Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380

About the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is a micro-compact, double-action-only, internal hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP. Introduced in 2010, it was designed as an ultra-concealable pocket pistol for personal defense and backup duty use. The original first-generation Bodyguard 380 was distinctive for its integrated Insight Technology laser sight built directly into the polymer frame, with activation buttons on both sides of the frame cycling through on, pulsing, and off modes. The pistol features a polymer frame with a stainless steel barrel and slide finished in black Melonite for corrosion resistance, weighing just 11.85 ounces (336 grams) unloaded. The 2.75-inch (70mm) barrel feeds from a flush-fit six-round single-stack magazine, giving a 6+1 total capacity. The double-action-only trigger pull is approximately 9 pounds (40 N) with a long, deliberate stroke characteristic of DAO hammer-fired designs. A manual thumb safety on the left side of the frame provides an additional layer of security for pocket carry. The slide locks back on the last round fired and drift-adjustable sights allow for windage correction. At just 0.75 inches (19mm) wide and 5.25 inches (134mm) long, the Bodyguard 380 was one of the slimmest pocket pistols available during its production run.

The Bodyguard 380 revived the historic 'Bodyguard' name that Smith & Wesson had originally used for the Model 49 revolver introduced in 1959. The integrated laser sight was a bold move in 2010, making the Bodyguard 380 one of the first mainstream production pistols to ship with a factory-installed laser as standard equipment rather than an aftermarket accessory. Despite the heavy DAO trigger drawing constant criticism, the pistol sold in enormous numbers throughout its production life, proving that the combination of extreme concealability, a trusted brand name, and an integrated laser resonated powerfully with the concealed carry market.

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 specifications

The original Bodyguard 380 with the integrated Insight laser was introduced in 2010 and approved by the LAPD for duty carry in 2011. Later production runs replaced the Insight laser with a Crimson Trace unit, and a no-laser variant was also offered. The DAO trigger was widely criticized for its heavy, long pull that made accurate shooting difficult for many users, though proponents argued the heavy trigger served as a safety feature for pocket carry without a holster. The Bodyguard 380 used a simple blowback operating system rather than the locked-breech tilting barrel found in later .380 designs. The pistol featured second-strike capability, allowing the trigger to be pulled again on a round that failed to fire on the first attempt. The Bodyguard line was discontinued around 2023 and replaced by the completely redesigned Bodyguard 2.0, which switched to a striker-fired action, increased capacity to 10+1 with a stack-and-a-half magazine, and adopted a locked-breech short-recoil action. The original Bodyguard 380's loaded weight estimate includes six .380 ACP cartridges at approximately 10.5g each plus one in the chamber. Typical muzzle velocity from the short 2.75-inch barrel is approximately 850 fps (259 m/s) with 90-grain FMJ loads, somewhat reduced from the cartridge's standard test barrel performance. Rifling twist is 1:16 inches (406mm) with 6 grooves, right-hand twist. MSRP was $399 at introduction.