IWB holster for Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 is a popular choice for a personal defense sidearm. It is easy to handle, light and slim, and is optimal for concealed carry. The .380 ACP cartridge it fires generates less recoil than a 9mm pistol while still being adequate for self-defense.

This gun is excellent on its own, but it is even better when you purchase the right holster to go along with it. Your holster should be as dependable as the pistol you carry to protect your life.

What the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 Offers

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 (often referred to simply as the Bodyguard or Bodyguard 380) is a modern semi-automatic pistol made by one of America’s oldest gunmakers.

The first version of this subcompact pistol was first introduced to the U.S. civilian market in 2010. At the time, it didn’t yet bear the M&P name and was simply known as the Bodyguard 380. In 2014, the second-generation version was introduced, becoming the M&P Bodyguard 380 and offering a high-quality, all-American concealed-carry pistol.

As the name suggests, this handgun is chambered in .380 ACP, featuring a 6-round single-stack magazine for a total capacity of 7 shots. It features a double-action-only (DAO) trigger mechanism with a trigger pull weight of approximately 9.5 lbs, heavy but not uncomfortable, making it safe to carry.

A notable option for the Bodyguard 380 is the version with an integrated Crimson Trace green laser sight, allowing shooters to improve their shooting accuracy at the shorter distances typical of concealed carrying pistols.

Green laser beams are easier to see than red under brighter environments, such as natural daylight. Therefore, a Bodyguard 380 equipped with a green laser sight is more versatile than an integrated red one because you can see the projected dot in both high and low-light situations.

As of July 2022, the Bodyguard 380 is still available in Smith & Wesson’s catalog. The box includes drift-adjustable sights made of stainless steel, two 6-round magazines (one with extended finger rest), and a manufacturer lifetime warranty.

Specifications

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Trigger mechanism: Double-action only (DAO)
• Safety mechanism: Manual safety, frame-mounted
• Overall length: 5.3”
• Barrel length: 2.75”
• Capacity: 6+1
• Weight: 12.3 oz. (unloaded)

What Makes a Great Gun Holster?

One thing any good holster should be is reliable. It must protect the gun’s entire body up to the trigger guard for safety (e.g., to prevent a negligent discharge) and allow you to draw and reholster quickly and without snagging. Wasting time on the draw could be the difference between life and death in a self-defense scenario.

For concealed carrying, a holster needs to provide proper concealability. Not all states allow for open carrying; however, concealed carrying laws exist in all 50 states. Most importantly, a quality holster should retain your firearm securely. Nothing is worse than a holster that doesn't fit your pistol. Having your gun slip or fall out of your holster is not just inconvenient but also dangerous, as you risk losing your firearm or experiencing a negligent discharge.

Different Types of Holsters

Most gun holsters primarily come in two styles: Inside the waistband holsters (IWB) and outside the waistband holsters (OWB). An IWB holster is optimal for concealed carry, as it is out of sight. OWB holsters are a good alternative for those that might find IWB holsters uncomfortable.

Paddle holsters are a type of OWB holster employing a contoured paddle system instead of belt loops, designed to be easy to attach and remove from your belt. They are typically smaller and more convenient to use than traditional OWB holsters.

Holster Materials

The three most common holster materials are leather, nylon, and Kydex. Although leather holsters are comfortable and nylon models are inexpensive, Kydex holsters are superior to nylon and leather holsters because they offer the best balance of durability, comfort, and price.

Kydex is an ultra-durable thermoplastic used in various industrial applications. Its use in airplane bulkheads speaks to its lightweight properties, exceptional consistency, and structural integrity. Advantages of holster designs using Kydex in their construction include far higher durability and lower maintenance requirements than leather holsters.

How to Choose a Holster for the Bodyguard 380

The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 is one of the best subcompact pistols available today. Its matte black, coated stainless steel slide is mated to a high-strength frame made of lightweight polymer material. It also possesses original design features, including an Armornite slide finish and an extended magazine baseplate, making it more comfortable to grip and shoot.

With an overall length of just 5.3”, the M&P Bodyguard 380 delivers personal protection in a small, easily concealed package. However, due to its size, you'll need a holster suited to the specifications of the S&W Bodyguard 380.

Additionally, if you possess the version with an integrated Crimson Trace laser attachment, the gun’s dimensions will differ from the standard version. The laser-equipped pistol will not fit in a holster meant for the standard Bodyguard 380.

Best Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Holsters

Find the top-quality carry gun holster you need at Incognito Concealment. We create custom Kydex molds for our holsters based on your gun's exact dimensions, meaning that you won't find a more reliable holster available on the market.

Even if your firearm is fitted with a light, a laser attachment, or a red dot sight, our holsters can accommodate these accessories, ensuring a perfect fit for your gun and the tactical advantage you need.

All Incognito Concealment Kydex holster models are designed to provide shooters with optimal passive retention pressure, providing them the peace of mind they deserve.

We make our holsters with the craftsmanship that you and your gun deserve. Our Kydex materials ensure that our holsters are incredibly durable and dependable, regardless of your lifestyle.

Optimal Concealment: IWB Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

The Incognito Concealment T3 is the ideal daily carry IWB Kydex holster for your Smith & Wesson Bodyguard pistol. It is a durable, reliable, and versatile concealed holster, providing a smooth, quick draw and fitting comfortably inside the waistband. The holster is simple to remove and clip back on your gun belt.

Belt clip options include the 1.5-inch standard belt clip or a 1.75-inch extra-large belt clip style. Material options include impact-resistant plastic and metal, more resistant than competing fiberglass belt clips.

IWB holsters are the most effective concealment holster designs, ideal for daily conceal-carrying applications. As long as you wear suitable cover garments, the T3 lets you conceal-carry your Bodyguard 380 so well that neither the gun nor the holster will be visible to outside observers.

This carry holster’s Kydex construction and built-in sweat guard (also called sweat shield) act as a protective buffer against impacts, body sweat, and environmental damage. In other words, your Kydex holster is naturally resistant to moisture, salts, and other chemical agents that could damage your firearm or ruin its finish.

The included adjustable retention screw allows you to adjust how loosely or tightly the holster’s shell grips your handgun. Tighter grip the gun more, increasing retention, whereas looser allows for faster gun removal.

Configuring the adjustable retention feature is the ideal way to ensure your adjustable holster strikes a balance between holster comfort and retention safety.

The T3 is the natural choice if you’re looking for a concealable Bodyguard 380 holster, as the pistol’s subcompact dimensions further enhance its effectiveness.

Comfort and Safe Carry: OWB Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

If you prefer an OWB holster for a more comfortable carry experience, the Incognito Concealment Venture is the holster for you. Like its IWB counterpart, the Venture is a belt holster secured on a gun belt with a high-durability metal clip. This model also includes additional belt clips for extra safety.

A low-profile OWB belt holster such as the Venture is among the most versatile Bodyguard 380 holster options you can buy today. While it is naturally suited for open-carrying, you can also use it for concealed carrying, home defense, or tactical training. Additionally, the OWB design means it doesn’t need a sweat shield.

The thin Kydex sheets in the Venture’s construction facilitate concealment under clothing and other cover garments, such as a shirt, vest, or jacket. The passive-only retention means the holster features no protruding button or controls that could ruin its concealability.

As a robust waistband holster with an excellent design and a simple structure, the Venture benefits from extreme temperature tolerance (the melting point is well over 300ºF). In other words, your Venture holster will not deform or degrade even when exposed to the sun all day.

For extra personalization, Incognito Concealment offers many color options for its holsters, starting with standard Tactical Black and including others like Blood Red, Standard Camo, Police Blue, Gun Metal Grey, or Hot Pink.

Paddle Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

For maximum convenience, look no further than our Incognito ST7-Pro paddle holster for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380.

Paddle holsters are unique OWB holster designs intended to provide a balance of comfort, convenience, and concealment. The paddle system replaces the metal clip found on belt holsters, meaning you don’t need a gun belt to wear it.

Our ST7-Pro is built to take minimal space inside the waistband, using a contoured design to fit your body. The passive retention shell and internal structure hold your gun in place, no matter how much you move or how active you are.

If you like to wear pants that cannot accommodate a standard gun belt, the paddle holster is an excellent choice because it will grip the inside of any waistband, from cargo pants and jeans to yoga pants. It will also function with sportswear, allowing regular carry during your morning jog.

This lightweight, sturdy, durable, sweat-proof paddle holster is the most convenient gun holster option available. The paddle attachment has a firm grip on any waistband, whether you have a gun belt or not.

It provides the holster with the smooth draw you need. The ST7-Pro Bodyguard 380 holster is available in both right- and left-handed orientations.

Safe and Confident Carry with Incognito Concealment Holsters

If you are looking to upgrade to an Incognito Concealment Kydex holster, pair your S&W M&P Bodyguard 380 pistol with the best holster available. Visit us online today to order your new holster.

All our holsters are hand-crafted in the USA with a lifetime warranty pledge. We also provide a 10% discount for our law enforcement, military, and first responder customers. If you have any questions or requests regarding our products, warranty, or return policy, call us at (586) 333-4240.