Advantage of S&W Bodyguard .380 over .38 spcl snub?

hillman

hillman

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I've been reading quite a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of the calibers, .380 vs. .38 spc. so this question isn't about that.

My question is does the S&W Bodyguard .380 offer any significant advantage over a .38 snubnose revolver? I am looking for a new pocket pistol in the $400-450 range and the Bodyguard keeps popping up.

I have a SP101 and love it, but I want something just a little lighter as an option, so how does the Bodyguard stack up? Is there a 9mm option I should be considering that may be the same size, in the same price range, in Mass? I had a M&P 9c and wasn't impressed so I doubt that I would be with a Shield, but I might look at one as an option.

As I said, this is strictly for pocket carry, when even my SP101 is just a tad too big or heavy.

Thoughts? Thanks.
 
hillman said:
I've been reading quite a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of the calibers, .380 vs. .38 spc. so this question isn't about that.

My question is does the S&W Bodyguard .380 offer any significant advantage over a .38 snubnose revolver? I am looking for a new pocket pistol in the $400-450 range and the Bodyguard keeps popping up.

I have a SP101 and love it, but I want something just a little lighter as an option, so how does the Bodyguard stack up? Is there a 9mm option I should be considering that may be the same size, in the same price range, in Mass? I had a M&P 9c and wasn't impressed so I doubt that I would be with a Shield, but I might look at one as an option.

As I said, this is strictly for pocket carry, when even my SP101 is just a tad too big or heavy.

Thoughts? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I like it as its thinner and touch lighter than a snubbie. I wear running shorts in the summer a lot and I can pocket carry a bg380. If I have something with belt loops on, the bg goes in the left pocket as a BuG tho.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
 
i would try to make a concealed hammer alloy j frame work. look at some pocket holsters to keep the gun from rotating. the ballistics of 5 +p 38s or 357 vs the 380 are indisputable. also, the reliability of a S&W revolver with good ammo is 99.9999% vs what you might experience with a small auto that has been collecting lint and dust in your pocket.
 
The main advantage is it won't cost you much to run the BG380 when its broken all the time. Its by far one of the top turds in S&W'S product line. Its a shame because they have a lot of good guns but the bg380 isn't one of them.

-Mike
 
I own the BG380 and like it a lot. The trigger blows though (too long). At the range from 15 yards I'll hit a decent group, but I find my large hands an long fingers make it difficult to double tap a good tight group. If the trigger were lightened, it may be easier.

The added weight of the BG38 wheelie makes it easier to control IMO and the fact the larger grip puts the trigger a bit further forward helps with better finger to trigger positioning for my hands.
 
mike01824 said:
Sig 238 over bg380.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't carry my 238 in drawstring running shorts pocket, it's way too heavy.

It is a far superior pistol otherwise tho.

The BG380 could be excellent if they dumped the useless laser, fixed the trigger and made it far more reliable.
The cost of the laser could cover a lot of the quality issues imo.
 
Just an idea. I haven't really worn it publicly but I tried my S&W Shield in my SmartCarry holster that fits my S&W 642 snubbie. It works very well with any elasticized waist band shorts or sweats.
 
I find the BG380 quite a bit easier to pants pocket carry during the summer. My S&W 638 is a little too long. Not a huge difference. YPMV.

Also, an extra mag for the BG380 is a lot quicker to change than loading 5 rounds from a speed strip for the revolver.

For what's it's worth I've had no reliability issues with the BG.

I'm an equally bad shot with either.
 
when wearing something that might "print" one of my usual carry guns I have had the BG380 in a IWB holster from ace case, ordered one for a .25 auto and it works well, and was only like 10 bucks too!
 
I carry my bg380 often, I have not had a problem with either reliability or accuracy. I also have a shield in .40. For pocket carry the BG is great but I like the punch of the shield better and in my cross breed super tuck it is easy to conceal.
 
I had the BG .380 and I used to have a Taurus 85 that I carried for a few years: the BG 380 is much thinner and easier to pocket carry. Good sights and surprisingly light recoil in such a tiny gun, it's a winner for pocket carry and deep concealment.

Posted from my car phone.
 
To the OP. I also own a sp101 and love it.....carry it everywhere and every day. My wife on the other hand foud it way to heavy. Just went out and got her a s and w 642 performance center in .38+p. We'll put it through the paces this weekend.....but so far when dry firing it the trigger is outstanding. I guess your question about a auto loading .380 vs. revolver .38 +p comes down to this.......are you the type that feels 5 shots with a .38 + p is sufficient for self defense or are you the type that feels extra rounds in a spare mag in a lighter hitting round is better? I think you can see from the two fire arms I own which camp I'm in......5 rounds of harder hitting .38+p for the wife or for me .357 mag is perfectly fine....especially in a fire arm that goes BANG.....every time......additionally I just think snub nose revolvers are just cool as hell!!!!!!
 
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i always like to think of a possible scenario. i am getting carjacked or a home invasion and i reach into my pocket. if i have to fire, what is my confidense level to take down this guy who has his stolen nine. that J frame loaded with +p or 357 is sure to go bang on every pull of the trigger. just visualize this scenario with your 380 now.
 
the bg380 is great as far as comfort in the pocket. i use mine in a iwb also, and with a good personal defence round such as hornady critical duty i feel confident being able to stop a threat. the lc9 from ruger is close in size, but a little heavy for pocket carry.
 
CTpatriot said:
i always like to think of a possible scenario. i am getting carjacked or a home invasion and i reach into my pocket. if i have to fire, what is my confidense level to take down this guy who has his stolen nine. that J frame loaded with +p or 357 is sure to go bang on every pull of the trigger. just visualize this scenario with your 380 now.
Click to expand...

point.

I really like my 442, haven't tried the 380, have no desire. Had an AMT backup 380 years ago, not thrilled with the round itself; I think of the .38 +P as a minimum now.
 
CTpatriot said:
i always like to think of a possible scenario. i am getting carjacked or a home invasion and i reach into my pocket. if i have to fire, what is my confidense level to take down this guy who has his stolen nine. that J frame loaded with +p or 357 is sure to go bang on every pull of the trigger. just visualize this scenario with your 380 now.
Click to expand...

What I'm visualizing here for me is there is a good possibility that the perp with the stolen 9 he is not familiar with has a good chance of missing me if he does have the fire arm in the correct condition to fire and shoot (chambered round and safety off).......me on the other hand with my +p loaded revolver has a much better chance of putting a fairly hard hitting hollow point on targert.....because I practice with my fire arm and am packing a VERY reliable piece. Is that what you were going for? :)
 
Billy2 said:
I only carry my bodyguard 380 when I cant carry anything else.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I'd rather carry my 638 than the BG, and I'd rather carry the Glock 27 than the BG, and the Glock 22 would be better than that. The truth is that the larger guns just are not as easy for me.

There are some people who make their lives work around a full size, or nearly full size, handgun all year round. My hat is off to them. Maybe I'm just too lazy, but the BG380 works for me when the threat level is low and I don't want the inconvenience of something more effective.
 
Wadcutter said:
Exactly. I'd rather carry my 638 than the BG, and I'd rather carry the Glock 27 than the BG, and the Glock 22 would be better than that. The truth is that the larger guns just are not as easy for me.

There are some people who make their lives work around a full size, or nearly full size, handgun all year round. My hat is off to them. Maybe I'm just too lazy, but the BG380 works for me when the threat level is low and I don't want the inconvenience of something more effective.
Click to expand...
better than a glock 22 at home, you will at least get one shot off with any gun
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. After handling the Bodyguard. 380, I found it kind of hard to hold and take it seriously. It might be the only Smith and Wesson that I actually thought felt flimsy. I went with the Ruger LCR.. 38 instead. Though I can see am advantage to the small size of the BG, it just wasn't right for me.
 
blue250r said:
I like my BG380 as well, long trigger similar to a revolver, I can shoot it well, personally dont use/need the laser but it's there...
Click to expand...

This, but I hate the trigger pull, it's good because it basically will fit anywhere with or without a holster
 
Try to find a 340pd 357. Or the 38 special version. Very light and easy conceal in the old pockets.

Ita my new carry instead of my glock 30sf.


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