S&W Bodyguard 380

[boutaswell]

Does anyone have experience with the Bodyguard 380? I don't necessarily want a 380 but I kinda like the Bodyguard 380 and the Walther PK380. Any one have, shoot, throw either one of these. A 9mm is always an option and I've been thinking about a .40 also. I would like to get a compact .45 but they are usually just so damn cost prohibitive.

I'm looking for a concealed carry piece (1911 is kinda heavy & awkward at times) but I'm like a fart in a whirlwind. I don't really know what I want so I'm doing it the "window shop method". Making a list of what catches my eye, then go do some test firing if I can and then some remarks/comments reading about the pieces and then, hopefully, make a selection.

Like a woman, just don't know what the hell I want. It's a one shot purchase because I don't feel like playing the buy one, don't like it, sell it, buy another game although I know that may happen but...........I'm looking at hopefully no more than $500 so I know that limits a bit but that's good in a way.

I know every body has a favorite so maybe I'll get some cogent feedback of why and why not.

Thanks,

[PIKE]

I like my Bersa 380, it is comparable to the PK380. Well built easy to conceal and shots like a champ.

[zanshin]

x2 on the Bersa, gets a lot of sneers from the big brand snobs but is a value shooter. I've had Sterling and Colt .380s in the past, and while concerned that it wasn't a "man-stopper" caliber, I hear that modern (post-1980s) loads have made them some pretty good performers. I would not want to be shot with one, nor do I know anyone who would.

[Ops NCO]

I carry a Ruger LCP. Very concealable, and good quality. If you do decide to go with .380, I'd look into some of the ammunition specially designed for personal defense (I carry Hornaday Personal Defense rounds). It's too expensive to shoot a lot, but gives a little extra margin if you need if for real...

[Jeff82]

Another vote for a Bersa in .380. Can't go wrong.

[gunsmittys]

the BG380 shoots well and is reliable. Have put about 50 rounds of mixed 380 through one, it hit what I aimed at out to 25yds; the sights are not the greatest at that range but work

[boutaswell]

Thanks for the input. So far, it looks like Bersa in a landslide so I will give them a good look see. I don't know why, but I had forgotten all about Ruger so I gotta check them out also since I kinda have a spot in my heart for Ruger since my first pistol was a Security-Six .357. No idea why I sold that one either. There will be no more sales or trades; I'm keeping what I got from now on and just buying.

[T10]

This website http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/for...Very-Addictive! has some great bargains. I saw two Bersa's today in there.

[P-Chop]

I sold an older model Bersa 380 a few years ago as a compromise to get a .38. I also had problems with double feeding (found that others had similar experiences and the culprit was a "clean magazine"....no shit). I also couldn't ever get it sighted in like I wanted. Last year, I bought a Ruger LCP off my Father-in-law. Very concealable, olive drab, shoots good, and (like Ops) the Hornaday's are nice. I usually carry it in an ankle rig as a back up to my .38 or 9mm concealed in the waistband.

Now you know my secrets.......

[ABN Panzer]

Two new pistols I am looking at are the M&P Shield and the Springfield XDS:
Both are designed for carry/conceal.

The M&P comes in 9mm and .40
- 9mm (7+1/8+1, 4.6" Tall, 6.3" Length, .95" wide)
-.40 (6+1/7+1, 4.6" tall, 6.1 length)

The XDs is .45 (5+1, 4.4" tall, 6.3" Length, 1" wide)

Just wanted to give a few more options for consideration.

[Jeff82]

PSA:

Shot placement is king. And the ability to continually hit is capacity.

Here's an example of 14 hits with a .45 ACP that didn't work and it finally took 3 more hits in the brain pan to put a bg down.

http://www.policemag.com/Channel/Pat...8-25-2008.aspx

[T10]

I really like my Ruger SR9c. I also have a Crimson Trace laser on it.
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr9c/models.html

[airbrnebkr]

My regular back up is the Ruger LCR. It is a compact light weight .38 revolver. It has the ability to shoot plus P rounds and revolver reliability is unbeatable. I have owned both the Ruger LCP and the Walther PPK. Both are nice firearms but I always found .380 auto reliability to be questionable and very ammo sensitive.

[K.M.I.A]

I have the SW bodyguard 38+P w/laser very nice revolver. Since I got that revolver the wife has taken an intrest in takeing a gun safety class.All my other hand guns are 45s.