Help me decide on a 380

I'm looking at a 380 and have narrowed it down to these two choices:



Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380

Or this:


Same caliber and capacity...
The S&W comes with the laser sight and has an active safety cost: $380
The Ruger does not have a laser sight built in nor does it have a safety However with crimson trace option added cost: $480

I like the fact that the crimson trace has the grip switch vs the S&W that has to be activated by a button on the side...

Having a hard time deciding.

I know there are a bunch of members who have a TON more experience than I and I welcome your feedback on a selection.

I have had the opportunity to fire both.

Thank you!

 

I like the Ruger.... simply based on looks. I have zero experience

 

I have the ruger lcp, carry it all the time, and have had zero issues. With that being said, you can't go wrong with either brand of gun makers.

On the laser - being that the barrel length is so short, the laser is only going to scare who ever your pointing it at, not serve as a site. anything over 5 yards or so, your going to be better off throwing the gun at them versus hitting them with the bullet/laser combo. I am assuming your getting the gun to carry and wont be target practicing with it. If that is the case, get the one that feels better in your hand and fits in your pocket (or wherever your going to carry it) the best.

 

I have the bodyguard 380 and I love it. Its small and easy to conceal plus shoots smooth as well. and it has a laser pointer, who doesnt want a laser pointer? Good luck

 

Definitely the Ruger. I have an LCP myself and love it. I have recently upgraded to a Springfield XDM Compact for extra firepower. Any reason for the .380? Ammo is more expensive for weekend shooting.

 

I've been looking at the Bodyguard myself. Just waiting for the extra cash at this point. Where did you find it for $380?

 

I reccomend the S&W Bodyguard. I have one and love it. I carry it almost everywhere I go. I have a friend who has the Ruger and he ( for whatever reason ) wishes he would have got the S&W.. Good luck.. In my opinion they are both great guns!!!

 

I have the Bodyguard and have had zero issues with it. I carry that mostly in the summer and a 45 in the winter. I will say this I dont think I will use that laser, if push comes to shove and I have to put the weapon into use the last thing on my mind will be the laser. Paint the sights and use your training.

 

I carry a Kahr PM9 as my warm weather CCW and it is a very reliable pistol, but should have a 250-500 round break-in before carrying. I prefer the stopping power of the 9mm over the .380 and with 9mm ammo costing less means more practice time and money for holster selection. The Kahr CM9 is a little less expensive but a very nice pistol also. From my experience with owning many major brands of firearms it is tough to beat the customer service that Smith & Wesson gives. YMMV

Gratuitous Gun pR0n:

 

excellent...

This is another reason to love TW.

 

I would recommend comparing the trigger pulls on the two guns, I don't know about the LCP but the pull on our bodyguard is very awkward. It has a pretty heavy spring, and a long pull that leaves you anticipating the break.

 

I have fired both and the pull is only slightly better on the Ruger...

 

i have the ruger lcp 380 and absolutely love it. Perfect size and weight for carry and packs a pretty good punch.

 

are you looking specifically for a pocket pistol? you can get the LC9 which is not much bigger, but not really a pocket pistol, have cheaper ammo costs, better in hand feel/shooter overall IMO.

 

Anyone know why .380 ammo costs more than 9mm?

 

Because 9mm is a NATO standard round and is more mass produced than .380.

 

I carried a Mauser 380 for 5 years and really liked it. Have you looked at it?

 

If your not stuck on a .380 consider a Beretta Nano BU9MM. I just got one last week and really like it!




size comparison to my Glock 23

 

guy I work with just picked up the ruger .380..Has a laser in it for $380.

Super nice little gun, I think I may pick one up also.