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S&W Bodyguard vs. Bodyguard 2.0: What’s New?
If you’re a fan of .380 ACP, I’m willing to bet you’re familiar with the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. For the last decade or so, it’s been carried by those who are looking for a striker-fired pistol that provides exceptional concealability.
Unfortunately, with increased concealability comes reduced capacity, and the Bodyguard only offers a 6+1 capacity. That is less than ideal for any caliber, but especially when you’re dropping below 9mm.
The original Bodyguard (top) with the Bodyguard 2.0 (bottom). Source
The new Bodyguard 2.0 not only improves capacity but doubles it, as it comes with a ten and 12-round magazine! With increased capacity, improved ergonomics, and a nice mix of new features, it is looking to be an instant hit.
Oh, and did I mention that the new Bodyguard 2.0 is almost exactly the same size?!
Smith & Wesson has really been stepping up its game in the handgun arena, especially with these smaller striker-fired offerings. Let’s take a closer look at the new Bodyguard 2.0 and see if you agree with me that it’ll be an easy win.
New Features
From a quick glance, the two guns look like completely different models. Everything from the frame to the slide has been redesigned, and I’d say it’s all for the better. The original Bodyguard left a lot to be desired but did fill its role well of being an ultra-discreet carry.
New front slide serrations are both functional and attractive. Source
The first thing you may notice is the unique and aggressive slide serrations. They are deep enough to actually assist and are a welcomed addition, given that the slide is so small to begin with. When you have large hands like me, those small slides can be difficult to manipulate in a hurry.
Working our way down the pistol, you’ll find a new flat-face trigger that is consistent with many of Smith & Wesson’s new handguns. While I haven’t shot this one yet, if it’s anything like the other ones I have from newer S&W offerings, I’ll be happy.
It’s always a good idea to have a spare mag. Source
Thankfully, the finger grooves have been removed from the grip, and despite being essentially the same height, S&W has managed to fit a 10-round flush magazine inside while offering a 12+1 extended magazine. That extended magazine literally doubles the original Bodyguard’s 6-round magazine.
Considering all of these new features, it makes you wonder if the original Bodyguard will even be offered for much longer. I do see that, for the time being, it’s still being marketed on S&W’s site with links to purchase, but my guess would be that come 2025, that will not be the case.
Side By Side
With all of these new features, including such a drastic improvement in capacity, one would think the Bodyguard 2.0 must be significantly larger in size. Well, you’d be wrong if you did.
It’s amazing that S&W kept the 2.0 less than a quarter-inch wider than the original. Squeezing in those extra rounds without any noticeable increase in width is like magic.
The difference in width can almost not be noticed. Source
Similar to my awe regarding the width, I was completely shocked that the height was actually shortened by a hair, or 0.1 inches, to be exact. They look almost identical in this regard, but I’m assuming it’s because of the finger rest on the original Bodyguard magazine.
Their heights are almost exactly the same. Source
Each pistol has a 2.75-inch barrel, but the overall length increases by a quarter-inch when you step up to the 2.0. This difference is more noticeable than the difference in width, but only if you have both pistols side by side.
A quarter-inch difference in overall length. Source
Lastly, to help offset the additional weight of the extra rounds you can carry with the 2.0, S&W reduced the overall weight by just over two ounces between the models.
Specifications Comparison
| Features | Bodyguard | Bodyguard 2.0 |
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 | 10+1, 12+1 |
| Barrel Length | 2.75 Inches | 2.75 Inches |
| Overall Length | 5.25 Inches | 5.5 Inches |
| Width | 0.75 Inches | 0.88 Inches |
| Height | 4.1 Inches | 4 Inches |
| Weight | 11.9 Ounces | 9.8 Ounces |
Worth The Upgrade?
Even if you already have the original Bodyguard, upgrading to Bodyguard 2.0 is worth it. From the increased capacity to the improved ergonomics, it’s a no-brainer.
If you’re in the market for a .380 ACP pistol, you should surely check this one out. However, if your intended role for the Bodyguard 2.0 is a defensive one, I would suggest stepping up to at least a 9mm, but if you’re set on .380 ACP, this is a great option.
One last look at the Bodyguard 2.0. Source
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
