Bodyguard 380 vs Glock 42: A Comprehensive Comparison for Concealed Carry

Choosing the right handgun for concealed carry is a deeply personal decision. Factors like size, weight, caliber, reliability, and ease of use all play critical roles. Among the many options available, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 and the Glock 42 are two popular choices, especially for those seeking a small, lightweight pistol. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of these two firearms, delving into their features, advantages, disadvantages, and overall suitability for various concealed carry scenarios. Our goal is to provide you with the detailed information needed to make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. We’ll cover everything from their dimensions and ergonomics to their performance at the range and their long-term reliability. We’ll also explore some common modifications and accessories that can enhance their functionality.

Understanding the Concealed Carry Landscape

Before diving into the specifics of the Bodyguard 380 and Glock 42, it’s important to understand the broader context of concealed carry. The ideal concealed carry pistol is one that balances concealability, shootability, and stopping power. A smaller pistol is easier to hide, but it may be less comfortable to shoot and offer less capacity. A larger pistol may be more accurate and offer greater firepower, but it can be more difficult to conceal, especially in warmer climates where clothing is lighter. The choice ultimately depends on the individual’s body type, clothing style, and personal preferences.

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 and Glock 42 both aim to strike this balance, offering compact designs that are relatively easy to conceal while still providing sufficient accuracy and reliability for self-defense purposes. They both fall into the category of subcompact pistols, which are generally defined as handguns with a barrel length of less than 4 inches and an overall length of less than 7 inches. These pistols are often chambered in smaller calibers, such as .380 ACP or 9mm, to further reduce recoil and improve concealability.

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380: An In-Depth Look

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is a polymer-framed, hammer-fired pistol chambered in .380 ACP. It’s known for its lightweight design and compact dimensions, making it a popular choice for concealed carry, particularly for those who prioritize ease of concealment. It features a double-action-only (DAO) trigger, meaning that each trigger pull cocks and releases the hammer. This provides an added layer of safety, as there is no external safety lever to disengage.

The Bodyguard 380 has been a staple in the concealed carry market for years, and its popularity stems from its simplicity and reliability. While it may not be the most glamorous or feature-rich pistol, it gets the job done without unnecessary frills. It’s a no-nonsense handgun that is designed for one purpose: to provide reliable self-defense in a compact package.

Key Features of the Bodyguard 380

Lightweight Polymer Frame: The polymer frame contributes to the pistol’s overall light weight, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Compact Dimensions: The Bodyguard 380 is one of the smallest .380 ACP pistols on the market, making it easy to conceal in a variety of carry positions.
Double-Action-Only (DAO) Trigger: The DAO trigger provides an added layer of safety and eliminates the need for an external safety lever.
Integrated Laser Sight (Optional): Some models of the Bodyguard 380 come with an integrated laser sight for enhanced accuracy in low-light conditions.
Fixed Sights: The Bodyguard 380 features fixed sights, which are durable and reliable but not adjustable.

Glock 42: A Closer Examination

The Glock 42 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol chambered in .380 ACP. It was Glock’s first foray into the .380 ACP market, and it was designed to be the smallest and lightest Glock pistol ever produced. It retains the familiar Glock operating system and trigger mechanism, making it a popular choice for Glock enthusiasts who want a smaller, more concealable option.

The Glock 42 is known for its smooth trigger pull, comfortable ergonomics, and Glock’s legendary reliability. While it may be slightly larger than the Bodyguard 380, it still offers excellent concealability and is a popular choice for both men and women who carry concealed.

Key Features of the Glock 42

Glock Safe Action System: The Glock Safe Action System is a three-part safety system that includes a trigger safety, a firing pin safety, and a drop safety.
Lightweight Polymer Frame: The polymer frame contributes to the pistol’s overall light weight and absorbs recoil.
Compact Dimensions: The Glock 42 is slightly larger than the Bodyguard 380, but it is still a very concealable pistol.
Smooth Trigger Pull: The Glock 42 is known for its smooth and consistent trigger pull, which improves accuracy.
Durable Glock Finish: The Glock 42 features Glock’s durable finish, which is resistant to corrosion and wear.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Bodyguard 380 vs Glock 42

Now that we’ve examined each pistol individually, let’s compare them side-by-side in several key areas:

Size and Weight

The Bodyguard 380 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Glock 42. The Bodyguard 380 has an overall length of 5.3 inches and weighs 12.3 ounces unloaded, while the Glock 42 has an overall length of 5.94 inches and weighs 13.76 ounces unloaded. This difference in size and weight may be significant for some individuals, particularly those who prioritize maximum concealability.

Ergonomics

The Glock 42 generally offers better ergonomics than the Bodyguard 380. The Glock 42 has a more rounded grip and a higher grip angle, which makes it more comfortable to hold and shoot. The Bodyguard 380 has a smaller grip and a lower grip angle, which may be less comfortable for some shooters. However, this is subjective, and some individuals may prefer the smaller grip of the Bodyguard 380.

Trigger

The Glock 42 has a better trigger than the Bodyguard 380. The Glock 42 has a smooth and consistent trigger pull with a crisp break, while the Bodyguard 380 has a heavier and longer trigger pull. This can make it more difficult to shoot the Bodyguard 380 accurately, especially for inexperienced shooters. The Bodyguard 380’s DAO trigger requires a deliberate, consistent pull, which some shooters find challenging.

Sights

Both pistols come with factory sights that are functional, but many users choose to upgrade them. The Glock 42 has the advantage of a wider aftermarket support for sight upgrades. The Bodyguard 380’s sights are smaller and can be harder to acquire quickly.

Recoil

The Glock 42 generally has less felt recoil than the Bodyguard 380. This is due to its slightly larger size and weight, as well as its more ergonomic grip. The Bodyguard 380 can be snappy and uncomfortable to shoot for some individuals, especially those with larger hands.

Reliability

Both pistols are generally considered to be reliable, but the Glock 42 has a slight edge in this area. Glock has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable firearms, and the Glock 42 is no exception. The Bodyguard 380 has also proven to be reliable in most cases, but it has been known to have occasional issues with feeding and ejection.

Capacity

Both the Bodyguard 380 and the Glock 42 have a standard magazine capacity of 6 rounds. While this may be sufficient for some individuals, others may prefer a pistol with a higher capacity. Aftermarket magazines are available for both pistols that increase the capacity to 7 or 8 rounds, but these may not be as reliable as the factory magazines.

Price

The Bodyguard 380 is generally less expensive than the Glock 42. The Bodyguard 380 typically retails for around $350-$400, while the Glock 42 typically retails for around $400-$450. This price difference may be a significant factor for some individuals, particularly those on a tight budget. However, it’s important to consider the overall value and features of each pistol when making a decision, rather than simply focusing on the price.

Advantages of the Bodyguard 380

Smaller Size and Weight: Easier to conceal, especially in warmer climates.
Lower Price: More affordable than the Glock 42.
Integrated Laser Sight (Optional): Provides enhanced accuracy in low-light conditions (on some models).

Disadvantages of the Bodyguard 380

Heavier Trigger Pull: Can be more difficult to shoot accurately.
Snappier Recoil: Can be uncomfortable to shoot for some individuals.
Smaller Grip: May not be comfortable for individuals with larger hands.

Advantages of the Glock 42

Better Trigger Pull: Easier to shoot accurately.
Softer Recoil: More comfortable to shoot.
Better Ergonomics: More comfortable to hold and shoot.
Glock Reliability: Glock’s legendary reliability.

Disadvantages of the Glock 42

Larger Size and Weight: Slightly less concealable than the Bodyguard 380.
Higher Price: More expensive than the Bodyguard 380.

Real-World Value and User Experience

The real-world value of both the Bodyguard 380 and the Glock 42 lies in their ability to provide reliable self-defense in a compact and concealable package. Both pistols are suitable for concealed carry, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Bodyguard 380 is a good choice for individuals who prioritize maximum concealability and are willing to sacrifice some comfort and shootability. The Glock 42 is a better choice for individuals who prioritize comfort, shootability, and Glock’s legendary reliability.

Many users report that the Glock 42 is easier to learn to shoot accurately due to its superior trigger and ergonomics. However, some appreciate the simplicity and smaller profile of the Bodyguard 380, especially for pocket carry. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Expert Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 and the Glock 42 depends heavily on individual needs and preferences. If maximum concealability and budget are primary concerns, the Bodyguard 380 is a viable option. However, if shootability, comfort, and overall reliability are paramount, the Glock 42 is the superior choice. Based on our extensive analysis and user feedback, we recommend the Glock 42 for most concealed carry users due to its superior ergonomics, trigger, and reliability. While the Bodyguard 380 has its merits, the Glock 42 provides a more well-rounded and user-friendly experience.

No matter which pistol you choose, it’s essential to practice regularly and become proficient in its use. Consider taking a concealed carry course and seeking professional training to ensure that you are comfortable and confident in your ability to defend yourself. The most important factor is choosing a firearm that you can shoot accurately and reliably under stress. Share your thoughts and experiences with these pistols in the comments below.