Short recoil operated and with a closed breech, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is a semi-automatic handgun. One of the most well-known American gun manufacturers, Smith & Wesson, unveiled it in 2005.
However, there are certain drawbacks to this gun.
Failure of extraction, magazine dropping, long trigger pull, light primer strike problems, and broken laser and slide lock issues are some common Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 problems.
In this article, I’ll go over the most typical Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 problems. Let’s now examine some of this gun’s qualities and features.
Features & Specifications of Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 Gun:
| Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 Specs | |
| Cartridge | 0.380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.75 Inches |
| Weight | 12.0 Ounces or 340.19 Grams |
| Length | 5.3 Inches |
| Action | Double-Action Only (Hammer Fired) |
| Grip | Synthetic |
| Safety | Manual Thumb Safety |
| Sights | Stainless Steel Drift Adjustable |
Common Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 Problems and Solutions
In this part, I will provide you with information on various common Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 troubleshooting methods. I will provide a summary of these issues and their resolutions now.
Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions
| Problems with Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 | Solutions |
| Failure to Extract | Routinely clean the gun or replace the ammo. |
| Magazine Drops | Have a spare magazine, and adjust your grip. |
| Long Trigger Pull | Do additional shooting practice or return the gun. |
| Light Primer Strike Issue | Clean the firing pin and spring after removal. |
| Broken Laser | Limit your usage of oil while cleaning the firing pin. |
| Slide Lock Mechanism Failing | Change the magazines and clean the gun. |
1. Failure to Extract:
Some users have spoken out about this inability to extract while firing. The using improper ammunition for the pistol might be the cause of these issues. This sort of problem might cause serious harm while operating.
The recoil spring is also another common culprit. The slide will turn more quickly than the expended case is discharged through the ejection port if the recoil spring is being used with an excessive tension for the ammo being used.
The Fix:
Make sure you routinely clean your firearm. Sandpaper can be used to polish the feed ramp at home.
Try swapping out ammo. Use some different budget-friendly ammunition for your gun if you’re having financial troubles.
Replace the recoil spring if it is the cause of the problem. The hefty recoil spring can solve this issue which ranges in price from $20 to $25. They could be available online from stores like Galloway Precision.
2. Magazine Drops:
You could experience some problems with the unsecured magazine after working with the pistol for a while. The problem might be brought on by an incorrect grip adjustment.
Sometimes the inappropriate magazine is to blame. When you fire, your thumb engages the release due to recoil. Hence the issue might be caused by recoil.
The Fix:
To prevent the dropping issue, you may use a different type of magazine for this gun. If you have a spare magazine for extreme situations, that will be better.
Increase your grip adjustments; this is typically the major problem. Practice more and watch that your finger doesn’t touch the magazine when you’re shooting.
3. Long Trigger Pull:
A long trigger pull may assist you to pull the trigger deliberately or may prevent you from firing something you don’t wish to.
But the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 gun’s lengthy trigger pull has drawn criticism from certain buyers.
Accuracy over greater distances is usually compromised by longer trigger pulls. This problem has the potential to be a major disaster in a dire situation.
The Fix:
With the long pull of the pistol, you may practice more and become accustomed to it. You can use this video as practice and feel comfortable handling the gun.
To make it simpler to pull the trigger, you might take it to a nearby gunsmith. Send the gun back to the company if you are unable to find a solution here.
4. Light Primer Strike Issue:
It’s a pretty common Bodyguard 380 handgun problem. This issue could arise when you first start shooting.
It doesn’t always happen, but occasionally light primer strike occurs to the Bodyguard 380 which causes horrific misfires and hangs fires.
Firing pins and springs are mostly to blame for this problem. Sometimes too much oil or dirt might lead to this issue.
The Fix:
Check the firing pin and spring after removing them to ensure they are clean and not overly lubricated. Replace them if they are faulty or damaged.
These components just need a very little quantity of oil, which should be extremely thin. Ensure that the firing pin passage is also clear.
5. Broken Laser:
It’s nearly impossible to trigger the laser button. To turn it on, the buttons had to be pressed hard.
Unless there was a manufacturing error, fixing broken lasers or a malfunctioning laser button is typically not too difficult.
The Fix:
First, remove the laser button by pulling or pinching. Now, take the little tube and position it in the empty space around the switch’s central position.
The button will need to be installed again, which will require additional effort.
6. Slide Lock Mechanism Failing:
Sometimes the slide does not return to its original position. It gets stuck after a few turns, which is bothersome.
Failure to lock back may result from insufficient lubrication, wimpy ammunition, cycling the slide lock with the thumb, or a wimpy grip.
The Fix:
You might be able to minimize this problem by cleaning the gun. Make an effort to properly clean the gun’s components.
This problem could also be resolved by changing out the magazines. Try at least two distinct types of magazines.
User Feedback on Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380
One of the company’s most well-known guns is the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380. The small and comfortable size of this semi-automatic weapon is well renowned.
Positive reviews outnumber negative ones by a wide margin. You can see that the gun is owned by a lot of happy customers on the Firing Line Forum. Some folks advise personalizing the gun to your preferences.
There has been a lot of criticism about the Bodyguard 380. Both remarks on the gun may be found at the Glock Talk Forum.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380
Here are some best alternatives for the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380:
Ruger LCP
– Include a textured grip frame and a 6-round magazine.
– Contains an expandable finger grip floor plate that may be fitted to the magazine for comfort and better grip.
– Small and lightweight with a barrel made of alloy steel and black oxide.
Taurus 738 TCP
– Low-profile fixed sights and a sturdy polymer frame.
– Checkered polymer grips and a smooth trigger type.
– Special tread design for the slide’s positive pull and functionality.
SIG Sauer P238
– Single-action handgun with a .380 ACP cartridge.
– Anodized hard coat frame finish.
– Standard sights with the more costly option of night sights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ammunition works best in the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380?
Professional recommends XTP rounds.
Which grain performs effectively for a 380 Bodyguard?
90-grain.
What are the slide material and finish of the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380?
Stainless still with a two-toned finish.
How much do Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 pistols cost?
The price of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 ranges from $400 for the new model to $220 to $300 for used models.
How well-suited is the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 for dry firing?
Perfectly fine for dry firing.
Has the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 been equipped with optics?
Smith and Wesson now equip the Bodyguard 380 pistols with Crimson Trace lasers.
How accurate is the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380?
Approximately 90% of the time, you’ll land on target.
Conclusion
For its affordability, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 semi-automatic rifle is a superb choice for amateurs and semi-professionals.
In this post, I’ve listed some of the most typical issues with this weapon. To get your Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 fixed, strictly adhere to my recommendations.
