Smith & Wesson's M&P Bodyguard .380 Gun Is One Fierce Firearm

Kyle Mizokami

Security,

The Bodyguard’s profile is of a stubby, subcompact pistol with the style and lines of Smith & Wesson’s M&P semi-automatic pistol series.

The Bodyguard is the smallest firearm in Smith & Wesson’s Military & Police lineup––and likely in anyone else’s lineup for that matter. The Bodyguard’s unobtrusive size and svelte weight make for a weapon that is easy to ignore over the course of a day but which can be brought quickly into action when necessary. For those looking for a small, lightweight pistol, the Bodyguard 380 is the handgun to beat.

Newfound consumer interest in the subcompact handgun has led many gun manufacturers to introduce smaller––but still potent––pistols that can be carried discretely as a backup gun or concealed carry piece.

(This first appeared last month.) 

But which ones are worth your time and money? One such example is the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380. One of the best of the new generation of subcompact handguns, it also has the most favorable dimensions and weight for those requiring packable firepower.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 is a second generation subcompact pistol that takes over from––and is functionally identical to––the first generation Bodyguard. The pistol is a small frame, double action semi-automatic designed for concealed carry. Unlike the larger M&P handguns it is not a striker fired weapon, instead using a more traditional hammer and firing pin operating system. The gun lacks an external hammer, making it incapable of single action fire and the lighter trigger pull that entails. The double action hammer pull is rated by reviewers at 9.5 pounds and is described as “smooth” and “easy to use.”

The Bodyguard’s profile is of a stubby, subcompact pistol with the style and lines of Smith & Wesson’s M&P semi-automatic pistol series. The pistol lacks sharp edges and corners that could snag on clothing during a quick draw, and has low profile sights. The pistol utilizes a polymer frame, greatly reducing weight, while still using steel for the barrel, frame, and other strength-intensive parts. The result is a handgun that weighs just 12 ounces, likely the lightest subcompact semi-automatic on the market.