TFB Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 - The 380 Auto Reimagined

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is by all metrics a reimagined pistol from the ground up, but to get to the final product that we have before us today, there was quite a journey that occurred. The original Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 came out around 2010. Simple, tiny, and functional, it was the embodiment of pocket carry. These original models lacked frills and upgrades because they were meant to be basic, affordable, and reliable. Clamor from shooters wanting more brought us the M&P Bodyguard 380. This, in a sense, was a “2.0 variant” without the moniker. It was ever-so-slightly larger, more ergonomic, but the same capacity.

Now, Smith & Wesson has pulled off something very “Jobsian” (predicted what customers wanted before they asked for it; like Steve Jobs). With the introduction of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0, you have a micro-compact .380 Auto that touts high-capacity, shootability, manageable recoil, and a flat trigger. All traits previously unseen in a singular package in the 380 platform. Today, we will assess just how good this pistol really is.

Smith & Wesson @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2025] Smith & Wesson M&P9 Metal HD Spec Series V Pistol
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Smith & Wesson Is Closing the Hillary Hole
• NEW Smith & Wesson Response 9mm Carbine – Yes! It Takes Glock Mags
• TFB Review: The Single-Action Smith & Wesson Equalizer

Specifications - Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

First, we need to start with the basics to understand what we are working with. This pistol is still very diminutive in size relative to all of the 9mm pistols we’re toting around, but the Bodyguard 2.0 still offers quite a bit. All of the relevant specs can be read below as presented by Smith & Wesson:

• MSRP: $449
• SKU: 13927
• Length, Width, Height: 5.5” | 0.88” | 4”
• Weight: 9.8 Oz
• Cartridge: .380 Auto (.380 ACP)
• Magazines: Two (2) | 10+1 and 12+1
• Action Type: Striker-Fire
• Barrel: 2.75” Stainless Steel w/ 1 in 10” Twist & Armornite® Finish
• Grip: Black Polymer
• Sights: Black U-Notch Rear with Glare Serrations & Bright Dot Front w/ Tritium Insert
• State Compliance: CO, DE, IL, VT

While we are looking specifically at the Bodyguard 2.0 NTS (No Thumb Safety) model today, Smith & Wesson has 3 new offerings in this new Bodyguard 2.0 series. Again, for clarity, we are playing with the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS .380 Auto (SKU: 13927). All of the offerings are listed below:

• S&W® BODYGUARD® 2.0 NTS (SKU: 13927) | MSRP $449
• S&W® BODYGUARD® 2.0 TS (SKU: 13926) | MSRP $449
• S&W® BODYGUARD® 2.0 10RD COMPLIANT TS (SKU: 14192) | MSRP $449

Features - Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

What separates the Bodyguard 2.0 from its predecessors are several standout features. From the magazine capacity (nearly double what it used to be), Smith & Wesson’s new finish of Armornite®, and the exterior aesthetics getting a reboot, it all adds up to an intriguing pistol.

• 10+1 and 12+1 Capacity
• Improved Flat-Faced Trigger
• Aggressive Slide Design
• Superior Ergonomics
• 18 Degree Grip Angle
• Stainless Steel Slide w/ Armornite® Finish

“Introducing Smith & Wesson’s next generation of micro handguns – the Bodyguard 2.0. This new handgun seamlessly combines being lightweight and small with unparalleled performance. Enhanced features like a new ergonomic profile that allows for better control, a striker-fired flat-face trigger for improved accuracy, a reversible magazine release, and increased capacity make the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 ready to fit your needs.”

What’s in the Box?

One of the most-asked questions that I receive when performing reviews such as this is: “What’s in the box?” As simple as that might sound, the answer shapes whether buyers need more magazines or not, accessories like speedloaders, or other accoutrements to complete their firearm purchase. So, anyone who might be contemplating purchasing a Bodyguard 2.0, this is everything that you can expect:

• Owner’s Manual, Product Registration, California Warning
• Cable Lock
• Chamber Flag
• Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 pistol
• (2) Magazines: 10+1 and 12+1
• Corrosion Resistant Bag & Marketing Tag

What’s the Upsell?

So, what’s the upsell? What’s the 30-second elevator pitch to get your gun bro to purchase one of these bad boys? For Smith & Wesson, it is because the Bodyguard 2.0 is “lightweight and compact, without compromising accuracy, function, or capacity.” Simple enough, yet here are the 3 most prominent characteristics of this new .380 Auto pistol:

• Superior Ergonomics - The Bodyguard 2.0 perfectly bridges the ability to comfortably carry but maintain a high level of performance when it comes to shooting. Our ergonomic grip feels great in the hand, the stippling allows the shooter to maintain control and mitigate recoil, and the grip angle lends for a natural point of aim when coming up on target.
• Aggressive Slide Design - More serrations give the user multiple points of traction letting them grab and rack effectively in high-stress scenarios.
• Improved Trigger - Migrating to a striker-fired system and having the flat-face design makes the trigger on the Bodyguard 2.0 light and crisp. Consistent feedback allows for repeatable shots and the flat design aids in finger placement leading to more accurate shooting.

A Word from Smith & Wesson on the Bodyguard 2.0

According to Smith & Wesson, the basis of this new iteration of the Bodyguard was founded in consumer insights. Feedback given to them to make it better than ever. They expand on that via their press release statement below:

“The Smith & Wesson® Bodyguard® 2.0 sets out to change expectations around what is possible with a micro handgun. Focused on setting a new bar for shootability, the Bodyguard 2.0 leverages superior ergonomics, and an enhanced trigger to elevate performance. We’ve been able to accomplish this while still keeping the handgun small enough for deep concealment.”

I appreciated the bright dot front sight with a tritium insert as it made aiming a lot easier than if it was simply black on black irons like older models.

Final Thoughts

So, what are my final thoughts on the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0?... Overall, I found this pistol to be incredibly shoot-able, light recoiling for its size, an impressively light trigger, and very reliable as long as you skip feeding it meme hollow-points. My only true point of criticism is that it is small (surprise, surprise), so you’re going to need some range time behind it to get comfortable with the grip that’ll be necessary for a proper trigger press to be accurate. For me, it took probably ~120 rounds to figure out what I needed to do to be proficient with this pistol.

Will it replace my 9mm carry pistols? No, it won’t, but this is a great pistol to add to your EDC rotation for days of light clothing or truly deep concealment.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Smith & Wesson for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 Auto pistol. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?

Do you believe that the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 Auto pistol is something worth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it for EDC (everyday carry)? Shoot a league or competition? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Smith & Wesson and their Bodyguard 2.0 .380 Auto pistol in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.