S&W Bodyguard .380
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In the last year and a half .380 pocket pistols have become very popular after years of a drop in interest. The increase in interest I credit to the number of states allowing concealed carry as well as the number of gun makers marketing them. Of course we have the older designs such as the Walther PPK and the Sig P232. The new designs are a good deal smaller and lighter. S&W has joined the ranks of companies making a very small well designed “pocket” pistol.
S&W is always on the leading edge in new firearm design. The “Bodyguard” series is no exception. These are new designs not updated versions of older designs. The S&W .380 semi auto is one in a series of these new designs made for concealed carry for civilian and law enforcement use.
To really appreciate how small and convenient this pistol is look at the size compared to my average size hand in the picture below.
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The pistol is double action only. It’s a traditional hammer fired pistol rather than a striker type. The hammer is recessed in the frame even with the back of the slide. When you first take it out of the box the trigger is pretty heavy but lightens up after firing a 100 rounds or so. I now have 200 rounds fired through it and the trigger is satisfactory for it’s intended use. A loaded chamber indicator is milled as a crescent cut in the top of the slide.
This firing mechanism makes it safe to carry in a pants pocket without the worry of an accidental discharge. If this is still a concern there is also a manual safety placed in approximately the same location as a 1911. The safety is also very easy to manipulate. It’s very positive when clicked into the safe or fire position. I’ve carried it in a front and back jeans pocket with no printing through your clothing. I’m sure this is partly due to the width of just ¾ of an inch. Not only is the “Bodyguard” small it’s very light at just 11.85 ounces!
The picture below shows the controls. From left to right is the takedown lever, slide release and finally the manual safety.
The magazine release is in the usual position. Sights are black and well made with no sharp edges. They provide a sharp sight picture. The magazine holds six rounds with a seventh in the chamber. The magazine comes from the factory with a finger rest installed. Another magazine base is included which is flat making the pistol grip even smaller. No matter which base you choose chances are your little finger will sit under the base of the grip. This extended grip provides a better grip. One magazine is included with the pistol. Additional magazines are $22.00 each. The front of the grip has two finger grooves. As is usual with S&W the slide is stainless steel with a Melonite finish. The frame is Zytel polymer.
One nice feature on the “Bodyguard” series is a built in red laser. These lasers are becoming more common on many new models from other manufacturers as well. Insight Company makes the laser for S&W. This laser is located inline with the barrel and placed just under the barrel. A conveniently placed gray button is on both sides of the of the frame near the front. The laser can be activated from either side with the trigger finger. The first push of the button and the laser is a solid beam. A second push of the button and the laser pulses. A third push turns the laser off. Included are two hex wrenches to adjust windage and elevation coordinating the laser with the sights. Once adjusted the bullet hits where the laser points on your target. This laser works fine at night or in low light but is not visible on a sunny day. The picture below shows the laser activated
Stats
Model: BODYGUARD® 380
Caliber: .380 Auto
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
Barrel Length: 2.75″ / 7.0 cm
Frame Size: Compact
Action: Double Action Only (Hammer Fired)
Front Sight: Stainless Steel
Rear Sight: Drift Adjustable
Grip: Polymer
Overall Length: 5.25″ / 13.3 cm
Weight: 11.85 oz / 335.9 g
Frame Material: Polymer
Material: Stainless Steel w/Melonite® Finish
Finish: Matte Black
Purpose: Personal Protection Law Enforcement
Caliber: .380 Auto
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
Barrel Length: 2.75″ / 7.0 cm
Frame Size: Compact
Action: Double Action Only (Hammer Fired)
Front Sight: Stainless Steel
Rear Sight: Drift Adjustable
Grip: Polymer
Overall Length: 5.25″ / 13.3 cm
Weight: 11.85 oz / 335.9 g
Frame Material: Polymer
Material: Stainless Steel w/Melonite® Finish
Finish: Matte Black
Purpose: Personal Protection Law Enforcement
The grip angle is good making the pistol a natural pointer. Other ergonomic features include a stippled grip surface which provides a good grip even when your hands are damp. The aforementioned finger grooves on the front of the grip strap help a good deal even with the flat magazine base used.
Also included is a nondescript carrying case with looks like an organizer that so many people have these days. Inside the zipper case is a built in holster with a magazine pouch built in on the other side of the case. The only thing that might give it away is a small S&W logo on the outside of the pouch. I guess they couldn’t resist putting the logo on. At least the carry case and logo are black so it doesn’t show very well.
