First Impressions and Features
This Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2 Carry Comp is pretty much like the last one I reviewed, now with an integrated compensated slide and barrel. The addition makes the barrel 0.35 inches longer than its predecessor, aiding in recoil control and adding velocity, but we’ll get to the range in a second. Given its Performance Center treatment, the Carry Comp also sports upgraded sights and better slide serrations that wrap around the top.
Height and width remain the same on the Carry Comp, though because of that extra length, it’s 2 ounces heavier. The Carry Comp also ships with two magazines; both a 10- and 12-round magazine are included, unless you live in a restricted state. Just like the last one, this one felt great in the hand, and I was anxious to get it on the range.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 10- or 12-round (CO, DE, IL, VT)
- Overall Length: 5.85 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Height: 4 inches
- Weight (unloaded): 11.8 ounces
- Weight: 15.4 ounces (with loaded 10-round mag of DoubleTap)
Opening Shots
I took this gun straight from checkout to the range and put 100 rounds of assorted Federal ammunition through it. Shooting from approximately 7 and 9 yards, I felt like I was printing good groups. When I started to pick up the pace to one-second splits, I could tell the comp made a big difference.
In my previous review, I noted that I’ve always felt like smaller, polymer-framed pistols chambered in .380 ACP carry a bigger bite than larger caliber guns. Something about being so light when paired with modern self-defense loads can make those small pocket pistols quite snappy. The muzzle flip, especially when picking up pace, always made my groups look terrible.
The Carry Comp solves that problem. I didn’t think it would be a big difference, but it has consistently surprised me on the range with how flat and soft it shoots compared to the older model. It made shooting the already easy-to-shoot Bodyguard 2 that much more fun while increasing the velocity downrange.
Accuracy and Reliability
As I started to put more rounds downrange, I was pleasantly surprised that no matter the ammo – be it Federal Punch or DoubleTap JHP – recoil was tamed. What I didn’t expect was the extra .35 inches adding nearly 60 fps to the bullet speed on my Garmin Xero. With speeds approaching 1,000 fps, I think it's fair to say that modern .380 ACP loads are more than adequate to handle self-defense situations.
I put about 500 rounds of a good mixture of self-defense and bulk ammo through this handgun and never had a malfunction. Since I only had malfunctions on the previous version when I had a fully loaded 12-round magazine, I decided to forego topping off the 12-rounders. I didn’t find them any easier to load on that last round, whereas the 10-round magazines are considerably easier to load and can be fully loaded without causing any malfunctions. So, I did most of my testing with the 10-rounders.
When it comes to practical accuracy, the Carry Comp is the best pocket pistol I’ve ever shot. It’s easily able to chew out the heart of a target, even at speed, from the 7-yard line. I didn’t take this gun much past the 10-yard line because I consider this a “get off me” gun –perhaps the best one ever, but still meant for close range.
That said, carrying this gun makes sense for plenty of applications, so I reached out to my favorite holster manufacturer to get the party started.
Carrying the Carry Comp
When I reviewed the first Bodyguard 2, I reached out to QVO Tactical to secure a pocket holster. It worked well and found its way into my EDC rotation as a lightweight pocket carry solution. Naturally, I reached out to Roger and the gang at QVO again for the new Carry Comp, and once again, they delivered. I got one in a Miami Vice theme for AIWB and one that takes me back to a ’90s food court for pocket carry.
The AIWB carry of this gun has changed the way I view AIWB carry. I can carry this gun in that position in practically any pair of athletic shorts I own. I’m not talking about the specialty tactical concealed carry shorts; I’m talking about a pair of 10-year-old Puma shorts that should’ve been thrown out yesterday. I’ve done lots of dry-fire draw practice in multiple pairs of athletic wear, including some dynamic movement, and the holster and gun stay put even after the draw.
That is a testament to the holster and clip design as much as anything. I’m not saying it's as sturdy as a dedicated concealed carry garment, but the fact that I can do it at all is amazing. Even moving up in size a small amount to micro-compacts like the HK CC9 or SIG P365 X proves this isn’t possible with a slightly heavier and bigger gun.
That’s why I say the Bodyguard 2 has changed how I carry. It’s comfortable to carry and so easy to get out of the holster and on target, thanks to those upgraded sights. When I’m just running to the store or driving long distances and don’t want a bigger gun to AIWB for comfort purposes, this gun disappears under the shirt. I almost forget I’m carrying a gun.
Pros and Cons
