0
CCW Showdown: S&W Bodyguard 2.0 vs. Shield Plus vs. Equalizer
The battle of the best concealed carry-size Smith and Wesson pistol has begun. Today, we’re putting the Bodyguard 2.0, the Shield Plus, and the Equalizer in a head-to-head battle and, hopefully, answer some questions you may have.
We will list some technical specs and review which is best for its intended purpose. While they may be similar in size, they are not equal, and each has pros and cons.
We’ll also briefly discuss the CSX for anyone wanting a hammer-fired single-action pistol.
Let’s dive in.
Three worthy contenders. Source
Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
The Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is S&W’s newest offering, chambered in .380 ACP. It builds on the original’s success with a longer frame, updated trigger and grip, and increased capacity.
The Bodyguard 2.0 and an EDC knife make a great combination. Source
With a magazine capacity of 12+1 rounds, it has been much more successful than its predecessor. It can also accommodate slightly larger hands now, which was a primary complaint with the prior model.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP 12 Round Magazine
218 reviews
Original price was: $40.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
However, the Bodyguard 2.0 is still surprisingly small. It can fit in the palm of a larger hand fairly easily, which makes it troublesome for shooters who like to have their whole hand on their pistol—almost every shooter I know.
Is the .380 making a comeback or something? Source
The aftermarket support for the Bodyguard 2.0 is slim, and not many parts are available, so this is a fair warning to those who like to tinker. Overall, it’s an ultra-compact and lightweight option for those who like to pocket carry or be ultra-discreet.
Tech Specs
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Width | 0.88 Inches |
| Length | 5.5 Inches |
| Height | 4 Inches |
| Weight | 9.8 Ounces |
| Capacity | 10+1, 12+1 |
Shield Plus
The Shield Plus is a smaller variant of the full-size M2.0 favored by law enforcement, government agencies, and civilians. It’s a widely used and tested platform that gives the shooter more peace of mind when tucking it in their waistband.
It comes in several configurations, some with optics-ready slides and others with threaded barrels. One even has a compensator, so you have plenty of options.
The Shield Plus is chambered in 9mm, making it a more familiar cartridge and widely available. It also, in turn, provides more stopping power than the Bodyguard 2.0.
A Shield Plus with all the bells and whistles. Source
Being a micro-compact pistol, it will be better suited to shooters with smaller hands who can get a full grip around the pistol’s frame. Like the Bodyguard, it does not have a rail for a laser or light.
The flat-face trigger is clean and crisp; many shooters speak highly of it. Thanks to the platform’s popularity, the aftermarket support is larger than that of any other pistol on this list.
If you like to customize your pistol, you may like the Shield Plus best.
Hint: You can also use the 15-round magazine that comes with our next pistol, with the Shield Plus.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Equalizer 9mm 15 Round Magazine
346 reviews
Original price was: $41.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
Tech Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Width | 1.1 Inches |
| Length | 6.1 Inches |
| Height | 4.6 Inches |
| Weight | 19.9 Ounces |
| Capacity | 10+1, 13+1, 15+1 |
Equalizer
The people’s concealed carry handgun. The Equalizer has many unique features, making it one of the best concealed-carry guns for new and seasoned shooters. It also doesn’t hurt that it features up to a 15+1 capacity!
SALE
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Equalizer 9mm 15 Round Magazine
346 reviews
Original price was: $41.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
With its easy-to-rack slide, the Equalizer makes getting a round in the chamber far more accessible for those with weaker hands due to age or other factors.
The grip safety prevents you from having to adjust your grip or fumble around to get your rounds off. The trigger is tactile, easy for follow-up shots, and not mushy like many other curved triggers.
An almost fail-proof design. Source
The Equalizer is optics-ready from the factory and is the only pistol on this list to feature a Picatinny rail for lights and lasers.
Match all this up, and you have a recipe for one fine carry gun. Albeit small, it is comfortable and easy to use, which is especially important in a stressful situation.
Aftermarket parts for the Equalizer are slim, but it does feature an optics cut, so what you see is what you get.
Tech Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Width | 1.04 Inches |
| Length | 6.75 Inches |
| Height | 4.5 Inches |
| Weight | 22.09 Ounces |
| Capacity | 10+1, 13+1, 15+1 |
Bonus: CSX
The Smith and Wesson CSX is meant for hammer-fired fans who want more than the older hammer-fired carry guns can provide. It’s a no-frills carry gun with a ten or 12-round magazine capacity and surprisingly accurate white dot sights.
I had my hands on the CSX for a review last year and was thoroughly impressed. There is no rail for a light or laser, nor is there an optics cut for a red dot sight, but it was accurate, and I experienced zero failures out of 500 rounds.
So, if you can forgo an optic and a light and like hammer-fired pistols, the CSX may be your golden ticket.
Who can deny a hammer-fired pistol? It’s beautiful. Source
Conclusion
If I had to pick one of these pistols to carry daily, I’d go with the Shield Plus due to its aftermarket availability, optics-ready slide, and solid capacity. However, every gun on this list makes a fine CCW.
So, an A+ for that, Smith and Wesson. Keep up the good work.
Be good and take care.
