Over a recent great day at the range (is there ever a bad day at the range?), I had the good fortune to compare and contrast two pairs of similar guns, back to back at the range.
Now, I’m all about defensive shooting, so this isn’t about precision marksmanship or noise-making. This is about putting minute-of-bad guy rounds on target. Enjoy a couple of hot takes to help you decide if one or more of these guns are for you and your roster.
We’ll do the Bodyguard 2 and LCP Max today. I’ll get some pictures together of the other two and run them soon.
The bottom line, up front: Both are very good for what they are, and which is better for you depends upon the niche you intend to fill with it. Are you buying it as a deep cover backup gun? Or do you have small hands or want a small gun that handles like a full-size gun but conceals better (thinking non-permissive environments, like a workplace that bans carry) and carries easier in a belt rig.
Ruger LCPMax vs. S&W Bodyguard 2
S&W’s new Bodyguard 2 (the gun on the left at the top of the page) is like a 2/3rds size defensive pistol, only it packs the punch of a .380. I had the chance to shoot it against the Ruger LCP Max which I consider the finest deep-concealment / backup gun on the market at the moment. The Bodyguard 2 gave the champ a run for the money but didn’t knock the Max off the perch. For many though, it might be a better choice. Read on…
Both guns come with night sights and hybrid double/single stack mags that hold 10 or 12 rounds of .380 caliber love. With XTP hollow point loads, the .380 consistently delivers about 12” of penetration which most consider ideal for man-stopping purposes. Other loads are hit or miss. Don’t agonize too much over the brand of hollowpoint, just don’t use the way too over-penetrative ball rounds.
Both guns have excellent triggers right out of the box. Life’s too short for lousy triggers.
The Smith is just a little taller and longer but maybe a sliver thinner. Fair warning: The Smith might not fit in pockets that the LCP Max would snuggle into. At the same time the Bodyguard 2 has a very comfortable grip contour and will appeal big-time to those without bear-paws. Think petite women, younger shooters (like as young as 8 to 10 years old if they’re responsible about gun safety) or those who just don’t want the weight and bulk of a “full size” defensive pistol like a Glock on their hip.
Give it a few months and I think you’ll be able to find plenty of inside-the-waistband holsters for the Bodyguard 2 to allow it to be carried in a primary defensive gun role for those extra sensitive to bulk, weight and printing. Yes, some people carry in non-permissive environments at work. A (formerly) hidden .380 in the hand beats the biggest, baddest .45 out in the car.
As an aside, does the Bodyguard 2 also give the Sig P365 in 380 a similar run for the money? They’re also comparable in many ways: trigger, night sights, mag capacity, size. The 365 is also a tiny gun like the LCP Max so give it a try where you can rent guns. Also, for those with hand-strength issues, the P365 in 380 is definitely a good choice!
As for the LCP Max (pictured above on the right): It’s very petite. The weight is negligible… maybe a pound fully loaded. Seriously, you forget you have it on you. It fits into medium sized pockets nicely. As I mentioned earlier, the trigger is good to very good. How good? Better than a factory Glock.
The night sights standard are a huge plus. After all, the majority of defensive gun uses occur in low-light or no-light environments. It certainly helps to know where you’re pointing the gun.
Bonus #2 with the Ruger… it comes (well, some of the units, anyway) with a pocket holster. If you didn’t get one, don’t panic. The Ruger one that came with mine only lasted about two or three months of everyday carry before it gave up the ghost. Buy a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. Those are good for at least a couple of years.
Both guns sell in the $300s.
(Here’s a video contrasting the Ruger holster with the DeSantis.)
Either of these pistols will treat you right. It’s just your specific needs or niche you’re looking to fill will dictate which is the better choice for you.
And if you want slightly larger, the P365 in .380 is an outstanding choice as well.
Nice article John. Well done.
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