S&W .380 Bodyguard range trip, first outing

[Autodidactic]

Hi all,

I got a used .380 Bodyguard recently, to meet the functional self defense pocket pistol role. This last summer I bought an LCP I in .380 to fit this role, but I must have gotten a lemon as it was a jammomatic. Yes, I cleaned it, and put it through 300 rounds. It got worse. My main use for it is running to the store, or summer carry where small is good.

Do people have any holster recommendations, mainly OWB, but also IWB? I have a few LCP holsters IWB and pocket that actually fit the Bodyguard. I want a high riding OWB holster for under a shirt or jacket.

Anyways, I took out my Bodyguard for the first time this afternoon and put 100 rounds through it:

1) 20 Hornady Critical Defense HP
2) 80 FMJ, including a mixture of Sig, Winchester, and Aguila. The first two were flat tip, which didn't run at all in the LCP

They all ran without a failure, which was good to see. Like many pocket pistols, it can be fired accurately if everything is done right, but that isn't easy with small grips and sight radius. However, I was able to put a lot of rounds dead center when I put the effort in.

Here's a pic with the first 30 odd rounds, at 5 yards I think.



And the firearm:

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

It seems like the early laser-equipped version gave these a bit of a bad rep, but glad to see they appear to have the bugs worked out of the new ones. Nice shooting for a pocket pistol!

 

[Autodidactic]

It seems like the early laser-equipped version gave these a bit of a bad rep, but glad to see they appear to have the bugs worked out of the new ones. Nice shooting for a pocket pistol!

Yeah, I read that the original lasered, non-M&P Bodyguard had issues which they worked out in the next iteration, or at least tried to. So far it runs well, we will see how it does over the next 200/300 (reliability) test.

Thanks for the encouragement, ha. Those fliers are because it was my first range trip with it.

 

[starling]

I dont like the LCP along with most of the pocket 380s but I do Like the Bodyguards. Double strike capability and they fit the hand better than most. The ones I have shot never had any problems whatsoever. Always felt they were pretty underated. True DAO trigger freaks out a lot of people but I prefer it on a small auto.

 

[Autodidactic]

I dont like the LCP along with most of the pocket 380s but I do Like the Bodyguards. Double strike capability and they fit the hand better than most. They ones I have shot never had any problems whatsoever. Always felt they were pretty underated. True DAO trigger freaks out a lot of people but I prefer it on a small auto.

Yeah, I wish I could say my LCP experience was good, but it wasn't. Maybe the LCP II and Max are better. But the first iteration felt much cheaper than my Bodyguard. I trust that people who have 100% reliable LCP's have fine firearms. Some have said Ruger quality control and new factory may be factors.

So far, out of the affordable under $400 .380 pocket pistols, I like the Bodyguard the best. The other guns in this league are Keltec, Ruger LCP's, Taurus TCP/Spectrum, etc. I have no doubt that guns such as a Colt Mustang or Sig 238 (i think) are nicer guns, but they cost easily $300 more.
Therefore, I argue that like the original S&W Shield which was in the same cost range (under $400), the Bodyguard is one of the best affordable guns in its class.

Other .380's from a Glock 42 and Shield .380 to the Bersa's and PPK's, as well as an array of classic .380's from Europe, are probably better shooters, have more power due to barrel length, and even nicer collector guns in some cases. But, they aren't true micro pocket pistols.

 

[unclenunzie]

For high ride take a look at Mitch Rosen upper limit. I am sure other quality makers offer similar.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Cool i like my SW 380 EZ. Pretty accurate for a little gun. After my bad luck with my SDVE'S. I was hesitant on buying another SW semi-auto center fire. It restored my faith in SW.

 

[starling]

Yeah, I wish I could say my LCP experience was good, but it wasn't. Maybe the LCP II and Max are better. But the first iteration felt much cheaper than my Bodyguard. I trust that people who have 100% reliable LCP's have fine firearms. Some have said Ruger quality control and new factory may be factors.

So far, out of the affordable under $400 .380 pocket pistols, I like the Bodyguard the best. The other guns in this league are Keltec, Ruger LCP's, Taurus TCP/Spectrum, etc. I have no doubt that guns such as a Colt Mustang or Sig 238 (i think) are nicer guns, but they cost easily $300 more.
Therefore, I argue that like the original S&W Shield which was in the same cost range (under $400), the Bodyguard is one of the best affordable guns in its class.

Other .380's from a Glock 42 and Shield .380 to the Bersa's and PPK's, as well as an array of classic .380's from Europe, are probably better shooters, have more power due to barrel length, and even nicer collector guns in some cases. But, they aren't true micro pocket pistols.

There is a couple well built ones out there but most of them are pretty fragile IMO. Beretta Pico is the best thought out and built one I have torn apart but there is not much grip. Bodyguard has the best ergos... for me anyways. I am not a giant but I am no midget either. Kahr p380 has a lot of fans.. its Ok. Diamondback DB380s are built suprisingly well but had a rough start so people never consider them. They finally dialed in the DB9 9mm a year or so ago (4th gen) but I have not picked one up yet. They beefed things up and are even +p rated now for 9mm. Very thin and small 9mm. For the money I probably like the diamondbacks the most. Seems like bodyguards had a price increase at some point and Beretta doesnt seem to be making Picos in large numbers anymore.

The rest are kind of Junk IMO. Keltec P3at holds up all right but I didnt like the grip. LCPs hold up well as long as you never shoot them. Had hopes for the LCP max until I tore Taurus spectrum is a dud outside the soap bar asthetics.

Most of these pocket rockets would be much better in 32acp as the grip stuff wouldnt be so much of an issue and the durability would increase. Glocks are overpriced as usual. PPK is a yuppie brick for Daniel Craig skinny jean phonehead types (nice pistols though). Bersa 380 is a solid gun for the money but mine is an older one. New Bersas are probably fine as well. Need to pick another one up!

 

[Autodidactic]

Cool i like my SW 380 EZ. Pretty accurate for a little gun. After my bad luck with my SDVE'S. I was hesitant on buying another SW semi-auto center fire. It restored my faith in SW.

To be fair, the SDVE's are I think the junk guns in S&W's collection. I shot a .40 one, and it was junk. They are also priced budget. I've heard the Sigmas are bad too. But, all of the rest of S&W guns I've shot personally have felt much higher quality than that, including Shields. Revolvers, etc.

 

[starling]

To be fair, the SDVE's are I think the junk guns in S&W's collection. I shot a .40 one, and it was junk. They are also priced budget. I've heard the Sigmas are bad too. But, all of the rest of S&W guns I've shot personally have felt much higher quality than that, including Shields. Revolvers, etc.

Dont be bashin on all my Sigmas! SDVE is a sigma 4th gen.

S&W has only made a couple junk guns through the years. They typically get things right or pull it from the market pretty fast. Probably one of the most consistently good gun manufacturers.

 

[bannockburn]

Autodidactic

Great shooting at the range! So far it sounds like it's a keeper in terms of reliability and accuracy!

 

[Autodidactic]

There is a couple well built ones out there but most of them are pretty fragile IMO. Beretta Pico is the best thought out and built one I have torn apart but there is not much grip. Bodyguard has the best ergos... for me anyways. I am not a giant but I am no midget either. Kahr p380 has a lot of fans.. its Ok. Diamondback DB380s are built suprisingly well but had a rough start so people never consider them. They finally dialed in the DB9 9mm a year or so ago (4th gen) but I have not picked one up yet. They beefed thingds up and are even +p rated now for 9mm. Very thin and small 9mm. For the money I probably like the diamondbacks the most. Seems like bodyguards had a price increase at some point and Beretta doesnt seem to be making Picos in large numbers anymore.

The rest are kind of Junk IMO. Keltec P3at holds up all right but I didnt like the grip. LCPs hold up well as long as you never shoot them. Had hopes for the LCP max until I tore Taurus spectrum is a dud outside the soap bar asthetics.

Most of these pocket rockets would be much better in 32acp as the grip stuff wouldnt be so much of an issue and the durability would increase. Glocks are overpriced as usual. PPK is a yuppie brick for Daniel Craig skinny jean phonehead types (nice pistols though). Bersa 380 is a solid gun for the money but mine is an older one. New Bersas are probably fine as well. Need to pick another one up!

I agree that with recoil and all that, .32 ACP would be a more ideal cartridge for the smallest micro pistols. These guns included. Although I don't mind the .380 acp recoil that much, many people do mind it that are guided to these handguns as first time buyers or looking for concealment. I agree that the Glocks can be a bit overpriced, although I'm not sure the 42 is when priced right. Seems reasonable for $425 or so.

I'd like a Bersa .380, or a Shield .380. My first centerfire handgun was a Bersa TPR9 in 9mm. I sold it, but it was a Beretta 92 clone and actually functioned 100%.

Was the LCP Max not good inside?

 

[Autodidactic]

Dont be bashin on all my Sigmas! SDVE is a sigma 4th gen.

S&W has only made a couple junk guns through the years. They typically get things right or pull it from the market pretty fast. Probably one of the most consistently good gun manufacturers.

Lol, my bad. I can only speak to the .40 SDVE I shot, it felt cheaper than other S&W, and wasn't very accurate. I handed the owner a Glock 19 and he immediately was shooting more accurately, having never fired a Glock before. Maybe he had a bad one. To be honest though, I have such trust in S&W though that if I had to get a budget, new, service caliber semi auto, I'd probably trust these $350 SDVE's over a lot of other similar range guns.

My experience with S&W has been solid.

 

[starling]

I agree that with recoil and all that, .32 ACP would be a more ideal cartridge for the smallest micro pistols. These guns included. Although I don't mind the .380 acp recoil that much, many people do mind it that are guided to these handguns as first time buyers or looking for concealment. I agree that the Glocks can be a bit overpriced, although I'm not sure the 42 is when priced right. Seems reasonable for $425 or so.

I'd like a Bersa .380, or a Shield .380. My first centerfire handgun was a Bersa TPR9 in 9mm. I sold it, but it was a Beretta 92 clone and actually functioned 100%.

Was the LCP Max not good inside?

Bersa thunder 9mm or whatever they call it now has always been a sleeper. More of a Walther P88 clone that holds up. Very nice pistols.

LCP max.... subframe needs to be beefed up. Its the same with the LCP. Cant believe ruger didnt use steel for it. Those frames are going to crack. The Grip itself feels fantastic. Loved the extra girth. Magazine construction is terrible. I will be amazined if the feedlips dont crack at the rear in short order. Lorcin magazines are better constructed (not kidding). Steel is very thin .... especially for a bottleneck mag. Slide needs to be beefed up as well in the front. So does the chamber area. I wouldnt run anything hot in one and I dont see them holding up well with high round counts. Lifespan will be like the other LCPs.

In short there is nothing Max about it. Ruger has gotten so lazy these days. They should have strengthened the gun and made it more +p rated along with a quality magazine. I wouldnt buy one if they were $200. Very disappointed in the LCP max.

Maybe Beretta will do a doublstack Pico. That would be a winner for me. As is they are +p rated with a steel frame... Heavy duty construction.... Great control features.. quality magazine... DAO with double strike....etc.....Give it some more grip length and girth And I would probably carry one.

Problem with most of the 380s is everyone tries to out midget/micro each other so much they forget about ergos and durability and in the end make lousy firearms. They would be far better off just focussing on making quality built, shootable pistols and give it a little time for the market to discover it. I get the feeling that the beancounters and decision makers in some of these manufaturers dont know jack squat about firearms. Then they slap some lipstick fancy marketing on it to rush into New Fad Gun status for shot show and youtube. Then the recalls start happening and the whole thing is a failure. Then they get desperate and start bringing back retro models HaHa!

 

[Autodidactic]

Bersa thunder 9mm or whatever they call it now has always been a sleeper. More of a Walther P88 clone that holds up. Very nice pistols.

LCP max.... subframe needs to be beefed up. Its the same with the LCP. Cant believe ruger didnt use steel for it. Those frames are going to crack. The Grip itself feels fantastic. Loved the extra girth. Magazine construction is terrible. I will be amazined if the feedlips dont crack at the rear in short order. Lorcin magazines are better constructed (not kidding). Steel is very thin .... especially for a bottleneck mag. Slide needs to be beefed up as well in the front. So does the chamber area. I wouldnt run anything hot in one and I dont see them holding up well with high round counts. Lifespan will be like the other LCPs.

In short there is nothing Max about it. Ruger has gotten so lazy these days. They should have strengthened the gun and made it more +p rated along with a quality magazine. I wouldnt buy one if they were $200. Very disappointed in the LCP max.

Maybe Beretta will do a doublstack Pico. That would be a winner for me. As is they are +p rated with a steel frame... Heavy duty construction.... Great control features.. quality magazine... DAO with double strike....etc.....Give it some more grip length and girth And I would probably carry one.

Problem with most of the 380s is everyone tries to out midget/micro each other so much they forget about ergos and durability and in the end make lousy firearms. They would be far better off just focussing on making quality built, shootable pistols and give it a little time for the market to discover it. I get the feeling that the beancounters and decision makers in some of these manufaturers dont know jack squat about firearms. Then they slap some lipstick fancy marketing on it to rush into New Fad Gun status for shot show and youtube. Then the recalls start happening and the whole thing is a failure. Then they get desperate and start bringing back retro models HaHa!

I started as a Ruger fan, and I do like some of their classics. They do make good steel revolvers so I wouldn't mind a Gp100 or SP101, etc. My 10/22 has been great. The LCR polymer revolvers appear to be good quality too. So revolvers and classic rifles and so on, Ruger is good.

But, I have not been impressed at all with their modern semi-auto handguns. They are perhaps fairly priced for budget, but they are not $350 guns as good as $5-600 Glocks, Sigs, S&W guns. They are built like budget guns. Per dollar value is probably fine though, considering their 9mm and other service caliber semi-autos are much cheaper than those other brands. But just like the LCPs, their LC9's, EC9's, and even fuller sized 9's and others feel cheaper.

By the way, the TPR9 is separate or a later generation than the Bersa Thunder.

Bersa TPR9: Bersa’s finest handgun (special-ops.org)

It's used by the Argentine military. I shouldn't have sold it. I bought into the Bersa hate. But, it actually felt nice, and I don't think it had a single failure in about 300 rounds.

 

[Autodidactic]

Autodidactic

Great shooting at the range! So far it sounds like it's a keeper in terms of reliability and accuracy!

Thanks! I'm a simple man, I just want a decent quality, reliable micro pocket pistol for SD and easy concealed carry . Nothing fancy.

 

[bannockburn]

Autodidactic

Looks like you've found it!

 

[Rodfac]

I bought one 9 years ago for my wife's daily dog-walks here on our farm road. It's worked out well for us in that capacity. She carries it in a number of pockets: jeans back pocket, jacket front, and even collared shirt breast pocket. This last one is a great hide out location...not one you'd normally suspect housing a pistol.

Reliability has been outstanding: 485 rounds to date with little or no stoppages with FMJ's or JHP's & handloads. Accuracy runs about an inch at 7 yds, slow fire for me and a bit more for her. Ours is the laser equipped model, (which we've never used as the button actuator is virtually impossible to find with a firing grip). BTW, I dabbed a bit of 'Hot Yellow' finger nail polish on the front sight blade...makes for quick sight acquisition in about any available light whatsoever.

For my carry, I made up an OWB carried at 4 o'clock which suits me better than the various pocket locations.

All in all, it's been a good/great gun as a last resort or intimidation weapon, somewhat limited by grip size and the effectiveness of the .380 ACP round. Opinions vary on this type of CC gun, but for her selected uses, it's just right.

This is the holster for my P365, my S&W Bodyguard .380 is virtually identical. Best Regards, Rod

 

[starling]

Lol, my bad. I can only speak to the .40 SDVE I shot, it felt cheaper than other S&W, and wasn't very accurate. I handed the owner a Glock 19 and he immediately was shooting more accurately, having never fired a Glock before. Maybe he had a bad one. To be honest though, I have such trust in S&W though that if I had to get a budget, new, service caliber semi auto, I'd probably trust these $350 SDVE's over a lot of other similar range guns.

My experience with S&W has been solid.

My experience is the same with S&W. I can shoot glocks pretty well and they are fine pistols I just cant get past how overpriced they are for what they are. Plus the ergos are lousy and I am not a fan of the magazines.... at all. Always been a Sigma fan and never hid from it. Back in 94 they were state of the art for simplicity and not much has changed. Reliable Glock style design with quality magazines, perfect ergos, fully supported chambers, streamlined asthetics..... and a heavier trigger (which I like). American Made and S&W doesnt rip people off keeping them around $300 which is where Glocks should be for what they are. I actually dont like the SDVE series as much as the Sigmas. Glock has the brand name though and kids like their Nike and Rap Music....suckers! Big tough, tactical, operator gamer guys but those Sigma triggers are just so unbearable you cant shoot them. Kind of like listening to a 350lb CCW holder complain that a Beretta is too thick and a 1911 is too heavy to conceal.

I have some nice higher end stuff. Sigmas in 9mm, 40s&w, and 357sig are some of my carry pistols (not all at the same time though). If they were junk I wouldnt ever carry one. If they were true DAO with double strike ability they would be perfect. Spongy SAO striker fired ignition systems renamed to some sort of bizarro world DAO label is just stupid IMO. People will fall for anything these days though. Gaston proved that!

 

[starling]

I started as a Ruger fan, and I do like some of their classics. They do make good steel revolvers so I wouldn't mind a Gp100 or SP101, etc. My 10/22 has been great. The LCR polymer revolvers appear to be good quality too. So revolvers and classic rifles and so on, Ruger is good.

But, I have not been impressed at all with their modern semi-auto handguns. They are perhaps fairly priced for budget, but they are not $350 guns as good as $5-600 Glocks, Sigs, S&W guns. They are built like budget guns. Per dollar value is probably fine though, considering their 9mm and other service caliber semi-autos are much cheaper than those other brands. But just like the LCPs, their LC9's, EC9's, and even fuller sized 9's and others feel cheaper.

By the way, the TPR9 is separate or a later generation than the Bersa Thunder.

Bersa TPR9: Bersa’s finest handgun (special-ops.org)

It's used by the Argentine military. I shouldn't have sold it. I bought into the Bersa hate. But, it actually felt nice, and I don't think it had a single failure in about 300 rounds.

Ruger American 9mm and 45 are pretty solid. Big beast well built and durable pistols that kind of remind me of a striker fired version of the old P series. Nice steel subframes as well. They are overpriced a bit. Need to be around $300. I kind of like the competition model (vented slide is dumb though). Need to pick one up!

Now that Ruger has copied Keltec (starting to think Kelgren owns Ruger) and The Heritage Rough Rider I expect them to bring out a Hi-point clone pretty soon. After that probably revive the Jennings/Bryco market. Maybe bring out a Clerk revolver while they are at it.

I love the vintage Ruger stuff by the way..... Just not a fan of this new direction backwards they are taking.

 

[3Crows]

I have had no problems with my M&P Body Guard. Shoots good, not particular about ammo. I shoot cans off the fence with it at 30 yards and even hit them! I like the safety and long, heavy pull. I did install an after market trigger that smoothed out the pull and reduced it a little. I carry mine when in loght summer attire on just a clip. With the very secure safety engaged and the long trigger I do not feel unsafe with it not in a holster.

3C

 

[Autodidactic]

Nice holster. Yeah, I have some gun sight paint I'm going to put on the Bodyguard. Easy upgrade.

Good to hear the gun has worked well for you.

I know .380 ACP is often sneered at. But, it can do the job at self defense distances to my understanding.

I bought one 9 years ago for my wife's daily dog-walks here on our farm road. It's worked out well for us in that capacity. She carries it in a number of pockets: jeans back pocket, jacket front, and even collared shirt breast pocket. This last one is a great hide out location...not one you'd normally suspect housing a pistol.

Reliability has been outstanding: 485 rounds to date with little or no stoppages with FMJ's or JHP's & handloads. Accuracy runs about an inch at 7 yds, slow fire for me and a bit more for her. Ours is the laser equipped model, (which we've never used as the button actuator is virtually impossible to find with a firing grip). BTW, I dabbed a bit of 'Hot Yellow' finger nail polish on the front sight blade...makes for quick sight acquisition in about any available light whatsoever.

For my carry, I made up an OWB carried at 4 o'clock which suits me better than the various pocket locations.

All in all, it's been a good/great gun as a last resort or intimidation weapon, somewhat limited by grip size and the effectiveness of the .380 ACP round. Opinions vary on this type of CC gun, but for her selected uses, it's just right.

This is the holster for my P365, my S&W Bodyguard .380 is virtually identical. Best Regards, Rod

View attachment 1058211
View attachment 1058209

 

[Autodidactic]

My experience is the same with S&W. I can shoot glocks pretty well and they are fine pistols I just cant get past how overpriced they are for what they are. Plus the ergos are lousy and I am not a fan of the magazines.... at all. Always been a Sigma fan and never hid from it. Back in 94 they were state of the art for simplicity and not much has changed. Reliable Glock style design with quality magazines, perfect ergos, fully supported chambers, streamlined asthetics..... and a heavier trigger (which I like). American Made and S&W doesnt rip people off keeping them around $300 which is where Glocks should be for what they are. I actually dont like the SDVE series as much as the Sigmas. Glock has the brand name though and kids like their Nike and Rap Music....suckers! Big tough, tactical, operator gamer guys but those Sigma triggers are just so unbearable you cant shoot them. Kind of like listening to a 350lb CCW holder complain that a Beretta is too thick and a 1911 is too heavy to conceal.

I have some nice higher end stuff. Sigmas in 9mm, 40s&w, and 357sig are some of my carry pistols (not all at the same time though). If they were junk I wouldnt ever carry one. If they were true DAO with double strike ability they would be perfect. Spongy SAO striker fired ignition systems renamed to some sort of bizarro world DAO label is just stupid IMO. People will fall for anything these days though. Gaston proved that!

Yeah, although Glocks have grown on me, I'm more of an S&W fanboy than Glock. I have a Glock 19, and it works reasonably well, reliable, etc. But I don't love it. I think the Glock fanaticism is strange to me. I do want a Glock 42 for some reason at some point.

I will say though that Glocks are built higher quality than a lot of $300 pistols. Maybe they aren't worth the $600 often charged for the service caliber compact or full size guns, but I think they are worth let's say $450.

Ruger American 9mm and 45 are pretty solid. Big beast well built and durable pistols that kind of remind me of a striker fired version of the old P series. Nice steel subframes as well. They are overpriced a bit. Need to be around $300. I kind of like the competition model (vented slide is dumb though). Need to pick one up!

Now that Ruger has copied Keltec (starting to think Kelgren owns Ruger) and The Heritage Rough Rider I expect them to bring out a Hi-point clone pretty soon. After that probably revive the Jennings/Bryco market. Maybe bring out a Clerk revolver while they are at it.

I love the vintage Ruger stuff by the way..... Just not a fan of this new direction backwards they are taking.

Are Ruger Americans metal framed? I guess maybe I don't have experience with that line, although I've read a few threads about them. I guess I'm referring to the cheaper polymer semi-autos they are making now days.

As to Wrangler reference, yes, it's also not very good quality. Again, maybe worth the $2-250, but not a cent more. I have one lol. I shot it today, probably going to sell it.

I have had no problems with my M&P Body Guard. Shoots good, not particular about ammo. I shoot cans off the fence with it at 30 yards and even hit them! I like the safety and long, heavy pull. I did install an after market trigger that smoothed out the pull and reduced it a little. I carry mine when in loght summer attire on just a clip. With the very secure safety engaged and the long trigger I do not feel unsafe with it not in a holster.

3C

I was surprised by the accuracy of the Bodyguard today when I put some effort into shooting it well. It was shooting much better than many other pocket pistols. My first shot was one handed and center of the bullseye.

Which aftermarket trigger? I was looking at this earlier:

Santiago Short Stroke Trigger Kit for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 Pistols > Galloway Precision

And this:

https://gallowayprecision.com/smith-and-wesson/bodyguard-380/

 

[starling]

If you are shooting center of the bullseye dont change a thing. I use some of the aftermarket adjustable triggers on Keltec P11s and clones but its to cure the overtravel issues in the design which made me hit way, way low. All that really matters is accuracy. BTW... P11 is what has kept me away from most of the pocket 380s. Slightly bigger but it does everything I want, is extremely durable, and uses one of the all time great magazine designs.

Also... nothing wrong with 380acp for a defensive pistol if you can hit with it. Its not like you are on a secret mission to recue hostages in a heavily guarded compound. People get a little rediculous sometimes. I carry a Makarov a good bit and am totally confident with it. Lots of BS stuff out there about carry this or that. Never knew there were so many special ops thugs around every corner. Few years and people will be walking to the mailbox with Mac-10s and Whipit guns.

Yeah. Ruger Americans have a stainless steel subframe and are +p nato style 9mm rated. Also are modular in design. I think the testing was 30,000 rounds or so. They are Ruger worthy IMO. Kind of a sleeper now (like the Beretta PX4)... too big and heavy I guess. They make compact versions as well. Competition model offers a lot for the money... around $500 (should be $350).

Never been convinced Glocks have better build quality compared to competition. I have seen broken glocks the same as any other brand. Glock 18 is full auto so the 17/19 can obvioussly take a beating. Glock 20 was made around full power 10mm so those are pretty darn strong as well. Glock 40 and 357sig have had problems like a lot of others do. There are really only a few guns I would consider bomb and abuse proof and I dont put really put glock in that category. I typically tell people to take care of them like any other pistol and it will perform well.

I like the Glock 19 for the most part. Probably pick up a Dagger. American made around $300 is about right. Wish they would have chosen a better all steel magazine but I can accept it for $300. Better ergos on the Dagger as well. Be nice if they made a 10mm Dagger Glock 20 clone.... for $350.

 

[3Crows]

Which aftermarket trigger? I was looking at this earlier:

Santiago Short Stroke Trigger Kit for Bodyguard 380 and M&P 380 Pistols > Galloway Precision

And this:

https://gallowayprecision.com/smith-and-wesson/bodyguard-380/

I have the Santiago short stroke trigger. It is pretty decent, much improved. Not so scrunchy and a not so long but still enough to prevent an accidental discharge, especially when coupled with the slide safety.

I use the Techna Clip:

https://www.amazon.com/Techna-Clip-Bodyguard-Conceal-Right-Side/dp/B0094T6MKK

Yes, I would rather carry my Glock 19 but I am a scrawny feller and I like cloths that fit so summer carry can not always accommodate my Glock or even really what I want to carry all the time, my Kimber Pro Carry II .45ACP.

3C