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Posted: 6/14/2011 7:38:50 PM EST
Ok, the temptation gave in and I have fondled a S&W Bodyguard in .380 ACP a few times now.  Thus far it feels better in hand than the Ruger LCP or the KelTec.  I have not shot one, has anyone here shot or owned one?  Not too keen on the laser, maybe get the dog to chase it but the grip actually feels pretty good.
Link Posted: 6/15/2011 1:39:54 AM EST
[#1]
I got bit really bad on a S&W Model 59 years ago and swore off S&W autos.
They may be better now but for a mouse gun, I sure like the Beretta 21A in 22 LR.
Shot a Tomcat in 32 ACP quite a bit and it wasn't too bad.
I always figured if you were going up to a 380, you might as well get a 9mm.
We got a Kahr CW9 and my son really likes it.
Link Posted: 6/15/2011 4:25:08 PM EST
[#2]
I was considering the smith but ended up with a bersa thunder .380 CC.  The trigger on the bersa isn't fantastic, but I like its features.  The recent problems of the smiths have scared me a bit too.  Most of my research said the bersas were pretty good.  I will say that the people that have good smiths really like them.
Link Posted: 6/15/2011 5:37:47 PM EST
[#3]
Quoted:
I got bit really bad on a S&W Model 59 years ago and swore off S&W autos.
They may be better now but for a mouse gun, I sure like the Beretta 21A in 22 LR.
Shot a Tomcat in 32 ACP quite a bit and it wasn't too bad.
I always figured if you were going up to a 380, you might as well get a 9mm.
We got a Kahr CW9 and my son really likes it.


We have 3 LCPs and like them... Would rather have the new Ruger LC9 though... Practically the same size with a bit more bite
Link Posted: 6/15/2011 6:10:44 PM EST
[#4]
when I went to a pocket gun I got the nine, main reason is that good ammo can be found damn near anyplace ammo is sold, not so with the 380, 32acp or even the 25auto.
Link Posted: 6/15/2011 6:38:24 PM EST
[#5]
Quoted:
when I went to a pocket gun I got the nine, main reason is that good ammo can be found damn near anyplace ammo is sold, not so with the 380, 32acp or even the 25auto.


Very true...

NATO ammunition in the right circumstances can be very convenient
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 1:18:57 AM EST
[#6]
Quoted:
I got bit really bad on a S&W Model 59 years ago and swore off S&W autos.
They may be better now but for a mouse gun, I sure like the Beretta 21A in 22 LR.
Shot a Tomcat in 32 ACP quite a bit and it wasn't too bad.
I always figured if you were going up to a 380, you might as well get a 9mm.
We got a Kahr CW9 and my son really likes it.


Prime example of Fudd mentality right there.

If I had a nickel for every time someone said "Back in (insert year) I bought a (insert car, gun, knife, whatever manufacturer) and I'll never buy one again.

If it was a Lorcin, Jennings, Raven or something like that I'd go along with it but a S&W? Really?

So you haven't given say....a S&W 5906 (my state issued duty gun for a while) or one of the newer S&W M&P full size semi autos a try even?

That nonsense about "might as well carry a 9mm" is just that. A lot of the guns made now that are chambered in .380 ACP are just a lot easier to carry and conceal well than the average gun chambered in 9mm. There are some exceptions of course. The Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec P3AT for example are simply smaller, lighter, flatter, and easier to carry for a lot of people.

For the guy who said something about a Bersa...that thing is big for a .380 ACP and not even in the mouse gun category. Lots of people love their Walther PPK's but again, that's a different animal all together.

I have a S&W Bodyguard 38 and really like it. I plan on buying the 380 version when funds permit. I've handled them (but not fired) a couple and I like them. I carried a P3AT for years and planned on getting an LCP because it seems like an updated and slightly upgraded P3AT.
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 1:22:21 AM EST
[#7]
Quoted:
when I went to a pocket gun I got the nine, main reason is that good ammo can be found damn near anyplace ammo is sold, not so with the 380, 32acp or even the 25auto.


Some people make the same argument for AA flashlights vs. the CR123A powered ones too. However, when you stock your own supply of ammo (batteries) that becomes a non issue.

That issue being eliminated, there aren't many guns chambered in 9mm that are as small, light, and flat as some of the .380 ACP mouse guns.

Link Posted: 6/19/2011 4:07:09 AM EST
[#8]
2B that Bersa not that that big? Its no bigger than my p22 and its only a up close in your face gun anyway,I can`t believe I`m saying this but Wolf makes a little hot load for that Caliber and that gun eat it up and so far no jams . And the price for a PPK vrs Thunder is buy half,got mine for $259.
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 5:29:08 AM EST
[#9]
Quoted:
2B that Bersa not that that big? Its no bigger than my p22 and its only a up close in your face gun anyway,I can`t believe I`m saying this but Wolf makes a little hot load for that Caliber and that gun eat it up and so far no jams . And the price for a PPK vrs Thunder is buy half,got mine for $259.


What does it matter what kind of gun it is if the owner is happy with it, can hit with it, and it goes bang every time they pull the trigger?
Everyone has preferences that come from either experience or opinion.
I'm sure most of us here base their choices on the former much more so than the latter.
I know for sure ar-daddy knows what he's talking about and some others like to think they do!
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 5:49:54 AM EST
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
when I went to a pocket gun I got the nine, main reason is that good ammo can be found damn near anyplace ammo is sold, not so with the 380, 32acp or even the 25auto.


Some people make the same argument for AA flashlights vs. the CR123A powered ones too. However, when you stock your own supply of ammo (batteries) that becomes a non issue.

That issue being eliminated, there aren't many guns chambered in 9mm that are as small, light, and flat as some of the .380 ACP mouse guns.



yeah, but how many people on the board actualy practice stocking enough ammo

Link Posted: 6/19/2011 6:45:16 AM EST
[#11]
Quoted:

yeah, but how many people on the board actualy practice stocking enough ammo



well I try... Put back a few boxes every now and then... But somebody shoots it all up! It's the ammo-monster

That or I black out for periods of time and shoot it all

I'll definitely start stocking up after I get some things paid off
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 7:15:58 AM EST
[#12]
I had quite a stock of ammo and guns until I had the boat accident!

Link Posted: 6/19/2011 7:47:51 AM EST
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:

yeah, but how many people on the board actualy practice stocking enough ammo



well I try... Put back a few boxes every now and then... But somebody shoots it all up! It's the ammo-monster

That or I black out for periods of time and shoot it all

I'll definitely start stocking up after I get some things paid off


that's what they all say, lots of pics of newly purchased firearms or existing stock but somebody is always posting that they only have several mags on hand and/or 300rnds of ammo.

me, I just own a 10/22 and a j frame 38, but I got 100k rounds of ammo for them

Link Posted: 6/19/2011 8:00:26 AM EST
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
when I went to a pocket gun I got the nine, main reason is that good ammo can be found damn near anyplace ammo is sold, not so with the 380, 32acp or even the 25auto.


Some people make the same argument for AA flashlights vs. the CR123A powered ones too. However, when you stock your own supply of ammo (batteries) that becomes a non issue.

That issue being eliminated, there aren't many guns chambered in 9mm that are as small, light, and flat as some of the .380 ACP mouse guns.



yeah, but how many people on the board actualy practice stocking enough ammo



I do .   I`m a ammo ho ! and don`t like to shoot the good stuff.
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 8:02:16 AM EST
[#15]
Quoted:
Quoted:
2B that Bersa not that that big? Its no bigger than my p22 and its only a up close in your face gun anyway,I can`t believe I`m saying this but Wolf makes a little hot load for that Caliber and that gun eat it up and so far no jams . And the price for a PPK vrs Thunder is buy half,got mine for $259.


What does it matter what kind of gun it is if the owner is happy with it, can hit with it, and it goes bang every time they pull the trigger?
Everyone has preferences that come from either experience or opinion.
I'm sure most of us here base their choices on the former much more so than the latter.
I know for sure ar-daddy knows what he's talking about and some others like to think they do!


something got EDIT
Link Posted: 6/19/2011 3:53:24 PM EST
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I got bit really bad on a S&W Model 59 years ago and swore off S&W autos.
They may be better now but for a mouse gun, I sure like the Beretta 21A in 22 LR.
Shot a Tomcat in 32 ACP quite a bit and it wasn't too bad.
I always figured if you were going up to a 380, you might as well get a 9mm.
We got a Kahr CW9 and my son really likes it.


Prime example of Fudd mentality right there.

If I had a nickel for every time someone said "Back in (insert year) I bought a (insert car, gun, knife, whatever manufacturer) and I'll never buy one again.

If it was a Lorcin, Jennings, Raven or something like that I'd go along with it but a S&W? Really?

So you haven't given say....a S&W 5906 (my state issued duty gun for a while) or one of the newer S&W M&P full size semi autos a try even?

That nonsense about "might as well carry a 9mm" is just that. A lot of the guns made now that are chambered in .380 ACP are just a lot easier to carry and conceal well than the average gun chambered in 9mm. There are some exceptions of course. The Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec P3AT for example are simply smaller, lighter, flatter, and easier to carry for a lot of people.

For the guy who said something about a Bersa...that thing is big for a .380 ACP and not even in the mouse gun category. Lots of people love their Walther PPK's but again, that's a different animal all together.

I have a S&W Bodyguard 38 and really like it. I plan on buying the 380 version when funds permit. I've handled them (but not fired) a couple and I like them. I carried a P3AT for years and planned on getting an LCP because it seems like an updated and slightly upgraded P3AT.



The Bersa is 0.75 inches longer than the Smith so you are correct about that.  Mine still conceals nicely in the pocket of most of my gym shorts.  I was more concerned about thickness, and the Smith seemed a little thicker than the Bersa.  I haven't actually seen them side by side though. It is much much easier to conceal than a G26 for me.   I also wanted the ability to go single action, which if I remember correctly, you can't do with the S&W.   The price was a little friendlier, and I could actually find a Bersa around here.  

I would still buy a bodyguard especially if the price continues to drop a bit.
Link Posted: 6/20/2011 10:21:53 AM EST
[#17]
I picked up the 380 Smith a couple of weeks ago, I have only put 200 rounds downrange but my initial impressions are as follows:
Trigger is heavy and long, it did seem to get a bit smoother around 150 rounds so hopefully snap caps and practice will smooth it out even more.
Accuracy is very good for a pocket pistol.
This is my first laser, really comes in handy when you dry fire, I found I could not get on target nearly as fast when I tried to activate the laser from draw. It is not
really needed inside 7 yards anyway.
Fit and finish are what you would expect from Smith and Wesson.
I will be putting another 200 downrange this weekend, if I run into problems I will post.
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