review and not another shill. Great review

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks! The goal is to provide a look at what the guns do step by step so average gun owners have a better idea of what they are getting into.

[@Redacted_Actual_]

Honest question, what constitutes a shill? Yes, I am being kind of facetious with my question. I know exactly what a shill is. But what constitutes a shill, for you? Speaking in hypotheticals of course, but probably because it will happen, no doubt. If someone were to take their hard earned money and purchase this on their own with no affiliation to any kind of gun companies, and it were to run flawlessly out of the box, with no magazine issues, no feeding issues, and no extraction issues. And all they did was report their anecdotal findings, would they be considered a shill?

[@the3rdid485]

I don't think I've seen a single shill KZbin review on this. Maybe I'm following better people than you I don't know. I feel like every brand and gun model in the world has had a jam at some point. Nothing is flawless. I've got about 200 rounds through mine without issues so far I'm happy. Looks like he just got a shitty magazine which happens sometimes. That's why everybody tests their guns first. Now if he has problems getting a free replacement/repair from Smith & Wesson then we can talk.

[@Tman2.0]

I've had same trouble (failure to feed ) with several new guns, different brands.. All of them stopped doing that once broke in good. The new springs in the mags apply so much pressure pushing up. I speeded up this break process by leaving mags loaded for a couple weeks or more. no probs after that. I do always carry 1 less than mag capacity though in all my guns, always. Thanks for vid.

[@averagemarksman]

100%. I have no doubt that once the magazines are broke in that issue will go away.

[@garyconrad6858]

Keep the slide open to put in full mag . Try that, should have no problem. Also load the magazines up fully and keep them loaded for a while. Will loosen up the springs.

[@averagemarksman]

This video is five months old. The magazines have been loaded since the video. The same problems still exist. There are 500 rounds through the gun. The magazines are the issue.

[@seraph...4473]

Seems like a lot of new guns have been having issues with extractors digging into the side of the cartridge causing a failure to feed. First run of FN Reflex severely had this issue, Sig Fuse has been shown to have this issue, possible the first run of Bodyguards as well. I will forever refrain from buying the first run of any handgun.

[@averagemarksman]

Anything is possible!

[@NatedoggEM10157]

FN Reflex was the worst piece of shit I ever had. Sent it to FN and they said it was fine. It wasn’t. Ended up parting it out and selling it .

[@seraph...4473]

@@NatedoggEM10157 I did the exact same thing, and now the optics cut run are out and apparently the low left point of impact is fixed, the extractor is fixed, the feed ramp is fixed. LOL apparently everything that was wrong has been fixed

[@NatedoggEM10157]

@@seraph...4473 thats good at least. Unfortunately I’ll never by an FN product after that because of the experience. After I sent it in for service they said “maybe the problem is my shooting mechanics.” Lol. I’ve been shooting for 20+ years and have combat experience. I’ve never had that problem with any of the other micro compacts. Whole experience left a horrible taste in my mouth about FN as a company.

[@seraph...4473]

@@NatedoggEM10157 Agreed.

[@akvo2664]

What is best ammo for s&w bodyguard 2.0

[@averagemarksman]

@@akvo2664 tough question. I like to carry Hornady Critical Defense in it.

[@akvo2664]

@ my almost stuck with any kind of hollows point, trying to polish the feed ramp just help little bit

[@thomastune776]

Great demo 👍

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching.

[@thomastune776]

@averagemarksman I appreciate your "out of the box" honesty. I gotta have one..lol. I pocket carry revolvers mainly for the simplicity. Smith and Wesson 632 UC in 32 h&r and ruger lcp in .327. I like 32, 308 and 327 because of the 1 handed manageability. Like you said they are 'get off me' guns not combat guns.

[@johnsilver7150]

I was going to get one, but now I'll wait to see if smith fixes the mags and rear sight.

[@mannygonzalez5936]

compare to lcp max that i currently own but that bodyguard does look nice. thanks for the honest review

[@averagemarksman]

I’ll see if I can get my hands on an lcp max.

[@senatorcharlie66]

Bought this gun Friday, may be going back to Smith tomorrow. Cant chamber a round no matter what. Tried several different ammos.

[@averagemarksman]

That’s terrible news. We only had issues with Remington once the magazines were loosened up a bit.

[@senatorcharlie66]

@@averagemarksman gonna have the range officer take another look tomorrow before we send back. The couple of shots we did get off had no recoil at all.

[@averagemarksman]

@@senatorcharlie66 hopefully things get worked out quickly for you.

[@epps1217]

Still an interesting gun. I would wait at least a year before getting a new one. I wonder if it will print more in my pocket than my lcp max.

[@rushthezeppelin]

It's extremely close to the size of the LCP Max so should be fine. One reviewer said within 1/8"-1/4" in all dimensions (some smaller some bigger). The ergos look to be miles better and that low bore axis is pretty sweet.

[@wouty6066]

Thanks for this video!👍 That shows me that i can not trust this new macro-designs! It is the same problem with the Sig 365😭 The problem is that you life can depend on a firearm and that is really not good! I can only recommand Guns who are proved like Glocks, Sig p226, Walther p99, CZ 75. I know these are not ideal to carry; but its better you have a gun on you that you can trust 100%! Greetings from Switzerland!🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching!

[@SB-mw1bg]

Carrying with the firearm chambered is the best approach. Assuming you have an appropriate holster.

[@averagemarksman]

I agree. Some folks will choose to carry it without a holster because of how small it is - pretty common. They shouldn’t have a round in the chamber.

[@dougrose7334]

Mine did the same thing. After 150 rounds the problems went away. Break-in appears to be required with this one

[@averagemarksman]

@@dougrose7334 I think it’s the magazines out of the box. I still don’t load 12 in to the 12 round magazine.

[@dougrose7334]

@averagemarksman yeah a lot of folks are having mag issues. Glad I avoided that

[@LudlowKid]

My shield plus is like this. If you pull the slide open then put in your magazine and then release the slide, it helps. Once you get a some rounds in it, it may loosen up a bit.

[@averagemarksman]

I think the magazines will loosen up a bit over time. Beyond stiff at this point.

[@montv291]

I like my original Bodygaurd. No problems for me.

[@averagemarksman]

@@montv291 it if works there’s no reason to change it.

[@averagemarksman]

Your thoughts?

[@captnhuffy]

Thanks man!!!

[@averagemarksman]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@hmdwn]

Picked up my Bodyguard 2.0 yesterday (11/15/24) ... not sure how long it was sitting at the retailer but hopefully it runs ok. Wouldn't it be something that my two less costly Taurus's (G3c and GX4 Carry) run excellent and my S&W $$$$ may be problematic. Also... researching range and carry ammo for this 2.0 that will run!

[@averagemarksman]

Every gun can be a bit different. We had zero issues with Hornady Critical Defense.

[@hmdwn]

@@averagemarksman I understand that, but in general, the split feedramp doesn't seem to be a good idea. I have a feeling S&W will redesign that idea.

[@dannywalker1635]

I never load that last round. It just puts too much pressure in the magazine and it binds.

[@averagemarksman]

Facts. This was just to show people who aren’t sure what to expect. I doubt those magazines ever break in and work fully loaded.

[@tommyt8998]

My Shield 9mm has the same issues. I actually need to use a piece of a wood dowel to get the 8th round in the 8-round mag. Also, I really have to slam the mags to get them to seat. Maybe these things will go away with more use.

[@averagemarksman]

Oh ya, it happens. The video is for people who haven’t experienced it before.

[@bushforme]

Send it back..smith will make it right..seen a LOT of reviews and no issues..its new..sometimes they need to be broke-in..going to recommend one for my daughter

[@averagemarksman]

No reason to send it back for a magazine issue. They will break in.

[@king_Charles501]

Yea I have had that experience with fully loaded magazines. They normally work fine with one less bullet. I guess there is a break in period or some.

[@averagemarksman]

Ya, I’m going to make a video showing how hard the magazines are to load currently.

[@randykoster6587]

The trick with this magazine is the same as with my S&W Equalizer. Load it to about 2/3 capacity and seat the rounds by slapping it on your hand. Then finish loading. Seating the rounds is the trick for me. The mags need some breaking in too.

[@averagemarksman]

@@randykoster6587 I slapped it on a table and a tree it didn’t change anything. The shape of the magazine changes when loaded with all 12 rounds. It still has this problem currently and the magazines have been loaded since this video. For me they are 11 round magazines.

[@Jumperman1]

I want one of these. I have the original, but bought 7 years into production. No failures. …

[@averagemarksman]

I think you'll like it. I still carry it every day. Nice and light weight.

[@Swampytheroot]

I have more than a handful of 365. The magazines are a bear to load. I actually picked up a MagLula to fit 10 in the original because I could not by hand. Leave them fully loaded 4 days and it gets A LOT easier. Interested in this thing. The weight and capacity are good. Not sure it's a good enough trade-off for my current P365 SAS Comp

[@averagemarksman]

I have no doubt that leaving the magazines loaded will make a huge difference. I wasn’t upset by those results and I figured the gun would shoot fine with 1-2 less rounds in the magazine.

[@chuckmcnair7938]

Moving out of California for this little guy 👊🏻

[@averagemarksman]

Such a crazy world when you have to move to own a pistol.

[@The1jonnyz]

Great video, appreciate it. I'm wondering if the mag problem has to do with the follower. I have a Shield Plus that you couldn't load to capacity without a major battle. Found a video showing how to file down one end of the follower where the spring was hanging up. Worked great after the mod. I have one of these Bodyguards coming this week. I'll tear the mag apart and see if it's the same problem

[@averagemarksman]

That could be it but it shouldn’t exist and a first time gun owner doesn’t want that experience. I’m going to film a video later today loading the magazines so people can see how difficult the last two rounds are loaded.

[@The1jonnyz]

​@@averagemarksmanyou're absolutely right. No matter the reason Smith needs to get it figured out!

[@mikepurdy3952]

Nice Review. I would only carry this gun in My Pocket if I bought the "Manual-Safety" version... There is just too much Risk to carry a Striker-Fired pocket gun, without a manual safety...

[@averagemarksman]

I wouldn’t carry it in my pocket without a holster personally. If I did it wouldn’t have a round in the chamber. Thanks for watching.

[@Bighannes410]

So what would you say man should I wait up or grab one ? You are the first honest person I’ve come across, very interested in your feedback. Also what ammo are you using, sorry caught that now fiochi

[@averagemarksman]

I think it’s a great little pistol. The magazines will break in over time. We made a follow up video and the magazines are currently being stored loaded for the week. I’ll make updated videos that will all end up in the same playlist.

[@Bighannes410]

@@averagemarksmanthanks bro I was eyeing them in stock and they keep selling out so I was gana pull the trigger and get one but may wait now. Thanks again for your feedback

[@Dawg7227]

This exact thing happened with my OG Shield 9mm when I first got it. It definitely was the pressure coming up from the magazine. It ran like crap until I got a couple hundred rounds through it. It would only run right if it wasn’t loaded to max. Also, try leaving the mags stored fully loaded.

[@averagemarksman]

We made a follow up video loading the magazines and putting them away for the week. We will see how long it takes the magazines to break in.

[@perryfryar5424]

👀👀 I gotta get one

[@averagemarksman]

I think you’ll like it!

[@Nastygoodz]

The issue is that your left handed they don’t know what there talking about 9-10 times 😂 just lubricant it before use it helps

[@rushthezeppelin]

Yeah I do wonder if he stripped all the lube from M&P off and lubed it up. Always SOP on a new pistol.

[@claytonwalker7536]

Man I am not taking sides with this little gun but if there ever was a possible culprit. Fiocchi ammo (especially in .380) would be the suspect.

[@averagemarksman]

It was the magazines. Once they broke in a bit (still can’t load 12 in mine) there hasn’t been any issues. Zero issues with Fiocchi in the gun since that first two magazines.

[@claytonwalker7536]

@averagemarksman ok that's good. I'm still breaking mine in.

[@chilidem]

What kind of ammo? Fiocchi gives me issues in a bunch of my 380 guns.

[@averagemarksman]

It is Fiocchi but I’d point the issue to the magazines. Once the 1st and 2nd round are removed there aren’t any issues. Magazines have been loaded for multiple days now I can still have to force the magazine into the gun.

[@chilidem]

Forcing the mag in the gun isn't an issue if you just lock the slide back first. This is not uncommon and I wouldn't call it a malfunction.

[@chilidem]

But I do have multiple 380 guns that will run everything else flawlessly and then choke hard on Fiocchi. Not sure if it's the bullet shape or what. I've stopped buying it for 380.

[@averagemarksman]

@@chilidem it’s advertised as 12 + 1.

[@averagemarksman]

@@chilidem I believe it. I don’t shoot .380 often. If it does have issues I’ll take the advice and pick up another brand.

[@MrKeith57]

All the bought and sold gun reviewers had nothing but glowing reviews of this pistol. Thanks for the reality check. I'm always skeptical about guns that need break in. Never had a CZ that needed break in.

[@averagemarksman]

I think it’s a great little pistol. The magazines needing broken in isn’t a huge deal. Pretty common issue.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Good evening. This is a great informative video that showcased malfunctions in real time. Until you figure out what the issue actually is, you made a good point about not maxing the magazine out. If I had to guess, I would think that the issue is related to the magazine springs. Recently, I purchased a Stoeger STR-9MC. It took everything I had to manually top the magazine off with ammo. When I went to test it out a couple of days later, it was having the same malfunctions you seem to be having. After cleaning, lubricating and practice, the issue seems to have worked itself out. That being said, I’m sure S&W will make it right if the problem persists. One last thing, I haven’t held the Bodyguard 2.0 yet, but I agree with you on that front sight. I do like serrated blacked out rear sights, but would like a larger tritium front sight for sure! Take care and thanks again for the video.👍🏻

[@averagemarksman]

Chris, thanks for watching. I believe it's an issue that will resolve itself after the magazines are left loaded for a while. The spring tension will fully loaded is extremely high after all I could barely load the gun. Zero malfunctions other than that though. It's a nice little gun.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

@@averagemarksman That’s exactly what I did with the extra magazines I got for that Stoeger and haven’t had an issue since. I was leary about the Stoeger, but for $250 I can always have another beater, or training pistol. That Bodyguard 2.0 looks really nice! I dig it. As far as .380’s go, I have a Glock 42 and a Ruger LCP2. Actually, the G42 is my main EDC. The LCP2 isn’t bad, but I don’t trust my life to it. The Bodyguard 2.0 looks like it has the perfect size/capacity for my needs here in the Georgia heat! Thanks for the reply. New subscriber here.👍🏻💯

[@anotherbluenova6358]

I'm getting one when the bugs get worked out.

[@averagemarksman]

I think you’ll like it. It’s a pretty nice little pistol.

[@LostinMIA]

I agree on breaking it in with 1-2 rounds less but keep it stored full. That will speed up the break in! This was the same thing with my Gen 1 Shield 9mm. No problem. I hope I don't get the failure to feed, especially when it wears in because I just bought one! lol Regardless SW support is the best, they will resolve it!

[@averagemarksman]

The video after this in the playlist talks about the magazines a bit. The goal is to leave them loaded for five days and see if they start to break in. I cheated and checked earlier today. Already easier to load.

[@LostinMIA]

@@averagemarksman Right on! Sweet!

[@darthobama4456]

My first mag did the same thing with failure to feed / battery because I was using steel ammo.. I switched to Winchester Target white box shit and it ate everything no problem.. came back to the steel ammo after running three or four mags through it and it ate that no problem but I think this issue is whenis limited to it's first mag I've now put another 200 through it without any issues

[@XrayMike17plus1]

Short of polishing the extractor, running several mags worth of chrome-cased dummy ammo helps smooth out some of these hiccups before firing live ammo. Although the Bodyguard 2 looks good... any 'pocket' pistol with a sub-3 inch barrel is a no-go IMO.

[@averagemarksman]

The magazines are the current issue. I just filmed a video of them expanding when fully loaded.

[@robwilson3749]

Let us not forget the infamous Shield 1.0 recall. I definitely defer to waiting about a year after a new release before I wade into those waters no matter how intriguing the offering is. Believe me when I tell you that I want one but, gratification postponement is in order here. (For me at least.)

[@averagemarksman]

That's completely understandable. Spending hard earned money on something that has issues is never fun.

[@OleJohnnyTommy]

Just wait for the Bodyguard 2.1 to come out

[@averagemarksman]

There’s nothing wrong with this one. The magazine springs simply need compressed.

[@obxbeach3985]

Sub... Wow you got a lemon I guess... I've watched a couple dozen reviews on this gun, they were all flawless !

[@averagemarksman]

@@obxbeach3985 let’s hope the magazine issue works itself out. We made another video loading the magazines. They are now sitting in the box.

[@guaporeturns9472]

Been hearing nothin but good about this

[@averagemarksman]

I think it’s great. Silly magazine issues that will get worked out.

[@bricks-mortar]

Reviewer not making excuses for company releasing that pistol with problematic 12 round magazine. 👍

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Be aware that the magazine not dropping is a problem with S&W magazines. Ive had some Shield 45 mags out of spec that didnt drop free. Its a mag QC issue.

[@averagemarksman]

Makes sense. I just filmed a video about the difficulty of loading the magazines.

[@131601]

I’d keep it downloaded by one round, clean and lube and try different ammo. I’d give it at least 200 rounds of something decent like Speer Lawman TMJ and clean it after each 75 rounds. If it’s still a problem, send it back with all the magazines. I read that others have had some issues with fiocchi ammo in 380 ( no firsthand knowledge however ) something about issues with the cartridge rims not sliding under the extractor or something of that nature on the LCP Max. I’d try something else ( name brand ) and no steel case.

[@averagemarksman]

There's nothing wrong with the ammo that was fired through the pistol. The gun is clean and lubed. The issue is very cut, dry, and simple. The spring/magazines need to be broken in - honestly for reliability I would carry it -2 on the 12 round magazine if I was going to carry it right now. Loading 11 and 12 is a pain. I had to flip the magazine over and push down on a table.

[@lclee1972]

good honest review

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks for watching. It's a cool little pistol that I plan to put more rounds through. I think the magazine issues will work itself out.

[@lclee1972]

@@averagemarksman I have G42 now for deep conceal and summer clothes carry. Will wait little bit and pick this up. thx again

[@sgharpsr]

I think you got a lemon. The other reviews I've seen, it runs flawlessly.

[@averagemarksman]

Did you watch the video? It ran without issue. The magazines are the issue.

[@sgharpsr]

@@averagemarksman I watched the entire video. My point was that you received a product that doesn't appear consistent with what I've seen in other videos. I agree the magazines seem suspect but other reviewers I've seen didn't have this issue. BTW, I thought you did an excellent job on the video.

[@averagemarksman]

@@sgharpsr just asking. Sometimes it’s seems people just reply. I made a video loading the magazines. It seems the magazines expand when loaded. We will see what happens. Thanks for watching.

[@SB-mw1bg]

I think that I will stick with my LCP Max.

[@averagemarksman]

The LCP Max seems like a solid option.

[@SB-mw1bg]

@@averagemarksman With a pocket holster and chambered up.😁

[@averagemarksman]

@@SB-mw1bg I like it.

[@jackspencer8290]

I think one of the reasons for these failure to feed malfunctions is that gun manufacturers purposefully use the bare-minimum strength spring in the slide in order to make the gun easy to rack. Being easy to rack is a selling point for some of these guns. Contrast this with say, for example, a Beretta 92fs, which takes muscle to rack. Which gun will last longer? The gun that's easy to rack, or the one that's not?

[@averagemarksman]

That’s a good point. Lots to consider.

[@rushthezeppelin]

This one is apparently pretty stiff for a pocket 380, not light like the LCP Max is what most are saying.

[@offrosterhandgun5295]

I had adjust my front sight slightly right.

[@averagemarksman]

Good to go other than that?

[@offrosterhandgun5295]

@@averagemarksman I’ve had one malfunction in about 500 rounds. It runs great.

[@LVbibby]

Thanks for the info. By the way the gunshots were much louder in this video than usual.

[@averagemarksman]

Sorry about that, I think it was the shorter barrel.

[@1801herndon]

My recoil spring is so tight I can hardly get 3 rounds in a row to cycle

[@1801herndon]

Actually my gun is going back to Smith and Wesson because it just won’t run

[@stephenbonaventure9423]

I was just waiting for you to say the magazines are probably not broken in yet as soon as you get this pistol, after you’re done testify it you need to load up the magazines and leave them loaded all the time that will loosen up magazines that’s what I did with mine. Also, I ordered a easy magazine loader the stack and a half magazines are really hard to load by hand

[@averagemarksman]

I'm sure the magazines need to be broken in however these are abnormally difficult to load from the factory. So much so that loading them all of the way changed the outside dimensions. They are slowly getting better.

[@Shudat81]

Hey Nick, I remember when I first started following you and checked your subscribers thinking to myself that your page is going to grow because of your honesty. I’ve noticed that it is growing. Again, great video demonstration and keep up with these awesome reviews and content.

[@averagemarksman]

Thanks! It tools just over a month to pass 1000. I appreciate all of the support.

[@artday610]

I just bought a Ruger Max 380 same problems

[@averagemarksman]

Runs fine with less rounds in the magazine?

[@artday610]

@@averagemarksman yep I have the 10 round mag that came with it I bought two spare mags I’ve been running 9 rounds in them…hopefully they break in

[@AudioGardenSlave123]

Not cool that the capacity war has now reached the point that we're cramming rounds into a mag so tight that mags are now feeding issues. I always load one round less in all my mags.

[@averagemarksman]

The capacity war is a real thing lol. Wild times. I typically carry one less as well. Not worth it to me.

[@AudioGardenSlave123]

@@averagemarksman I've seen it many times in videos and I have a mag myself for an AR that cannot be locked into the gun if it's loaded with 30. Certain mags have their quirks.

[@robclaker4life]

Wait a sec...are you the guy that sells kayak parts? Pretty sure. Funny how 2 of my hobbies led me to your channels! You got a sub from me!

[@averagemarksman]

Hey, Rob. Thanks for the support. The parts business is crushing it as normal. I enjoy shooting so last month I decided I would start documenting my experience purchasing and shooting various firearms.

[@robclaker4life]

Glad to hear! Hope this goes just as well for you

[@azcoueshntr]

I purchased a S&W bodyguard 1st model last month brand new June ‘24. It dropped the mag while shooting and the slide would drop when ejecting the mag. Sent it back this week. I have no idea what’s going on at S&W, but the quality is just terrible. Buyer beware. Back to my Glock 42 & Ruger lcp.

[@averagemarksman]

@@azcoueshntr that’s a terrible experience. Hopefully they get it fixed for you.

[@RichiesHouse]

Seems like a lot of new guns coming out with issue or requiring a long break in period . I’ll stick with HK

[@davidr764]

I thought I heard you say you were shooting Fiocchi training ammo. Fiocchi is notorious for having problems in small 380s.

[@averagemarksman]

This wasn’t an ammo problem. The magazine wouldn’t fit into the gun without an incredible amount of force.

[@Crazycat4me]

Almost every video I watched they were shooting low and left,front sights were off,once they made adjustments gun shot great.

[@tickedoff1438]

Generally on all my firearms I tend to download by 1, especially when new. Smiths are no different. I even load my 30rd pmags to 29, even when the mags are well used. Manufacturers tend to promise a wee bit too much.

[@averagemarksman]

@@tickedoff1438 same here and I agree. They need to make the marketing materials look good!