The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 was designed for use by police officers and licensed civilians who needed a small, lightweight, concealable and easy to use pistol. It's polymer frame is reinforced with a steel insert that contains the trigger mechanism and the rails that the slide reciprocates on. The pistol weighs a mere 11.85 ounces. View our photos showing the details of this new backup gun (including a disassembly view), and then read our Arsenal review, " Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 Pistol ."
S&W's Bodyguard 380
In keeping with its role as a close-range defensive handgun, the Bodyguard 380 uses a DAO trigger. This simplifies the operating drill and provides additional safety. It also allows the same consistent trigger pull for each shot.
When testing the S&W Bodyguard 380, POLICE Magazine contributor Paul Scarlata used three types of ammunition — Cor-Bon 70-grain Pow'R Ball, Hornady 90-grain FTX, and W-W 95-grain FMJ.
At SHOT Show 2010, Smith & Wesson took the wraps off a pair of concealable, polymer backup guns under the Bodyguard line — a .380 ACP and a revolver. While there are those traditionalists who prefer a wheel gun for their second or off-duty option, we can't help liking S&W's lightweight semi-auto that arrives with an integral InSight Technologies red laser.
The release for a six-round magazine is clearly visible, nestled behind the trigger. The magazine has a finger rest base plate that allows a two-finger grip on the pistol.
The disassembly lever, safety, and slide stop are clearly visible on the pistol.
The integral InSight laser can be turned on and off with a control switch in front of the trigger guard.