Description

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 has carved out a loyal niche among concealed carry enthusiasts, offering a lightweight, compact solution designed for those who value discretion without compromising on quality. In this full review, we’ll explore whether this pocket gun lives up to the reputation of its predecessor, how it compares to similar carry guns, and whether it’s a viable option for everyday use.

First Impressions of the S&W Bodyguard 2.0

The bodyguard 2.0 is an updated version of the original Bodyguard, refining several key features while maintaining the same core philosophy—make a reliable, compact handgun that people will actually carry. Smith & Wesson, also known colloquially as Smith Wesson, has continued their tradition of quality with this small but mighty pistol.

Upon unboxing, you’ll find the bodyguard comes with both a flush magazine and an extended magazine, giving shooters a choice between low-profile carry or improved control. The flush magazine fits snugly and helps maintain the pocket-friendly form factor, while the extended magazine provides an extra round and more grip surface—ideal for those with larger hands or seeking more stability when they shoot.

Specs and Dimensions

The bodyguard 2.0 weighs just 12 ounces unloaded. Its overall length is 5.25 inches, with a slide width of only 0.75 inches—placing it among the thinnest carry guns available today. The slim profile ensures that it slides easily into a pocket holster, an essential feature for any pocket pistol.

The grip is textured and ergonomically shaped, providing a secure hold despite the smaller gun frame. Many users report that the grip is surprisingly comfortable given the gun’s compact size.

Slide and Controls

The stainless steel slide features both front and rear serrations, allowing for easy manipulation even under stress. It’s relatively easy to rack, which can be a concern for some users with weaker hands. The magazine release button is crisp and responsive, and the thumb safety is tactile, with just the right amount of resistance.

One standout detail of the bodyguard 2.0 is the integrated thumb safety. While some consider this a deal breaker, others see it as an added layer of protection during carry. For a pocket or deep-concealment pistol, it’s worth evaluating the sights based on your carry style and personal preference.

Sight System and Accuracy

A crucial upgrade over the original bodyguard is the improved sight system. The front sight and rear sight are now steel rather than polymer and dovetailed into the slide—a major improvement for those seeking durability. Some models even feature a tritium insert in the front sight, which helps tremendously in low-light conditions.

The rear sight notch is moderately wide, creating a decent sight picture for such a little gun. While not competition-grade, the sight picture is more than adequate for conversational distances—which is precisely where the bodyguard 2.0 is designed to shine. It’s not a gun for punching tight groups in an IDPA target, but it will let you hit center mass reliably in a crisis.

Some users have upgraded the rear sight to an aftermarket version with a wide notch for faster target acquisition. Others find the stock sights acceptable, especially considering the mouse gun category it fits into.

S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Trigger Feel and Performance

The trigger is double-action-only (DAO), with a long, heavy pull that helps reduce the chance of an accidental discharge during carry. It breaks cleanly, and although it may not be a flat trigger, it’s predictable and consistent. Some may find the trigger a bit stiff, but in a defensive context, it works as intended.

During our range sessions, we put the bodyguard 2.0 through various drills. Drawing from a pocket holster, we practiced firing quickly at conversational distances and found the pistol quite manageable. The recoil is noticeable but very controllable for a gun of this size and weight. The grip texture helps absorb some of that snap, making the bodyguard more comfortable to shoot than many of its competitors.

Magazines and Ammo Performance

The bodyguard ships with two magazines—one flush magazine and one extended magazine—which gives flexibility in carry and training. The magazine capacity is six rounds for the standard flush magazine, with the extended version holding seven rounds for optimal load management .

We tested a mix of ammo, including standard FMJ rounds for training and hollow points for defensive load evaluation. All ammo cycled reliably, with no feeding or ejection issues across over 200 rounds. That level of dependability makes the bodyguard 2.0 a reliable choice for anyone seeking a backup pistol or pocket defensive option.

Range Testing: What We Found

Over several hours of testing, including timed drills and slow-fire accuracy tests, we noted that the slide locked back consistently after the last round, and reloads were smooth. The rack was manageable, and even newer shooters could operate the slide without issue.

Hitting a 6-inch IDPA target at 7 yards was simple with practice, though less experienced shooters may struggle due to the DAO trigger, which is slightly longer than others . We’d recommend a range session or two to acclimate to the long trigger pull.

S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Experience: Truly a Pocket Gun

The bodyguard 2.0 is undoubtedly a pocket gun—it’s slim, lightweight, and fits well in nearly any pocket holster. We carried it for several days in both jeans and slacks, and it disappeared easily in a front pocket. Its same width as most smartphones means it won’t print heavily.

Comparing it with the Ruger LCP and LCP Max, the bodyguard 2.0 holds its own. While the LCP Max offers higher magazine capacity, the smith wesson offering feels more substantial in hand, and its sights are arguably better out of the box.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight – ideal pocket pistol
• Reliable with all tested ammo
• Improved sights with optional tritium insert
• Comes with flush and extended magazines
• DAO action with built-in thumb safety
• Durable slide with good rack characteristics

Cons:

• Long trigger pull takes time to master
• DAO may not suit all users
• Some may view the thumb safety as a deal breaker
• Low magazine capacity compared to larger guns

Comparisons and Alternatives

The shield pluses and other larger guns like the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield offer better ergonomics and magazine capacity, but at the cost of increased weight and size. If concealment is the primary concern, the bodyguard 2.0 outperforms many in the pocket segment.

If you’re deciding between the new bodyguard and the original bodyguard, the newer version wins on virtually every front—better sights, improved slide, and a more comfortable grip. The new bodyguard also eliminates the integrated laser found on some older models, which many found unnecessary.

Common Questions

Q: Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 a good gun?

Yes, the Bodyguard 2.0 is widely regarded as a good gun—especially within its class of ultra-compact pocket pistols. It’s reliable, extremely lightweight, and easy to carry in a pocket holster or waistband. While its long double-action trigger pull may take some practice, it provides an added layer of safety for concealed carry. Its durable steel slide, improved sights, and ergonomic grip make it a viable option for anyone seeking a discreet self-defense weapon. It’s not a target pistol, but for conversational distances, it’s effective, accurate, and dependable.

Q: Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 drop safe?

Yes, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is drop safe. It features internal safeties including a firing pin block and a transfer bar mechanism that prevents accidental discharge if dropped. Additionally, models equipped with a manual thumb safety offer extra peace of mind. These features are critical for a pocket gun that may be jostled or bumped during daily carry. As always, it’s important to use a proper holster that fully covers the trigger guard to maximize safety.

Q: Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Handgun of the Year?

While the Bodyguard 2.0 has not officially won the “Handgun of the Year” award from major industry organizations like the NRA or Guns & Ammo, it remains one of the most popular and best-selling mouse guns in the market. Its combination of reliability, size, affordability, and brand reputation from Smith Wesson keeps it at the top of many shooters’ lists. While it may not have the headline-grabbing status of larger or more innovative models, its performance as a dependable pocket pistol earns it high marks from everyday carriers and professionals alike.

Q: Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 a “Mouse Gun”?

Yes, the bodyguard 2.0 fits squarely into the mouse gun category. But don’t let the name fool you—it’s still a pistol with enough power and accuracy to defend your life. It’s small, but not a mistake to carry.

Q: Is Recoil Manageable?

While all little guns have snappier recoil, the smith wesson bodyguard is quite shootable. The textured grip, manageable trigger, and solid slide make it easier to control than other mouse guns we’ve tested.

Q: Is It Accurate?

At typical conversational distances, the bodyguard 2.0 is more than accurate enough. With practice, you’ll be able to hit vital areas on a target at up to 10 yards.

Q: Is It Worth Carrying?

Absolutely. As a backup pistol or a deep concealment piece, the wesson bodyguard is a viable option. It’s also an excellent first carry gun for someone just getting into concealed carry.

Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Worth It?

In this S&W Bodyguard 2.0 review, we’ve covered everything from handling and trigger performance to carry comfort and sight usability. The bodyguard 2.0 proves itself as a compact, effective, and reliable choice for anyone in the market for a true pocket pistol. Whether you’re a seasoned carrier or a beginner looking for something manageable, the smith wesson bodyguard is worth your serious consideration.

With the right pocket holster, appropriate ammo, and a few solid range sessions, this little gun can become your daily companion—ready to load, rack, and shoot when you need it most.