2 Pistols

[pop pop]

I have 2 new pistols that have really settled on my interest. The S W Bodyguard 2.0 380 and the Ruger RMX 9 MM. I am totally thinking I am going with the Bodyguard, as a back up Pocket Pistol, and interested in looking at the Ruger as an IWB concealed carry. I am falling prey to all the hype about the Ruger. Looks interesting to me.

Don't like the Glocks. I have a G 19 Gen 5 which IMO is much better than its predecessors. Still not likening the gen 5. The short travel of the trigger, in the Ruger, looks very interesting. My S W MP 9 C's have a squishy trigger on them which I don't like. May try to get a better trigger for the MP and see if that curs my dislike. Thinking Timney Trigger for the MPs.

Decisions, Decisions! 

[TGO David]

The Ruger RXM is basically a Glock.  If you don't like Glocks, you're probably not going to like the RXM.

The M&P M2.0 with the new flat-faced trigger feels pretty good.

At this point in my life and my journey as a student of the gun with nearly 40-years of near constant shooting under my trigger finger, I will say that I really don't think trigger feel matters as much as anyone says it does outside of dry-firing.  So long as the trigger isn't absurdly heavy or doesn't have massive pre-travel or over-travel, everything else is just what it is.

What people should care most about are reliability, fit to their hand, and ergonomic comfort.

 

[chances R]

I prefer Apex triggers.  Have done at least a dozen for myself and friends on M&Ps

[Defunct Ammo]

One thing to note though is the RXM has a much better grip angle than all Glocks do. It also uses a FCU similar to the P365 so you swap grip modules around. They are getting close to releasing G26-like and G17-like grips. I bought into the Bodyguard hype and it has been a letdown in comparison to the hype but it shoots fine at <15 yards. But it is a fine shooter.

Edited May 1 by Defunct Ammo

[larry1096]

6 hours ago, Defunct Ammo said:

One thing to note though is the RXM has a much better grip angle than all Glocks do. It also uses a FCU similar to the P365 so you swap grip modules around. They are getting close to releasing G26-like and G17-like grips. I bought into the Bodyguard hype and it has been a letdown in comparison to the hype but it shoots fine at <15 yards. But it is a fine shooter.

I was a bit disappointed in my BG 2.0 until I changed the rear sight and got it zeroed. Now it's my favorite mini-gun, beating out a CW380 (which, to be fair, is still smaller than the BG) and a Ruger LCP Max. And the Max, for the record, has an aftermarket trigger (and still beats the hell out of my finger with trigger slap) and has been back to Ruger for shooting 4" low at 21'.

 

Larry

[Defunct Ammo]

4 minutes ago, larry1096 said:

I was a bit disappointed in my BG 2.0 until I changed the rear sight and got it zeroed. Now it's my favorite mini-gun, beating out a CW380 (which, to be fair, is still smaller than the BG) and a Ruger LCP Max. And the Max, for the record, has an aftermarket trigger (and still beats the hell out of my finger with trigger slap) and has been back to Ruger for shooting 4" low at 21'.

 

Larry

you hit the nail on the head. the rear sight really is a problem for me. maybe I'll replace it soon

[pop pop]

Thanks for the replies, guys. IMO, and for my use the Bodyguard will not be a long-range pistol for my needs. It will be in a backup role and 25' will probably (Mand Plans you know???) be my longest distances. I have seen some films where guys are saying and demonstrating that it is good for those distances. I really think the pistol will be an asset should I be "forced" into a situation I should need it. I pray every day that does not happen ever again. 

I am not a real fan of 380; however, as of late it has been fairly effective. I carried A Colt Pocketlite for 7 years in 380. I was younger and figured it was a get off me pistol for sure. Much more able to go hands on at that time also. Sadly, those day have somewhat passed. Old back, bad knees, well you know.  

I can see where better sights would aid that and keep one from "maybe" injuring a bystander and be more efficient with the pistol. My eyes need good sights as age is taking its toll on me in that area also. 

I really like the slender flat sides on the Bodyguard pistol and feel it would be almost unnoticeable in a pocket by the one who carries it. My S W 642 is a little limited on ammo and fat in the pocket. 

Yes, the RMX is a clone with some improvements that speak to me. 

Again, thanks. 

Edited May 2 by pop pop

[larry1096]

12 hours ago, Defunct Ammo said:

you hit the nail on the head. the rear sight really is a problem for me. maybe I'll replace it soon

A sight for the original Bodyguard fits perfectly. Be advised that getting the original out is REALLY tough-worst I've ever done. 

 

Larry

[bersaguy]

I have an S&W Bodyguard and it is a strickly a get me off my pocket pistol. I have considered getting rid of it as I seldom go anyplace I need it as I have gotten older.

   Bersaguy

[pop pop]

Bersaguy, we are still RVing a lot, and I want a weak hand pocket backup pistol to my Revolver strong side. The Bodyguard 2.0 looks to me like a get off me gun also. Not needed for long range I hope??? I practice 15 yards with my 357 Mag and do well but don't need the BG for that.  I just think and feel we are really vulnerable when stopping for fuel, and we have to do that quite often (every 2 to 250 Mi). I take precautions but when you exit it is exposure to a place you know very little about.

I was almost robbed at a gas station just outside of Montogomery Alabama a few years ago, by a under the influence man of color. I could clearly see the round butt of most likely a S W model 36 snubbie in his pocket.  I drooped a couple dollars and a handful of change, and he went for it. I left it with him as fast as I could get in, lock up, and drive away. Loosing 5 dollars' worth of quarters, dimes, and nickels was well worth it. That was in an automobile, and it is worse in the RV Rig I have.  Hard to mount the large truck, and exit "fastly" pulling a 35' 5th wheeler.

A "Get off me gun", if forced into needing it is wanted. I just don't know if one can get to the righty, and just very well may need a lefty. Who knows! Don't take much to knock me down with bad knees and neuropathy laden legs now. If they just want money I will give it, in some situations, However???

 

Edited May 2 by pop pop

[hornett22]

If I were you, I'd be painting the front sight on the Colt and continue carrying that or take a serious look at the Ruger Security 380

[pop pop]

I Have a Max 9 and I do like Ruger guns. The max is quite a bit heavier and larger than the new Bodyguard 2.0.

[JustEd]

I don't quite understand the relevance of a pocket 380 shooting at 25 yards.  Even 15 yards is beyond where it is effective, imo. 

Gel tests at a few feet don't tell how a 380 performs at 15-25 yards.

Choose the form factor consistent with the purpose of the gun. A Glock 19 or clone is an effective defensive gun at up to 25 yards.  A small 380 can be effective at much shorter ranges.   One can be easily carried in a normal sized pocket, the other not.  Only James Bond could manage a 380 for downing airplanes, helicopters and ballistic missiles at a distance (joke).

When my attire allows only something like a LCP, I feel half naked. 

[Will Carry]

2 hours ago, JustEd said:

I don't quite understand the relevance of a pocket 380 shooting at 25 yards.  Even 15 yards is beyond where it is effective, imo. 

Gel tests at a few feet don't tell how a 380 performs at 15-25 yards.

Choose the form factor consistent with the purpose of the gun. A Glock 19 or clone is an effective defensive gun at up to 25 yards.  A small 380 can be effective at much shorter ranges.   One can be easily carried in a normal sized pocket, the other not.  Only James Bond could manage a 380 for downing airplanes, helicopters and ballistic missiles at a distance (joke).

When my attire allows only something like a LCP, I feel half naked. 

I remember watching the TV show called "The FBI", back in the.........a long time ago. Efferum Zimbalist Jr, could down a helicopter with his snub nosed .38. I am recovering from a shoulder replacement on my shooting hand. I am having to carry on my left side. I wish I had practiced more shooting left-handed. 

[pop pop]

JustEd, I stated shooting at 25', not 25 yards as 25 feet is a little over 7 yards. Big difference in distance to me. I don't consider the Bodyguard a very capable pistol for a 25 Yard Shot myself. Not what I want it for. This pistol is strictly a "backup" (a get off me pistol) pistol for me carried in the weak side pocket. A New York reload, if you will. Sorry for the confusion. 

My intention is to purchase the Bodyguard 2.0 when we return from our camping trip.

Now the Ruger RMX is another consideration for me, at this time.  

Edited May 3 by pop pop

[Defunct Ammo]

On 5/2/2025 at 10:42 AM, larry1096 said:

A sight for the original Bodyguard fits perfectly. Be advised that getting the original out is REALLY tough-worst I've ever done. 

 

Larry

Man that looks great. Now I need to find a rear sight somewhere online as I don't have the predecessor.

[larry1096]

3 hours ago, Defunct Ammo said:

Man that looks great. Now I need to find a rear sight somewhere online as I don't have the predecessor.

Hope it's OK to post a link (I'm not affiliated with these folks, FYI): Midwest Gun Works

 

This is where I got mine. Try to find some other stuff to round out your order to make the shipping tolerable, but the part is only like $6.

 

Larry

[pop pop]

Thought I would try another gun, that I already have besides the SW 642, to see how it would be. My 642 it a tad heavy and a little too thick. So, I have been carrying my Ruger Max 9, for the last couple days, in the weak side as a backup. Got the short mag in it and after fully loaded it is just a little too heavy for that role. I am having problems holding my jeans up. 

Got a Kahr P 9 which holds 7+1 and it is the same size as the Max 9 that holds 11 with the flush mount mag. The Kahr is all steel also. Had a PM 40 but I gave it to a grandson. Found my old Colt Pocket Lite 380 which I carried for 6 or 7 years and it holds 6 + 1 but it is very small. Pinkie swings in midair. I also have a Colt Pocket Lite 9 MM which is the same size as the P_L 380; however it is a collector's item as they only made 1500 and copied another maker who sued them and they had to stop making them. It became a collector's item immediately. I paid 450.00 for it new and they are selling now for 1500.00 to 2500.00. The one I have has never been fired and is in the box and I have 3 magazines for it. They only came with 1 mag and I lucked into 2 others. The mags are bringing good money also. 

The Bodyguard is a tad bit larger than both Pocket Lites and just may fill in the nitch that I want. We are leaving on Monday, on a week and half vacation, so we will see down the road. Really think I am going for the Bodyguard.  When we get back. 

Edited May 4 by pop pop

[JustEd]

23 hours ago, pop pop said:

JustEd, I stated shooting at 25', not 25 yards as 25 feet is a little over 7 yards. Big difference in distance to me. I don't consider the Bodyguard a very capable pistol for a 25 Yard Shot myself. Not what I want it for. This pistol is strictly a "backup" (a get off me pistol) pistol for me carried in the weak side pocket. A New York reload, if you will. Sorry for the confusion. 

My intention is to purchase the Bodyguard 2.0 when we return from our camping trip.

Now the Ruger RMX is another consideration for me, at this time.  

my mistake

[Moped]

6 hours ago, pop pop said:

Thought I would try another gun, that I already have besides the SW 642, to see how it would be. My 642 it a tad heavy and a little too thick. So, I have been carrying my Ruger Max 9, for the last couple days, in the weak side as a backup. Got the short mag in it and after fully loaded it is just a little too heavy for that role. I am having problems holding my jeans up. 

Got a Kahr P 9 which holds 7+1 and it is the same size as the Max 9 that holds 11 with the flush mount mag. The Kahr is all steel also. Had a PM 40 but I gave it to a grandson. Found my old Colt Pocket Lite 380 which I carried for 6 or 7 years and it holds 6 + 1 but it is very small. Pinkie swings in midair. I also have a Colt Pocket Lite 9 MM which is the same size as the P_L 380; however it is a collector's item as they only made 1500 and copied another maker who sued them and they had to stop making them. It became a collector's item immediately. I paid 450.00 for it new and they are selling now for 1500.00 to 2500.00. The one I have has never been fired and is in the box and I have 3 magazines for it. They only came with 1 mag and I lucked into 2 others. The mags are bringing good money also. 

The Bodyguard is a tad bit larger than both Pocket Lites and just may fill in the nitch that I want. We are leaving on Monday, on a week and half vacation, so we will see down the road. Really think I am going for the Bodyguard.  When we get back. 

Not sure what price you’re seeing down there on the BG2.0, but Crossroads Firearms here in North Knoxville has a couple for $399.99.

[D B Cooper]

On 5/4/2025 at 3:40 PM, pop pop said:

Really think I am going for the Bodyguard.  When we get back. 

I think you'll be happy with the Bodyguard if you're in the market for a .380. I use an Sig P238 380 as a back up gun, I like the small form factor for pocket carry, but the bodyguard has the Sig beat in capacity by almost double. If I were in the market for another .380, the Bodyguard would be my choice.

[Kywldcts]

I’ve had a Bodyguard 2.0 for a couple of months now.  I love it.  It’s the easiest gun to carry I’ve ever had and I still get a full grip even with the 10 round magazine.  It’s a little gun so it’s not going to be a target pistol, but you can legitimately aim shots with it and hit what you’re trying to hit.  And it’s a very soft shooter for being so small.  

[pop pop]

I just returned from our RV trip. I took my Max 9 and tried to carry it in a front pocket, in the back pocket, and it just is a littler to heavy and large to fill the backup role I am wanting. IWB is out of the question here. I will not carry anything unless it is in a holster.

Stopped 5 times for fuel and Bucee's seems about the safest, because of the crowd of people. Truck stops are crowded and a little hard to get the rig in the car pumps section and the truck islands and fuel nozzles are too large for my liking. Stopped one place that was a little concerning. I would like to keep the backup in my pocket and not need to reinsert it in a pocket when stopping. Too much handling for me and unsafe.

Even though I am not fond of the 380 caliber I am, for sure, going to look at the Bodyguard again. I do not like the LCP line of pistols. too small for my and they don't fit my hand. My expectation is this bodyguard is not a long-range pistol for me. Strictly get of me pistol in a backup role and the size looks to be able to fulfill the role I need.  All my other pistols and revolvers are just a little too large for what I want. Let you know how it turns out. I had great hopes for the Max 9. Didn't do it.

Edited 23 hours ago by pop pop

[pop pop]

Had a Dr appointment this morning at the M'boro Med Clinic. Went by Sportsman's Wearhouse and purchased the Bodyguard 2.0 380. Just run 125 rounds through it, 50 of which were reloads practice ammo. Had one failure to go into battery on the last round out of the 12 round mag on the first mag fired through the pistol. I use 5 different brands of H P ammo in it. This was old H P ammo I had previously carried in magazines 10 years ago that I had from changing my carry ammo every 6-8 months. The round that did not go into battery was old Federal 90 gr HP round. Never had another problem at all. I fired 25 rounds of new Hornady Critical Defense 90 Gr FXT which I plan to EDC in the Bodyguard. Purchased this ammo this morning a S W when I took the pistol. It was 31.00 + tax per 25 rounds. Plan to run another 25 rounds through it next outing. Guys, as you know ammo is not cheap any longer.  When you purchase another new handgun the ammo to test it, to be sure it is reliable, can almost be half as high as the cost of the new pistol.  

I slow fired at a 10" hanging steel target, at 25 feet, and never missed a single round of the 125 I fired. I know 10" is a big target but the pistol shot to sights as best I could tell on steel. The sights are satisfactory for me so a + for that. Plenty accurate for me. The trigger was good so I give it a + on that. Did not bite my trigger finger so a + on that also. I am going to clean and lube it good and will fire another couple 100 rounds before betting my life on it. One thing I learned your grip needs to be thumbs forward because if you grip it high the slide is really really close to the thumb, when it cycles, on your support hand. It is a small pistol. 

Works well in the pocket in a Desants is Nemesis pocket holster on the weak side. I feel this pistol will work exceptionally well for the purpose of a backup to my 7 shot 357 revolver on the strong side when we travel.  The Bodyguard is just enough smaller to be easy to carry and draw from the weak side than the Max 9 was. 

I had another 50 practice rounds with me, but my fingers got sore loading the magazines. The 12 rounder mag spring is stiffer and was hard to fill to the top. The 10 round loaded full every time. Next time I will take my upla mag loading tool. Shot enough through it that it became warm to the touch. Did not want to over heat the pistol. 

So far, satisfied. 

Edited to add; Just found an N 8 Tactical  Tuckable IWB pancake holster, that fits the Bodyguard perfectly, if I ever want to IWB carry it. Thanks for the comments guys. 

Edited 17 hours ago by pop pop