Category: Self-Defense

Introduced in July 2024, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is the predecessor of the M&P® BODYGUARD® 380 with 10 years of engineering and design in the making.  Loved for its lighter recoil and the flat faced trigger making it easy to fire and control. 

This model allows for a 10+1 or 12+1 capacity for .380 cartridges giving you plenty of cartridges to neutralize threat situations, and with its compact size and affordable price point, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is a top choice for concealed carry weapons.  The stainless steel barrel and serrated slide not only look great, they’re designed to last.  

The 2.75” barrel and 4″ height makes it perfect for concealed carry underneath spring and summer wear like shorts and t-shirts where there is less fabric to cover up a larger firearm, and the light weight won’t make you feel weighed down or annoy you with tugging in the summer sun.  It blends perfectly into bra holsters like Flashbang making it ideal for women of all cup sizes.

Curious to know more?  We’re ready to help!  Here are some of the specs of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 as well as when you may want to choose this for your concealed carry and when another option may be better.

Specs and Details

Smith & Wesson took their time to develop this upgraded model and it is worth it!  The reduced size with increased capacity make the Bodyguard 2.0 an even better choice for concealed carry than its predecessor.  If you have smaller hands, you’ll love the ease of gripping and controlling this model.  A lot of people will argue that a .380 is not enough to neutralize a threat situation, but with the increased capacity and ease of firing, the person defending themselves can get a clean draw depending on the holster.

With practice and the increased capacity, the reduced recoil and ease of firing gives the person an advantage compared to the original model.  When going up against the Sig Sauer P238, some people will prefer the single action trigger as it may help with accuracy, but just like the Taurus Spectrum, it is compact and easy to control making all three perfect for smaller hands and warm weather concealment.

When to Choose the Bodyguard 2.0

The lightweight and compact design combined with its accuracy and ease of control make it perfect for concealed carry.  

Summer and Spring Outdoors

The warm weather feels amazing against our skin, but it can also cause sweat, and the tugging of gravity can be felt when fabrics get itchy.  The reduced weight decreases the pulling or tugging feeling allowing you to enjoy your surroundings while knowing you have a way to defend yourself without it literally weighing you down.  

Shopping and Being in Public

The last thing you want to do, especially in a threat situation, is have the threat know you have the ability to defend yourself.  Your primary goal is to get to safety, but in the event you cannot get out, you want the upper hand.  The compact size and .88″ width compared to other firearms lets it almost lay flat vs. showing a protrusion or bump helping you to have the upper hand.

Speaking of that, if you’re out shopping for clothing or changing by the lake, a larger and clunkier gun may be noticeable.  This model can be hidden under a shirt while you change or temporarily stored in a purse or backpack pocket so as to not bring attention to it while you try on clothes or change.  Just don’t forget to reholster and secure it, and never leave it unaccompanied for any reason.

Road Trips, Cycling and Activities

Unlike a larger gun that bumps into you or feels present while you’re cycling or sitting in the car, the light weight and compact size of the Bodyguard 2.0 is perfect for spring activities like cycling or going out for a road trip.  

Situations the Bodyguard 2.0 May Not be the Best

This model may be amazing for urban and suburban personal defense, but that isn’t every situation you want to be able to defend yourself.  

Camping and Hiking

If you love camping and the outdoors, a concealed carry is vital for trips where predators are abundant.  The firing power of the .380 will likely not be enough to neutralize the animal, but you could deter it if you’re not caught off guard and have enough muscle memory to get a clean shot.  A higher powered weapon will be better like a Glock 20 and anything with a 10mm that you can easily control.

Fall and Winter Concealed Carry

A .380 may not be enough for defense, and winter and fall clothing can hide larger firearms more easily.  If personal security is your goal, go with a more powerful firearm for fall and winter.  

The Glock G43X could be one option with 10 rounds, but weighs 1.4lbs, or the 3” Colt Python revolver which shoots a .357 Magnum cartridge for extra firepower that comes in at 8.5” and 2lb 7oz weight.  They weigh more and are larger, but they can be concealed with winter clothing and neutralize a threat situation in a worst case scenario.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-control and compact concealed carry, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is a great option for spring and summer, urban living, and warmer climates.

When spring comes we all get the itch to go outside and enjoy the sun.  From backyard BBQs and picnics, to walks and taking photos, the time to ditch sweaters, thick coats, and winter clothes is exciting!  But that also means light jackets, t-shirts, and capris which won’t cover a concealed carry as easily, or hide a holster.  That’s why changing out your gear from winter to spring is vital.

We talked to customers, attendees at a popular firearms show in Vegas, and our team to find the top picks for women’s concealed carry in spring and are excited to share them.  We used the following to sort through the picks helping to ensure they work both for spring and a majority of women.

• Can work with t-shirts, tank tops, spring coats, and light overshirts shirts vs. longer shirts, sweaters, and long jackets.
• The firearm is easy to grab, manage, and handle by the average female based on hand size at 6.8 inches.
• Can be easily drawn and is less likely to snag on a light overshirt.
• At least one option that is easy to conceal for b cups and larger as the most common breast cup size in the US is a 34DD according to both healthline and World Population Review as well as multiple manufacturers and brands.
• Can work for dresses, pants, and with leggings vs. requiring jeans only.
• We did not include belly bands as they can lead to too much sweating which is distracting from your surroundings, they can cause discomfort, and the community is divided on them.

Unlike some of our other posts where we match a firearm with a holster and ammo like the best handguns for bears, there are two holsters that a majority of our surveyed audience recommended. So we’re going to list those and then the three best handguns below with the reasons why.

Best Spring Concealed Carry Holsters for Women

We’ve got nothing against belly bands, but for us comfort is key when it comes to enjoying the spring time. The following holsters can fit with more spring weather clothing from t-shirts to capris, and a maxi dress to a body suit or fringe top.

Easy Draw Flashbang Bra Holster 

One of the reasons we love the Easy Draw Bra Holster from Flashbang is they design knowing every woman and every chest shape is different.  By considering cup size, shape, and space when creating this holster, it blends seamlessly into a b cup or larger making it perfect for concealed carry. It’s an easy draw direct from your bra for when seconds matter. 

The holster tucks right into your bra band letting the bra do the work while not causing sagging or dragging, and it holds comfortably with your natural curves. This is a holster designed by a woman (Looper) and for women, and with our interests and bodies in mind.  That’s why so many of us flock to Flashbang when we need concealed carry that is comfy, accessible when we need it, and works with our seasonal clothing, not against it.  

PHLster Enigma Express Leg and Lower Body

Finding the perfect outfit for a first date, brunch, or girl’s night is hard enough, realizing you need a belt and have to change plans last minute is not something you need to deal with anymore.  The PHLster Enigma Express comes with its own internal belt system so you can strap it to your thigh comfortably and access it from a concealed carry position if you need it.  

Not all of us want a bra holster, and the PHLster Enigma is our top choice for spring concealed carry.  It is not dependent on pants so it’s great for most outfits like shorts, leggings, or dresses.  Best of all this works with your style choices, you don’t have to work your style to meet the holster.

Don’t delay a fun day or night because you have to find a new outfit, this is your go-to, all outfit, and super comfy concealed carry holster that works with all types of spring clothing.

Best Concealed Carry Firearms for Women in Spring

Winter time has bulky coats and sweaters that hide your firearms, even when they’re larger like a larger Glock.  Spring is all about silhouettes which means your concealed carry firearm will show if you stick with winter picks.  That’s why snubbies and compacts hit the scene.

They’re easier to conceal on your body and can still pack a punch when you need to defend yourself in a threat situation.  Here’s our top three picks that can be mixed and matched with the two holsters above. 

• Sig Sauer P365X – This model fits most women’s hands great, it is relatively easy to rack the slide, incredibly accurate, has a capacity of 12 and it is slightly heavier leading to less recoil so you can get a second shot off if needed.  With its red dot optics and ease of control, it may weigh more but the handfeel can also help keep you confident in stressful situations.
• Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 – This is a lightweight option compared to other concealed carry firearms and easy to conceal.  The flat faced trigger with a crisp break gives a feeling of control and makes it easier to fire when timing matters.  You can do a 10+1 or 12+1 magazine giving you the assurance you have enough rounds to get out of most threat situations.
• Glock 43X – There’s no safety switch on this model because it uses the signature safety action system making it perfect for novices that are new to concealed carry and firearms. You get a balanced and versatile grip so you can maintain and aim while feeling confident in your control, and not have to worry about a firing pin stopping you from getting a round off in a threat situation.

When all is said and done, the best holster and firearm combo for women’s concealed carry in spring comes down to what works for your spring fashion style, is comfortable for you to wear so you can enjoy the season, and most importantly gives you fast access and control over the firearm so you can defend yourself if needed.  The two holsters and three firearms above are a great starting point if you’re new or looking to change up your gear.

When you see an abbreviation or name and a number it normally stands for the maker of the firearm and the model number.  AR-15 is ArmaLite and the 15 model, and Glock 9 which is the ninth edition of the Glock pistol.  

Mossberg’s incredibly popular 500 however is a series and not the 500th version of the design, even though they’ve been designing rifles for over 100 years.  500 would be impressive considering the Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun series did not come out until August of 1962.

A series of guns is similar to a series of cars in that the base is the same, but each is modified for a specific use or purpose.  You have a standard Ford Mustang, then a Mach 1, the Shelby, a convertible, EcoBoost, etc… Each one has the essence and core of the standard model, but designed with features that cater to a specific need or market audience.

The Mossberg 500 series is the same in that it has the main features, feel, and control of one of the most loved pump-action shotguns, and it is customized into four standard variations including:

• 500® FLEX
• 500® FIELD
• 500® ATI® TACTICAL
• 500® FIELD COMBOS

Each of these variations serves a different purpose, and knowing these differences will provide you with a better experience as you use it.  And we have a feeling that once you give them a try at a range, you’ll be ready to purchase one for your personal armory.  Not to mention they look incredible on a gun wall which is why they’re featured often in tv and films.  We share some movie and tv appearances below.

Here’s a quick table with the core specs and differences to help you figure out which Mossberg 500 is right for your needs.  Then we share a bit more detail for each variation below.

500® FLEX

This is the ultimate multi-purpose pump-action shotgun of the series in that it has a light recoil and versatile gauges ranging from 12 – 20 making it fun for practice at a range and for hunting in the field.  It’s the lowest cost out of the series making the 500® Flex an affordable option for new enthusiasts, and allows them to train and learn to shoot like a pro.

It is long so it isn’t as ideal for home defense situations as you’ll want stealth and the ability to angle and aim while turning corners, so go with the ATI® TACTICAL option if that is one of the uses you’d like this firearm for.

500® FIELD

With a versatile barrel length ranging between 20″ and 28”, an easy to handle recoil, and reasonable price point for a used or basic model, you’re going to love hunting with the 500® FIELD from Mossberg.  It’s an all purpose pump-action shotgun that works for most game as it can handle 12, 20, and .410 gauges and works for everything from turkey to deer.

It is on the pricier side if you want all the whistles and bells, and just like the FLEX, it is not ideal for home defense situations.  However if you’re in a rural area and the threat is far enough away, this could do the job, but is nowhere near as good as other shotguns for home defense purposes.

500® ATI® TACTICAL

Having a barrel length at 18.5”, a 12 gauge capacity, medium recoil, and a reasonable price at roughly $750, the 500® ATI® TACTICAL is your home defense and personal defense pump-action shotgun from the Mossberg 500 series.  It is lightweight, accurate, and as the name states, made for tactical use.

We do not recommend it for hunting compared to the FIELD or COMBOS variation, but you could do well at a range shooting for sport.  It is a tactical weapon so use it for defense and sport shooting.

500® FIELD COMBOS

When you can’t decide which option from the Mossberg 500 pump-action series to choose from, get the combo.  It isn’t ideal for home defense, but as the name implies it is a combination of the best features from each of the models. 

You can use it for hunting deer and turkey, practice at a range, and has the flexibility of both 12 and 20 gauges.  The price point is in the middle of the other three lines ranging from $600 to $800 on average making it an affordable firearm.

If you need it for home defense, this is not as ideal as the TACTICAL option even though they have a similar recoil because the barrel length is longer.  And it won’t have as much velocity as some of the Field variations which can have an extra 4” of barrel length if that is important to you.

Now that you know how to shop for the right Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun, here’s some movies, tv shows, and fun facts to get you excited for its arrival.

The Crow (1994 version) has a Mossberg 500 in the pawn shop with a Mariner finish, and you can see two of them in Point Break three years before as two of the members in Bodhi’s gang carry them.  Predator, one of the ultimate classic films, features a Mossberg 500 with Billy carrying it along with an M16.  

Ready for the holidays, the Mossberg 500 shotguns are featured in Halloween (2018) and Harry and Kumar 3D holiday special.  And speaking of specials, remember the classic 1987 movie Harry and the Hendersons featuring a big foot?  Now’s the time to rewatch as Jacque Laleur has a Mossberg 500AT.

There’s a reason you’ll see Mossberg 500 pump-action shotguns in movies and hunting films, it’s because it is a trustworthy and reliable option, and looks great.  It’s reliability is one of the reasons it is used by militaries including the US Marines, Army, and Navy, and international defensive forces like Guardia Civil in Spain.

If you found this guide to the Mossberg 500 pump-action shot gun series helpful, join our newsletter list for more content just like it below.

A snub nose revolver, also known as the .38 special, saturday night special, snubbie, and bulldog revolver, is any revolver that is less than 3 inches in length making it easy to store on your body undetected.  The compact size of this revolver combined with variations that have an internal hammer are why people choose a snub nose .38 as their concealed carry weapon of choice for personal defense.  

Its size makes it easy to carry concealed, and the lack of an external hammer reduces the chance of it getting snagged on your clothes when you need fast access in a threat situation.

Although the barrel is short, the frame can range from small to large and you can find snub nose 38’s from most major manufacturers including:

• Ruger
• Smith & Wesson
• Colt
• Charter Arms
• Kimber
• Taurus

Fun fact: The .38 special was designed in 1898 and the 45 acp in 1904 making them similar in age and both created for military use and later on personal defense.  And both are considered great choices for concealed carry firearms.

With all these manufacturers and pop culture with features in Bugsy, Drugstore Cowboy, and the Original Charlie’s Angels driving demand, you’d think the snubbie is a perfect choice for self defense, but it may not be.  

The 38 special is normally compared to the 45 acp which is why we mentioned the fun fact above, but they are not the same.  This is why it is important to test both before deciding which to choose for concealed carry, because in a threat situation you want accuracy and speed.  

A revolver like the 38 special is easier to hide than a 45 acp, but will have limited rounds compared to the semi-automatic pistol.  So if your accuracy is not as good in a threat situation, the additional cartridges will be handy.  A 45 acp is going to pack more of a punch on the threat and will likely have less recoil than a snubbie.  

The 45 is slightly harder to conceal if you’re petite.  The most important thing is to practice and be prepared so if the unfortunate situation where you need a defensive firearm happens, you’ll be ready.  But don’t let these couple of paragraphs stop you from choosing a snub nose .38 for self defense, the snubbie has a long history of protective uses with law enforcement which is why some call it “the detectives gun”, and not just because the manufacturer’s like Colt have a model nicknamed “Detective Special”.

As you learned above, the snub nose .38 was original for the military, and the Smith & Wesson “Military and Police” model became a standard issue after world war 1 when it proved to be highly efficient, and remained standard issue for close to 70 years after.  Tons of firearm innovation and technology occurred during these decades, so if the snubbie was not good for self defense, it had lots of opportunities to be replaced.  And if it had been, we wouldn’t have had quotes about the “saturday night special” specific to firearms in action and suspense tv and movie scenes.

The snub nose .38 is a good choice for self defense when it comes to concealed carry.  The most important thing is you train and practice in case a threat situation occurs.  It may turn out that the snubbie is the best option for you.