S&W Bodyguard .380

[RetiredSteve]

My wife just bought a Bodyguard 380 and I don't know if it's supposed to be this way or not but here's the issue :

When inserting the magazine, the only way it will go in is if you push the magazine release.

 

[jagee]

It is a little stiff at first, I don't have one, but I have heard that. I was looking at one at Gander Mtn and tried to insert the mag and had to press the release as well, guy said that is normal.

 

[RetiredSteve]

Right now,the mag won't go in ...even with a little gently persuasion.

 

[trophyhunter]

That's just a little outside the realm of "normal" -I'd be calling S&W on that one. Had two of them, they needed a firm bump with the palm of your opposing hand to seat them but being forced to use the release button isn't right.

 

[rockhopper46038]

If you look up inside the magazine well you will see that the mag catch does not have much lead-in on the angle. You can soften the angle either with an emery board or through repeated insertions of the magazine. You certainly can send it back to S&W, but they will likely do the same thing. I'd go the multiple magazine insertion route, giving the magazine a good slap to seat it, but by all means if it doesn't loosen up for you send it in.

 

[RetiredSteve]

I wish I could get a good pic....but I bet the mag catch sticks into the mag well close to 1/16th inch. One the exterior right side, where the mag release is, is not flush with the frame. I hate to send it back to S&W, she just got it today and has zero rounds through it.

 

[45fan]

I would try the suggestions of working it a few times with a mag, see if that makes any difference. My wife also went the S&W way when she picked up a pocket .380, but I dont recall her ever having issue #1 with hers at all.

 

[poppy]

Got 2 bodyguards here at the house. New, out of the box, both guns showed a little resistance about the last 1/16th when loading magazines. A good tap on the base of the mag seated the mag into the magwell. After some range time, say 75-100 rounds, we no longer have the issue and now mags take a just take a very gentle tap to seat.

 

[PurdueBoilermaker]

I'm looking at getting a Bodyguard .380, have you guys run into any other problems with them?

 

[Dudley]

My wife just bought a Bodyguard 380 and I don't know if it's supposed to be this way or not but here's the issue :

When inserting the magazine, the only way it will go in is if you push the magazine release.

Mine is the same way, has been from day one. The magazine goes about halfway then stops, push the release then it slides and sets in just fine. I just thought that was the way it was made.

PurdueBoilermaker, I haven't had any problems with mine. I have about 1,000 rounds through it.

 

[palerider0485]

it shouldnt be like that. thats not a super big deal, but it should slide right in. mag catch probully just needs a little file and polish work,.... or just push buttom when insterting mag.

 

[Bottlefed]

Only issue I've ever had in mine is it doesn't like steal case.

 

[mwaym]

Mine is the same way.....

 

[mwaym]

Okay.... just hit it with a few licks of a nail file..... smooth as butter now.... Thanks for the advice......

 

[poppy]

For the boilermaker-only issue with one of our bodyguards was that the laser quit working(probably never use it in a real life situation) around a month after purchase. Called s&w and they instructed me to send just the laser in to a specific person at their address. Took about a month to receive replacement. I did try fresh batts before calling them but had no luck.

 

[Dudley]

Okay.... just hit it with a few licks of a nail file..... smooth as butter now.... Thanks for the advice......

I did the same thing with the same result! Thanks!!

 

[shortbusbob]

For the boilermaker-only issue with one of our bodyguards was that the laser quit working(probably never use it in a real life situation) around a month after purchase. Called s&w and they instructed me to send just the laser in to a specific person at their address. Took about a month to receive replacement. I did try fresh batts before calling them but had no luck.

Ours too . I had my lgs install a xs big dot night sight . Much better . We did not bother with new batteries .

 

[shortbusbob]

Mags were fine from day one . The wife loves it . I will get one before summer .

 

[HollowPoint]

My magazines hung up on the magazine release when new as did others commenting. I found that just a light tap with the open palm of the hand on the bottom of the magazine when inserted made it slide in just fine. Just repeat a few times with each magazine. I don't believe it needs to go back to the factory.

 

[flyboy84]

Mine requires the light tap method too, but I might try a little polishing as see if that makes it smooth.