Gunner Quinn
Smith & Wesson introduced the “Bodyguard” moniker in 1955 to designate a version of its J-frame revolver with a shrouded hammer. While that model is still in production as the 638, Smith & Wesson expanded its Bodyguard line-up in 2010, with both a revolver and semi-automatic handgun. The semi-automatic Bodyguard .380 became a popular option, getting an update and joining the M&P family in 2014. New for 2024, Smith & Wesson is upgrading the pistol with the Bodyguard 2.0.
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 applies aesthetics and features of the M&P series to the company’s micro-compact .380.
Like the original, the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is a locked breech, polymer-frame, micro-compact, semi-automatic handgun chambered in .380 ACP. Beyond those similarities, the 2.0 Bodyguard has been thoroughly revamped. Externally, its profile matches the handguns in the M&P 2.0 series, with an ergonomic 18-degree grip angle with textured gripping surfaces and aggressive slide serrations fore and aft.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is available with (pictured) and without a manual thumb safety. It is supplied with a 10-round flush-fit magazine and a 12-round extended magazine (pictured).
Whereas the original Bodyguard .380 used a double-action-only firing mechanism, the Bodyguard 2.0 uses a striker-fired mechanism taken from the M&P series that uses S&W’s flat-faced Performance Center-style trigger. A striker-fired mechanism allows for a lower slide height, and the Bodyguard 2.0 comes in 0.1” shorter than its predecessor. Its overall length is 0.25” longer than the original Bodyguard .380 at 5.5” with the same 2.75” barrel. Despite its dimensions, capacity in the Bodyguard 2.0 has been increased by four rounds to fit 10 rounds in a flush-fitting magazine, with an extended 12-round magazine also supplied. The pistol’s weight has dropped to 9.8 ozs.
The Bodyguard 2.0 has a dot front sight with tritium insert and a serrated U-notch rear.
The Bodyguard 2.0 comes in two versions. One version has no external manual safety, and the other has bilateral thumb safeties mounted on the rear of the frame. Both have a stainless-steel slide and barrel with a black Armornite finish. Sights are a “Bright Dot” front with tritium insert and a rear U-notch. The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 has an MSRP of $449 for both versions—TS (thumb safety) and NTS (no thumb safety). For further details, visit Smith & Wesson’s website here.
With the Bodyguard 2.0, S&W introduces its next generation of micro-compact .380 handguns with enhanced features and capacity.
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