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Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Review: Pocket Pistol Protection
Compact .380 and 9MM pistols have long been favorites in the firearms community. Due to their portability, reliability, and effectiveness for self-defense, these pistols are ideal for concealed carry.
However, this compact, easily concealable form factor leads to compromises that make the pistols often less than a pleasure to shoot. Enter the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.
Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the Bodyguard 2.0 is Smith & Wesson’s answer to the challenge of making an ultra-compact pistol that is also enjoyable to shoot.
Wait until you see the gun in hand.
The Bodyguard 2.0 enters a competitive market alongside pistols such as the Ruger LCP II and LCP Max, Sig P365, and Glock 42. Today, we will dive into the Bodyguard 2.0 to see if you will be as impressed as we were with this pocket-sized powerhouse.
Features
The Bodyguard 2.0 is a significant redesign of the Bodyguard. It addressed many of its predecessor’s criticisms while maintaining its core purpose of being a highly concealable defensive pistol.
Capacity
The Bodyguard 2.0 has several notable features. The one that caught my attention initially was the capacity. The ability to have 10+1 and even 12+1 is a significant increase over my tried and true LCP II. Having the ability to carry 23 rounds between the two magazines is excellent.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP 10 Round Magazine
90 reviews
Original price was: $40.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP 12 Round Magazine
218 reviews
Original price was: $40.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
12+1 is not too shabby.
Tritium Front Sight
The sights on most pocket pistols are barely functioning iron sights that are practically useless in low-light situations. The Bodyguard 2.0 is not one of those pistols. The sights are some of the best you will find on a pistol this size, highlighted by the front Tritium sight.
The Tritium front sight is a nice addition for a pocket pistol.
Mild Recoil & Superior Ergonomics
Anyone who has spent much time behind the trigger of a .380-micro pistol knows how uncomfortable they can be during an extended range session. The Bodyguard 2.0 has managed to mitigate this concern, making it an enjoyable pistol to shoot.
The Bodyguard 2.0 with a 10-round magazine in an average size woman’s hands
Compared to every other .380 I have owned or shot, the Bodyguard 2.0 stands alone for feel in the hand and shootability.
The Bodyguard 2.0 with a 10-round magazine in an average size man’s hands.
What We Like About the Bodyguard 2.0
There are several critical areas in which the Bodyguard 2.0 stands out.
First is the ergonomics. The Bodyguard 2.0 has some of the best, if not the best, ergonomics you will find for a pistol in size. The redesigned grip is fantastic and feels good in the hand.
The increased capacity of ten or 12+1 with an extended magazine is a significant improvement over the six or 7+1 that most .380s had before the Bodyguard 2.0. Plus, the pistol is one of the smoothest, if not the smoothest, shooting micro-.380, you will see. The recoil impulse is very mild, and accuracy is good as well.
SALE
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP 12 Round Magazine
218 reviews
Original price was: $40.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
It’s a good-looking pistol too.
Flaws and Potential Deal Breakers
Like any new pistol, users are reporting some initial hiccups on forums. Nothing seems to be a design flaw; they are more like one-off issues or issues that will disappear after a break-in period. The magazine followers seem to need a break-in period with a few of the new pistols.
Loaded and ready to go!
People have also expressed some desire to see one design issue changed: the lack of an optics-mounting option. While not a deal breaker, it is always nice to have the option if you want it. I suspect we might see an optics-ready option in the future, but there is no guarantee.
Testing Details
I put a combination of Monarch FMJs and Hornady Critical Defense down range and experienced zero failures. I am confident in carrying them in Bodyguard 2.0 and trusting my life to the pistol after the successful reliability I’ve experienced.
Always thoroughly test your pistols before relying on them.
The course of fire I used when testing the Bodyguard 2.0 included shooting both paper and steel targets at distances between 3 and 50 yards, and I could effectively engage targets at all distances. As the range increased, the pistol’s effectiveness diminished past 25 yards. How much of that was user error and how much was pushing the pistol past its effective range is up for debate.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is comfortable for many to shoot.
Who is the Bodyguard 2.0 For
The Bodyguard 2.0 is ideal for anyone looking for a highly concealable pistol with solid capacity. The pistol’s improved ergonomics and mild recoil make it an excellent option for concealed carry when a larger pistol is impractical or unnecessary. Plus, it is an excellent option for smaller shooters.
What does your EDC include?
Specifications
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 10+1(flush), 12+1(extended) |
| Barrel Length | 2.75-inches |
| Overall Length | 5.5-inches |
| Height | 4.1-inches |
| Width | .88-inches |
| Weight | 11.5-ounces |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent ergonomics
- 10+1 and 12+1 capacity
- Good sights
- Mild Recoil
- Reliable
Cons
- Mags may require a break-in
- No optics mounting option
Last Words
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 represents a significant leap forward in the pocket pistol category. The improved ergonomics, increased capacity, and good shootability make a compelling argument for the Bodyguard 2.0 being the best pistol in the micro-.380 category.
That is strong praise from me because I have long been an adherent to Ruger’s LCP series of pistols being the king of the hill.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is not a perfect pistol for everyone, but no firearm is. Regardless, it’s worthy of consideration for anyone in the market for a highly concealable pistol for self-defense.
