Smith & Wesson surprised all of us this summer with the release of their new striker-fired Bodyguard 2.0. Taking over for its antiquated low-capacity, double-action-only pocket pistol predecessor, the Bodyguard 2.0 brings modern features, a sleek modernized design, and of course, an unbeatable capability to be concealed in virtually any type of clothing. I had the privilege to visit the Smith & Wesson headquarters for the official release of the Bodyguard 2.0 and today I’ll share my first impressions of the new .380 ACP pocket pistol, and whether or not I think you should pick one up for yourself.
Looks Are Deceiving
When I was first briefed on the new Bodyguard 2.0 through email, I wasn’t all that impressed. To me, it just looked like Smith & Wesson had done with previous firearms like the M&P 9 or 380 Shield EZ pistols - a small-ish carry pistol meant for those who wanted an easier carry experience. I figured Smith & Wesson had just dressed up one of these pistols with a new striker-fired system, and called it a day - I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As you can see in these photos, the Bodyguard 2.0 is tiny. I was shocked at just how small the pistol was when I first got my hands on it. While the original bodyguard had its unique look, the Bodyguard 2.0 takes a lot of cues from Smith’s newer striker-fired pistols and has new aggressive forward slide serrations, a nicely textured grip, drift adjustable rear sights, and a single front night sight.
The new Bodyguard 2.0 nearly doubles the capacity of the original with its flush-fit 10-round magazine or completely doubles it with the slightly longer 12-round magazine that is included in the box with the pistol. Despite the size of the pistol, I am capable of getting a full grip on the pistol with the flush-fit magazine, and an even better grip with the extended 12-round magazine.
A Pain to Feed - Not a Pain to Shoot
9mm’s popularity over 380 has a lot more to do with its potential for better terminal effects. For one, .380 ACP is on average more expensive for the same amount of ammunition. You’re typically going to pay about 4 to 5 cents more per round for 380 ACP than 9mm when it comes to training ammunition. Your ammunition selection variety is going to be significantly smaller than 9mm as well with 9mm having a greater ability to use and shoot a broader range of projectiles reliably.
Most pocket 380 semi-auto pistols in my experience have also been a huge pain in the ass to shoot. Spongy stiff triggers, extremely snappy recoil, and frequent reloads almost always turned me off of ever carrying, let alone practicing with any of my 380 ACP pocket pistols. The Bodyguard 2.0 flips the script on its head and is not just easy to shoot, but fun to shoot in my opinion.
The larger magazine capacity does a lot to help you get a good cadence with your shooting. The new trigger and striker-fired design of the Bodyguard 2.0 make consistent, clean, and precise trigger pulls effortless, and the size of the grip makes the pistol extremely controllable even when shooting one-handed.
Competitive Advantage & Feature Breakdown
The Bodyguard 2.0 takes everything that made the original great and levels it up with some much-needed modern updates. The striker-fired system, for example, is a big improvement over the old double-action-only design. It feels lighter, crisper, and makes follow-up shots a lot faster—not to mention, more accurate. The drift-adjustable sights are another win, letting you fine-tune your aim for whatever situation you find yourself in. Compared to other pocket pistols out there, like the Ruger LCP Max or Glock 42, the Bodyguard 2.0 holds its own with better ergonomics and an extended mag option that can push capacity to 12 rounds. It’s a compact little beast that punches above its weight class.
Ease of Use & Practical Application
One of the things that really stands out about the Bodyguard 2.0 is how easy it is to live with day-to-day. Its slim, lightweight build makes it a breeze to carry, whether you’re throwing it in an IWB holster or tucking it into your pocket. For its size, the recoil is surprisingly manageable, which makes it a solid option even if you’re newer to concealed carry. Plus, it’s got enough versatility to suit different needs—load it up with the 12-round mag for a little extra firepower or keep things low-profile with the standard mag when you’re going for maximum concealment. It’s the kind of pistol that’s made to work for you, not against you.
Initial Verdict - Should You Buy?
I will have to admit that I personally instantly fell in love with The Bodyguard 2.0. I’m not a huge guy, and concealing even some of today’s micro compact 9mm pistols can be difficult when I’m wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of summer. This new Smith & Wesson semi-auto 380 pocket pistol might not have the terminal performance of today’s micro compact 9mm pistols, but it does meet them in capacity and beats them on concealability in every metric and as they say - the small gun on you is worth a lot more than the big gun you left at home.
I am only a couple of hundred rounds into my own Bodyguard 2.0 but so far I am enjoying the shooting experience far more than any other 380 ACP pistol I’ve shot in my entire life (outside of some full auto machine pistols). The Bodyguard 2.0 is priced right around $400, that’s extremely attainable for most of us if you’re willing to set aside a couple hundred dollars every paycheck.
While I wouldn’t go broke trying to get this gun to carry it everywhere, I’d say it's the perfect compliment to an already well-established CCW roster that needs a bit more performance out of the pocket pistol category. For now, the Bodyguard 2.0 has earned a spot as my new summer carry deep concealment option.
Of course, we’d like to hear your thoughts about this new pistol. My experiences so far have been great but the Bodyguard 2.0 has made its way into gun range rental cabinets and lots of opinions and observations are coming in - tell us what you think!
FAQS
Is the Bodyguard 2.0 CNC?
No, the Bodyguard 2.0 isn’t CNC-machined, but its modernized striker-fired design and high-quality construction reflect Smith & Wesson's attention to precision and reliability.
Is the Bodyguard 2.0 snappy?
Not as much as you’d expect for a compact .380 ACP. The Bodyguard 2.0 is surprisingly controllable, thanks to its improved grip, magazine capacity, and ergonomic design, making it much more enjoyable to shoot compared to other pocket pistols.
Is the Bodyguard 2.0 drop safe?
Yes, the Bodyguard 2.0 is equipped with internal safety mechanisms, ensuring it’s drop safe and reliable for concealed carry. Safety remains a key focus of the updated design.
Is the Bodyguard 2.0 a pocket pistol?
Absolutely. The Bodyguard 2.0 is specifically designed for deep concealment, with a compact frame that fits into almost any pocket or light summer attire, making it a standout in the pocket pistol category.
