If you want a pistol that skirts the line between compact and full-size, you’re spoiled for choices. Manufacturers are churning out all kinds of practical pistols like the Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro and Springfield Hellcat Pro.
But those are all making compact pistols bigger; what if you want something smaller? What if you want a softer-shooting round than 9mm?
Enter the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 — an all-new micro-compact that keeps the original’s .380 ACP cartridge but changes just about everything else.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Specs & Features
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Capacity | 10+1, 12+1 |
| Barrel Length | 2.75” |
| Overall Length | 5.5” |
| Width | 0.88” |
| Weight | 9.8 oz |
| Optic-Ready | No |
| MSRP | $449 |
| Features | Improved ergonomics, Flat-faced trigger, Easy to conceal |
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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So, what’s new on the second generation Bodyguard? Everything.
Let’s start at the core of this pistol: the firing mechanism. Gone is the heavy, long, double-action trigger and hammer-fire action. The Bodyguard 2.0 gets a modern striker with what is sure to be a vastly improved trigger.
Next up is capacity. Instead of having six rounds in a grip that’s too short for even the smallest hands, you’ll get one 10-round magazine and one 12-round magazine with this pistol. That extra real estate will improve your grip, but the 2.75-inch barrel remains just as easy to tuck out of sight.
The updated grip texture and slide serrations should make the pistol easier to control and manipulate. The tritium front sight is visible day or night.
You can spec the Bodyguard 2.0 with or without a manual thumb safety.
The whole pistol is just 5.5 inches long, 4.1 inches high, and 0.88 inches wide. Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard series is meant for maximum concealment and self-defense in close quarters, so this pistol doesn’t come with an accessory rail or an optic-cut slide.
Unlike Smith & Wesson’s flagship M&P9 pistols, the Bodyguard series shoots .380 ACP. We have an in-depth comparison of .380 vs. 9mm, but the gist is that .380 ACP is a lighter-recoiling alternative for small pistols.
It sacrifices some stopping power to be easier to shoot, which makes it popular among people who might struggle with the snappy recoil of a subcompact or micro-compact 9mm.
The original M&P Bodyguard 380 (which you can still buy) has a simple value proposition: it’s miniscule. You could easily carry one in a pocket holster. The stubby grip and long double-action trigger make it challenging to shoot well, though.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is a massive step in the right direction. It’s larger without precluding it from deep concealment, more modern, and vastly improved in the ergonomics department.
Smith & Wesson lists an MSRP of $449 for the Bodyguard 2.0.
What do you think of the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0? Let us know below. For more tiny handguns, check out our guide to the best pocket pistols for concealed carry.
3 Leave a Reply
I just picked 1 up this week & took it to the range today. Sweet little pistol. My wife liked the way it shot too. Minimal slide rubbing when you grip it high. No failures using Fiocchi 95 grain FMJ, but we weren’t able to shoot anything else, since you had to buy your ammo from the range. The slide didn’t lock back on an empty mag about half the time. After 100 rds, my palm was a little chaffed by the grip, but since this isn’t a range gun for us, that’s not an issue. The range doesn’t have very good, so the sweat was dripping profusely, but I never had a problem with a slippery grip & the slide serrations made for a secure grip with sweaty hands. This is a definite recommend for anyone considering buying one.
I'll stick with the original Bodyguard (without laser). Top shelf concealability for pocket and ankle carry AND being hammer fired it has something most others, other than the discontinued Beretta Pico, do not with it's double strike capability if a weak primer is encountered.
WOW. But I can't replace my LCP Max at the moment, but I'd love to have one of these.