Disclaimer
This review is from the perspective of a novice shooter who is just beginning to explore the discipline. My opinions and experiences are my own and may not reflect those of a more polished, experienced shooter.
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 quickly caught my attention as a potential concealed carry option when I obtain my Carry and Conceal License (CCL). Despite the common criticisms of the .380 ACP round, especially compared to other calibers’ stopping power, penetration, and velocity, I was drawn to the Bodyguard 2.0 for its reputation as a reliable concealed carry firearm and its improvements over the original Bodyguard 380. One of the main drawing points of the Bodyguard 2.0 was its confoundingly affordable price. Out the door at my Local Gun Store (LGS), including taxes, it came in under $450—a solid value in today’s market.
While .380 ACP has its limitations, the first lesson I learned when starting this journey is: *“The gun you carry is 100% more effective than the gun you leave at home.”* With that in mind, I decided to take a chance on it.
First Impressions
The Bodyguard 2.0 made an impression right from the unboxing. I was somewhat surprised that, unlike my CZ P10-C purchased earlier this month as my very first handgun—which came in a TSA-compliant hard case and a bevy of thoughtful extras—the Bodyguard 2.0 was packaged in a spartan cardboard box. It came with only a manual, two magazines, and a standard cable lock, with the firearm itself in a plastic sleeve and relatively loose in the box.
While the presentation and extras might not matter to everyone, I took note of the contrast. CZ went the extra mile with packaging, which I appreciated, while the Bodyguard 2.0 took a more minimalist approach.
Weight and Size:
The Bodyguard 2.0 is impressively light and compact, making it ideal for concealed carry.
Ergonomics:
It has a low bore axis and fits comfortably in hand, though the thin grip may feel too slim for those with larger hands, myself included. I have larger hands and was able to achieve almost a full grip with the flush-fit 10-round magazine. With the 12-round magazine, there was zero issue.
In terms of feel and handling, this firearm checks many of the boxes I’m looking for in a personal defense option.
Range Testing and Challenges
During my initial testing, a few issues came to light.
The sights were visibly off-center from the factory, with the front sight post and rear sight both aligned slightly to the right. As a result, the Bodyguard consistently shot low and left. From a bench rest at 7 yards, I had to aim about 1.5 inches at the 2 o’clock position of my intended target to hit accurately. While center mass hits were achievable, I found myself unsatisfied with “good enough” and plan to have the sights adjusted further.
Recoil Control:
While snappiness is to be expected from any micro pistol, it was very manageable with the Bodyguard, and it was a night-and-day difference compared to other micro pistols I rented while searching for my first handgun. The Bodyguard’s design, including its low bore axis, seems to contribute positively to recoil control.
Safety and Slide Operation:
I opted for the model with a safety, though it was initially so stiff that engaging it required a flathead screwdriver. Disengaging it, fortunately, was manageable with my thumb alone. The slide release was also very stiff, especially without a loaded magazine. Racking the slide was challenging due to what feels like an unusually strong spring for a firearm of this size. Compared to my CZ P10, this one requires significantly more effort.
Magazine Seating and Loading:
Seating the magazine also requires considerable force, which may be by design, but the 10-round magazine seats more easily than the 12-round one. Additionally, loading the final round into either magazine, even with a Maglula Speed Loader, was nearly impossible. This difficulty has been echoed by other reviewers, so it seems to be a common characteristic of this model.
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| 10 rounds from 5 yards, shooting cold |
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| 10 rounds from 7 yards |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and highly concealable
- Low bore axis provides manageable recoil
- Comfortable ergonomics despite its slim profile
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Minimalist packaging and lack of extras compared to other models
- Thin grip may not be ideal for larger hands
- Factory sights misaligned, requiring adjustment
- Stiff safety and slide release
- Challenging magazine seating and loading, especially with the 12-round magazine
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 has some strong points for a concealed carry firearm, especially for those who value a compact, lightweight design at an accessible price. While some issues, like the misaligned sights, needed immediate adjustment, I expect others (such as the stiff safety and magazine difficulty) to improve as the gun is broken in over time. This firearm will likely serve well for point-shooting in a self-defense scenario, though I still prefer accurate sights as I adjust to it at the range.
For a new shooter, the Bodyguard 2.0 has its quirks, but it remains a viable option for concealed carry. I look forward to seeing how it performs as I gain more experience.
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