S&W Bodyguard 380 vs 2.0: Should I Upgrade My Carry Gun?
For the last decade, the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 has been among the top micro-compact pistols for concealed carry. Known for its small, lightweight frame and reliability, the original Bodyguard has been close to an ideal pocket pistol – until now.
Over the summer of 2024, Smith & Wesson released a brand-new, upgraded version of the Bodyguard, almost reinventing the original entirely. And it is everything we ever wanted and more.
With changes based on consumer feedback, the Bodyguard 2.0 improves on the Bodyguard 380 in almost every way. Featuring enhanced ergonomics, a longer slide, and twice the mag capacity, the 2.0 was redesigned with a more comfortable grip and replaces the original Bodyguard’s heavy double-action trigger with a crisp, easy-to-shoot striker-fired system.
Now that we’ve got our hands on the new S&W Bodyguard 2.0, we’ll compare it to the original Bodyguard 380 and break down all the pros, cons, and differences between the two.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380
The S&W M&P Bodyguard 380 was first launched in 2014 with the intent to create a highly functional pocket pistol that was incredibly compact and lightweight while remaining dependable and shooter-friendly.
“What we decided to do with this one was make the smallest pocket pistol that we could, for the time, and it really served that purpose,” Smith & Wesson’s Digital Marketing Manager Connor Strain said in a YouTube video comparing the two Bodyguards.
Chambered in 380 Auto with a capacity of 6+1, this micro-compact pistol weighs a mere 11.1 ounces and features a high-strength polymer frame, adjustable stainless steel drift sights, an external takedown lever, a manual thumb safety, and a traditional double-action, hammer-fired trigger.
Designed to compete with handguns like the KelTec P-3AT and the Ruger LCP, this tiny but mighty pistol packs a real punch. Effortless to conceal and as durable as they come, you can’t go wrong with this tiny 380 for self-defense.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Although the original Bodyguard is a widely carried and respected choice of pistol, over the years Smith & Wesson received their share of feedback on how the firearm might be improved. And, a decade after the first was released to the public, the company made the new and improved Bodyguard 2.0 in response to their customer’s insights.
In addition to rethinking the grip and overall shape of the gun, Smith & Wesson made the switch to a striker-fired trigger, increased the capacity to 12+1, added a little bit of length to the slide, and provided the option for a manual thumb safety or no safety.
“We incorporated our striker-fired system into this gun instead of the double-action hammer-fired,” Strain said. “You really wouldn’t expect it from a gun this small, but it’s absolutely amazing to shoot. Pair the trigger with the new ergonomic frame design, and really it is just a dream to shoot. It’s a really nice gun.”
Still chambered in 380 Auto and weighing just 9.8 ounces, the 2.0 features an improved flat-faced trigger, aggressive slide serrations, and an ergonomic stippled grip for added control and reduced recoil.
Not only does the upgraded Bodyguard feel great in the hand and comfortable to shoot, but its grip angle is designed to create a natural point of aim for easier, more accurate target acquisition. What’s not to love?
Bodyguard 380 vs Bodyguard 2.0: Specs
Original Bodyguard vs Bodyguard 2.0: Size & Capacity
Both micro-compact handguns, the Bodyguard 380 and 2.0 are pretty comparable in size, with the latter measuring a bit longer and weighing a bit less.
The Bodyguard 380 weighs 11.9 ounces unloaded and measures a mere 4.1 inches tall, 0.75 inches wide, and 5.25 inches long with a barrel length of 2.75 inches. The Bodyguard 2.0, on the other hand, weighs 9.8 ounces unloaded and measures 4 inches tall, 0.88 inches wide, and 5.5 inches long with a barrel length of 2.75 inches.
In terms of capacity, the Bodyguard can accommodate up to 12+1 rounds, while the original has half that with 6+1 rounds.
Bodyguard 380 vs Bodyguard 2.0: Frame
The frame is another major difference between the Bodyguard 380 and the Bodyguard 2.0. The original Bodyguard has an ergonomic stippled polymer grip with molded finger grooves for easier purchase, an external takedown lever and slide stop, and a matte-coated stainless steel slide and barrel with slight rear slide serrations.
The 2.0 also has a stippled polymer grip and a stainless steel slide and barrel, though that’s where the similarity ends. The redesigned Bodyguard has an 18-degree grip angle for enhanced ergonomics and a natural point of aim. It also features much more aggressive slide serrations, making it easier than ever to rack and control.
S&W Bodyguard 380 vs 2.0: Sights & Optics
Although neither gun comes optics-ready, the M&P Bodyguard 380 comes with stainless steel adjustable drift sites and the Bodyguard 2.0 has a bright dot front sight with a Tritium insert and rapid acquisition U-notch rear sights.
Original Bodyguard vs Bodyguard 2.0: Controls
Trigger
The trigger is by far one of the most drastic differences between the Bodyguard 380 and 2.0. While the original Bodyguard was built with a heavier, more traditional double-action trigger, the revamped 2.0 has a light, striker-fired, flat-faced trigger with a tactile break and reset.
“We heard a lot of the consumer feedback on this gun [the Bodyguard 380] being around the trigger specifically,” Strain said in the video. “It’s a very heavy double-action trigger. So, something that we did in the Bodyguard 2.0 was switch it over from an internal hammer fire to a striker fire system.”
Safety
While the Bodyguard 380 comes standard with a manual thumb safety, the Bodyguard 2.0 is available either with or without a safety, leaving the choice up to you.
FAQ: S&W Bodyguard 380 vs 2.0
Is the Bodyguard 2.0 Better Than the Original?
Although the Bodyguard 2.0 was designed to be an improvement on the original by taking consumer feedback into consideration, neither gun is necessarily better than the other. As with all firearms, it all comes down to which features you prefer and which feels better in your hand. That being said, the higher round capacity, lighter weight, and more comfortable grip ergonomics will likely make the Bodyguard 2.0 a superior choice for many shooters.
Is the Bodyguard Series Reliable?
While the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is still new to the market, the M&P Bodyguard 380 has been around for about a decade, during which it has earned a reputation for accuracy, durability, and reliability. There’s a reason this tiny pocket pistol has been such a popular choice for concealed carriers and law enforcement personnel over the years!
What is the Best Bodyguard Holster?
Thanks to their light and concealable size, the pistols in the Bodyguard series are well-suited for any carry position or holster. While this is a popular weapon for inside the waistband carry, the Bodyguard’s exceptionally small size makes it a perfect choice for pocket carry as well.
With that being said, two of the best Bodyguard holsters are the Vedder Pocket Locker® and the LightTuck® IWB holster. The LightTuck is our most popular holster thanks to its comfortable, concealable design and advanced adjustability, featuring adjustable retention, three levels of ride height, and up to 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant.
Which is Right For Me?
Both Smith & Wesson Bodyguard models make an excellent choice for concealed carry or as a backup weapon. Although both are chambered in 380 Auto and have a comparable frame size, the 2.0 has twice the capacity and a striker-fired trigger while the original is built with a double-action trigger.
At the end of the day, the best Bodyguard for you will come down to your personal needs and preferences. No matter which you choose, you’ll need a high-quality concealed carry holster to pair with it. Check out our collection of Bodyguard 380 holsters and Bodyguard 2.0 holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
Interested in items beyond holsters? Take a look at our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more. Or, browse our selection of apparel, gun belts, and accessories. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, to view our collection of durable, RFID-blocking minimalist wallets.
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