a) Two is one and one is none. While the Kel-Tec hasn't had an issues yet, it's my go-to pocket gun for the times when I can't carry a gun. I'd hate to have to revert to the Colt Jr. should something happen to the Kel-Tec.
b) I don't shoot the Kel-Tec very much because the tiny sights aren't much use beyond 10 - 15 feet. .380 ACP is back in stock now, but the price is on a par with .45 ACP - if I'm going to spend that kind of money at the range, I'd rather it be with a target 1911 or my G30 carry gun. The Bodyguard 380 has real adjustable sights as well as an integral laser.
c) At $360 off-the-shelf, it's cheap money to support Smith & Wesson's decision both to actually make the little pistol but also to have it made MA-compliant.
However...
Six weeks have gone by since I put my order in. The shop where it is on order sent out an e-mail stating that they were no longer taking orders for the BG 380, because they want to focus on getting guns out to the folks already waiting. It didn't sound like they were going to be fulfilling the orders any time soon. At the same time, they have these in stock:
PF9 LC9
Hmmm. They've got the Ruger LC9 in stock for $10 more than the Bodyguard 380. I am damn tempted to call them tomorrow morning (they're closed on Mondays) and put a deposit on an LC9. If they still have them in stock, I could pick it up on Thursday (they're open late)... I might even keep the order in for the Bodyguard 380 - pick it up, shoot it a bunch, see if I like it, and if not, sell it for what I paid if not more...
There's a lot to like about a small single stack 9mm like the LC9 or the Kahr PM9. They are larger than the pocket 380s, but not by much - the LC9 is 6" OAL, 0.9" wide, has a 3.1" barrel, and weighs 17 ounces empty. The Bodyguard 380 is 5¼" OAL, 0.75" wide, has a 2.75" barrel, and weighs 12 ounces empty. The Ruger has 7+1 rounds of 9mm compared to the Bodyguard's 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP - not only does it carry more ammunition, but it's in a more powerful caliber. All for 5 ounces, 3/4" length, and 0.15" width?
Maybe I'll just get both and run 'em head to head...
That is all.
22 comments:
No harm in having them both, but 9mm is still cheaper than .380. I like my little LCP, and am eager to try the LC9 and Ruger is making some wonderful products, so why not?
WV "matchem" how perfect!
@Jay - Have you gotten to hold one yet?
I know you like revolvers so the trigger may be more acceptable for you. My dad got an LC9 and I was less than impressed. Especially when I compared it's size (Not weight) to an Officers 1911.
Fondled the LC9
I can walk out the door with a Bodyguard 380 today for $575 from a local shop.
I have one on order from another for $350. It will arrive eventually.
Soon, I hope.
We ordered ours online, to be delivered to a local gun shop. Yay!!
The Ruger is a no buy for me; "Your RUGER® LC9TM pistol is equipped with a magazine disconnect."
I will also not buy a male pig with silicone implants.
"Your RUGER® LC9TM pistol is equipped with a magazine disconnect."
That would be a deal killer for me, too. Heck, I only put tolerate it on my Ruger Mark III because a) it's only a target pistol, and b) I couldn't find a Mk I or II in my price range at the time.
Magazine disconnects do not belong on defensive guns, period.
libertyman,
That's another good point - not only is 9mm more powerful than .380it's also cheaper *and* more plentiful...
Teke,
Yes, I picked one up and fondled (and dry-fired) one at the NRA convention. The trigger isn't the greatest, but it's not terrible IMHO.
North,
That's just it. I am interested in the Bodyguard 380 for $360. $500 and up, the interest level drops precipitiously...
Lissa,
Sure, kick a guy when he's down... :)
McThag & Jake,
You do realize that magazine disconnects were *MADE* to be removed, right? :)
The MA "Approved Roster" only requires the disconnect so that an FFL can sell the LC9. It is *NOT* necessary for ownership...
There are numerous MA gunsmiths who do a brisk business in removing same...
"The MA "Approved Roster" only requires the disconnect so that an FFL can sell the LC9. It is *NOT* necessary for ownership..."
I had thought MA required the disconnect, but when you mentioned having a P3AT I assumed I was wrong. How did you manage to get it? Was it a sale from someone who had it when they moved to MA?
The mag disconnect is OK with the wife. She doesn't have a strong opinion about it.
It would be a no-starter for me, though. I want everything to go when I pull the little "go lever."
Jake,
The MA roster only limits what a MA FFL can sell. It's a "Consumer Safety" issue, not a law - it is not *illegal* for an FFL to sell an "unapproved" gun, it's merely a $5,000 fine.
Private sales between two properly licensed MA residents are perfectly legal and do not have to abide by the Consumer Protection regulations. If someone moves into MA from out of state and has an "off-list" gun, they can sell it privately with no penalty.
The only handguns that can't be sold - or brought into the state - are ones that run afoul of the "Assault Weapons" ban. A new S&W M&P15 pistol - which is MADE IN MA - can't be sold here except to LEO.
Madness? THIS IS MASSACHUSETTS!!!
What's the Old Saying? A pistol in the Hand is worth 2 on Backorder? 7+1 in 9mm in the Fist beats 6+1 in .380 or 5 in .38+P in a J-Frame.
Put it in a good pocket holster, put a couple of extra magazines in a carrier, slide the whole package in the cargo pockets of a pair of shorts, you're good to go for the summer.
So, an FFL can facilitate a private transfer of guns not on the "approved" list (IIRC all private transfers in MA have to go through an FFL, right)? That's good.
Still, one of the Alans needs to get after that stupid roster, ASAP. The fact that we even can have this discussion should be enough to make the founders spin in their graves.
Jake,
In MA no FFL is needed for a private transfer.
The Bradys call this a "gunshow loophole", very conveniently ignoring that in MA both residents have to have permits to own firearms...
And yes, the roster needs to go. I'd rather see discretionary licensing fall first, followed by the "Assault Weapons" ban, though...
Full Disclosure: I have a horse in this race.
As the somewhat reluctant owner of a LC9, I must say, it has very much grown on me. I hear tell that the mag disconnect is a fairly easy removal, and that a normal detail stripping results in a loose safety that you can simply neglect to re-insert. I am very much a fan of the sights Ruger put on the gun, and hits come easier than one would expect.
As far as recoil is concerned, it is far more pleasant to shoot than any pocket 380 with regular practice ammo. Winchester 147 grain SXTs seem to make the recoil comperable to the LCP.
I bought mine mostly to help support a local gun dealer who treats me well and to try it out. I thought that worst case, I would give it to a friend lacking a carry piece. It has grown on me and will replace my PPK/S as the little gun in my carry rotation. I'll even admit to truly liking it and actually enjoying taking it to the range.
I'd say the Ruger would be worth the investment. Worst case, Jay doesn't like it and can pass it on to one of the little ones when they prepare to leave the nest.
It aint no pocket gun:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=200590579979534&set=a.200590369979555.50327.112939382077988&type=1
My only hesitation is that the LC9 isn't quite in the same league as the Bodyguard.
The Bodyguard (and the P3AT) are micro guns that can easily slip in a pocket or whatever holster you have.
You'd need a pretty big kangaroo pouch to fit the LC9 into a pocket, and that's not factoring in a pocket holster.
Looks like a neat gun, and if you get one I'd love to help you achieve the desired Break-in period, and certainly with a nice IWB holster you can hid it as well as anything else, but it won't be the same as the P3AT or your plethorii of J-Frames.
Weerd makes a good point. Next to my Offices 1911 there was only 1/4 in length, 1/2in in height. The slide was a little thinner. The safety was the biggest difference in width.
I will admit. The second and third time I handled it the trigger grew on me a little, went from Zomg to naa not for me. I admittedly favor Single Action. Mom tried to dry fire it and then I handed her my 1911. She preferred the 1911's trigger. Even though she's not a shooter it must be genetic.
Just buy the LC9, that will guarantee a call on the BG 380. Worked when I bought the SW1911. I ordered the BG on 1-29, came in on 4-21, just after BAG Day.
I've never understood the teeny 380 pocket gun craze.
Yes, it's small and handy, but for slightly more, you can get a caliber that puts more hurt on the target and is significantly cheaper to shoot.
I'd love to see more .380 arms scaled up just a wee bit more to accept 9mm.
Gun Tests Magazine reviewed the LC9 side by side with the KelTec PF9 it was copied from in their April 2011 issue.
They preferred the safety-less KelTec: "We came away from the tests really liking the Kel-Tec and not liking the Ruger nearly as much. If we had 50 rounds to shoot at a sitting, we’d choose the Ruger, but for concealed carry and the few rounds one might shoot in a self-defense encounter, there’s no question in our minds. We’d choose the Kel-Tec. We consider it an ‘A’-grade gun from every important standpoint: price, accuracy, reliability, light weight, slim, you name it. We think this is one mighty fine 9mm handgun, but it is not for the recoil-sensitive person."
The thing for me with the Bodyguard vs the Kel-Tek is the BG has usable iron sights and a slide lock. The Insight laser is weaker than the bolt on CT for the Kel-Tek and is not an instinctive activation like the CT.
Just sent the Insight laser from the BG back to S&W last week. It died.
My two cents! Enjoy it!
Having shot the LC9, I'd suggest the PF9 over it.
The Ruger has better fit/finish and handles the recoil better, but the trigger is awful; the PF9 has a much better trigger, easier to find magazines, no tiny little safety, and costs less.
Granted, I don't know if it's MA legal.
(Yay for NH. Where you can wear a pistol on your hip, a double-edged switchblade in your pocket, and an loaded AK on your back... all without a license, and not break a single law.)
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