https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/m-p-bodyguard-380
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is your compact carry option with a 2.75-inch barrel and 6+1 capacity in .380 ACP. You’ll find a polymer frame paired with a stainless steel barrel and slide, weighing 11.1-12.1 ounces. The double-action-only trigger requires 8-10 pounds of pull, with manual safety features. While it needs a 150-round break-in period, you’ll get reliable performance with proper maintenance. Let’s explore the full capabilities of this defensive pistol.
Key Takeaways
- Compact .380 ACP pistol measuring 5.25 inches overall with a 2.75-inch barrel, ideal for concealed carry applications.
- Features a lightweight polymer frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel, weighing between 11.1-12.1 ounces unloaded.
- Double-action-only trigger system with 8-10 pound pull weight and manual thumb safety for added security.
- Available in multiple configurations ranging from $449-$519, including options for laser sights and night sights.
- Requires a 150-round break-in period and regular maintenance every 500-1000 rounds for optimal reliability.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 stands as a purpose-built concealed carry pistol, combining a lightweight polymer frame with a durable stainless steel barrel and slide.
You’ll find its small size particularly suitable for concealment, measuring just 5 1/4 inches overall with a 2 3/4-inch barrel. The pistol weighs between 11.1 to 12.1 ounces and features drift adjustable sights and an external takedown lever.
Price Range
When considering the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380’s features and compact design, you’ll find its price point equally accommodating for concealed carry needs. The BODYGUARD’s price range varies between $449 and $519, depending on model configuration and retailer.
| Model Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Base Model | $449 |
| With Laser | $479 |
| With Night Sights | $499 |
| Special Edition | $509 |
| Deluxe Package | $519 |
You’ll want to check authorized dealers for current pricing and promotional offers.
Specifications
The Bodyguard 380 pistol’s polymer frame and stainless steel barrel and slide construction offer you a lightweight platform, weighing between 11.1 and 12.1 ounces unloaded. You’ll find this defensive pistol chambered in .380 ACP with a 6+1 round capacity, making it suitable for concealed carry applications. The compact design features a 2.75-inch barrel that contributes to its overall length of 5.25 inches.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.1-12.1 oz |
| Barrel Length | 2.75 inches |
| Capacity | 6+1 rounds |
Weight
Weighing between 11.1 and 12.1 ounces, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 380 features a lightweight polymer frame that’s optimized for concealed carry. You’ll find the unloaded weight at just 11.4 ounces, making it an ideal size and weight for everyday carry applications.
The pistol’s compact construction delivers a balanced combination of portability and durability without compromising its practical functionality.
Barrel Length
Featuring a precision-engineered 2.75-inch stainless steel barrel, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 380 achieves an optimal balance between concealability and performance.
The barrel’s compact length integrates seamlessly with the slide and frame, creating an ideal micro-compact profile. You’ll find the barrel’s Armornite finish provides superior corrosion resistance, while its length delivers reliable ballistic performance typical for .380 ACP pistols in this class.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed with two primary materials, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 380 combines a lightweight polymer frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel assembly. The pistol’s polymer frame helps reduce overall weight, keeping it between 11.1 and 12.1 ounces.
You’ll find the stainless steel components feature a black Melonite finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is chambered in .380 ACP, making it a practical choice for concealed carry. This M&P® BODYGUARD offers reliable performance with its .380 Auto cartridge, which is well-suited for a pocket gun of this size.
When you’re at the first range session, you’ll find the .380 ACP provides manageable recoil while maintaining effective stopping power.
Capacity
Built around a single-stack magazine design, the Bodyguard 380’s capacity accommodates both standard 10+1 and extended 12+1 configurations. You’ll find the 10+1 variant complies with state-specific magazine restrictions, while the 12+1 model provides enhanced defensive capability.
The slim profile of the single-stack magazine design remains consistent across both capacity options, maintaining the pistol’s concealable characteristics.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a double-action-only design, the Bodyguard 380’s trigger pull weighs in at 8-10 pounds with a long, deliberate stroke. You’ll find this smooth trigger pull is lighter than typical DAO mechanisms, offering enhanced control for defensive situations.
The flat-faced trigger and consistent feedback help you maintain proper finger placement and achieve repeatable accuracy during close-range engagements while preventing unintended discharges.
Safety?
Safety-conscious shooters will appreciate multiple integrated safety features on Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 380.
You’ll find a manual thumb safety that provides an additional layer of protection when carrying or handling the firearm. This compact pistol’s safety system complies with various state regulations while maintaining quick accessibility for defensive situations.
The manual safety complements the pistol’s other built-in safety mechanisms without compromising its 6+1 capacity.
Action
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 operates with a double-action-only (DAO) firing mechanism, delivering consistent trigger pulls for each shot.
When you’re considering utilization, you’ll find the stainless steel slide and barrel provide smooth operation while the polymer frame reduces overall weight.
The DAO action, combined with the manual thumb safety, offers multiple layers of protection during carry and deployment.
Optic Ready?
Unlike more modern pistol designs, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 380 comes with fixed sights and no optics-mounting capability. The pistol isn’t optic ready, featuring only drift-adjustable patridge-style front and notch-style rear sights.
You won’t find any slide cuts or adapter plate options for mounting red dot sights, and the compact polymer frame isn’t designed to accommodate aftermarket optics.
Review
The Bodyguard 380’s reliability track record shows initial feeding issues that were largely resolved through design updates and proper break-in periods. You’ll find the pistol’s advantages in its compact size, manageable recoil, and state compliance, though you’ll need to adapt to its long double-action trigger pull and small sight radius.
Your accuracy with this pistol will be most effective at close-range defensive distances, making it suitable for concealed carry while requiring consistent practice for proficiency.
Pros
Designed with concealment in mind, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 380 offers several compelling advantages for personal defense. You’ll find the lightweight polymer frame enables comfortable carry, while the compact 5.25-inch overall length supports discreet deployment.
| Feature | Benefit | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer Frame | Lightweight Build | Easy All-Day Carry |
| 2.75″ Barrel | Compact Size | Enhanced Concealment |
| Stainless Components | Durability | Reliable Performance |
Cons
Despite its favorable carry attributes, testing revealed several operational concerns with the Bodyguard 380. You’ll encounter concerning reliability issues during the break-in period, including feed and ejection problems. The heavy trigger pull may impact accuracy, while slide lock failures and ammunition compatibility limitations create additional challenges.
| Issue | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Feed/Ejection | Initial failures | 150+ round break-in |
| Trigger Pull | 8-10 lbs weight | Training adaptation |
| Slide Lock | Intermittent failure | Magazine inspection |
| Ammo Compatibility | Limited hollowpoint options | Test recommended loads |
| Break-in Period | Reduced reliability | Proper lubrication |
Reliability
Initial reliability testing revealed mixed performance from the Bodyguard 380. You’ll experience some failures to feed and eject during the first 150 rounds.
After a proper break-in period and field strip with oiling, reliability improves significantly. The pistol then functions consistently with various ammunition types.
While not tested, you’ll have the second-strike capability if needed, and the long trigger helps prevent accidental discharges.
Similar Models
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 line offers three distinct models chambered in .380 ACP, each tailored to specific user preferences and legal requirements.
You’ll find the TS model with thumb safety, the NTS variant without it, and a 10-round compliant version for restricted states. Each model maintains core features: polymer frame, stainless steel construction, and drift adjustable sights, settling the caliber debate.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several prominent manufacturers offer comparable .380 ACP micro-compact pistols that compete directly with the Bodyguard 380. You’ll find comparable models like the Ruger LCP II with its 2.75-inch barrel, the all-metal Sig P238, and the ultra-lightweight Kahr CW380.
The Glock 42 offers a slightly longer 3.25-inch barrel, while Beretta’s Pico delivers exceptional concealability with its 5.1-inch overall length.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Bodyguard 380 properly will ensure it performs as reliably as its market competitors. You’ll need to perform routine cleaning after every 500-1000 rounds fired.
Field strip your pistol and use CLP, Hoppe’s #9, or similar gun solvents with a soft brush and cloth to remove carbon buildup. Apply a light coat of quality gun oil to all moving parts.
History
Smith & Wesson introduced the Bodyguard 380 in 2011 as a modernized concealed carry pistol, building upon their legacy of personal defense firearms. The product development focused on incorporating innovative features like polymer frame construction and stainless steel components.
You’ll find this updated version offers significant improvements, including drift adjustable sights, an optional integrated laser system, and a manual thumb safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Rounds Does a Bodyguard 380 Hold?
The ammunition capacity of your Bodyguard 380 depends on which magazine configuration you’re using. You’ll find the standard flush-fitting magazine holds 6+1 rounds (six in the magazine, one in the chamber).
If you’re in a state that allows higher capacities, you can opt for extended magazines that’ll give you either 10+1 or 12+1 rounds. It’s essential to verify your local regulations when selecting magazine capacity.
Does the 380 Bodyguard Have a Safety?
Yes, the Bodyguard 380 comes with a manual thumb safety located on the left side of the frame. While you’ll want to maintain proper trigger discipline as your primary safety measure, this additional mechanical safety can be engaged or disengaged with your thumb. You’ll find it’s designed to prevent the trigger from being pulled when activated.
Is the Bodyguard 2.0 Drop Safe?
Yes, you can be confident in the Bodyguard 2.0’s drop safety verification. It’s equipped with a firing pin block safety system specifically designed to prevent accidental discharges if dropped. Smith & Wesson has ensured it meets all required drop safety standards, and third-party testing confirms these claims.
While the internal safety mechanisms and polymer frame provide reliable drop protection, you should still always follow proper handling practices.
What Year Did the Bodyguard 380 Come Out?
The M&P Bodyguard 380 was introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2010. You’ll find it was specifically designed for concealed carry suitability, entering the market as S&W’s response to growing demand for compact .380 ACP pistols.
When considering its launch timing, it’s worth noting that this model emerged during a period of increased interest in subcompact pistols for personal defense, bringing features like integrated laser sighting to the lightweight pistol category.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380, like a faithful shepherd watching its flock, stands ready to protect when needed. Whether you’re a concealed carry holder or home defender, this compact guardian demands respect and proper maintenance. Just as a lighthouse guides ships to safety, you’ll need to master its features, including the integrated laser sight and double-action trigger, to ensure reliable defensive capability.
0 Comments