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CCW Battle: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 vs. M&P Shield X
Smith & Wesson has done a solid job covering just about every concealed carry niche, and two of the most popular models right now are the Bodyguard 2.0 and the M&P Shield X. Once you see them side by side, though, it’s clear they’re built for different priorities.
One can fit inside the other.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is all about being as small and easy to carry as possible, while the Shield X leans toward being a more capable carry gun that’s still slim enough to conceal comfortably. However, with the new Bodyguard 2.0 boasting a 12+1 capacity, they start to become worthy competitors. People have been constantly comparing them because they both live in the “thin, lightweight carry gun” category.
After spending time handling and shooting both, the differences become pretty obvious. Both have their place, and both performed extremely well on the range, but they definitely cater to different carry styles.
Size and Concealability
Notice the unique front and rear slide serrations on both pistols.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is extremely concealable. That’s really the main selling point. It’s the kind of pistol you can drop into a pocket holster and forget about. It disappears under essentially any clothing that would make carrying a larger handgun more difficult. If your goal is maximum concealment, this thing absolutely delivers.
My preferred carry setup for the Bodyguard 2.0 consists of an IWB holster from Allegiant Holsters and Hornady Critical Defense.
It weighs only 9.8 ounces, and because it’s so light, it’s also incredibly comfortable to carry all day. Even with a fully loaded magazine, it’s still one of the most comfortable to carry pistols I own. It features a 2.75-inch barrel, an overall length of only 5.5 inches, and is less than an inch wide (0.88 inches). It doesn’t get much smaller than that!
It’s hard to believe they almost hold the same number of rounds.
The Shield X is still slim (0.9 inches), but it’s definitely a step up in size. It has a 3.6-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.87 inches. It’s not a pocket gun for most people, but it’s very comfortable for appendix or strong side carry. The longer grip helps a lot when shooting, but it does make concealment slightly more difficult compared to the Bodyguard. That said, the Shield X is still easy to conceal with a good holster.
Caliber and Capacity
The Bodyguard 2.0 is chambered in .380 ACP, while the Shield X is chambered in 9mm. I’ve historically never considered carrying anything under 9mm, but this Bodyguard 2.0 has me reconsidering.
I suggest the extended magazine for both pistols.
Traditionally, .380 pistols have had less-than-ideal capacities, but the Bodyguard 2.0 changes that, as it comes with a 12 and 10-round magazine.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP 12 Round Magazine
260 reviews
Original price was: $40.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP 10 Round Magazine
95 reviews
Original price was: $40.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
The Shield X, being a 9mm, obviously has more punch, and due to the size difference, also offers an increased capacity. 15 and 13-round magazines come standard, which allow you to carry even more confidently.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X 9mm 15 Round Magazine
75 reviews
Original price was: $40.99.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X 9mm 13 Round Magazine
19 reviews
Original price was: $40.99.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
If you’re just looking at caliber and capacity, the Shield X is a no-brainer.
Ergonomics and Grip
This is where the size difference really starts to matter. The Bodyguard 2.0 has an ultra-compact grip, and many people are only going to get a two-finger hold with the flush magazine. With the extended magazine, it improves a bit, but depending on your hand size, you’ll still barely get all of your fingers placed comfortably. That’s the tradeoff. You get incredible concealability, but you sacrifice some comfort and control.
This gives you a good visual of just how small the Bodyguard 2.0 really is.
The Shield X, on the other hand, gives you a nice full grip. Being able to get all your fingers on the gun makes a big difference in recoil management and overall control. It also makes reloads easier and helps during faster shooting drills.
If you have larger hands, the Shield X will almost certainly feel better in your hand.
Triggers and Shootability
Both pistols feature nice flat-face triggers, and both are more than capable at defensive distances. At least for me, the Bodyguard 2.0’s trigger was smoother out of the box, and the Shield X had a little bit of grittiness to it. It smoothed out over several magazines, though, and both pistols have a nice, clean break and consistent pull.
Ambidextrous slide stops would be appreciated.
The Shield X is simply easier to shoot well. The larger grip gives you more control, and the longer sight radius can lead to slightly better precision, especially at longer distances.
This doesn’t mean the Bodyguard is hard to shoot, but the Shield X definitely has the advantage when it comes to overall shootability.
Range Report
On the range, both pistols performed exactly how you would expect from two popular offerings from Smith & Wesson….reliably. Across multiple range sessions, neither pistol had any malfunctions through a variety of ammo types.
The Bodyguard 2.0 shot much better than I expected.
I’ve put a total of 250 rounds through the Bodyguard 2.0, so far, consisting of a mixture of 90-grain Hornady Critical Defense and 95-grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics FMJs.
Hornady Critical Defense .380 ACP 90gr Hollow Point Ammo
3 reviews
Price range: $24.99 through $239.99
It’s definitely snappy, especially compared to larger pistols, but still very controllable. I was actually surprised at how “soft-shooting” it was compared to my expectations. At seven to 15 yards, accuracy was perfectly acceptable for defensive use. This isn’t a gun meant for long-range precision, but it does what it’s designed to do.
Much easier for those with larger hands.
I’ve had the Shield X for a few months longer, so I’ve had more time to put rounds downrange. After just over 500 rounds, I’ve still not had a malfunction. From cheaper 115-grain Blazer Brass to defensive rounds like 124-grain Sig Sauer V-Crown, it has happily eaten them all.
Sig Sauer V-Crown 9mm 124gr Jacketed Hollow Point Ammo
14 reviews
Price range: $16.99 through $169.99
Out of stock
My accuracy was noticeably better than with the Bodyguard 2.0. For me, the big thing is grip size. It’s been easier to keep on target during drills, and I’ve been able to maintain my groupings at further distances.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 and M&P Shield X are both excellent concealed carry pistols, but they’re designed with different priorities in mind. The Bodyguard 2.0 focuses on being as small and easy to carry as possible. It’s lightweight, reliable, and surprisingly capable for its size. If deep concealment is your main concern, it’s hard to beat.
The Shield X, on the other hand, is the more well-rounded defensive handgun. It offers better ergonomics, higher capacity, and the added stopping power of 9mm. It’s easier to shoot accurately and more comfortable for training, making it a great primary carry option.
The choice really comes down to what matters most to you. If you want maximum concealability, go with the Bodyguard 2.0. If you want a more capable everyday carry gun that’s still slim and easy to hide, the Shield X is the better pick.
Either way, you’re getting a solid concealed carry pistol that you won’t be disappointed with.
