P238 or bodyguard

[Hokkmike]

Curiously enough my two pocket carry pistols have been the Bodyguard and the P-238.

I had after market work done on the Bodyguard to shorten l-o-n-g trigger pull. The P-238 trigger is perfect as is. The BG is about the right weight. The P-238 is heavier but does not exhibit the same degree of recoil as the BG. I find the P-238 to be a bit more accurate, but at the ranges it is not a significant factor. I am much more comfortable with the safe on the BG than the "cocked and locked" of the SIG in my front pocket.The p-238 is much more expensive than the BG. Overall, there is not much question in my mind that the P-238 is a better quality gun.

My compromise decision was to carry the P-238 in my front pocket with a pocket holster on an EMPTY chamber. (here come the boos) The trigger on the SIG is much more sensitive and responsive whereas with the BG you have the a long trigger pull & safe. Cocked and locked in my front pocket makes me nervous. The P-238 can fire more quickly and follow up shots come more accurately. There is a trade off for just about everything when comparing this two pistols.

Your choice is really win vs. win. Good luck.

 

[DeadEye9]

Hi, I'm new to the forum however I have been reading thehighroad for years. My question is I am between a p238 or bodyguard for POCKET carry.
I have been conceal carrying for about 10ish years. I EDC a p320 subcompact 85% of the time. Currently a glock 43 for the rest. I have owned a bodyguard before and "liked" it however I sold it years ago to get a different gun ( I know stupid). I have always looked at the p238.
This gun is for a very niche area of my life where I literally would not be able to carry anything else. I carry every day except at work due to my job and let's just say I don't need to at work and take that at face value. That being said I can carry about 5 days a week.
As I stated I carry my p320 all the time and when it's not in my g43. The g43 is just to big to pocket carry. I understand that it will be a slower draw from a pocket and I have pocket carried before. I guess I am just concerned that the p238 may just be to heavy and or thick for board shorts on a boat or gym shorts. I was looking at lcps but I don't like them. I also spoke with ruger about the lcp II and the rep stated that they currently recommend carrying without a round in the chamber...yeah no so that's out as well. The reason for that before you ask is there is no drop safety and it relies on a notch in the sear. That's for a different thread. Ruger was great though and I will not tell anyone not to carry what they like. This is just my feeling. Kahr cw380 was on the list but I find more bad then good on the internet. Looking for help making the decision. Thank you in advance!

I don't own a bodyguard but I do have a Shield 9mm as well as the Sig 938 (9mm version of 238). Recently I wanted something of a niche pocket gun as well; something to just throw in the pocket of some gym shorts or sweatpants while walking to the mailbox or messing around in my garage working on my cars etc. For this I gravitated to the new Ruger LCP 2. I've never been a fan of .380 in general, but I got behind the new iteration of the LCP and saw how greatly improved it was, so when the opportunity to get one new for well under $300 came by I just picked one up. It really is a sweet little shooter with a great factory trigger. I'm a Glock enthusiast for sure, but im not a fan of the 42/43. I bought a 43 right after their release and tried for months of shooting to like it but never could. My numerous Glock 19s, 32, 17, 30S and 20 all feel and perform great for me but the 43 just did not. I ended up selling it and getting the S&W Shield9 in its place. I chose the Pro model with no external safety, and it has been a great compliment to my daily carry ever since. I shoot it just as well as full size 9s and it has been dead reliable. The bodyguard feels similarly good in the hand (to me) but I haven't heard great things about their reliability. The 238 should be a very reliable choice, as my 938 is nearly the same pistol and it has been a good performer since day one. My only complaint about it for a pocket gun is the ergonomics; it just doesn't feel as good slipped in a pocket as the little LCP 2 does. I also don't care for the 938 type of action in a gun that small.

 

[Cdems]

I am confident in the p238 and love thtbgun but I am not going that route do to size and weight. The it's is between the bodyguard and lcp original. Thank you so much for your input.

***********************************************************The short story (lol) on the lcp II. I WAS super interested and basically had it ready to buy. I looked at the blue print online and had some questions. I called ruger. Ruger rep told me that as per legal ruger does not recommend a chammebered round which for me and my carry method/belief is ridiculous however I respect everyone's choices and comfort level. Now I am unsure but I think it says that in the original lcp book too. That's not the reason though. I said to the rep that the lcp II hammer is cocked but unlike a 1911 it has no saftey other than the glockish type trigger. I asked if there was a drop saftey or transfer bar or something. She said no. I then asked what would stop it if it received an impact from the hammer going off. She replied "it is thought that the hammer will fall back to half cocked". She then stated and I swear on my eyes that she would not buy one either for the reasons I provided an she tried to direct me to a lc9. For that reason I am unconfortable with pocket carrying or carrying period an lcp II. THAT BEING SAID I COMMEND rugger as well as that service tech for their honesty and professionalism.
Before people start saying "well just don't drop your gun" let's be honest. We carry to protect ourselves and I am not a tacti-cool ninja. Not every situation you may encounter is resolved with a gun and if on the off chance I am forced to physically fight and I go to the ground or I am in a fight and the gun gets knocked out of my hand I would rather the chance of it going off slim. I also have children and if I trip and fall or they jump on me I would rather the gun not go off and god forbid kill them. I am not saying I am smarter than engineers at ruger but I am saying I can't trust completely a small notch to catch that hammer I think I need something else.
I am also slightly concerned with the original lcp as it also has no drop saftey and it is at half cock ( the hammer is just slightly cocked) however there is a severely less chance of it going off. I am at this point between bodyguard and lcp original.

 

[toivo]

Between the Kahr CW380 and the S&W Bodyguard .380 (without the laser), I would probably be inclined to go with the Bodyguard.

Could I ask why? I'm contemplating a CW380, and would appreciate any input that might prevent me from making a bad decision.

 

[Cdems]

Could I ask why? I'm contemplating a CW380, and would appreciate any input that might prevent me from making a bad decision.

My two cents and the reason I am not picking it, even though on paper I like everything about it , is becuase the majority I have read and watched online is bad. Reliability issues even after the 200 round break in they require. I know some people have great luck with them but statistically based on what I have read it is much more of a hit or miss with most missing which sucks because I really like the look feel and sights of this little gun. If the g42 were its size I would buy it. A lot of the little guns have problems but I haven't seen much good about this little one.

 

[bannockburn]

toivo

I have also heard about reliability problems with the CW380, enough so that I would hesitant about getting one at this time. My friend's Bodyguard, with the exception of the wandering zero with laser module, has been very reliable and durable.

 

[25-5]

I like the condition one capability of the P238 and have been eying one myself. I think it would be fine in a pocket holster. Try a baggie full of change to the right weight and see how you do. I don't wear shorts, so cant help there.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I have shot both the Bodyguard 380 and the Sig P238. I would get the P238 and never look back. The reduction in recoil alone is a reason to get the Sig. It is also a very accurate gun.

 

[redbullitt]

I am always happy to jump on the 238 wagon. Awesome little pistol that shoots like a much bigger weapon. Very good trigger and sights with low recoil since it has some weight.

The lcp is reasonably priced and generally seems to work. Much more in line with a pocket pistol as opposed to the sig I think.

 

[TUBBY1]

 

[TUBBY1]

Palmetto state armory... Can't beat it.

 

[Armored farmer]

That's a pretty nice little gun too. My fnl carries on edc

 

[Varminterror]

I perused back over this thread today, sitting in my home office with my EDC LCP and what will be my new EDC LCP II sitting on the corner of my desk and I had a few thoughts:

1) There isn't just one right answer, and the PERFECT answer likely doesn't exist. So you'll be well served to stop wringing your hands and pick one.

When I go to work in the office, I have to wear a jacket with slacks and a dress belt. When I go to observe project progress in the field, I have to wear a hard hat and steel toed boots. When I'm spending a lazy Saturday afternoon in my casual wear, I typically don an Under Armour or Grunt Style T-shirt, Wrangler 33 Extreme jeans, a handmade leather belt with a buckle I won, and Ariat cowboy boots, or occasionally, Wrangler camo cotton cotton shorts, and Brooks Pureflow jogging shoes. I LOVE my Saturday attire. My work attire, I need because I have to wear it. When I drive, I have to carry my wallet because it contains my driver's license. When I'm at work, I have my wallet, a business card caddy, pocket knife, and two phones, at a minimum in my pocket. Nearby, I'll have my laptop with a cellular hotspot, my ipad, a notebook, a 12v power inverter, multiple chargers for all of this. When I'm at home on Saturday, I have my phone and usually a saddle nearby, or under my butt, or something with a trigger in my hand.

So there are things I love to have and things I have to have. I absolutely HATE the look of black polymer pistols, as they lack class, just like I don't find my steel toed boots to be as comfortable as my jogging shoes. I don't really care for the trigger in ANY pocket pistol, even the Sig P238 SAO, but the trigger in my LCP, especially Gen 2 or even better, the LCP II is more than sufficient for the task at hand.

I have to have a carry pistol which does its job and is easily concealed. I don't have to LOVE absolutely everything about it, but if it does its job as well as anything else out there, any further consideration is simply splitting hairs.

2) Don't get too hung up on specifications on the page, especially for weight:

You've fixated on the width of these pistols - small is small, and thin is thin. A little thinner than thin is still thin, and a little thicker than thin is still thin too. I've carried an LCP and a P238 both off and on since the year they were released. I'd be lying if I told you I could tell the difference in thickness in how they carry or print, even though the P238 is almost a quarter inch thicker in spots. The P238 IS heavier, but not so heavy I can't pocket carry it. I also have an LC9, G43, G42, and Sig P938, the 9's are larger and more difficult to conceal, even though the 238 might fall into their weight class. Being of the same weight doesn't mean anything to me in terms of concealability. For other body types, and for those who dress differently than I, weight might trump size - I had a guy in one of my pistol classes who claimed to top 365lbs - his dress was baggy, so he could hide a Christmas ham in his shorts, but his pants would fall down with anything heavier than an LC9.

3) A firearm purchase isn't a marriage. This is SO COMMONLY FORGOTTEN by folks in online forums. You spend time pining, comparing, researching, asking questions, going to a rental range, hanging out with a buddy who owns one or more... Days, weeks, and months, even years are spent before someone finally buys the pistol, and then quite often, they're disenfranchised when they realize they'd overlooked one or more aspects of their purchase before they bought... Buy it used, sell it used if it doesn't work out. Buy it used, try it out, sell it used and get your money back to buy a new one if you do like it. Buy it new, sell it used if it doesn't work out, chalk the $100 lost on resale value up as entertainment and educational value. You're not committing before God to a lifelong relationship, you're simply buying a consumer item which is easily resold. Buying used, many times you can recoup the same price as you paid.

 

[Armored farmer]

I perused back over this thread today, sitting in my home office with my EDC LCP and what will be my new EDC LCP II sitting on the corner of my desk and I had a few thoughts:

1) There isn't just one right answer, and the PERFECT answer likely doesn't exist. So you'll be well served to stop wringing your hands and pick one.

When I go to work in the office, I have to wear a jacket with slacks and a dress belt. When I go to observe project progress in the field, I have to wear a hard hat and steel toed boots. When I'm spending a lazy Saturday afternoon in my casual wear, I typically don an Under Armour or Grunt Style T-shirt, Wrangler 33 Extreme jeans, a handmade leather belt with a buckle I won, and Ariat cowboy boots, or occasionally, Wrangler camo cotton cotton shorts, and Brooks Pureflow jogging shoes. I LOVE my Saturday attire. My work attire, I need because I have to wear it. When I drive, I have to carry my wallet because it contains my driver's license. When I'm at work, I have my wallet, a business card caddy, pocket knife, and two phones, at a minimum in my pocket. Nearby, I'll have my laptop with a cellular hotspot, my ipad, a notebook, a 12v power inverter, multiple chargers for all of this. When I'm at home on Saturday, I have my phone and usually a saddle nearby, or under my butt, or something with a trigger in my hand.

So there are things I love to have and things I have to have. I absolutely HATE the look of black polymer pistols, as they lack class, just like I don't find my steel toed boots to be as comfortable as my jogging shoes. I don't really care for the trigger in ANY pocket pistol, even the Sig P238 SAO, but the trigger in my LCP, especially Gen 2 or even better, the LCP II is more than sufficient for the task at hand.

I have to have a carry pistol which does its job and is easily concealed. I don't have to LOVE absolutely everything about it, but if it does its job as well as anything else out there, any further consideration is simply splitting hairs.

2) Don't get too hung up on specifications on the page, especially for weight:

You've fixated on the width of these pistols - small is small, and thin is thin. A little thinner than thin is still thin, and a little thicker than thin is still thin too. I've carried an LCP and a P238 both off and on since the year they were released. I'd be lying if I told you I could tell the difference in thickness in how they carry or print, even though the P238 is almost a quarter inch thicker in spots. The P238 IS heavier, but not so heavy I can't pocket carry it. I also have an LC9, G43, G42, and Sig P938, the 9's are larger and more difficult to conceal, even though the 238 might fall into their weight class. Being of the same weight doesn't mean anything to me in terms of concealability. For other body types, and for those who dress differently than I, weight might trump size - I had a guy in one of my pistol classes who claimed to top 365lbs - his dress was baggy, so he could hide a Christmas ham in his shorts, but his pants would fall down with anything heavier than an LC9.

3) A firearm purchase isn't a marriage. This is SO COMMONLY FORGOTTEN by folks in online forums. You spend time pining, comparing, researching, asking questions, going to a rental range, hanging out with a buddy who owns one or more... Days, weeks, and months, even years are spent before someone finally buys the pistol, and then quite often, they're disenfranchised when they realize they'd overlooked one or more aspects of their purchase before they bought... Buy it used, sell it used if it doesn't work out. Buy it used, try it out, sell it used and get your money back to buy a new one if you do like it. Buy it new, sell it used if it doesn't work out, chalk the $100 lost on resale value up as entertainment and educational value. You're not committing before God to a lifelong relationship, you're simply buying a consumer item which is easily resold. Buying used, many times you can recoup the same price as you paid.

We definitely agree on this.
I have settled on a Ruger lcp for edc.
I don't particularly like this pistol. It isn't a good match for my personality. I don't think it is cool. It shoots good and conceals really well. It doesn't cost much, which is good if it happens to get doused in liquid fertilizer like happened to me a few days ago.

 

[Varminterror]

I am confident in the p238 and love thtbgun but I am not going that route do to size and weight. The it's is between the bodyguard and lcp original. Thank you so much for your input.

***********************************************************The short story (lol) on the lcp II. I WAS super interested and basically had it ready to buy. I looked at the blue print online and had some questions. I called ruger. Ruger rep told me that as per legal ruger does not recommend a chammebered round which for me and my carry method/belief is ridiculous however I respect everyone's choices and comfort level. Now I am unsure but I think it says that in the original lcp book too. That's not the reason though. I said to the rep that the lcp II hammer is cocked but unlike a 1911 it has no saftey other than the glockish type trigger. I asked if there was a drop saftey or transfer bar or something. She said no. I then asked what would stop it if it received an impact from the hammer going off. She replied "it is thought that the hammer will fall back to half cocked". She then stated and I swear on my eyes that she would not buy one either for the reasons I provided an she tried to direct me to a lc9. For that reason I am unconfortable with pocket carrying or carrying period an lcp II. THAT BEING SAID I COMMEND rugger as well as that service tech for their honesty and professionalism.
Before people start saying "well just don't drop your gun" let's be honest. We carry to protect ourselves and I am not a tacti-cool ninja. Not every situation you may encounter is resolved with a gun and if on the off chance I am forced to physically fight and I go to the ground or I am in a fight and the gun gets knocked out of my hand I would rather the chance of it going off slim. I also have children and if I trip and fall or they jump on me I would rather the gun not go off and god forbid kill them. I am not saying I am smarter than engineers at ruger but I am saying I can't trust completely a small notch to catch that hammer I think I need something else.
I am also slightly concerned with the original lcp as it also has no drop saftey and it is at half cock ( the hammer is just slightly cocked) however there is a severely less chance of it going off. I am at this point between bodyguard and lcp original.

In reading through this, neither you or the sales rep understands the operating mechanism of the LCP II, which is unfortunate, because it appears she's spreading bad information in the store, and you're spreading bad information online.

The LCP II does indeed have the trigger block safety - like a Glock, but it also has other inherent safety features which negate these drop safety statements you've listed above.

1) The low mass hammer is shrouded on both sides and bottom, and when fully cocked, even an incredibly narrow implement capable of PERFECTLY slipping between the shrouds would only be able to impact the hammer at an angle which either INCREASED the cocking angle, or impinged the hammer against the pivot - with no possibility of expressing pressure against the sear. In reviewing my own LCP II, the only means of hitting the hammer hard enough to slip the sear would be destructive to the pistol - you'd have to hit the hammer hard enough to break the hammer pivot, at which point, I'm betting against a discharge. And of course, I have no idea how you'll drop the pistol in a way which exposes the shrouded hammer to impact in the first place.

2) While "TECHNICALLY" a single action, the LCP II does include an extreme positive sear engagement, and the hammer does remain to be further cocked by the trigger pull, somewhere on the order of ~1/8". With positive sears, drops or hard bumps will not cause the hammer to slip and fire, but rather any significant impact will slip the sear FURTHER TOGETHER. So instead of firing, or slipping closer to firing, the sear actually self-secures in an extreme impact scenario. When pulling the trigger, the LCP II feels a lot more like a DAO or striker fired (which is technically a DAO) pistol than an SAO, so much so, I wouldn't personally call it an SAO - as pulling the trigger does in fact perform 2 actions, as a function of the positive angle sear. The LCP II is cocked to a much greater extent than was its predecessor, but there is obvious hammer travel in the positive sear upon trigger pull, so it's a long ways from breaking with a slight bump.

3) The LCP II utilizes an inertial firing pin with a rebound spring, such the striker mass isn't enough to cause a drop ignition on its own inertia.

You'll also note, Ruger's owner's manual for ALL of their semiauto pistols includes the "Drop safety" warning, suggesting empty chamber carry - even their 1911's with grip safeties and manual safeties, or their P-Series pistols which included firing pin block safeties. It's a pretty generic "CYA" statement they include in anything except their transfer bar revolver models.

The Ruger LCP II design is no more unsafe for drops than any number of other models out there on the market - no less safe than the P238, by design, as the positive sear engagement is easily as durable as the pin block safety in the P238, and frankly, more reliable. A bit of gunk or even improper lubricant selection can cause a pin block safety to hang, don't forget this if you do end up purchasing one.

 

[golfer_ray]

Went through this about a year ago. Kahr's can be iffy. For larger hands, bodyguard and G42 not good. P238 fit nicely & a bit heavy, but I like to hit the target, and trigger and accuracy are great. Works fine in my cargo pockets.

 

[zaitcev]

**** I called ruger. Ruger rep told me that as per legal ruger does not recommend a chammebered round which for me and my carry method/belief is ridiculous however I respect everyone's choices and comfort level. Now I am unsure but I think it says that in the original lcp book too. That's not the reason though. I said to the rep that the lcp II hammer is cocked but unlike a 1911 it has no saftey other than the glockish type trigger. I asked if there was a drop saftey or transfer bar or something. She said no. I then asked what would stop it if it received an impact from the hammer going off. She replied "it is thought that the hammer will fall back to half cocked".

This LCP II idiocy makes persistent circles around gun forums and honestly Ruger shot themselves in the foot so much on this that I don't want to defend their hiring decisions. But man, I once asked a Ruger support if the .45 ACP/.45 Colt Redhawk came with 2 cylinders, and they said yes! Those idiots will tell you anything, destroying their own company. Maybe it's just their way of labor action and sticking it up to the man. However, here's what the FAQ on their site says:
"The LCP® II hammer and sear geometry were designed with significant engagement for a positive lockup. The sear is neutrally balanced and under strong spring tension, which helps prevent disengagement during a drop scenario. In the unlikely event that a significant shock to the pistol results in disengagement of the hammer from the sear, the design includes a hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. Our testing has revealed that this design passes all standard tests and is very safe from discharge due to a drop."

 

[sabbfan]

I own the LCP and put one of the hogue grips on it, best $20 I've spent. If you are only rarely carrying it I'd vote to spend $200 on the LCP and save some money. It's a reliable easy to carry pistol.

 

[webrx]

I see this thread is a couple week old, but, I have an lc9s, micro 9, p238 and an original LCP with the hogue grip. The gun most often in my pocket is the LCP. It pretty much disappears in the pocket (with a soft holster) and is so easy to take with you, there is really no excuse to not grab it. When OWB/IWB carry is my choice, then I pick one of the others, but, if it is going in a pocket, it is the LCP.

Just another persons perspective.

d

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Carried a rough little Mustang Pocketlite for 5 years in an ankle rig and loved it. Had a a 2-tone P-238 and it was a fine CCW, but at the price, in like new condition with the factory case and all the goodies, I couldn't bring myself to actually expose it to a carry guns life! Let's face it: carry guns get dropped, whacked, smacked and covered in salty sweat and grime. So I take a $650 gun and turn it into a $300 gun in a year or two.....couldn't do it to that gem!
My buddy as given a Bodyguard and we have shot it extensively together. The trigger sucks. The trigger sucks. The trigger sucks. The laser is useless and will not hold zero. The hammer pin hole cracked after about 100 rounds, though S&W did replace the frame under warranty. It has never jammed. Did I mention the trigger sucks?
Take a look at the Mustang XSP poly or the Beretta Pico. Buds has the Pico for a tick over two bills and every part is stainless except the grip module.

 

[If1HitU]

I'm a fan of the G42 & S&W BG .380's,I pocket carry them during the summer months mostly.

 

[Snowdog]

I love the P238, but it's just not for me. I carried a P238 HD (stainless frame) for about a year and found all aspects of it stellar. However, I didn't much care for the weight. The standard alloy-frame models likely would have been a better choice.
I also never warmed up to condition 1 carry, though it was never carried loose in the pocket but rather in a DeSantis Nemesis.

I sold it to a buddy and purchased an inexpensive PT738 (TCP) and carry it the same way. Being DAO and lacking a safety, I find it better suited for this type of carry. Just a personal preference.

However, I have nothing but positive things to say concerning the P238 in terms of quality and performance.

 

[Mattole]

I was in the same boat recently in my search for a pocketable 380, and after looking at many models including the Bodyguard and the P238 I decided on the Colt Mustang XSP. Light weight, great trigger and sights, accurate and very comfortable to shoot. I mounted an Armalaser green laser on the pistol and dang it is a sweet combination. I found a Davidson's special on the gray polymer version of the XSP and paid $399 for it new. Given how much I like the XSP and how well the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense ammunition I carry in it has tested in reviews, I find myself carrying the Mustang more than my much-liked Sig P938, and feel very confident doing so.