In the continuously changing world of concealed carry guns, gunmen are always in search of that perfect balance between discretion and decisive action. The concealed carry pistol category has undergone a major shift in the past ten and a half years with such leading manufacturers as Smith and Wesson pushing the limits to discover that ideal pistol. With this innovation, micro .380 pistols have found a significant niche where they have become extremely popular with people who want the utmost concealability without completely compromising shootability.

We are now going to take a closer examination of one of these particular standouts which has, in the eyes of many, struck one out of the park, the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0. Being honest, I would say that my view on this matter is somewhat biased. I confess it easily enough – I have a Bodyguard 2.0 by S&W. I got my own review gun last year or so and it was as though it was part of my hand, it fitted almost perfectly. More to the point, it performed remarkably well in the range, which is a very important test of any carry firearm.

In addition to individual taste, the Bodyguard 2.0 stood out through its practical features that will appeal to the hearts of concealed carry fans. Its 10 and 12 round capacity magazines were also a big attraction, providing a huge amount of firepower on such a small platform. This easy handling and outstanding capacity soon earned it a lot of praise, and many gun writers and YouTubers jumped on its bandwagon when it was released last July. In fact, this model is indeed something special that S&W has offered to the pocket.380 segment, and it has redefined the expectations of the segment.

Version and Compensator of Performance Center

But, then, how did Smith and Wesson manage to create such a convincing gun? To have a real grasp of what it is so appealing, we should take a closer look at the Performance Center version, which is a more sophisticated version that enhances the strengths of the Bodyguard 2.0. This model, too, which was published last July, has a unique muzzle compensator slot cut into the slide and barrel. Although it still has the same essence of the original Bodyguard 2.0, this upgrade improves its functionality, especially in recoil and muzzle rise control, which is already a good shooting experience.

The compensator is, in itself, a masterpiece of intelligent design, with a single cut in the top of the slide, and two on each side, just in back of the muzzle. Although these cuts certainly add to the impressive appearance of the gun, I think they also help to take away a few ounces of the weight of the firearm. More importantly, despite these additions, the paid version is not much longer than its non-paid counterpart, which means that the main benefit of the former, namely, the ability to be hidden at all costs, will not be lost. The visual contrast is not too great, but the practical advantages are evident.

Specifications

We shall explore the figures, which can be a potent narrative about a gun and its intended use. The Bodyguard 2.0 is an impressive specification list that directly addresses the purpose of a micro-compact concealed carry weapon:

•             Width: 0.88 inches

•             Length: 5.85 inches

•             Height: 4 inches

•             Weight: 11.8 ounces

•             Caliber: .380 Auto

•             Size: Micro

•             Capacity: 10, 12 rounds

•             Action: Striker Fired

•             Barrel Length: 3.1 inches

•             Grip: Polymer

•             Sights: Ameriglo Night Sights.

•             Optic Ready: No

•             Safety: None

•             Color/Finish: Black

•             State Compliance: CO, DE, IL, VT

•             Threaded Barrel: No

•             Barrel Material: Stainless Steel.

•             Frame: Polymer

•             Laser: No

•             Number Of Magazines: 2

•             10lb Trigger: No

•             MSRP: $549

These requirements create a vivid image of a gun that was designed to be discrete, comfortable, and efficient on a daily carry basis. The extremely thin 0.88-inch slimness and the light weight of 11.8-ounces makes it extremely easy to hide, either in a pocket or on the belt. It is very small in size, and it can be hidden even under light clothing, which can be a problem in cases when people want to carry it all year round.

Sights, Trigger and Ergonomics

In addition to the bare figures, the Bodyguard 2.0 has a number of other features which are incorporated and which greatly increase its usability. The attractions, e.g., are not your typical 380-pocket-pistol. It has a serrated rear notch sight and an Ameriglo night sight in the front. This combination will give a very visible sight picture, especially useful in low light scenarios where defensive fights usually take place. These are not mere sights that are an afterthought, but are constructed to be put into practice.

The Bodyguard 2.0 trigger system is also a significant improvement. It has a flat faced trigger and it breaks at 6 pounds. This is a great addition, since historically, not all of the smaller carry guns of Smith and Wesson have had such an excellent trigger. The smooth trigger pull is also directly related to enhanced accuracy and control and enables the shooter to have a consistent sight picture during the entire trigger pull, which is a key element in defensive shooting. This is a development to be truly rejoice in.

Most importantly, ergonomics with regard to a micro-compact pistol. The Bodyguard 2.0 is indeed very good in this regard. The grip texturing is carefully crafted to be just right not too little, not too much. It has a more aggressive texture on the front and back straps, which give it a non-slip firm grip where it is most needed and a slightly less aggressive texture on the sides to be comfortable. This is a well-thought design that makes the gun fit my hand very well. The magazine base plate is also textured even the extended one, giving a steady and stable grip throughout the firearm.

Moreover, the magazine release is reversible, providing a customization feature, serving both right and left-handed shooters, a minor yet meaningful fact, which highlights that S&W puts a lot of consideration into user experience. This flexibility also helps to cement the Bodyguard 2.0 as an attractive product to a wide audience of people who want a customized carry solution.

Field-Stripping & Range Testing

My first impressions at the range with the Bodyguard 2.0 confirmed my choice of the purchase. I established targets at about 10 yards and shot three popular loads of .380, 95-grain FMJ of Aguila, MagTech, and S&B. Another practical reason behind this ammunition choice is the message to many carriers; some of them like FMJ rounds due to their consistent penetration, especially when the expansion of JHP rounds varies at.380 velocities, not to mention the lower cost and more availability of FMJ rounds.

The most startling discovery in the course of testing was the muzzle compensator cut performance on the Performance Center model. It undeniably helped. The recoil impulse of the gun was also perceptibly weaker, and the rise of the gun at the muzzle was not so sharp or the elevation of the gun so great as in my own, which is normal. This minimized muzzle flip provides faster follow-up shots and greater control and the firearm is much more controllable, even in rapid fire situations. This is a practical advantage to any person who places emphasis on the placement of shots during stress.

Although the pistol always shot slightly high left with the sights as delivered when I tested it with the different FMJ loads, this is a minor modification to a serious owner. Like any gun, it would be a part of the experimentation process to determine what kind of load it preferred best. The important lesson here is that the gun is precise enough to do what it is supposed to do. Close-range accuracy is of utmost importance in a self-defense situation, and the Bodyguard 2.0 provides exactly that, allowing to engage the target when it is needed the most.

Field-stripping and maintenance, which can be a source of frustration among firearm owners, is very easy with the Bodyguard 2.0, which has a very convenient takedown lever. This system is user-friendly as opposed to the occasionally-fiddly Glock-style tabs. Once the magazine is pulled out and the chamber is empty, one merely clips the slide back, flips the takedown lever 90 degrees downwards and drops the slide. The slide can be removed by a quick pull of the trigger and it slides off the front of the frame. The barrel and spring are then easily separated, to be cleaned, and reassembled is just the opposite, and makes it easier than a number of other pistols I could name.

The .380 Resurgence and Practical Carry Reflections

The caliber of the .380 Auto has experienced an incredible revival in popularity as a concealed carry over the last few years. The new technology and the development of bullets has significantly increased its efficiency making it a very potent defensive bullet. This development is a stark contrast to the archaic belief that a.380 is an underpowered gun. The caliber is combined with a modern pistol such as the Bodyguard 2.0 to provide a powerful package of small size and unexpected performance.

With a pocket .380, it is either or: you can still buy pocket 380s all day long with 6-round magazines and crappy triggers, but why? The Bodyguard 2.0 is a much better alternative. To get a firearm with a 12+1 capacity, a stable front night sight, a distinctly notched rear sight, a grip that is exceptionally textured, and a level of controllability that is marvelous, you need to spend just about the same bulk. This is a major improvement in all possible spheres of performance and user experience.

The Bodyguard 2.0 is a phenomenally good deal with a street price of about 499. It is a gun that might well be carried with you nearly everywhere you go, in your pocket. Naturally, there is responsible carry, which requires a pocket holster. Its adaptability is emphasized by the fact that the 10-round magazine can be inserted to carry the firearm as primary and the 12-round magazine can be easily put in another pocket or mag carrier. The .380 caliber is certainly not a sneeze-thru, and this new model of Smith and Wesson in the caliber is one of the best in the market.

It is often called a miniaturized M&P by many with much affection and this comparison is certainly welcome. It is like somebody threw a full-size M&P in the dryer, and it became smaller, but still had everything that makes M&P line so revered. This handgun does not have any similarity with any other miniature 380 that S&W has ever produced, which implies a new, innovative way of doing things in the micro-compact pistol. The Bodyguard 2.0 is also worth looking at in case you are in the market of a pocket .380. You may simply discover, as I did, that you are very much impressed.

Original Bodyguard.380 ACP: History, Evaluation and Maintenance

Although the Bodyguard 2.0 is the innovative product that Smith and Wesson has introduced to the micro .380 market, the product is based on a long history of concealed carry guns. In order to enjoy the developments of the 2.0, we would first have to follow the path that led to the developments of the predecessors especially the first Smith and Wesson Bodyguard.380 ACP. This discussion not only shows how much technology has advanced but also how difficult it is to actually make a micro-compact pistol work.

The Bodyguard brand, a title that has become synonymous with discrete personal protection, started its illustrious existence way before the semi-automatics took over the concealed carry market. It dates back to the Model 38, a legendary five-shot, J-frame revolver that was made in the.38 Special. This pioneer Bodyguard was defined by its closed hammer, which had a small tab, which could still be cocked by hand, a design that was highly safety conscious and at the same time useful in a small size. Since its creation, the series was concerned with personification of small and easily concealed carry firearms, which would become a clear precedent to what would come after it.

With the development of the world of firearms, Smith and Wesson developed. S&W diversified the Bodyguard line following the realization of the growing popularity of semi-automatic models, particularly in the pocket .380 ACP age. It was a logical extension, a sugar and cream in coffee, time, when the market was screaming out to have small, powerful personal defense products. So the original Bodyguard .380 was created, a pistol that was meant to fulfill the modern requirements of the concealed carriers. With an overall length of 5.25 inches and a barrel length of 2.5 inches, this gun became a slightly bigger competitor to other similar guns such as the Ruger LCP, but was nonetheless pocket-friendly. It weighed a bit more than 12 ounces, and was not at all difficult to carry every day, which was the principle of minimum bulk.

In its technical design, the S&W Bodyguard 380 ACP had a fixed firing pin, which was a significant break with the conventional design in which the firing pin actively moved and hit the cartridge. Rather, it was based on an internal hammer-fired mechanism in which the hammer directly hits the firing pin to fire the cartridge primer when the trigger is pulled. Adopting a double-action-only (DAO) design, where a hammer was used, the pocket pistol kept the overall theme of the Bodyguard revolvers. In combination with a polymer frame, this design created a lightweight and relatively inexpensive carry gun that successfully competed with the other designs of the time, including the LCP and P3AT, and found its own niche in the growing market.

The real difference that made the original Bodyguard.380 stand out of the crowd, other than its small size and polymer construction, was the built-in laser system. S&W cleverly incorporated a laser into the frame, a one-piece construction that, although visible lasers have long since been out of fashion in recent times, was a clear benefit to micro-sized guns. With the sights on this pistol being barely nubs, that little laser may come in handy during low light conditions and a target oriented design, which offers a viable aiming solution when the standard iron sights are difficult to use. Subsequent models would provide a laser-free variant, which would make the gun even more affordable and easy to use.

S&W also added another design feature, a manual thumb safety. Although it could be thought that the naturally long double-action trigger pull of the gun was enough to ensure safety, this was added, and it became unnecessary, yet in certain states it is also required by law to sell the gun. This minor fact highlights the intricacies of gun production, the need to balance the demands of the user with the demands of the regulation. The Bodyguard 380 was offered in a variety of models, to suit the various tastes: a standard without laser, a standard with laser, and a stainless slide model, providing the discriminating buyer with a small selection of options.

Original Bodyguard: Shooting Impressions, Ammo, Upgrades and Final Thoughts

After reviewing the original Bodyguard 380 ACP in 2022 and having more time with it, my views have changed. We shall begin with its unquestionable advantages. The S&W Bodyguard 380 ACP is, most importantly, an extremely dependable small gun. It recycles and works without any problems, and thus it is a reliable option when it matters. Even small guns such as this may be a bit tricky to novice shooters, as they usually are more prone to limp-wristing since they are small and have a snappy recoil. But, as I have found, the gun is a sure thing with a firm grip, and it will not malfunction. The old-school double-action trigger simply works, and it provides a reliable strike of the primer.

Another significant selling point is the sheer invisibility of the Bodyguard. It is ridiculously small and is extremely thin with a thickness of only 0.75 inches. This is why it is a perfect deep-cover choice, as it is nearly invisible when placed in a pocket or inside-the-waistband holster. It is supplied with two magazines, one having a flush-fitting baseplate and the other a slight extension of the finger. The finger extension is also a welcome feature to those with bigger hands and it offers as much grip as possible on the gun which can make a significant difference in control.

Nevertheless, extreme miniaturization has its benefits, which are frequently traded off. The grip, e.g., is so ridiculously thin, and the grip is so short that it is not that comfortable to hold. I have a problem with the small trigger guard and micro-sized grip being too small to fit my fingers, which is a common issue with many micro-sized.380 ACPs. In addition, the manual safety, though available, is not that easy to handle. It is so small and I cannot easily participate in the draw, so it was suggested to train to disable it in case it suddenly jumps in position during carrying. The frame has a slight beavertail, which is appreciated protection against slide bite, an intelligent consideration in a small pistol.

The original Bodyguard 380 ACP is, to be honest, not a gun that is easy to shoot. The same diligence in practice is required as in the case of snub-nose revolvers as proposed by pistolero Chic Gaylord. The new shooters tend to use small guns because they are convenient, and many of them do not know how hot they are to hold and how difficult they are to shoot straight. This leads to one of the fundamental problems that are commonly referred to as The .380 ACP Problem. The.380 ACP cartridge, which was originally intended to be loaded into larger direct blowback pistols in the early 1900s (such as the Colt Pocket Hammerless, which was nearly the size of a Glock 19), was not actually meant to be loaded into small guns.

Grip stability is very important in accurate handgun shooting. A trigger is a detriment, however, when it is of length and weight so active in disturbing that grip and picture of sight. This is the challenge that the Bodyguard 380 offers: a micro-sized grip with a long heavy trigger and the rough recoil of the .380 ACP in a micro-sized gun. It is a combination of all these factors that makes a pistol that is difficult to shoot accurately and almost impossible to shoot quickly and accurately. With cautious, gradual fire, tight groups are difficult to attain. This is not a gun that can be easily shot in a practical situation.

To make the matter worse, the sights are said to be two small nubs with a very small sight radius, and therefore not easily learned at all. The Crimson Trace laser was also a selling point, but its utility can be reduced in a bright environment, where it is difficult to locate. A specific disadvantage in this case is the double-action-only (DAO) trigger mechanism, although it is widespread. To the person who is most accustomed to single-action or striker-fired pistols the Bodyguard Double Action only trigger will represent a steep learning curve. Most of the owners of the original Bodyguard 380 have chosen to upgrade the trigger to make it smoother to pull.

Aftermarket solutions are often the result of the quest to have a better trigger. One kit that was reoccurring again and again was the combination of an RTK Edge Trigger and Galloway Precision Short Trigger Bar. With these components installed, the owners will be able to achieve the so-called adjustability, where the trigger will break somewhere in the middle of the pull, which is what most shooters are used to. Nevertheless, it is important to be cautious about changes. Although some individuals prefer to make any mods to their EDC pistol, whether it is a trigger, springs, barrel, or otherwise, these modifications may potentially undermine the meticulous design of the gun. Always, be conscious of the dangers and keep in mind that even the most basic of changes such as a shorter pull trigger can bite you on the butt should you find yourself in a life and death scenario. Going forward, and at your own peril, is the first thing.

Maintenance, Ammo, Comparative Ratings & Final Recommendation

The original Bodyguard 380 is not an exception, although it has its peculiarities, it still needs proper maintenance. It is not too bad to take this little guy to pieces, clean him, and lube him once you get used to it. It is done by making sure it is not loaded, sliding it back and then moving the front rod that holds everything in place to the 9 O’clock position and pulling it out. In the case of new guns, this step may require a small flat blade screwdriver and patience since parts may be hard. But you see, after a couple of times you will be all right, and you will have loosened up.

All you need is to apply a little of your favorite lube on the barrel and other metal to metal contacts. The process of reassembling, however, is what can be called difficult to say the least and to new owners it may teach them a new swear word or two. Patience is key here. The lesson is simple: the pin is to be inserted back in the same manner as it was taken out. To do this, ensure that the barrel is pulled to its fullest extent, the pin at 9 O’clock and twist it in. After turning the pin to the 3 O clock position, you will need to push it in. Once again, with a new gun, you may have to tap it with a screwdriver back or a small hard rubber mallet, but never use metal tools which will leave your fine new finish marked. This reassembly process will guarantee that your Bodyguard is in the best working condition.

Ammo Recommendations to the Original Bodyguard .380

The original S&W Bodyguard 380, like most other micro-compacts, is a bit ammo picky. This requires a cautious choice and more so, intensive testing. The double strike capability is one of its limited practical benefits, which is based on its design as a DAO. This is to say that, in case of a light primer strike, all you need to do is to pull the trigger again, which might work in the case of the problem being solved manually. This is unlike other pistols like a Kahr CW where you will have to re-rack the slide in such a situation.

Nevertheless, the advice is consistent: just train with various kinds of ammo to ensure that when it is time to draw the trigger and save your life, something comes out. The two loudest sounds are, as the saying goes, a bang where you think a click should be and a click where you think a bang should be. In the case of carry, Hornady American Gunner Series 90 Grain XTP Hollow Point has proven to be a reliable product. They have used Winchester and Federal ball ammo with no issues with regard to training. This is a conscious choice of ammunition and testing that is essential in creating a reliable performance of a defensive firearm.

Critique and Comparison: Original and Modern Micro-Compacts

Although the original Bodyguard 380 ACP is priced at a admittedly, not too bad, 400 dollars, which is a reasonable price to pay on a reliable firearm, a critical analysis has shown that there are far better firearms at the same price bracket, which are easier to handle. The micro-compacts environment has changed quite a lot, providing more sophisticated choices that can overcome most of the inherent problems of the Bodyguard. Hence the educated suggestion is that the majority of individuals would be more at ease with any of the existing Micro Compacts than the S&W Bodyguard 380 ACP. The market has been able to provide greater shootability and ergonomics without compromising concealability.

The very fact that the Bodyguard 380 is a small gun implies that there are considerations associated with it. Shooters used to bigger handguns will instantly feel that there is much less room to place your hand on the gun. This is going to take time to adjust, yet, it is not supposed to be an issue. The other important modification is the double-action-only (DAO) trigger. To the users who are more accustomed to single-action or striker-fired pistols, the “Bodyguard Double Action Only trigger is a serious learning curve. A lot of owners of the original Bodyguard 380 choose to upgrade the trigger to pull a lot smoother.

The fact of the carrying of the original S&W Bodyguard is that it is not a long-range shooting item, a fact that is due not only to its size but also to its trigger pull which is crucial. When you are firing it is very easy to pull the barrel to one side in case you are not squeezing the trigger carefully. What would be a small mistake at short distances is a full and absolute miss at 20 feet. With these features, it is highly advisable to get a couple of boxes of a decent.380 defensive ammunition and train practice practice to ensure that you are familiar with the recoil and the significant trigger pull. Such a small firearm requires training to operate.

In consideration of the performance of the original Bodyguard 380, a systematic report card shows a mixed bag especially in comparison to more contemporary offerings. Its Reliability is rated at A since it bangs each time that long trigger is pulled and it cycles with most types of ammo. Nevertheless, Ergonomics is rated with a D because of a lightly textured, very short, and difficult to hold on to grip, as well as a bad idea of a manual safety. Accuracy is also rated as a D, since the short sight radius, coupled with dinky sights, a poor grip, a heavy trigger, does not make an accurate gun. Although it can strike a bad guy at close range, it is difficult to be precise. Value is rated C; the price itself is not bad, but you can find better guns at the price. Finally, Shootability gets a very poor D -grade -“Ugh, it is not easy to hold on to the gun. It kicks and bucks with a sharp recoil and is difficult to control. This leads to a Final Grade of C- as per Travis Pike, which is also the same sentiment of readers with a similar C average.

The Original Bodyguard and Micro-Compact Philosophy

In my opinion, the S&W Bodyguard 380 ACP is a hit and miss. On the one hand, it has a tremendous advantage in its reliability, having never malfunctioned. Conversely, its compactness and sharp recoil may cause the problem of the limp wrist, primarily through the technique of the shooter. Although the ultra-thin grip helps in concealing, it compromises comfort, and it is difficult to hold it firmly. The manual safety, which is small, may be a burden, and it is easy to leave it without using it.

The original Bodyguard 380 ACP is not that easy to shoot. The primitive sights, and the long, heavy, two-action only pull of the trigger, render the task of hitting the target with accuracy and speed a serious obstacle. This heavy trigger may be a possible cause of slowing response time during high-pressure situations. Although its price of around 400 dollars is not outrageous, better micro-compacts are now available in the market, which offer better handling and shooting capabilities at the same price. Being a major carry-all-day gun, its recoil and heavy trigger pull are not as good, perhaps it is a backup gun.

To those on the concealed carry trip or even planning on a micro-compact, some necessities cannot be done without. Gun Cleaning Kit (such as the Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box) is important to keep the gun functional. Shooting Glasses cannot be compromised on eye protection because all it takes is a single piece of rogue hot brass to give a very bitter lesson. Similarly, Hearing Protection is essential, since it is quite dangerous and harmful to your hearing to fire a gun without wearing appropriate ear protection. The most important thing to ensure safety is the Secure Storage (a Biometric Gun Safe) and the most important thing to ensure proficiency is the regular practice (downloadable sighting-in targets). Maintaining your S&W Bodyguard 380 also entails knowing how to clean it well and this is easily accessible in many sources such as instructional videos.

Finally, the exploration of the history of the S&W Bodyguard shows an endless pursuit of the perfect compromise between discretion and performance. The first Bodyguard 380 ACP is a relic of a bygone age of micro-compact construction, which was dependable in its purpose but difficult in its use. Its follow-up, the Bodyguard 2.0, has evidently taken these issues into consideration, and it is much better. Knowing the origins as well as the improvements enables the shooters to make a wise choice and realize that extreme compactness is convenient, but in most cases, it demands more practice and skill training.