New S&W Bodyguard 2.0 vs Ruger LCP Max Gun Comparison 

Smith took away height from the slide and added it to the grip. Smart.

Love seeing Maryville, TN on the slide. Sorry Mass, you ran them off. Us Tennesseans thank you.

He's loving the Smith & Wesson while trying not to cut the umbilical cord from Ruger!😅😂

You've officially sold me on the Smith. I already have the Ruger LCP MAX 75th anniversary editionand I carry it more than anything else. But after seeing that extended grip and lower bore axis.... I must have one. 10/10 video once again. Thank you!

Your videos really couldn't be any better. So much detail. Appreciate you!

Both the original LCP and Bodyguard left much to be desired. The Max and 2.0 are great improvements, and both good choices for a front pocket carry. Glad we have some good options.

The front sight on the BG 2.0 is also a tritium night sight.

I appreciate these sort of thorough and honest reviews.

I work at a sports and outdoor shop and I will go ahead and tell you smith really did something with the new body guard. Im going to be getting my own very soon. And I believe anyone that puts their hands on one will be considering replacing their current micros

I've always said that they would make a ruger lcp max with a 3.5 barrel instead of the 2.8 barrel and call it ruger lcp max+, it would still be highly concealable and a lot less snappy

Oh wow - this is great. Thanks for posting! My wife carries the original Bodyguard and I carry the original LCP. Awfully tempting to upgrade!! Glad to see that the new version of the LCP locks open when it's empty.

Just tried to watch this and YT took me to a page on explicit content. I lit them up in the "Was this helpful" comment section. We got your back, Sootch!

I actually got a chance to see one in person,I was amazed how small the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is.I asked my local gun store if they had the new Smith & Wesson Comp,or Shield Plus Comp,and they didn’t,but got the new Bodyguard in.I think it is pretty awesome with how small it is.I like you can just throw it in your pocket,and it is awesome EDC gun.The one I seen at the store was sold,and it was immediately sold when they got it in.I feel Smith & Wesson has knocked it out the park with all there new guns that just came out.

Wow, thanks so much. Your 1st video was great. But to get a comparison to its closest competitor is awesome, thanks!

I see the Ruger on sale quite often in my area and online for 250 to 299 I really like the Smith but gonna wait until the new wears off and catch a sale lol

Well, dammit, I guess I'm buying a new S&W! I swore I wouldn't. What a well done comparison!!

Just got an email advertisement for the Bodyguard 2.0 and immediately searched for your review. Impressed that you had a side by side which was gonna be my next search. Very well done and as a LCP Max owner you sold me on the Smith. I only went with the Ruger originally due to how bad the Smith Bodyguard 1.0 was but they fixed everything and more!!

If you be my Bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal 😊

I have the Max. It is good, but I don't like the trigger with the internal hammer. I really like the idea of the BG.

Everyone keeps bringing them up together and this is the first video I've seen of them side by side.... Nice...

I carry my LCP MAX everywhere, all the time. Don't see a need to switch.

Thanks, Sootch. I saw your vid on the Bodyguard 2.0 on Tuesday. So impressed with the presentation, I went to my local gun shop that afternoon, and to my surprise, they had one in the case and had gotten 5-6 of them that day. As soon as I saw it and gripped it, I told my favorite salesperson: "Sold". Looking to finally replace my Glock 42, I traded it and paid less than the $399 price. It pairs perfectly with my Shield Plus; two great guns. Every other review I've seen, this gun is impressing everyone.

Sootch always coming through with what's on the people's mind!

Bought the lcp max a couple of months ago, and it is slightly larger than the original LCP, and this is slightly larger than the max in slide length - all of those “slightly larger”s add up. The max prints in most pockets of mine, it does not just slip into a pocket holster and disappear. I think the extra length of the bodyguard will probably be enough to expose the back of the slide in most pockets. At that point I’d rather just carry appendix with 9/357/45, something larger.

Comments and other reviewers say the BG 2.0 also has a tritium front sight. Might want to mention that. Thanks for a thorough comparison.

Both are top notch imo. Waiting on the "newness" to wear off and hope to get one on sale...and it comes with a manual safety option.

First off, thanks for this side by side comparison! We all wanted to see it! The MAX has been my daily carry for 3 years now. I have over 1500 rounds through it and trust it implicitly. 2 to 3 times a month, since the beginning of this year, I do pocket draw, double & triple tap drills at 10-15 feet with great success. Some time ago, I got rid of the Ruger holster and replaced it with a Galco pocket holster model PRO836B major improvement! I am intrigued by this new Smith, and I must say, I am NOT a Smith fanboy, but I am way curious about this pistol. I cant wait to get one in my hands here locally and see for myself! Is it a bad thing to want to own both???? Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona

Of course this drops two weeks after I get a Max 😅

Great job on the comparison! I'm a long time shooter and have seen a vast number of your reviews, over the years. This one is one of your best, in that you have done a truly excellent job of covering the advantages and disadvantages of each pistol. You always do, but this video seems even better than normal. They both appear to be great choices. Thanks!

Bodyguard is lighter at 9.7 ounces vs 10.8, bodyguard is also thinner at 0.88" vs 0.97". Impressed more with the Smith based on that alone.

Bought the Ruger Security 380..hammer fired with a thumb safety, U notch and a fiber optic front.., and if you live in the right state..(which we don't) ...15 round magazine...

I’m 5’5 & these 2 guns are the ones I was looking at specifically because of my size. It’s hard to conceal. Thank you for the video! This helped so much!

I like both. But I think I prefer the S&W without holding either one yet. Mainly because of the option of having a thumb safety and the build quality is superior IMO. The thumb safety gives you the ability to have it and not need it versus the need it and not have it option.

I have the LCP MAX and love it. Will also get the 2.0 when all the hoopla dies down 🤣 I'm a 380 fan and this would be a great addition to my little arsenal 😉👍

I have an LCP Max. It’s a great little pistol, but it is a 2 1/2 finger grip. I have the occasional limp wrist failure to cycle shooting one hand weak hand, simply because it’s so hard to get a solid grip. I can tell just by looking the Smith is going to offer a better grip. I won’t carry a pistol without an extra mag, so I just bought a 12-rounder when I got the Ruger. It gives you a full 3 finger grip. I use an Alabama kydex pocket holster for deep concealment. It’s a great holster. Thanks for another great review! 😃😃😃

I just bought the ruger.380 max a couple of weeks ago, didn't know S&W was coming out with this, oh well. But I'm still pleased with it, an bought 2- 12 rd mags to go with it. But I typically pocket carry here in Fl, so no biggy. I feel confident in it, with the right ammo after doing a months worth of homework before I bought it. Now looking for a dedicated mag holster, preferably a belt side mounted holster for the 12 rd mags, that will contain it. Thx for the vid Sootch

That beaver tail on the S&W is fantastic. Wish more companies would do that.

I literally just bought the LCP Max last week.. might have gone with the BG 2.0 if I had known it was coming out 😮‍💨

I have both (got the Bodyguard 2.0 yesterday). It's not a contest, the Bodyguard 2.0 is better in every way.

I have the LCP Max 75th anniversary and it is my main EDC. With that said. The S&W looks very intriguing and better built than the Ruger. I’m definitely a fan of the takedown operation of the S&W vs the Ruger. I paid $269 for my LCP Max from PSA.

The pocket carry 9/380 battle is so hot right now. So much advancement and progress. We still have plenty discussion over rifle vs. shotgun and revolver vs. semi-auto, etc., but THIS is the market where we're really seeing innovation and interest.

Oh God I need to.... I need to.... I NEED TO CONSOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

One significant difference is that you can get the bodyguard 2.0 with a manual safety.

Great review as always. The Smith looks great and the mag fit looks precision. I bought the LCP Max anniversary edition for $279. with the stainless steel slide. The mag fit is kinda sloppy. If you hold pressure on the empty mag it will lock the slide back otherwise not. If you purchase a mag twin pack at the Magshack, the price comes down to about $23 dollars each when on sale. Not bad. It's nice to see S&W step up the gen 2 Bodyguard. Thank you for your honest and very thorough review.

I just bought the 75-year anniversary LCP max and now I really want the BG2.0!

I bought the LCP Max just before I discovered the BG 2.0. I don't like how the Max shoots, bought the 2.0 and I'll have it Tuesday. The Max is gonna get sold, as is my BG 1.0.

I've carried the Ruger II for a few years now, and really like it, but was considering buying the Ruger Max. Now I'll have to take a look at the S&W Bodyguard that is basically the same (except for the caliber) as my S&W 9 Shield plus which I carry all the time. Very nice review. Thank you

Excellent review and comparison. But I thought the BG2 comes with a tritium night sight. Also, featuring the ladies and getting their opinions would have added an important perspective from a critical marketing group.

S&W are just killing it. I've put at least a thousand rounds through 10 different pistols from 6 different brands and the Smiths are the only two that NEVER gave me ANY issues. Not a single FTE or FTF, no mag catches, no trigger hangups. Nothing. No matter what kind of ammo I used.

Ruger lcp gen 1 has poor trigger. LCP pro has improved trigger and taller more usable sights. LCP2 has wider grip and better sights than gen 1 but not as tall as pro. Ruger LCP Max has twice the capacity and only .25 in taller and replaceable sights with tridium factory front, also locks back on last round. By far the best pocket option. However, LCP has been less reliable with each version and will jam, not lock back, or stovepipe more than original version. I still prefer the max despite this. S&W bodyguard gen 1 performed flawlessly then after 600 rounds started to have same problems as the ruger. ALL other m&p pistols have been more reliable then glocks and my choice for carry. Having a S&W gen 2 with FIGHTING pistol features is a total win given the same relative size as the LCP max. S&W stainless slide and barrel is such a greater choice as my ruger (and Sootch00's) barrel and parts of the slide have already rusted from pocket carry. My M&P9C gen 1 carried for over a decade every day and minimal care or oil seen has had two minor rust spots on the edges and tiny. Simply superior choice and will be my next purchase for the the m&p bodyguard 380. Thanks Sootch00 for this comparison as this is exactly what I wondered after your last video. Glad you were there VA lobby day 3, 4 years ago now nice to have met you, keep up the greatness!

I like how the hand grip is further up and also protected by the beaver tail : more control.

Smith takes it - nothing else can compare at the moment.

By far the best video I've seen on either of these CC options, you've earned a sub and the thanks from a soon to be owner of the 2.0

I just traded my lemon LCP MAX for a shield plus. My LCP was a bad one . Keyholing and shooting extremely low. Inaccurate and poorly machined. I’m definitely looking into the bodyguard 2.0

Great review ❗️Thanks for posting ❗️ I will stick with my Ruger LCP II for now, but LCP Max is on my list for the next year 😁

Don't mess with sootch00, RU-vid. We rely on his evaluations and comparisons of essential tools.

I like the fact that these two are the same height, yet the S&W grip length is longer. The only thing I dislike about the S&W is that the rear plate(slide to frame) looks open for debris. They really cheaped out there.

Excellent side by side comparison. They both seem to be excellent SA pocket pistols. Personally, my own preference for small pocket pistols carried with a round in the chamber is that regardless of strike or hammer fire, I prefer them to be DA only for the first shot, and possibly with a thumb safety too. That's based on some knowledge of incidents in which someone has managed to fire their pocket pistol while fumbling a fast pull from their pocket or purse. We agree, gun owner error, and that every pistol should be drawn only from a holster in a perfect world. Of course the world we are in is not that perfect world and also many people who own small pocket pistols did not get hours and hours of class room instruction and range time before getting the pistol. There is a reason the ultra small pistols are called pocket pistols or purse pistols or even vest pistols. Something to do with they are often carried in pockets. Sometimes barrel up, sometimes barrel down,, depending on the size and looseness of the pocket or purse. Again, in that perfect world nothing else is in that pocket. But again, I have knowledge of times when that rule may have been ignored and pesky house door or car keys entered into the equation.. All of the incidents of that type I am personally aware of involved pocket/vest pistols with single action trigger pulls. I am not personally aware of similar incidents involving pistols with DA only first shot pulls. I am not sure why both S&W and Ruger ignore that reality and don't offer DA pocket pistols. Some firms do of course, the often copied Walther PPK, the Kahr CW, the Seecamp LWS .380, etc,

I rented the LCP Max, and it was the most painful pistol I've shot. It hurt my trigger finger and the web of my hand. I had a sore on my trigger finger that lasted about a week. I didn't want to finish the box of ammo I got with the rental. Hoping the Bodyguard 2.0 will be less painful to shoot.

Thanks for a great side by side review! I’m looking forward to doing my own and comparing results.

When he said two of the wives said they were getting them I thought he was saying he has two wives lol

Another excellent review. Thanks Sootch00!

This man is expert about carefully commenting of each gun so to appease both manufacturers. 😁 And the Bodyguard 2.0 is thinner not the LCP Max, just saying.

Damn. This one is tough. Ive had and used Rugers for over 10 years but this Bodyguard 2.0 looks more aesthetic and that recoil reduction is a big selling point. Good thing Im broke right now

The Smith sight also has tritium in the center.

This is a very thorough review and comparison, really well done. Thank you, Gus

I wish I realized the bodyguard 2.0 was commin out. Just got the LCP max last week 😅

1st time comment ever, like your videos. thanks for the comparison of the 2 guns. ps.. i love the upstate!

The comparison we've been waiting for!

I upgraded the trigger, hammer spring, and guide rod on my lcp max. The smith might be better out of the box now. But that lcp max is just perfect for a pocket holster.

I have owned an LCP 2, and an LCP Max. I bought the Bodyguard 2.0 on monday. Holy Crap! Much better overall gun in my opinion. Even after upgrading the trigger on the LCP Max, it still sucked. The bodyguard trigger is not perfect, but SO MUCH better than the Rugers. I shot it yesterday, and it was accurate, low recoil, and fast. VERY HAPPY with this gun!

You don’t have to pull the slide back to dissemble the Ruger or reassemble it for that matter. Watch the Ruger video on field stripping the LCP MAX and the proper way to check the function. Good video and comments.

The LCP Max has a gross trigger and the rear sight is not the best (or worst). The rear sight on mine wouldn't adjust, and it was way off, so I had to cut it off and install an aftermarket. Once I upgraded the trigger shoe, the internals and the rear sight the LCP Max is much better. It's a good enough gun out of the box, but it needs upgrades to be a great gun. I love the LCP II with upgrades, but having the extra capacity makes the max the better option.

The Ruger has rampant magazine feeding and slide lock issues, and an awful coating leading to rust issues. If I could go back, I would wait for the new Bodyguard.

For those that already have the LCP MAX and just want to keep it Galloway precision has a turn key kit that comes with all new springs, guide rod, and trigger and it drastically changed the feel of my MAX and it was cheap. I’m still getting this S&W but I won’t be dumping my LCP because she runs really good now……just food for thought

3rd comment…….a noteworthy day for me 😂 Have the Max and carry it some in a Vedder pocket locker, and it’s eminently more shootable than the LCP which I’ve never owned, but it’s still snappy, and has some “corners” on the back that I basically put ranger bands around that helps. I’m curious about recoil impulse in comparison, thanks Sootch00!

My lcp max has been nothing but trouble. It has been back to Ruger twice for light primer strikes. I love everything about it except the unreliability. I just got it back today and hopefully they fixed it. If not I am buying the new S&W. Great comparison video

The 2.0 is not available yet in the 10 round only version for limited mag capacity states. I'm assuming that will change.

One needs the 12 round magazine to get a good grip on the LCP2 Max. I think Smith went to school on Ruger and edged them out. Wonder if the Smith will be more likely to snag. I like the Smith, but not enough to run out and replace it (Already have the Viridian Laser, Mags, etc.). Cheers, Tony

"Wife and daughter wanted one and two of the prepper wives were going to get one..." But what about the ruger LCP? do they already have the ruger or do they not like it? why or why not?

On the LCP max.. pulling out and reinserting the pin during disassembly and reassembly is easier if you DO NOT lock the slide back. Ruger techs say there's no need to lock it back for field strip.

Within 1 hour of your bodyguard 2.0 I literally went to decide (I don’t own any 380 ammo) and $270 for the LCP max I had to. Also I couldn’t find the bodyguard 2.0

Other reviews have said that the 2.0 has a tritium bead. 🤔🤷‍♂️ I'm a big fan of the Shield Plus, so for when "pocket carry" size is needed, I'm definitely looking forward to upgrading from a Max to the 2.0! 👍

finally a comparison video

Great comparison Sootch! I own and carry the LCP Max but I would have to say the S&W gets the win in this case. One thing that you didn’t mention is the issue with the LCP not reliably locking the slide back on an empty magazine, perhaps this has been resolved with the newer guns but it is one thing that really bothers me about my LCP. Again, great video, really enjoyed it.

There are no comparisons SW knocked this one out the park Ruger makes a fine pistol but they will rust in the box, there finish leaves much to be desired. SW finishes are great

I have owned every generation of the LCP the difference between the original LCP and the Max is night and day when it comes to shooting. I now own the Bodyguard 2.0 and it flat out outperforms the LCP Max hands down. The only thing that I like the LCP better in is the recoil spring on the Bodyguard is considerably more difficult to reinstall back onto the slide. Great video sir.

3 finger grips rule...S&W gets points for Tactacool which should never be a reason for use...Smith has the new Wow factor with new product pricing. Ruger can easily drop in price as its in production for a while...

Good review. Thanks. I've got an LCP Max, and I can recommend it. It's a very easy gun to conceal, especially with the 10-round mag. The only thing I never liked about it is that for some reason the trigger bites my finger no matter how I grip the gun. (I've read that some others are affected by this.) It's obviously not really a big issue for carrying, but when I'm at the range, I put s small band-aid on my finger or wear a tight-fitting glove. By the way, I also have an original LCP that I carry when I'm dressed very lightly and/and need total "invisibility" - if you know what I mean. AND I also have a Sig P365. As you say, another good choice, but slightly larger and heavier. But, of course, 9mm.

Should we forgive Smith for their affront to humanity known as the first Bodygaurd?

LCP MAX - You do not have to pull the slide back before removing the tab for disassembly .Keep it simple. Saw this in another video. Just pull the pin and move the slide forward.Goes back on in the opposite.

Great comparison of options for pocket carry. Thanks !

My feeling about .380 is that for any firearm "one hit is better than 6 misses from a .44". And with concealment issues for the bigger calibers, for controllability in a small package often requires a lighter cartridge. With today's hollow points the stopping power (of a .380) is good

I had seen a review claiming the Bodyguard 2.0 had a tritium front sight. It's disappointing they didn't add that feature.

I do not have either one of those. Previously I have had the Ruger Security 9 Compact. After getting the bugs out and it was serviced, now it is reliable. More recently I have purchased the S&W M&P Shield Plus, optics ready. The Shield works better for me, particularly in the grip. I look forward to finishing your comparison, here.

The smith has a tritium night front sight so the sight argument is invalid and is equal

So nice that S&W curved the trigger guard up to give more finger room on the front strap.

Can I ask a question here, you said that Smith & Wesson sent The Bodyguard and Ruger sent over the LCP Max you said you owned one and you carry it constantly so why would Ruger have to send you one also😮

The best deep concealment/summer wear .380 is still the original LCP or the LCP II. With the extended mag you get 7+1 shots which is sufficient and the extra rounds in the 2.0 or the MAX just make it heavier than it needs to be. 12+1 is just a little heavy for summer shorts. In the Winter it doesnt matter because you can hide more gun and take a 9mm. If you are wearing jeans or khakis sure, carry the Bodyguard 2.0 or the LCP Max. JMHO

Just picked up the bg 2.0. Doesn’t cycle underwood xtreme defenders.. huge bummer