i am afraid to use locktite on laser screw in fear it will not come out,i was told to use a small amount of clear finger nail polish,was wondering how you remedied that problem,also i have seen a few vids on how to lighten trigger pull,but am afraid of light strikes,this is a very reliable firearm,seems as if the problems all stem from the laser,very cheaply made,any input would be greatly appreciated,thanks
@TabCrusher I just took the BG380 to the range last week to test some ammo. I was having some problems it ejecting properly. I thought it was the new ammo. However, when I took it a part to clean it I noticed the laser screw had come out on the range. It was no longer in the weapon. The screw had rounded out the plastic hole if fits through. I am going to send it back and ask for fix. I try to keep the screw tight. I will let you know what they say. I really like the gun.
got bodyguard for xmas,have put 500 rds thru with no malfunctions to speak of,batterries went dead on laser and when i went to replace them i noticed pressure plate on right side fell off,i taped it for time being,i did add a small piece of tubing(a small piece from inside of a ink pen)to increase the sensitivty,i adhered to factory recommended diameters and lengths for mod,i was wondering if you have had any problems with pressure plate,and was also afraid of laser housing screw backing out
@TabCrusher I have some problems in activating the laser with the buttons. I have been told that S&W has new ones that are firmer. I have heard that if you contact them, they will send them to you for free. I am afraid the laser is going to end up being the down fall of the BG380. At this point, I am even use to the trigger and can shoot it pretty good. It will fire without the laser in it. S&W should have left the laser to the after market.
@FirearmPatriot I had to send mine back for a new laser and only shot 30 rounds through it. I think if you are shooting a video about a gun this caliber that you would have used good brass ammo instead of giving it a bad review. Cheap is as Cheap does. So buy some good ammo then give us a video of the gun!
@HDFATBOY55 Sir, I actually gave the gun a good review. Of course the screw coming out of the laser assembly had nothing to do with the ammo I was shooting in it. The gun jammed because the screw came up and struck the slide. The gun fired excellent on all ammo I shot except steel case. I noted the problem was the steel ammo casing not the weapon. I do demand that my gun fire reliably with all types of factory brass ammo. All .380 ammo is hard to come by with ordering it.
team up with crimson trace for a better laser setup,fix the 10lb trigger pull,make it a double action with exposed hammer,and you have one of the best pocket pistols around! p.s. tul ammo is the worst ammo i have ever shot,i know that they are target loads but pay a lil extra and avoid problems
@TabCrusher Seems like you think like I do. The Tulammo seems to run fine in most of my 9mms but overall it is poor ammo. It is just one of many loads that got through the weapon to test for function.
ALADDIN GEE -- I JUST WATCH THIS VIDEO AND IT IS A SUPER VIDEO TALENT ALL THE WAY I THUMBS IT UP AND AFTER YOU WATCH IT YOU SHOULD TOO ALADDIN GEE SAY DAT
@RodS1967 In one of the other comments, I did recommend blue locite be used to take care of the problem since it is metal to metal. I have done this with mine and had no further problems although I would recommend it be check periodically.
@floridafyme I use to live in Elizabethtown and work in Leitchfield. I live in Owensboro, KY now. Things sure have changed. I bet Bardstown doesn't even have a shooting team now. That really is too bad.
@Livingdeadsavior I have not used the brown/silver bear or wolf ammunition. However, I would be reluctant to use any steel case ammo in the Bodyguard. I have not had any problems with the Bodyguard being 100% reliable as long as the ammo is brass and this includes reloads.
So after using loctite on the laser battery access screw what would you do when that battery died? Also what ammo were you firing to get all those stovepipes?
@Livingdeadsavior I have been able to remove the screw with the allen wrench that comes with the bodyguard. However, you do not want to apply too much loctite to the screw. You can put a substantial amount of force on the small allen wrench. The ammo was Tulammo which is a steel cased Russian ammo.
Great video! I just bought a BG 380 myself the other day. I've put about 200 rounds through mine so far with no issues whatsoever (mostly Win. white box and PMC Bronze - with some Hornady Critical Defense). I do think that the allen head size for the laser screw should be much larger, because as small as it is, you can't get much torque at all on that included allen wrench. Very impressed with this pistol, though - no regrets at all. Excellent pocket gun.
the pistol has a lot of trigger travel that could certainly affect the shooters aim and hitting the target. Will need a great deal of practice to get use to it. Very good video, sir. Excellent review on the gun
And by "accuracy" I'm sure you mean how well YOU are able to put rounds on target. Since you didn't put the firearm in a vise to eliminate any human error.
@fasfan That is exactly what I meant. Most firearms today are very accurate if you put them in a vise. Of course all the mechanical accuracy in the world does help if they are not shootable. I am certainly no expert shot and I don't claim to be. It is difficult to get these small guns into a vise for any type of testing. However, if I could I am sure they would be quite accurate up to 25 yards.
Pistol was mailed to S&W for laser repair on April 15, 2011. It was returned on April 25, 2011 repaired. I felt this was very quick service. I will follow with some more rounds down range with a different ammo to assure reliability.
i also have the bodyguard 380...1000 rounds thru it with no problems..i use the walmart white box and harnady critical defense in it...stay away from the cheap stuff..
Wow, some disappointment,,,i still like it over the lcp..maybe the longer I wait the better my chances are that smith will address and fix these problems...
@thenowandaway S&W does have good customer service. I sent the Bodyguard back on April 15, 2011 and is suppose to be back tomorrow. Plus they pay all shipping and will often send an extra magazine back with the gun. S&W does seem to try to fix a problem once they are aware of it. In another years they could have all issue worked out.
The Tulammo I bought at Walmart a few weeks has been giving me fits as well. I used the Tulammo 9mm in my Beretta 92FS, Glock 26, Glock 19, Ruger SR9c, Ruger P89, and Kahr K9 and every firearm had at least one FTE and at least one or two misfires due to hard primers. The extra money in savings is not worth the headache anymore and I will resort to going back to the cheap Federal and cheap Winchester White Box and spend a buck or two more for reliability.
@purkjason Yes. It was Tulammo. I had no problems with the weapon prior to introducing this ammo. I have used it in 9mm firearms before without any problem but their tolerance are not as tight as the 380s.
Nice Job, it seems to be a very nice weapon...I agree 10# pull it a bit much especially if a women was carrying it....
As for the Ammo, we sell that were I work...Never have used it...but I have heard mixed comments about it..and ammo does make the difference...that is why I have the top premium ammo in my 24/7 Pro and the rest of my weapons...just in case. Again, very nice review my friend....Keep up the great work.
Great Review! I'm always looking and checking for the most reliable weapon, specially its functionality on a life/death situation. How you compare this .380 with, lets say, Walther PPK?
@Cuajinice The PPK has certainly proven to be reliable over the years. It can also probably be shot better than the Bodyguard due to it's longer barrel and additional weight. The main drawback of the PPK for a pocket gun is its' weight. It is about 10 ounces heavier than the Bodyguard. At that weight I would be looking to move up to a pocket 9mm. Weight is a huge factor when carring a gun in your pocket all day. Other than that the PPK is an excellent weapon.
Thank you for the invite, I have enjoyed your videos. My iPhone limits how I can respond but I have subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more videos...
enjoying your no nonsense review of this firearm. valid points, helping with actual experience for those of us looking to purchase one. Great job sir!
Is this version of the SW BG380 the newer one that took care of the laser button problems and the tear-down-lever problem? I believe you can tell by the rings around the laser button. Rings indicate the newer version.
Great Review! I guess basically, the Bodyguard 380 hates the cheap stuff? LOL Seems like a good little gun other than that. Keep the awesome reviews coming!
Do you think when the laser screw backed out it damaged or created a bur that is causing the malfunctions.Only reason I say that is because it seems to run flawless up until then.
@unomas58 The screw did no damage to the slide. It did not even take the melonite coating off. I am confident it was the ammo. Of course, laser issue was a concerned. I had three primers not fire out of 90 rounds with this ammo. In addition, the bullets were more round on the Tulammo while the other manufacturers bullets were more pointed. I have shot the Tulammo ammo in 9mm firearms without an problems but the bullets are much more pointed making them easier to chamber.
i am afraid to use locktite on laser screw in fear it will not come out,i was told to use a small amount of clear finger nail polish,was wondering how you remedied that problem,also i have seen a few vids on how to lighten trigger pull,but am afraid of light strikes,this is a very reliable firearm,seems as if the problems all stem from the laser,very cheaply made,any input would be greatly appreciated,thanks
TabCrusher 1 month ago
@TabCrusher I just took the BG380 to the range last week to test some ammo. I was having some problems it ejecting properly. I thought it was the new ammo. However, when I took it a part to clean it I noticed the laser screw had come out on the range. It was no longer in the weapon. The screw had rounded out the plastic hole if fits through. I am going to send it back and ask for fix. I try to keep the screw tight. I will let you know what they say. I really like the gun.
FirearmPatriot 1 month ago
got bodyguard for xmas,have put 500 rds thru with no malfunctions to speak of,batterries went dead on laser and when i went to replace them i noticed pressure plate on right side fell off,i taped it for time being,i did add a small piece of tubing(a small piece from inside of a ink pen)to increase the sensitivty,i adhered to factory recommended diameters and lengths for mod,i was wondering if you have had any problems with pressure plate,and was also afraid of laser housing screw backing out
TabCrusher 1 month ago
@TabCrusher I have some problems in activating the laser with the buttons. I have been told that S&W has new ones that are firmer. I have heard that if you contact them, they will send them to you for free. I am afraid the laser is going to end up being the down fall of the BG380. At this point, I am even use to the trigger and can shoot it pretty good. It will fire without the laser in it. S&W should have left the laser to the after market.
FirearmPatriot 1 month ago
@FirearmPatriot I had to send mine back for a new laser and only shot 30 rounds through it. I think if you are shooting a video about a gun this caliber that you would have used good brass ammo instead of giving it a bad review. Cheap is as Cheap does. So buy some good ammo then give us a video of the gun!
HDFATBOY55 1 month ago
@HDFATBOY55 Sir, I actually gave the gun a good review. Of course the screw coming out of the laser assembly had nothing to do with the ammo I was shooting in it. The gun jammed because the screw came up and struck the slide. The gun fired excellent on all ammo I shot except steel case. I noted the problem was the steel ammo casing not the weapon. I do demand that my gun fire reliably with all types of factory brass ammo. All .380 ammo is hard to come by with ordering it.
FirearmPatriot 1 month ago
team up with crimson trace for a better laser setup,fix the 10lb trigger pull,make it a double action with exposed hammer,and you have one of the best pocket pistols around! p.s. tul ammo is the worst ammo i have ever shot,i know that they are target loads but pay a lil extra and avoid problems
TabCrusher 1 month ago
@TabCrusher Seems like you think like I do. The Tulammo seems to run fine in most of my 9mms but overall it is poor ammo. It is just one of many loads that got through the weapon to test for function.
FirearmPatriot 1 month ago
Great video
elboyo2009 2 months ago
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ALADDIN GEE -- I JUST WATCH THIS VIDEO AND IT IS A SUPER VIDEO TALENT ALL THE WAY I THUMBS IT UP AND AFTER YOU WATCH IT YOU SHOULD TOO ALADDIN GEE SAY DAT
aladdingee 3 months ago
Couldn't a little Locite solve the laser issue?
RodS1967 3 months ago
@RodS1967 In one of the other comments, I did recommend blue locite be used to take care of the problem since it is metal to metal. I have done this with mine and had no further problems although I would recommend it be check periodically.
FirearmPatriot 3 months ago
Thanks for the video. This confirms my decision to buy a LCP.
StrikeroftheBall 4 months ago
@StrikeroftheBall Thank you for watching.
FirearmPatriot 4 months ago
Awesome little gun
TysonCarson1 4 months ago
I went to High School in Bardstown Ky. 1964-1968.I was on the shooting team there. We competed throughout the state. Those were the days.
floridafyme 4 months ago
@floridafyme I use to live in Elizabethtown and work in Leitchfield. I live in Owensboro, KY now. Things sure have changed. I bet Bardstown doesn't even have a shooting team now. That really is too bad.
FirearmPatriot 4 months ago
which is the best fire arm for self defense for a teen girl ?
juliannevillecorrea 6 months ago
@juliannevillecorrea .44 magnum, alaskan ruger.
AntaresInScorpius 3 months ago
@juliannevillecorrea Anything that shoots
AllAmericanGuy01 2 months ago
Good honest review. S&W needs to release a laser free version.
JINXED7777 7 months ago
Have you used brown/silver bear or wolf ammunition? Have you had the same problem with them I mean?
Livingdeadsavior 7 months ago
@Livingdeadsavior I have not used the brown/silver bear or wolf ammunition. However, I would be reluctant to use any steel case ammo in the Bodyguard. I have not had any problems with the Bodyguard being 100% reliable as long as the ammo is brass and this includes reloads.
FirearmPatriot 7 months ago
So after using loctite on the laser battery access screw what would you do when that battery died? Also what ammo were you firing to get all those stovepipes?
Livingdeadsavior 7 months ago
@Livingdeadsavior I have been able to remove the screw with the allen wrench that comes with the bodyguard. However, you do not want to apply too much loctite to the screw. You can put a substantial amount of force on the small allen wrench. The ammo was Tulammo which is a steel cased Russian ammo.
FirearmPatriot 7 months ago
Great video! I just bought a BG 380 myself the other day. I've put about 200 rounds through mine so far with no issues whatsoever (mostly Win. white box and PMC Bronze - with some Hornady Critical Defense). I do think that the allen head size for the laser screw should be much larger, because as small as it is, you can't get much torque at all on that included allen wrench. Very impressed with this pistol, though - no regrets at all. Excellent pocket gun.
seb8604 8 months ago
can you do a video on how to access that screw i was thinking maybe some locktite would secure it?
mark16443 8 months ago
@mark16443 I too have recommended loctite to secure the laser assembly screw. I will look at doing a very short video on this.
FirearmPatriot 8 months ago
What is TulAmmo anyhow? Is it kind of like Wolf/BlackBear/Etc. crap steelcased ammo?
noname000009ify 8 months ago
@noname000009ify It is FMJ steel cased ammo from Russia. Certainly don't recommend it in these 380s.
FirearmPatriot 8 months ago
im buying this gun
Andrew219773 9 months ago
the pistol has a lot of trigger travel that could certainly affect the shooters aim and hitting the target. Will need a great deal of practice to get use to it. Very good video, sir. Excellent review on the gun
87971045 9 months ago
And by "accuracy" I'm sure you mean how well YOU are able to put rounds on target. Since you didn't put the firearm in a vise to eliminate any human error.
fasfan 10 months ago
@fasfan That is exactly what I meant. Most firearms today are very accurate if you put them in a vise. Of course all the mechanical accuracy in the world does help if they are not shootable. I am certainly no expert shot and I don't claim to be. It is difficult to get these small guns into a vise for any type of testing. However, if I could I am sure they would be quite accurate up to 25 yards.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
Pistol was mailed to S&W for laser repair on April 15, 2011. It was returned on April 25, 2011 repaired. I felt this was very quick service. I will follow with some more rounds down range with a different ammo to assure reliability.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
my daughter loves the pistol and can handle it with ease i will get her one when she comes of age
MrGHOSTDOG66 10 months ago
i also have the bodyguard 380...1000 rounds thru it with no problems..i use the walmart white box and harnady critical defense in it...stay away from the cheap stuff..
MrGHOSTDOG66 10 months ago
All center mass.
blackfeatherarchery 10 months ago
Thank you for your thorough review of the Bodyguard 380, I appreciate the work you put into this video!
Hiscosmos 10 months ago
Wow, some disappointment,,,i still like it over the lcp..maybe the longer I wait the better my chances are that smith will address and fix these problems...
thenowandaway 10 months ago
@thenowandaway S&W does have good customer service. I sent the Bodyguard back on April 15, 2011 and is suppose to be back tomorrow. Plus they pay all shipping and will often send an extra magazine back with the gun. S&W does seem to try to fix a problem once they are aware of it. In another years they could have all issue worked out.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
The Tulammo I bought at Walmart a few weeks has been giving me fits as well. I used the Tulammo 9mm in my Beretta 92FS, Glock 26, Glock 19, Ruger SR9c, Ruger P89, and Kahr K9 and every firearm had at least one FTE and at least one or two misfires due to hard primers. The extra money in savings is not worth the headache anymore and I will resort to going back to the cheap Federal and cheap Winchester White Box and spend a buck or two more for reliability.
purkjason 10 months ago
@purkjason I agree with you completely. I certainly would not recommend the Tulammo to anyone.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
Were you shooting Tulammo in that BodyGuard when you were experiencing all those malfunctions? To me it looked like steel cased ammo you were using.
purkjason 10 months ago
@purkjason Yes. It was Tulammo. I had no problems with the weapon prior to introducing this ammo. I have used it in 9mm firearms before without any problem but their tolerance are not as tight as the 380s.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
Nice Job, it seems to be a very nice weapon...I agree 10# pull it a bit much especially if a women was carrying it....
As for the Ammo, we sell that were I work...Never have used it...but I have heard mixed comments about it..and ammo does make the difference...that is why I have the top premium ammo in my 24/7 Pro and the rest of my weapons...just in case. Again, very nice review my friend....Keep up the great work.
E1
ETHRON1 10 months ago
Great Review! I'm always looking and checking for the most reliable weapon, specially its functionality on a life/death situation. How you compare this .380 with, lets say, Walther PPK?
Cuajinice 10 months ago
@Cuajinice The PPK has certainly proven to be reliable over the years. It can also probably be shot better than the Bodyguard due to it's longer barrel and additional weight. The main drawback of the PPK for a pocket gun is its' weight. It is about 10 ounces heavier than the Bodyguard. At that weight I would be looking to move up to a pocket 9mm. Weight is a huge factor when carring a gun in your pocket all day. Other than that the PPK is an excellent weapon.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
Thank you for the invite, I have enjoyed your videos. My iPhone limits how I can respond but I have subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more videos...
kinggorgo 10 months ago
yea great job., good review., hope you sent her back to SW and get her all fixed up., looks like someone owes you a new laser:)
MultiSr16 10 months ago
@MultiSr16 It was sent back on Friday. Usually, S&W has fairly quick service. I hope to have it back within a couple of weeks.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
enjoying your no nonsense review of this firearm. valid points, helping with actual experience for those of us looking to purchase one. Great job sir!
ITHINKUREALESUK 10 months ago
Is this version of the SW BG380 the newer one that took care of the laser button problems and the tear-down-lever problem? I believe you can tell by the rings around the laser button. Rings indicate the newer version.
TyD59 10 months ago
@TyD59 The tested Bodyguard is a new version with the ring around the activation button for the laser.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
good vid
worldsslowestprepper 10 months ago
Good job!
mannyak832 10 months ago
You didn't mention whether you cleaned the gun while shooting those 400 rounds.
vyxaer 10 months ago
@vyxaer There were three range sessions. The firearm was cleaned when purchased and was cleaned between each range visit.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago
Great Review! I guess basically, the Bodyguard 380 hates the cheap stuff? LOL Seems like a good little gun other than that. Keep the awesome reviews coming!
SergeantZippo 10 months ago
Do you think when the laser screw backed out it damaged or created a bur that is causing the malfunctions.Only reason I say that is because it seems to run flawless up until then.
unomas58 10 months ago
@unomas58 The screw did no damage to the slide. It did not even take the melonite coating off. I am confident it was the ammo. Of course, laser issue was a concerned. I had three primers not fire out of 90 rounds with this ammo. In addition, the bullets were more round on the Tulammo while the other manufacturers bullets were more pointed. I have shot the Tulammo ammo in 9mm firearms without an problems but the bullets are much more pointed making them easier to chamber.
FirearmPatriot 10 months ago