Running the Bodyguard

I'm guessing that by now you have figured out that I am a fan of the Bodyguard 380 pistol.  It is the name of the site after all.  So, since you are reading this, I assume you are looking for my thoughts and ideas regarding the pistol.

First, the .380 ACP is a more powerful cartridge than many people give it credit for.  Of course it isn't a .357 Magnum or .45 ACP, but it will still punch holes in an attacker, and do so with enough energy to get to important areas.

Second, the gun is small enough to be carried concealed by almost anyone.  The gun is compact enough to be worn in an inside the waistband holster or in a belly band with no problem.  It can also be carried in a purse or a fanny pack.

Third, the S&W Bodyguard comes with a laser sighting system built in from the factory.  This means you don't have to go out and spend a few hundred dollars on some additional Crimson Trace product.  This is a really great deal.

Fourth, the Bodyguard 380 is a great deal.  Smith and Wesson priced these things so the average person could buy them.  I got mine for less than $400 out the door last year.  They are a little harder to find right now because of the gun shortage, but the guns are still priced well.

Lastly the guns are very reliable.  I've shot mine a lot and have had no problems with it.  Even if you didn't believe me, check out this Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 review (http://www.bluesheepdog.com/smith-and-wesson-bodyguard-380-review/) from a SWAT team member.  He and his team shot his pistol quite a bit and they came away with the same impression I have.  Even LAPD has adopted the gun as a backup gun for their cops.

My Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380

A few years back, Smith and Wesson introduced a new line of personal protection handguns called the Bodyguard.  Two guns were part of that initial launch:  a polymer framed .38 Special and a .380 ACP semiautomatic.  Both guns came equipped with laser sights from the factory and were reasonably priced.

I've never owned a S&W pistol before, but I was intrigued.  Could the Bodyguard 380 be the gun I needed for concealed carry?  I wasn't sure, but I was excited.  I had been carrying much bulkier guns at that time, and was hoping to find something easier to carry.

I had looked at the Kahr pistols, and liked them, but I did not like the price tag.  They seemed nice, but just very expensive.  Conversely, the S&W Bodyguard was relatively cheap - especially when you add in the laser sight that would be an extra purchase with the Kahr.

So, I took the plunge and ordered a Bodyguard from my local dealer.  These things were so popular that no one had them in stock.  Can you believe it?  Ha!  I ordered the gun, sight unseen.

Well, things worked out pretty good for me.  The gun arrived in less than a month and it has been everything I hoped it would be.  It is a good shooter and is very reliable.  I've only had one jam and tha was with some cheap reloads I bought at the local shop.  All of my hollow points feed through the gun just fine.

So, I hope to get a lot of life out of this gun.  I know I have met some S&W owners who say they have gotten years of service out of their Bodyguard 380 pistols with thousands of rounds shot.  I'm not there yet, but I am working on it!