Why is the S&W Bodyguard a 380 and not a 9mm?

[SnareMan]

I'm admittedly a little less knowledgeable in this area, so maybe some of you can educate me a little bit. Most people seem to say that 9mm is a much better self defense round than a 380. So I'm curious why S&W made their new Bodyguard guns in only a 380 and don't have 9mm as an option.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Spec]

Because S&W already has a 9mm compact size the M&P9c...... plus I think they were trying to match the pocket pistol market like Rugers' LCP and Tuarus' TCP (the little ones)

[SnareMan]

Because S&W already has a 9mm compact size the M&P9c...... plus I think they were trying to match the pocket pistol market like Rugers' LCP and Tuarus' TCP (the little ones)

I have an M&P9c and in comparison its not really compact at all. With it being a double stack its much thicker.

Here it is compared to my Kahr PM9.

[automatic slim]

S&W is about the only gun company that didn't make a .380. Additionally, if made in 9mm the Bodyguard would probably have to be reengineered resulting in a gun not as compact more than likely. Besides, S&W has already made millions of 9mm's.

[GM]

Only S&W might be able to give your a 100% correct answer, but I think that they wanted to enter the .380 pocket pistol market. They already had a compact 9mm, the M&P9c.
Concerning your picture; the M&P9c is a compact and the PM9 is a sub-compact.

[SnareMan]

Only S&W might be able to give your a 100% correct answer, but I think that they wanted to enter the .380 pocket pistol market. They already had a compact 9mm, the M&P9c.
Concerning your picture; the M&P9c is a compact and the PM9 is a sub-compact.

Ah ok. Got ya. Makes sense.

[jwhite75]

I would like to see a mini 9 come out of S&W and Ruger the size of the Bodyguard and LCP

[southchatham]

I think you may see one down the road.

[jwhite75]

May bring down the prices of the kahrs etc....and push Glock to make one.

[greenLED]

I have an M&P9c and in comparison its not really compact at all. With it being a double stack its much thicker.

Here it is compared to my Kahr PM9.

The M&P9c is barely smaller (grip length-wise) than a G19. I see no reason to carry the M&P (by size alone).

[SnareMan]

The M&P9c is barely smaller (grip length-wise) than a G19. I see no reason to carry the M&P (by size alone).

Right. I just didn't like the Glock. I went into it wanting a Glock 19 but didn't like the grip and trigger. I've been meaning to get down to my range and try one of the Gen 4's they just got in.

[Grant48]

if made in 9mm the Bodyguard would probably have to be reengineered resulting in a gun not as compact more than likely.

But that's the thing... the Bodyguard 380 really isn't very compact, compared to other .380s such as the Ruger LCP, Taurus TCP, etc. It's closer in size to the Kahr PM9 or Kel-Tec PF-9... which are both 9mm.

Between two pistols of the same size, I'll take the 9mm over the .380 every time.

[pirate]

S&W wants to get in on the Sub Compact .380 market now dominated by Ruger (LCP) and Kel Tec (P3AT). Options and competition are always good for the consumer.

[LoadedPipes]

I think there is a lot of people who don't know much about firearms but they hear .380 is a good defense cartridge and go out looking specifically for that caliber. S&W is smart to cater to everyone by getting into the .380 market just my .02 cents.

[LanceORYGUN]

S&W makes money distributing Walther Pistols. They are their official distributor in North America. And the Walther PPS is already the best compact 9mm handgun on the market. It would make for a bit of a conflict of interest, if they came out with a similar 9mm handgun.

Besides, the Bodyguard 380 is meant to be affordable and lightweight. 11.75 oz would make for a very lightweight 9mm. It is a weight better suited for a 380.

It is in such short supply right now, that some people are actually paying $500 for the gun, which is way too much money, in my opinion. You can buy a nice new Walther PPS for $600, and get much more gun for your money.