UPDATE ...My S&W Bodyguard 2.0 ...... including Range Report

[Wiley]

I picked up my BG 2.0 - NO MANUAL SAFETY - this afternoon but won't shoot it until later today or tomorrow. Athritis got my hands jacked up ahead of the front that's bringing rain and I may not shoot this evening. What I can say so far is that it points dead nuts on target with the sights as naturally as if it were made to my hand. It's VERY lightweight. The grip is skinny and I really like the rough texture. I had to add an adhesive skin to my G42 to get a similar feel. I really believe that it will become my carry pistol once I get night sights on it. Range report will follow as soon as I feel like getting out there.

 

[Gronkmonster]

Waiting to hear the range report. The previous thread has me really interested in the Bodyguard

 

[Wiley]

Still home and no rounds downrange yet BUT....... the 10 and 12 round magazines that came with it seem to be very well made. They're steel. And without a mag loading device such as the UpLULA it is humanly impossible to load the last 2 rounds into either magazine. IMHO, the weapon should come with a simple magazine loading tool.

 

[Gravey]

Curious if yours disassembles easy where the top slides right off. I bought one 4-5 weeks ago and they sent me a replacement spring but it still doesn't seem right. I stopped at a gun store in Kentucky Thursday and they had some out on the floor so I disassembled it and the top just slides right off. Think I'm gonna send mine back and have them check it.

 

[Gunpowder]

Still home and no rounds downrange yet BUT....... the 10 and 12 round magazines that came with it seem to be very well made. They're steel. And without a mag loading device such as the UpLULA it is humanly impossible to load the last 2 rounds into either magazine. IMHO, the weapon should come with a simple magazine loading tool.

The upLULA works great. If you already have a 9mm-45 version you do NOT need a 380 version. The 9mm version works (but it's kind of a balancing act).

When I first got mine I refused to be defeated and I did load both of my 10rd mags (gonna have to wait til I get home in TN to buy the 12 rd mags) by hand. And boy was it a fight. They DO break in over time. Now I can manually add that 10th round no problem by hand.

EDIT: The talon grips work REALLY well on the BG 2.0 if you want more grip and a little thicker handle.

Curious if yours disassembles easy where the top slides right off. I bought one 4-5 weeks ago and they sent me a replacement spring but it still doesn't seem right. I stopped at a gun store in Kentucky Thursday and they had some out on the floor so I disassembled it and the top just slides right off. Think I'm gonna send mine back and have them check it.

No, you've got an issue. Send it back. Mine slides right off no issues. The only problem I have is putting the damn recoil spring back in. It never seems to want to go into the guide hole on the slide. Have to coax it in and align it just so. Pisses me off to no end.

 

[Gunpowder]

Curious if yours disassembles easy where the top slides right off. I bought one 4-5 weeks ago and they sent me a replacement spring but it still doesn't seem right. I stopped at a gun store in Kentucky Thursday and they had some out on the floor so I disassembled it and the top just slides right off. Think I'm gonna send mine back and have them check it.

If you want to look at the silver lining, it's probably still easier than field stripping a BG 1.0 I've given up on trying without a small screwdriver. I HATE that takedown pin with a burning passion.

And then THIS sh!t always happens

 

[Wiley]

Curious if yours disassembles easy where the top slides right off. I bought one 4-5 weeks ago and they sent me a replacement spring but it still doesn't seem right. I stopped at a gun store in Kentucky Thursday and they had some out on the floor so I disassembled it and the top just slides right off. Think I'm gonna send mine back and have them check it.

It disassembles just as designed IF I push the ejector down as instructed in the manual. The slide comes right off after that little maneuver. After putting the slide back on I push the ejector back up and it works as designed.

I have no idea if this is true for the model that has the manual safety.

 

[Gunpowder]

It disassembles just as designed IF I push the ejector down as instructed in the manual. The slide comes right off after that little maneuver. After putting the slide back on I push the ejector back up and it works as designed.

You need an ObGYN to get to that damn lever. Just pull the trigger instead, it's easier and accomplishes the exact same thing.

EDIT: My bad, I'm thinking of my Shield Plus. BG2.0 lever is easier.

Side note (for both) you do not need to put the lever back. The magazine will take care of that for you.

 

[Wiley]

The upLULA works great. If you already have a 9mm-45 version you do NOT need a 380 version. The 9mm version works (but it's kind of a balancing act).

I have an UpLULA and used it but it's cumbersome. This morning I ordered a Hilljack loader designed for the 2.0. Amazon has them for about $12.

 

[Gunpowder]

I have an UpLULA and used it but it's cumbersome. This morning I ordered a Hilljack loader designed for the 2.0. Amazon has them for about $12.

Let me know how that works out for you. At that price, you can't go wrong. If it works out well for you, I may just order one.

EDIT: I just looked it up. It's 3D printed. I found the almost the same thing on Maker world. Downloading & printing now! I'll let you know how it works.

https://makerworld.com/en/models/10...yguard-2-0-mag-speed-loader#profileId-1026149

 

[Wiley]

I took the 2.0 with me yesterday when I went on my bush hogging/mowing/plowing adventure. Both magazines were fully loaded and I only shot those 22 rounds, mostly testing function and seeing where it there the empty brass (I want it for reloading). I stepped back 10 yards from the target and slow fired through both magazines while also tracking the ejected brass so accuracy was not an objective on this trip. I didn't not clean nor lube the pistol for this trip, just straight out of the box. Takeaways...... the little pistol is a LITTLE pistol! And it's FUN to shoot. I'm not sure I've ever described a centerfire pistol with that characterization. Did I mention that it's little?! Slimmer than my G42, slightly shorter /lighter and the increased mag capacities are the icing on the cake. The fit into my hand is perfect. Period! LOVE the flat trigger, the trigger pull and the break.

Now, as for the repetitiveness of ejection with the brass, it was hit and miss. That's why I have an old bed sheet to spread on the ground but even then some brass pulls some stunts. Yesterday I had some empties go straight up and come back down on me or very close. Most went about 8 feet to my 4 o'clock but others went everywhere in between and 3 or 4 I didn't not find. I suppose that this will change with breaking the pistol in. And having cleaned and lubed it for the next session will likely make a difference.

I give it overall and will be adding night sights soon as I firmly believe all self defense/carry weapons should have them. More to follow....

 

[Gunpowder]

I took the 2.0 with me yesterday when I went on my bush hogging/mowing/plowing adventure. Both magazines were fully loaded and I only shot those 22 rounds, mostly testing function and seeing where it there the empty brass (I want it for reloading). I stepped back 10 yards from the target and slow fired through both magazines while also tracking the ejected brass so accuracy was not an objective on this trip. I didn't not clean nor lube the pistol for this trip, just straight out of the box. Takeaways...... the little pistol is a LITTLE pistol! And it's FUN to shoot. I'm not sure I've ever described a centerfire pistol with that characterization. Did I mention that it's little?! Slimmer than my G42, slightly shorter /lighter and the increased mag capacities are the icing on the cake. The fit into my hand is perfect. Period! LOVE the flat trigger, the trigger pull and the break.

Now, as for the repetitiveness of ejection with the brass, it was hit and miss. That's why I have an old bed sheet to spread on the ground but even then some brass pulls some stunts. Yesterday I had some empties go straight up and come back down on me or very close. Most went about 8 feet to my 4 o'clock but others went everywhere in between and 3 or 4 I didn't not find. I suppose that this will change with breaking the pistol in. And having cleaned and lubed it for the next session will likely make a difference.

I give it overall and will be adding night sights soon as I firmly believe all self defense/carry weapons should have them. More to follow....

Glad you like it! Knew you would! Told ya it's a boatload of fun to shoot! And very accurate/manageable recoil for what it is.

Depending on how you feel about optics, you may want to forego the new sights and get this instead: https://viridianweapontech.com/viridian-rfx1-for-s-w-bodyguard-ambient-light-sensor-auto-on

I know, it's kinda huge, but it's made for the BG2.0. There are other alternatives. They all replace the rear sight (since this isn't optics cut) and all pretty much do the same thing. Viridian is supposedly the best, though.

Your BG2 (and especially her mags) will break in nicely over time. Shame you didn't clean it first, you would've had a noticeably better experience. You'll see next time you go shooting (make sure you clean it first!). Also don't forget to try your favorite EDC ammo too. That's important. You'll have the most luck with those composite and/or metal "reverse HP" rounds like Apex, Lehigh, Underwood, etc. Mine has NO PROBLEM feeding whatever I put in the mags.

You'll notice it has two feeding ramps. That can be problematic with wide-mouth HPs. Might want to get some Flitz and a polishing wheel for your dremel and gently polish both ramps, that'll help you if you start getting FTF's.

It really is an incredible little machine. A true feat of engineering that I honestly wouldn't have thought possible a few years ago.

Reach out to me if you run into any problems!

P.S. How was it in your hand with the 10rd vs 12rd mags? Did you notice a big difference?

For pocket carry I recommend Alabama Holsters and the 10rd mag. It'll fit in your pocket better. No idea how the 12rd mag will work, as they're illegal for me :(

 

[Gunpowder]

Regarding Ammo. As you can see, with the right ammo, 380 can be QUITE effective.

 

[WTM]

^^^^yeah when it does expand. if not it zips thru like a lazer beam.

i looked at this pistol but went with the ruger lcr 38 +p for my pocket pistol in summer.

 

[Gunpowder]

^^^^yeah when it does expand. if not it zips thru like a lazer beam.

i looked at this pistol but went with the ruger lcr 38 +p for my pocket pistol in summer.

Another solid choice!

For me, my preferred ammo for 9mm and 380 is Gold Dot & HST. Those two above all others consistently perform.

For the 38, if you're worried about expansion, stick with SJHP. It's guaranteed to at least deform, if not expand.

 

[BPhunter]

I picked up my BG 2.0 - NO MANUAL SAFETY - this afternoon but won't shoot it until later today or tomorrow. Athritis got my hands jacked up ahead of the front that's bringing rain and I may not shoot this evening. What I can say so far is that it points dead nuts on target with the sights as naturally as if it were made to my hand. It's VERY lightweight. The grip is skinny and I really like the rough texture. I had to add an adhesive skin to my G42 to get a similar feel. I really believe that it will become my carry pistol once I get night sights on it. Range report will follow as soon as I feel like getting out there.

I've been looking at that pistol. Let us know what the recoil is like. I was thinking about getting it for my wife. She's only 4'10" and has small hands. Thanks.

 

[WTM]

Another solid choice!

For me, my preferred ammo for 9mm and 380 is Gold Dot & HST. Those two above all others consistently perform.

For the 38, if you're worried about expansion, stick with SJHP. It's guaranteed to at least deform, if not expand.

in a snub nose those dont expand if you hit even like a sweatshirt or hoodie, the hollow point fills with material and fails to expand, and basically becomes a solid ball round.

i shoot hornady critical defense 110gr. in these snub nose revolvers its a trick to get a bullet to expand. hornady seems to work well.

 

[Gunpowder]

in a snub nose those dont expand if you hit even like a sweatshirt or hoodie, the hollow point fills with material and fails to expand, and basically becomes a solid ball round.

i shoot hornady critical defense 110gr. in these snub nose revolvers its a trick to get a bullet to expand. hornady seems to work well.

Even semi-jacketed HPs? Where the lead is partially exposed? I find it difficult to believe they don't expand

 

[Wiley]

in a snub nose those dont expand if you hit even like a sweatshirt or hoodie, the hollow point fills with material and fails to expand, and basically becomes a solid ball round.

i shoot hornady critical defense 110gr. in these snub nose revolvers its a trick to get a bullet to expand. hornady seems to work well.

My S&W 642 Airweight is loaded with Buffalo Bore 158gr Hollowpoint lead bullet ammo. I don't want to be on the receiving end of that.

All of my .380 variants are loaded with FMJ ammo. I prefer penetration over expansion in a low powered round.

 

[WTM]

Even semi-jacketed HPs? Where the lead is partially exposed? I find it difficult to believe they don't expand

if they hit something and the hollow point gets filled with debris. gold dot in 9mm was the gold standard until they figured out that drywall will fill the hollow poimt and then it becomes like a jacketed solid.

a 158 gr wad cutter can be stopped with a heavy jacket.

the hornady defense has the hollow poimt filled with a plastic expander, so it cant get filled with material and expands properly.

in longer barrels its a different story. with a 3" or better id be shooting remington golden sabers if in 38 spcl.

 

[Gunpowder]

if they hit something and the hollow point gets filled with debris. gold dot in 9mm was the gold standard until they figured out that drywall will fill the hollow poimt and then it becomes like a jacketed solid.

a 158 gr wad cutter can be stopped with a heavy jacket.

the hornady defense has the hollow poimt filled with a plastic expander, so it cant get filled with material and expands properly.

in longer barrels its a different story. with a 3" or better id be shooting remington golden sabers if in 38 spcl.

Gotcha. Unless I'm much mistaken, critical defense is specifically made for shorter barrels (as opposed to critical duty), correct? I have boxes and boxes of Hornady CD in 9mm in my safe. Carried them for a bit before a friend suggested Gold Dot. I might have to reconsider that, at least for 380.

 

[Wiley]

The factory sights SUCK bigly on this fantastic little pistol. The S&W Forums are filled with hate of the factory sights and I could not agree more. SO, what does any self respecting gun guy/gal do? You replace them with XS Sights RD3 2.0 front and rear night sights. I'm a firm believer that for carry weapons, it's mandatory that they have night sights. These appear to be far better than the videos that I've watched. My pics aren't the best but in a dim hallway with no lights turned on (at 4pm) they really stand out. They're the brightest night sights out of all that I have. And they are at least twice the cost of my other tritium sights so I was reluctant to spend the money but I'm glad I did.

I'll have another range report soon. As of now I have about 150 rounds down the pipe and it shoots to the left (also a common complaint on the S&W forums) so I'm gonna get'r sighted in with these new sights and lock them down with the included RED LockTite.

 

[Forvols]

I like those, nice choice.

 

[nso123]

Looking at one of these for my wife. How is the recoil in the compact package?

 

[Gunpowder]

Looking at one of these for my wife. How is the recoil in the compact package?

EDITED. Lighter than most 380s. If your wife is recoil-sensitive, I recommend the ported version of this. Its a little longer in the slide (quarter of an inch), but the recoil is even lighter. Otherwise they're identical. You'd be amazed how well this little guy handles recoil.

Since this is for your wife, if she's going to body or pocket carry it (in a proper pocket holster) try to get one without the safety. If you can't, don't let that be a dealbreaker. The safety is so difficult to accidentally activate (but very easy to deactivate) that you don't even notice it's there.

However, if it's going to be a purse gun, she should probably get one with the safety. Women typically don't put holsters on purse guns.

Here's how they compare: https://www.handgunhero.com/compare...-2-0-vs-smith-wesson-bodyguard-2-0-carry-comp

 

[Gunpowder]

@nso123 Forgot to mention it has a double recoil spring, like a Glock. That plays a huge part of recoil management. A feature most 380's don't have (some have two springs one inside of the other, but this telescoping style is MUCH better). Also, I edited the post above, so check that out.

 

[Wiley]

Looking at one of these for my wife. How is the recoil in the compact package?

Recoil is very light in this pistol. Lighter than my very well liked Glock 42. I haven't even carried the Glock since I got this little jewel.

 

[Wiley]

I have to go against Gunpowder on the ported version of any pistol that's carried for self defense and it's a night time issue. Firing a ported weapon at night dramatically increases night blindness due to the flash from the ports. I don't own any ported weapons at all due to this. Another thing is that, for me, very good night sights are mandatory on a self defense handgun.

 

[Gunpowder]

I have to go against Gunpowder on the ported version of any pistol that's carried for self defense and it's a night time issue. Firing a ported weapon at night dramatically increases night blindness due to the flash from the ports. I don't own any ported weapons at all due to this. Another thing is that, for me, very good night sights are mandatory on a self defense handgun.

^^ This is very true. However, I was speaking purely from a recoil perspective, not a tactical one. And like Wiley, I too do not own any ported or comped firearms either for the same reason. Also, porting takes away some velocity as well. And he's right about night sights.

 

[Gravey]

Looking at one of these for my wife. How is the recoil in the compact package?

I bought two and sent mine back because the slide wouldn't easily come off like it's supposed to. Got a FedEx notification it's being delivered back to me tomorrow so quick turnaround as I shipped it to them on 4/19. My wife's was fine and she has no problem with the recoil. Work the safety on it as it's pretty stiff.