Question re: S&W Bodyguard .380

[Esquire]

I'm thinking about trading my little Ruger .380 lcp for a S&W Bodyguard with a built in laser.

I looked at one and the laser seems difficult to operate. But it also seems that a little tapering of the recess might improve that aspect of the weapon.

Any thoughts on this trade?


here is the Bodyguard

http://cdn5.thefirearmsblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/smith_and_wesson_bodyguard_380_pistol-tfb.JPG

[Warped Arrow]

Have you looked at a Bersa .380ACP? A little bigger for guys like us with big hands. I have one and I absolutly love it.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk231/dragonsheart1004/Bersa380ACP2.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk231/dragonsheart1004/Bersa380ACP1.jpg

[Bowbender Mike]

I put the Crimson Trace laser sight on my Ruger LCP, switch works well. Rugers are well made guns and a good value, I like them.

I also have a soft spot for Smith & Wessons, so I'm probably not much help. I haven't handled the model you're considering.

I guess if you've got an itch, you better scratch it!:highfive:

[Roger Sr.]

My S/W Bodyguard is a lot different then that it's a 5 shot 38cal snub noise revolver with a shrouded hammer

[rusty craine]

If it is really for concealed carry, I carry a S&W 357 mg AirLite PD. It will do anything the 380 will do plus a lot more. The AirLite PD is a doudle action only internal hammer revolver. It weighs very little comparaitvely. It will never jam. it will not go off unless you pull the trigger.

I just had to renew my concealed carry permit. I shot the course test with the airlite and shot the highest score of the class.

Now it is not a gun I am going out to shot 3 or 4 box of full power 357 mags thru but it is a gun I trust my life for five shots with. If ever needed I think I am going to win.

rusty

[rusty craine]

11.5 oz (unloaded). I like revolvers. hang over from my fast draw days I guess.

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/rustycraine/airlite.jpg

I am not sure this little pistol is gun for the new shooters or ladies. I use 38 spc P+ 158gr Buffalo cast HP with gas check. it puts a fair thump on your hand. It takes regular pracitce to conrol the seond shot well and keep a double tap in the 9 ring.

rusty

[Biblethumpncop]

As you might guess, I carry every day. When on patrol, I would wear a Glock model 27 in an ankle holster. However, when I am off duty, I wear a Ruger LCP in a pocket holster in my back pocket. The LCP is a very close quarters, defensive weapon. If someone is on top of me, or presenting an edged weapon, then it can be deployed. It is much lighter and smaller than the Glock. I often wear shorts, and the Ruger is very comfortable.

I can qualify at our mandated 25 yard course with it, but that is not the design of the weapon or caliber. I've seen someone take hits from a .40 cal and continue their actions. A .380 has a lot less energy. When choosing a carry gun, remember how often you plan on carrying, and what realistic situations you may find your self in. Pay attention to your surroundings and remove yourself from it as you recognize danger.

A laser on a belly gun shouldn't be needed. Remember, the range you could find yourself at will be point blank and instinctive point shooting at 3 yards is more realistic than a precision 25 yard shot with a laser equipped belly gun.

Just my thoughts...

[Esquire]

Helpful comments, all. Thank you. I haven't shot my .380 much. I can hit 6 overlapping shots at 15 yards with my .38 spcl (Rossi, 2" barrel), but I agree that these guns are belly guns. The laser has some application, perhaps in a crowd, or perhaps at night at home.

I hope to never need the pistol. My Kung Fu instructor used to tell us walk/talk/defend/attack. Walk or run away from trouble if possible. Talk comes next, then defensive tactics. Attack is reserved for preservation of life and dire need.

As to the lasers, I like the aftermarket laser better than the bodyguard's laser. The grip activation seems like a better arrangement. I'm half tempted to consider one for the glock .40.

On the other hand, I'm so used to sights I wonder if the laser would be confusing...

[Biblethumpncop]

We were issued lasers on our duty guns at one department I worked at. They had an intimidation factor to them. They were not sighted in though, and mine was about 6" off to one side and in elevation at about 15 yards. I didn't use it for aiming, but was aware it was there, especially since it would come on after the first shot, regardless if I wanted it to. It would get a little confusing which laser was yours when multiple officers were aiming at someone...but that isn't the case here.

[Bowbender Mike]

The little .380 is not an easy gun to shoot well (IMO) and as John pointed out, a close range weapon. My thinking behind the laser is to help in out of position shooting, as in behind cover, just peeking ect. The laser also shows how little movement it takes to change the point of impact of the bullet from that gun.

[stevelong]

I'm an odd duck.
but -
I prefer a handheld TAC light, or if there's an acc rail, a mounted tac light like the Streamlight TLR-1.
Lasers - - - if it is dark, you still can't put it on the guy until you find him.
I just sold a 1911 with the mounted tac light, and I still keep the shur-fire handheld tac light close to my new 1911....for now....
until I get another TLR-1
My thoughts are that I can blind the invader, then beat him brainless

[rusty craine]

I got Debbie a Springfield XD Compact 9mm. She got her Concealed carry with it. Shot the highest score out of 13 guys in the class. She has a good touch. We shoot the 3ard Saturday of the month. I have to put my game face on to out shoot her. She has 900 rounds of MagTec 115gr HP thru the pistol with no function issues yet. I can recommend it for a concealed gun if you like a 9mm. I carried a Glock 26 before I got the AirLite. I shot it well but it never fit my hand to my liking.

Before she decided to get her Concealed Carry she shot several thousand rounds thru my S&W model 41 (.22 target pistol). She was shooting fifty cent size goups at 15 yds. :)

rusty

[Esquire]

I like the XD. I just traded a .45 and a .40 XD for a Sig p232 and a fishing Kayak. I'm about to trade the Sig P232 for a glock .40 sub compact.

I kind of miss my old glock, which I sold some time back. I think I used a sig .40 to qualify for my conceal carry. We had to have so many kills on a human silhouette target. I gave my target two eyes, a nose and a crooked smile.

Last weekend I fished in bear country and I carried the sig in a holster with a spare clip and it wore me out. Made me miss the glock...

[Bowcephalus]

A laser makes a dandy target..........

[CJ5]

I carried a Glock 26 before I got the AirLite. I shot it well but it never fit my hand to my liking.

rusty

I'm kinda the opposite. I've messed around with Glocks so long everything else feels odd. A buddy of mine was practicing for a bullseye match the other day and even his 1911 felt weird. Blasphemy for sure, and I have 3 of them myself, but they are safe queens.

[rusty craine]

CJ5, when I was in high school my next door neighbor and I had a fast draw routine that we took around. If the dang single action army was not so big I be carring one of them :)

Rusty

[Biblethumpncop]

For home defense, a shotgun with a flashlight attached is second to none: especially when you defend your bedroom from intruders while your spouse is on 911. Remember to take a defensive stance. Have a safety plan discussed with your family. Get them to the safe room, and wait for the calvary to arrive. I wouldn't go on the offensive in a house...you don't know how many there may be. Property can be replaced.

[Roger Sr.]

Rusty,
I still carry a single action a lot some times it's a custom Linebaugh 475 on a ruger in a holster and then at times it's a colt SAA in 45 colt long I just put it down my pants at times or a 1911 colt 45 ACP in California it's just about imposable to get a concealed carry but that has not stopped me if I feel I need to carry I carry

[rusty craine]

Roger, :) I bought a 475 linebaugh. shot about 50 rounds thru it and sold it to a friend. the dang thing hurt, was unpleasent, and for me not manageble. when i was younger and stronger maybe i'd loved it but it was a bronko wihtout a saddle for me.

I love the balance and recoil on the 4&3/4" single action army .45. even today at 10 yds there is not a balloon that is safe, I just ain't near as fast as I once was. well as a matter of fact I never had the speed of some of the best fast draw competitors today. some of those guys are fast.

rusty

[Roger Sr.]

Yeah Rusty,
I was into fast draw way back in the 60's it was the thing back then I still have that same colt with a 4 3/4" barrel in 45 colt and a 5 1/2" in 44 special that old 44 has seen a lot of Keith heavy loads but is still one of my best guns love those old Colts one round from them will stop the fight

[rusty craine]

Roger, now the I hijacked Mikes thread :). I am Texan to the core. I just had to an Texas Sesquicnetennial. I haven't shot it (yet :)). It is slick.

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/rustycraine/sheriffTX1.jpg

rusty

[Roger Sr.]

Roger, now the I hijacked Mikes thread :). I am Texan to the core. I just had to an Texas Sesquicnetennial. I haven't shot it (yet :)). It is slick.

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/rustycraine/sheriffTX1.jpg

rusty

Rusty,
That is beautiful ! what cal. is it ? 45 colt I bet I really love the one piece grip your a lucky man

[rusty craine]

Yes, it is a .45 LC. Sheriff model. I forget the exact barrel length right now. I finally got a real clean 32/20.

Rusty

[Esquire]

Rusrty,

Hijack away with my blessing. I got some ideas on my original question and I like a good conversation.

I like not knowing (or minding) exactly where it might lead...

Mike

[Roger Sr.]

Yeah 32/20's are a nice cal. I used to have a colt Bisley in 32/20 with 7 1/2" barrel and a modal 92 Winchester in 25/20 a cousin of mine has both of them now great little guns had a lot of fun with them killed a lot of small game with both I picked up the Winchester in a pawn shop in El Paso I live there for a few years them pawn shops down there used to get some great old guns at times bet they still do