The hosts from Classic Firearms introduce the all-new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard chambered in .380 ACP. They note that .380 is essentially a smaller 9mm-style projectile, similar to how .40 S&W is a shortened version of 10mm. The group points out that this Bodyguard is one of the smallest striker-fired handguns they have handled, emphasizing how tiny it appears in the hand. They reference their prior positive experience with Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 pistols and a previous striker-fired handgun challenge where Smith & Wesson ranked highly, which sets expectations that this new micro-compact .380 should perform well despite its very small size.
The discussion shifts to the Bodyguard’s dimensions and capacity. The pistol is about 5 inches in overall length and only 0.88 inches wide, noticeably thinner than many single-stack pistols that are closer to 1 inch. The team highlights that the gun is extremely slim and compact, making it suitable for a wide range of hand sizes, including shooters who typically struggle to reach the trigger on larger pistols. Magazine capacity is a 12-round extended magazine plus one in the chamber for 13 total, with a flush-fit magazine offering 10 rounds plus one. They repeatedly emphasize how small the gun is while still providing double-digit capacity in .380.
Before shooting, they examine the sights on the Bodyguard .380. The pistol features a tritium front sight with a high-visibility orange ring and a practical rear sight, which they consider impressive for such a small handgun. On the range, Kenzie shoots first at about 10 yards, experimenting with two different grip styles. She starts with a modified grip that allows the slide to cycle freely, then tries a more typical full-size grip. Initial impressions are that the gun is very tiny but surprisingly easy to manage in terms of recoil. They remark that the pistol feels almost toy-like due to its size, yet remains controllable and shootable.
Kyle then shoots the Bodyguard .380 and demonstrates how a full-size pistol grip can cause problems on such a small gun. With his normal thumbs-forward grip, his support-hand thumb contacts the slide, preventing it from cycling properly and inducing malfunctions. He adjusts by lowering his grip and keeping his hand clear of the slide, which resolves the issue. They caution shooters with larger or “meaty” hands, especially those used to Glock 19s, M&P 2.0s, or compact pistols, not to let their hands touch the slide. While this will not injure the shooter, it can slow the slide enough to cause failures. Smaller-handed shooters will have an easier time avoiding this issue.
Jason highlights just how concealable the Bodyguard .380 is, joking that it can be hidden in a shoe and noting that his finger is longer than the gun. He suggests that, with the right holster, ankle carry is very realistic. The pistol’s tiny footprint makes it appealing for jogging, gym use, or situations where deep concealment is needed and larger pistols are impractical. They mention that for someone who normally carries a larger handgun, such as a Springfield Hellcat Pro, this .380 could be a more comfortable option with lightweight clothing like gym shorts. The external safety is noted as a useful feature that becomes smoother as the gun breaks in with use.
As the shooting session continues, they notice the Bodyguard .380 gets hot, especially toward the front of the slide and frame area. Despite the small grip area, they find the pistol still workable and controllable, aided by slide serrations that make manipulation easier. However, they offer constructive criticism of the grip texture. While Smith & Wesson is usually praised for excellent grip texture, they would prefer a more aggressive texture on the rear of the grip for this particular model. Because there is limited space for the hand, they want maximum traction to keep the gun from lifting or rising under recoil. They acknowledge that interchangeable backstraps would be excessive on a pistol this small but still wish for a slightly rougher surface.
In closing, the team reiterates that the Bodyguard .380 is a very small pistol that remains fun to shoot, especially with the 10-round flush magazine that makes the overall package even more compact. They believe it will handle typical defensive tasks despite its size. The hosts see it as a strong option for concealed carry, particularly for small-framed individuals or those needing a very slim pistol. They mention potential comparisons to other compact pistols such as the Beretta Cheetah Apx (referred to as Cheetah ADX) and the SIG Sauer P365, inviting viewers to suggest head-to-head tests. They end by asking whether viewers would carry this pistol and encourage feedback on what to compare it against in future videos.
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