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 Bodyguard 2.0 | Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Original (M&P® BODYGUARD® 380) | |
Length | 5.5” | 5.25” |
Height | 4” | 4.1” |
Weight | 9.8oz | 11.1oz |
Width | .88” | .75” |
Barrel length | 2.75” | 2.75” |
Capacity (basic model) | 10+1, 12+1 | 6 |
Cartridge size | .380mm Auto | .380mm Auto |
Trigger type | Flat faced, striker fired | Double action |
Purpose | Concealed carry, self-defence | Concealed carry, self-defence |
Recoil (1 light – 10 heavy) | 3 or 4 as it feels snappy | 6 or 7 depending on the ammo used |
Racking (1 easy – 10 hard) | 7 | 7 |
Modular or fixed grip | Fixed | Fixed |
Effective range | 25 yards | 25 yards |
Year introduced | 2024 | 2014 |
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.