The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is the latest evolution of the Bodyguard series, a name synonymous with deep-concealment firearms for close-quarters defense. Over the years, the Bodyguard 380 lineup has included both J-frame snub-nose revolvers and a deep-concealment six-shot micro .380 ACP pistol for those who prioritize discretion and reliability.

With the S&W Bodyguard 2.0, Smith & Wesson has made significant improvements over the previous Bodyguard 380, addressing concerns about size and capacity. The original micro-compact Bodyguard .380 has been replaced by a slightly larger but still ultra-concealable pistol, offering an impressive 10+1 or 12+1 round capacity. This makes the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 a compelling option for everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts seeking a balance between concealability and firepower.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the design, performance and features of the SW Bodyguard 2.0, including its improved grip, upgraded sights and overall handling. Whether you’re considering the Bodyguard 2 for personal protection or looking for a modernized micro-pistol, this deep dive will help you determine if it’s the right fit for your carry needs.

Reduced Size, Increased Capacity

The ads for the Bodyguard 2.0 did not give an accurate picture as to the size of the gun. I was actually taken aback when I opened the box at my FFL. It reminded me of an M&P Shield shrunken down several sizes.

The Bodyguard 2.0 is built on an ergonomic polymer frame that has a gentle textured finish on its entire surface. The grip is small but comfortable, and the undercut trigger guard also contributes to the great feel in-hand, allowing users’ middle fingers to lock in a solid grip.

The magazine release is prominent and positive, and the black steel magazines pop entirely clear with ease. The trigger face is flat, with a safety lever in the center functioning as a drop safety. The trigger pull is relatively crisp for a striker-fired defensive pistol. There is about a ¼ inch of takeup, and the relatively crisp pull measured 5 pounds, 3.7 ounces.

About the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

I tested S&W’s no thumb safety (NTS) version, but a version with a thumb safety on both sides of the frame is available as well. Without those thumb safeties, the only other controls on the frame were the takedown lever on the left side above the trigger and the slide release/slide lock lever on the left side just above the magazine release button.

Two stippled fingertip rest pads on either side of the frame above the front of the trigger guard provide a tactile locater for right or left trigger fingers ensuring shooters keep their fingers on the frame rather than just off the trigger, improving safety.

The slide has scalloped grasping grooves at the front and rear. Though Smith & Wesson label these grooves as “aggressive,” I consider them “positive,” since they don’t tear up the fingers when working the slide. With a viewing port at the rear of the chamber, a press check of the Bodyguard 2.0 is unnecessary. Operators can verify the status of the chamber without moving the slide.

The best part of the slide configuration is the included sights from XS Sights. It is gratifying to see a set of quality combat night sights come mounted on the Bodyguard 2.0 straight from the factory. The Bodyguard 2.0 is truly ready to go right out of the box. The rear sight is a fixed black serrated affair with the now popular U-shaped notch for rapid acquisition. The front sight has a Tritium lamp surrounded by an orange high-contrast glow dot. This setup ensures a bright front sight picture under all light conditions.

Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Specifications

Caliber: .380 ACP
Length: 5.5 inches
Height: 4 inches
Weight: 9.8 ounces
Capacity: 10-round flush magazine /12-round extended magazine
Barrel length: 2.75 inches
Action: Striker-fired
Sights: XS Tritium front/U-notch rear
Optics ready: No
Barrel material: Stainless steel
Laser: No

As you can see, the Bodyguard 2.0 is very compact. It is a modern-day “belly gun” meant to be carried close to the skin for quick access and fired at close range in defense of life, just like all the previous S&W Bodyguards. But how does it shoot?

Shooting the S&W Bodyguard .380

I went to the outdoor range with CCI .380 FMJ round-nose target ammunition with a muzzle velocity of 945 feet per second, which results in 188 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and a box of Liberty Ammunition’s 380 Civil Defense ammo. This hot load propels a 50-grain .380 JHP downrange at 1,500 feet per second and produces 250 foot-pounds of energy. Testing the gun’s recoil with the Liberty Ammo .380 was particularly interesting to me, given its small size and light weight.

I set up a B27 PROS silhouette target and moved out to 20 feet. I started with 10 rounds of the CCI ammo in the extended magazine, which provided solid support for the base of my hand. The initial round chambered easily. The ammo’s recoil was noticeable but not at all uncomfortable. All CCI rounds cycled flawlessly even with the gun fired right out of the box.

Aiming for the center of the head, the orange glow dot was readily visible in the slightly overcast conditions. I moved up to 15 feet after loading up again. Having noticed the rounds were striking to the left of center, I fired the next group at the scoring sheet at top right portion of the target. The shots again grouped outside the box to the left.

Backing off to 20 feet again with the Liberty ammunition now, I aimed for the orange X-ring and had a nice group land to the left. Recoil was less than that of the CCI practice rounds. Sticking with the Liberty ammo, I took aim again, holding the sights about 3 inches to the right of the X-ring. Four rounds cut the X-ring at the 6 o’clock position, five rounds landed in the 10-ring, and one landed in the 9-ring, for a group totaling about 3 inches. There were no malfunctions with either load.

*XS has informed me that, though the sights of the Bodyguard 2.0 are fixed, the front sight has enough room to be drifted gently within its cut if users experience issues similar to the above.

Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 the Best Micro .380?

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 builds on the success of its predecessor, delivering a higher-capacity, micro-compact .380 ACP pistol designed for deep concealment. With its 10+1 or 12+1 round capacity, ergonomic polymer frame and factory-installed XS Tritium night sights, the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is ready for defensive use right out of the box.

This pistol remains a practical “belly gun” designed for close-quarters defense, excelling in fast, instinctive shooting situations. With an MSRP of $449, it offers a solid balance of affordability, performance and concealability, making it a great choice for EDC.

Sources

Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com
XS Sights: XSSights.com
CCI Ammo: CCI-Ammunition.com
Liberty Ammo: LibertyAmmo.com

 

Would you trust the SW Bodyguard 2.0 as your next concealed carry pistol? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!