S&W Bodyguard 2.0 .380ACP–Rebooted
Todd Burgreen
The proliferation of concealed carry has led to countless new introductions involving compact handguns. Yes, many articles rightfully tout the abilities of full size handguns. However, facts of life often intercede making carry of full size handguns problematic either by clothing restrictions, weather, undercover, and/or non-permissible environments. Do not think that your primary handgun will always be convenient for discrete carry. Readers of this title know the importance of always being armed as a personal defense emergency is just that—an unpredictable, unplanned for event. The plethora of compact semi-automatics are proof positive that convenience of carry sometimes outweighs desire to carry weapon of highest potential.
Micro-compact handguns take this to the extreme with a focus on compactness and lightweight. Smith & Wesson’s (S&W) latest introduction in the form of the Bodyguard 2.0 is a micro-compact that balances diminutive size and capacity with shootability better than most other options on the market.
JUST THE FACTS
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is a polymer striker fired semi-automatic chambered in .380ACP. Capacity is 10+1 with flush fitting magazine stuffed into a 9.8 ounce., 5.5-inch long by 4-inch high by 7/8-inch wide package. A 12-round magazine also arrives with the Bodyguard 2.0 that extends less than a ½-inch below the grip. The fixed sights consist of rear U-notch and tritium front that are purposely minimal to reduce snagging for a handgun destined mainly for pocket or other types of concealed carry.
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 operates via Browning’s swinging link design as found in the 1911 and Hi-Power. Most handguns of such small dimensions are blowback operated. Bodyguard 2.0 recoil is minimized, and reliability is enhanced by using the Browning method. The Bodyguard’s stainless steel 2.75-inch barrel is Armornite finished featuring an integral feed ramp and flares at its end to engage with the slide similar to what is found on bushingless 1911 models. There is no manual safety on the Bodyguard 2.0 used for this article with only a slide stop lever found on its frame. S&W does offer a model with manual safety for end users who desire this.
The Bodyguard 2.0’s 9.8 ounces is lighter than most similar sized weapons on the market, even titanium framed .38Special revolvers weigh in at 13+ounces for comparison’s sake. Lightweight is a feature much appreciated in any weapon destined for concealed carry whether in a pocket, inside a belt, wrapped around your ankle or other methods. Lightweight translates into not being left behind. The entire slide is aggressively serrated for positive tactile feel when operating. This important considering how dainty the Bodyguard 2.0 is. The polymer frame interfaces with the stainless slide positively along its length for smooth functioning. The trigger guard is slightly oversized compared to similar competitor models for easy access to the trigger when hurried. The Bodyguard 2.0 does not have a magazine disconnect allowing for it to fire without a magazine in place; an advantage for any weapon destined for personal defense encounters that predominantly occur at grappling distances.
ALL ABOUT FEEL
S&W has somehow been able to duplicate the ergonomics and natural pointability of the larger M&P in the petite Bodyguard 2.0 package. The Bodyguard 2.0 is blessed with a set of sights that instill confidence capable of accurate fire past bad breath distances. The Bodyguard 2.0 sights are a huge improvement compared to crude rear notch and front ramp sights found on many snub-nosed revolver or other micro-compact pistols.
Think about any sub-compact handgun and the inherent lack of proper grip due to reduced frame size while trying to pull a double-action only trigger set at over 8-10lbs with long travel. Aim is surely impacted (pun intended). Everyone agrees that a trigger set-up properly is a great aid to accurate shooting. The trigger on the Bodyguard 2.0 measured 4.5- 5lbs via RCBS trigger gauge. The combination of superior sights and trigger along with S&W ergonomics produces a micro-compact weapon that can run plate racks at 12 yards with monotony.
380ACP ammunition has benefitted greatly from recent advantages in bullet and propellant advances. The Hornady Critical Defense 90 grain FTX .380ACP is a great example of this. Hornady utilizes propellants that minimize muzzle flash while maximizing velocity. The FTX bullet is the result of much research into what a bullet designed for personal defense should consist of. Everything from the bullet profile to ensure reliable feeding to the polymer nose that guarantees proper expansion no matter the medium the FTX passes thru when striking its intended target.
Loads tested with the Bodyguard 2.0 consisted of Hornady 90 grain Critical Defense FTX, Black Hills Ammunition 90 grain JHP, and Winchester 95 grain PDX1. Range evaluation consisted of normal protocol establishing reliability first, then getting into combat accuracy and handling. Several magazines’ worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and steel targets. No malfunctions were discovered. The Bodyguard 2.0 ergonomic design allowed for minimal felt recoil and ease of getting multiple shots off quickly even with the handguns lightweight and dwarfish footprint. The Bodyguard 2.0 fits the hand similarly to a larger frame handgun.
After reliability was verified, I began manipulating the Bodyguard 2.0 from Galco and DeSantis pocket holsters during visits to the range. More of a point shooting or flash sight picture was utilized along with one handed firing grip. I found this to be a more realistic way of analyzing what the Bodyguard 2.0 brings to the table for user’s considering using it in the role it was designed for—concealed carry personal defense. The Bodyguard 2.0 ergonomics, trigger and sights are an asset in producing better than expected accuracy.
I purposely brought along other pocket pistols I have employed over the years. The Bodyguard 2.0 recoil was surprisingly light with no slide bite experienced as can happen with micro-compacts. This is probably due to the beavertail found top of the grip. S&W has figured how to give the Bodyguard 2.0 the feel of a mini M&P.
WRAP UP
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0’s strong suits are its lightweight and compact dimensions ensuring it is always present. With the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 you do not have the feeling of dirty compromise as generated with other micro compacts—trigger, sights, and capacity are all present with Bodyguard 2.0. Speaking of capacity, the Bodyguard 2.0’s 10-round flush fit magazine is over a 50% increase over most other micro-compacts on the market. It rivals some full size models when the 12-round magazine is used.
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 will find its way into multiple roles as a personal defense handgun. The Bodyguard 2.0 will definitely find a niche as a back-up gun. Many will find the handy nature of the Bodyguard 2.0 makes it indispensable and not being able to leave the house without it even when a larger weapon is carried. Others will find it their primary carry weapon by default, especially in summer months or under social conditions were discovery of a concealed carry weapon is unthinkable. Ultimately, always having a weapon with you is more important than the full-sized 45ACP you leave at home because you did not feel like dressing around your handgun on any given day. The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is an excellent balance of size to firepower for the practitioner of concealed carry. Dare say, one of the best currently on the market.
SPECIFICATIONS: S&W Bodyguard 2.0
Caliber: .380ACP
Magazine Capacity: 1-10rd and 1-12rd arrive with pistol
Barrel Length: 2.75-inches
Overall Length: 5.5-inches
Height: 4-inches
Width: 7/8-inch
Weight Empty: 9.8 ounces
MSRP: $449
PERFORMANCE—S&W Bodyguard 2.0
LOAD VELOCITY AVG. ACCURACY AVG@ 15yds Winchester 95gr PDX1 826fps 2”
Black Hills 90gr JHP 905fps 1.75”
Hornady 90gr FTX 891fps 2.25”
Accuracy test protocol consisted of three five-shot groups with each ammunition type; Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures obtained by averaging five rounds fired over Caldwell Precision Shooting chronograph.
CAPTIONS
IMG 1
S&W has somehow been able to duplicate the ergonomics and natural pointability of the larger M&P in the petite Bodyguard 2.0 package.
IMGs 2 or 2a
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is a polymer striker fired semi-automatic chambered in .380ACP. Capacity is 10+1 with flush fitting magazine stuffed into a 9.8 ounce., 5.5-inch long by 4-inch high by 7/8-inch wide package.
IMG 3
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0’s strong suits are its lightweight and compact dimensions ensuring it is always present.
IMGs 4 or 4a
Smith & Wesson’s (S&W) latest introduction in the form of the Bodyguard 2.0 is a micro-compact that balances diminutive size and capacity with shootability better than most other options on the market.
IMG 5
New S&W Bodyguard 2.0 (top) next to its predecessor.
IMG 6
Bodyguard 2.2 field stripped.
IMGs 7 or 7a
The Bodyguard 2.0’s 9.8 ounces is lighter than most similar sized weapons on the market. Lightweight is a feature much appreciated in any weapon destined for concealed carry whether in a pocket, inside a belt, wrapped around your ankle or other methods.
IMGs 8 or 8a
Many will find the handy nature of the Bodyguard 2.0 makes it indispensable and not being able to leave the house without it even when a larger weapon is carried.
IMG 9
Bodyguard 2.0’s 10-round flush fit magazine is over a 50% increase over most other micro-compacts on the market. It rivals some full size models when the 12-round magazine is used.
IMGs 10 or 10a
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is an excellent balance of size to firepower for the practitioner of concealed carry.
IMG 11
With the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 you do not have the feeling of dirty compromise as generated with other micro compacts—trigger, sights, and capacity are all present with Bodyguard 2.0.
IMGs 12, 12a, or 12b
The Bodyguard 2.0 trigger, ergonomics and sights are an asset in producing better than expected accuracy.
