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This post covers the initial release. For the full review click HERE
Smith & Wesson, after a severe loss in production numbers (a 1,000,000 handgun production reduction) is back at it with a new release. This Bodyguard 2.0 appears to be a Shield Plus chambered in 380acp and fortunately to not share some of the attrocious characteristics of the original Bodyguard.
With little information to go off of we can see that this model uses a locked breech system which should make recoil much more pleasant than the original. Available with and without a thumb safety, the Bodyguard 2.0 is striker fired which should also make for a better trigger feel than we remember from the original DAO Bodyguard.
We can also see that either they opted against cutting for optics or are saving that for a "Performance Center" version to release later after initial sales cool off.
Specifications
WIDTH: 0.75 in
LENGTH: 5.25 in
HEIGHT: 4.1 in
WEIGHT: 9.8 oz
CALIBER: 380 AUTO
CAPACITY: 10,12
ACTION: STRIKER FIRED
BARREL LENGTH: 2.75
GRIP: POLYMER
SIGHTS: BLACK
OPTIC READY: NO
SAFETY: NONE
COLOR/FINISH: BLACK
STATE COMPLIANCE: CO, DE, IL, VT
THREADED BARREL: NO
BARREL MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
FRAME: POLYMER
NUMBER OF MAGAZINES: 2
MSRP: $449
Retail Pricing as of 16JUL24
Original Press Release:
"MARYVILLE, TN., (7/16/2024) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the Bodyguard 2.0.
The Bodyguard 380 caught the attention of many when it first launched in 2010 at Shot Show® in Las Vegas. Since then, the series has offered various models with lasers, external safeties, and even engraved slide finishes. With this next generation of micro handguns, Smith & Wesson set out to deliver a pistol with unparalleled performance in a small and lightweight platform.
When compared to the original model, the Bodyguard 2.0 boasts a new profile, has a higher capacity, and includes modern design enhancements that make this the ultimate concealed carry choice. Chambered in 380 Auto, the pistol ships with a flush fit 10-round magazine and an extended 12-round magazine giving the user substantially more capacity, and models will be available with or without a thumb safety. The Bodyguard 2.0 has an overall height of 4-inches, a width just under 1-inch, and weighs in at 9.8 oz unloaded, which provides the user a more comfortable fit and improved control. It also includes a striker-fired design and new flat-face trigger for better consistency for more accurate shots. Out of the box, the pistol ships with a black u-notch rear sight, and a bright tritium-insert front sight, that allows the user to rapidly acquire and stay on target.
“The Bodyguard 2.0 is a breakthrough new micro-sized striker-fired pistol from Smith & Wesson. Although small in size, the Bodyguard 2.0 has an impressive capacity, crisp trigger-pull, and exceptional controllability. The combination of new aggressive, but not sharp, slide serrations, and strategic texturing over the frame aid in the pistol’s superior performance leading it to the front of the micro category. The Bodyguard 2.0 is the micro pistol you have always wanted, and now can have,” said Andrew Gore, Handgun Product Manager."
It's great. Tremendous improvement over legacy model. A winner in the category.
Interesting, I’ve been caring my bodyguard 380 a number of years and it’s been a good pocket pistol when I can’t carry my shield 2.0.
I’ve been happy with all of my Smith & Wesson guns for 60 years.
Actually weighs 12 ish oz. , weight they post is without mag
It looks to be similar in size as the Ruger LCP MAX …
Looks interesting …
But when I think 380
I think Ruger 🤣
There was an EARLIER .380 Bodyguard! It came out in the late 1980s I think and was even used in an episode of the "Sopranos" TV series. Many people on forums asked "WHAT was that shrunken Glock he used!" It bombed at the gunstores because S&W chose to go ugly and CHEAP, as in a zinc alloy slide called Zamak and a black paint job. If they had used an honest steel slide they would have sold millions of them! I bought one anyway and I STILL CARRY IT if my shorts pockets are small. It has never failed in ANY WAY through probably three hundred self-defense hollowpoint loads; the double-action-only trigger (never cocked until firing) is NOT THAT…
Interesting, I wonder if it's almost too light in weight for the cartridge? Very anxious to see a full review by GB on this.