Intro
Discover common issues and troubleshooting solutions for the S&W Bodyguard 380. Learn to identify and fix problems with your Bodyguard 380 pistol, including jamming, misfires, and magazine issues. Get expert advice on maintenance, repair, and upgrading your S&W Bodyguard 380 for optimal performance and reliability.
The S&W Bodyguard 380 is a popular concealed carry pistol known for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. However, like any firearm, it's not immune to issues and problems. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common issues encountered by Bodyguard 380 owners and provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them.
Issue 1: Failure to Feed (FTF)

One of the most common issues with the Bodyguard 380 is failure to feed (FTF). This occurs when the pistol fails to chamber a round, resulting in a jam. To troubleshoot FTF, try the following:
- Check the magazine for any debris or damage. Clean or replace the magazine if necessary.
- Inspect the chamber for any blockages or obstructions. Clean the chamber with a brush and solvent if necessary.
- Try using a different type of ammunition to see if the issue is ammo-specific.
- Check the recoil spring for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the recoil spring if necessary.
Issue 2: Trigger Reset Problems

Some Bodyguard 380 owners have reported issues with the trigger reset. This can manifest as a failure to reset, or a "dead" trigger. To troubleshoot trigger reset problems, try the following:
- Check the trigger for any debris or blockages. Clean the trigger with a brush and solvent if necessary.
- Inspect the trigger spring for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the trigger spring if necessary.
- Try adjusting the trigger reset screw to see if it resolves the issue.
- Consider consulting a professional gunsmith if the issue persists.
Issue 3: Magazine Release Issues

Some owners have reported issues with the magazine release, including failure to drop the magazine or difficulty releasing the magazine. To troubleshoot magazine release issues, try the following:
- Check the magazine release for any debris or blockages. Clean the magazine release with a brush and solvent if necessary.
- Inspect the magazine catch for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the magazine catch if necessary.
- Try lubricating the magazine release and catch to see if it resolves the issue.
- Consider consulting a professional gunsmith if the issue persists.
Troubleshooting Tips
In addition to the specific troubleshooting tips outlined above, here are some general tips for troubleshooting common issues with the Bodyguard 380:
- Always follow proper safety procedures when handling firearms.
- Consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on troubleshooting and repair.
- Keep the pistol clean and well-lubricated to prevent issues.
- Consider consulting a professional gunsmith if the issue persists or you're unsure of how to troubleshoot.
Gallery of S&W Bodyguard 380 Common Issues and Troubleshooting
S&W Bodyguard 380 Common Issues and Troubleshooting Gallery










What is the most common issue with the S&W Bodyguard 380?
+The most common issue with the S&W Bodyguard 380 is failure to feed (FTF). This occurs when the pistol fails to chamber a round, resulting in a jam.
How do I troubleshoot trigger reset problems on my Bodyguard 380?
+To troubleshoot trigger reset problems, check the trigger for any debris or blockages. Clean the trigger with a brush and solvent if necessary. Inspect the trigger spring for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the trigger spring if necessary. Try adjusting the trigger reset screw to see if it resolves the issue.
What should I do if my Bodyguard 380 has a magazine release issue?
+If your Bodyguard 380 has a magazine release issue, check the magazine release for any debris or blockages. Clean the magazine release with a brush and solvent if necessary. Inspect the magazine catch for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the magazine catch if necessary. Try lubricating the magazine release and catch to see if it resolves the issue.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into common issues with the S&W Bodyguard 380 and troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them. Remember to always follow proper safety procedures when handling firearms and consult a professional gunsmith if you're unsure of how to troubleshoot or repair your pistol.