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Just Announced: New Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 Pistol

Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

Smith & Wesson just released information on the new M&P Bodyguard 380 pistol.  According to the company, the new pistol combines the characteristics of the M&P line with the features of the existing Bodyguard 380 pistols.

Features of the M&P Bodyguard 380

  • second-strike capability
  • thumb safety
  • stainless steel, adjustable sights
  • 11.85 ounces (unloaded)
  • ships with two magazines

The gun appears to be very similar to the original Bodyguard 380, with the biggest difference being the lack of integral laser.  While the built-in laser is a desired feature by many, some people do not want a laser aiming device.  Many police departments do not allow the use of a laser on a handgun, which precluded this gun’s use as a backup gun for many in law enforcement.

Bodyguard Compared
The two Bodyguard 380 pistols compared: the original is on the left, the new M&P version is on the right.

The Los Angeles Police Department approved the use of the Bodyguard 380, but only if the laser was rendered inoperable by an armorer.  I’ve had multiple law enforcement members e-mail me asking if Smith & Wesson made a Bodyguard 380 without a laser.  Now I can say yes.

MSRP is $379.  In recent years, Smith & Wesson has only announced a product when they have been ready for production.  It would appear to be true in this case, as the gun is already listed on the company’s website with a “buy now” option.

Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 Specifications

caliber.380 ACP
magazine capacity6 rounds
barrel length2.75"
overall length5.25"
weight (unloaded)11.85 oz
MSRP$379.00

We will certainly have more information on these pistols, and all of the new Smith & Wesson guns, from the SHOT Show.

Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

I’ve put together a list of holsters for the Bodyguard 380 that are currently available over at BlueSheepdog.com. Feel free to check that out and let me know what I missed.

By Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is a gun writer, amateur historian and - most importantly - a dad. He's done a lot of silly things in his life, but quitting police work to follow his passion of writing about guns was one of the smartest things he ever did. He founded this site and continues to manage its operation.

25 replies on “Just Announced: New Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 Pistol”

Just bought a new 2014 M&P BG380. The slide & barrel are extremely hard to rack or (pull back). Anyone else have this problem and a remedy ?

One thing that hinders a lot of folks in racking the slide is essentially only using the weak hand to supply the force. Instead of holding the pistol immobile with your strong hand and racking only with your weak hand, use an over-the-slide grip so your weak-side thumb is on the near side of the slide at the butt of the gun, then push both arms/hands together. Note you may need to turn your body a bit strongside if you’re on a range, so the muzzle is directly downrange.

Hope this helps.

I just spoke with I believe his name was Eric from S&W today. I was asking about the M&P .380 Bodyguard. Some sites were saying it had a higher weight. not noticeable, but more. The new M&P now has a stainless steel barrel. I saw this on their site. I asked Eric about the thumb safety or lack of one. He said one can be ordered if it wasn’t wanted. I guess my gun shop was unaware of this like so many others that don’t like the thumb safety and wouldn’t want it. Now you know you can get it without.

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