What came before the S&W's Bodyguards?

[kieefer]

I saw an older model automatic S&W .380, looked well used but I didn't handle it or look at it better. Priced under $200.00 I blew it off as too cheap but now I'm wondering about exactly what it was.

How far back did the .380's or Bodyguards go, if they were even called bodyguards prior to the popularity?

[Garufa]

S&W never made a .380 before the the current plastic thing. Prior to last year the "Bodyguard" was a metal J-frame .38 with a shrouded hammer.

Back in the day S&W produced a .35 caliber semi-auto (1913-1921) and a .32 (1924-1936). Other than those two, only .22, 9mm, .40 and .45 has been produced in semi by S&W, until now.

[EMTRN]

There was a Sigma 380 years ago.

[Jonnin]

it looks a lot like the kel tec p3at, with a few minor mods, including the laser sight.

[kieefer]

This one looked bigger than the current varmints, square slide I'm sure it had S&W and .380 on the side. Even a early model would be priced more than $200??? Wouldn't it?

Now I am going back, curiosity has got me.

[Garufa]

There was a Sigma 380 years ago.

Indeed there was. The model SW380. It is so unremarkable and buried so deep in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" that it's hard to find. Produced 1995-2002. I've never seen one.

[Guest Law of Thirds]

And for good reason. People didn't like that it had a zinc slide and a planned life expectancy of only about 5000 rounds. S&W put out an honest to god saturday night special and then got called on it.

[kieefer]

And for good reason. People didn't like that it had a zinc slide and a planned life expectancy of only about 5000 rounds. S&W put out an honest to god saturday night special and then got called on it.

That may explain the cheap price.

If I can get back to it, tried today but had car problems, I'll get the serial and visit the S&W site.

[Backon4]

saw on the S&W forum where a guy sent in a broken sigma 380 and got a bodyguard out of the deal.

[kieefer]

saw on the S&W forum where a guy sent in a broken sigma 380 and got a bodyguard out of the deal.

Hummm, may be worth it then?

Here's the Owners Manual and yep, it's the Sigma Series. Thanks.

[Patton]

Sigma 380, the worst mistake ever by S&W.

[Garufa]

Sigma 380, the first mistake ever by S&W.

FTFY.