Smith & Wesson, ever one to keep the concealed carry market on its toes, has recently unveiled a new contender in the micro-compact arena: the Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp. This isn't just a simple refresh; it's a rather serious attempt to elevate the ever-popular .380 ACP platform, bringing a touch of performance-oriented panache to a pistol often lauded for its diminutive size, if not always its placid demeanour. Building upon the groundwork laid by the original Bodyguard 2.0, this new variant promises a more manageable shooting experience for those who appreciate discretion but also desire a bit more control.

At the heart of this "comp"-romise (pun intended, of course) lies the intriguing Power-Port compensator. Positioned rather prominently at the twelve o'clock mark on the 3.1-inch stainless steel barrel, this integrated porting system is designed to redirect propellant gases upward. The idea, a well-established principle in firearms physics, is to counteract muzzle rise and reduce felt recoil, effectively taming the lively snap that can sometimes accompany .380 ACP rounds in such a light package. For those who find rapid follow-up shots a challenge with smaller pistols, this could be quite the welcome development.

Beyond the barrel wizardry, the Carry Comp's slide has also received a bit of a facelift. It now boasts aggressive serrations that span nearly its entire length, providing a rather generous purchase for manipulation, even when hands might be less than perfectly dry or gloved. Adding to its visual appeal and, more importantly, its durability, the slide is finished in a Performance Center Gray Armornite coating, which sounds suitably resilient and looks rather sleek.

The sighting system has not been overlooked either. Smith & Wesson has opted for Ameriglo Protector LumiGreen front night sights paired with a blacked-out square notch rear sight. This combination aims to provide clear sight pictures and quick target acquisition, even when the ambient light has decided to call it a day. The inclusion of these quality sights right out of the box means less fussing with aftermarket upgrades, allowing owners to get straight to the business of, well, shooting.

Ergonomically, the Carry Comp retains the compact footprint of its predecessors, a feature crucial for concealed carry. However, it introduces a flat-face trigger that promises a crisp break, which can contribute to more precise shot placement and a more satisfying shooting experience. The polymer grip, while slim to maintain that admirable concealability, features a texture designed to keep the pistol firmly anchored in hand. All of this is attractively packaged into a featherlight 11.8 ounces (unloaded), with an overall length of 5.85 inches and a width that barely breaches the one-inch mark.

For those concerned about running dry too quickly, the Carry Comp arrives with a choice of magazines: a 10-round flush-fit option for maximum concealment, and a more capacious 12-round extended magazine for a fuller grip and more rounds downrange. Naturally, for those residing in jurisdictions with more... "restrictive" sensibilities regarding magazine capacity, a compliant 10-round-only variant is also available. Furthermore, Smith & Wesson thoughtfully offers models with or without a manual thumb safety, catering to individual preferences on carry style and personal security.

Now, one might raise a perfectly valid eyebrow about the practicality of a ported barrel on a defensive carry gun. Some critics express concerns about potential gas redirection in less-than-ideal firing positions or the possibility of increased muzzle flash in low-light encounters. However, Smith & Wesson appears to be in the "glass-half-full" camp, asserting that the compensator's benefits in recoil mitigation and control ultimately outweigh these theoretical drawbacks for many users. It's a design choice that certainly reflects a growing trend of incorporating competition-inspired features into firearms intended for everyday self-defence.

Priced with an MSRP of $549, the Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp positions itself as a premium offering in the micro-compact segment. It wades into a competitive pool, rubbing shoulders with other enhanced concealed carry pistols like the SIG P365 and Springfield Hellcat. While it maintains its .380 ACP chambering, distinguishing it from many of its 9mm peers in this category, its feature set suggests a rather serious commitment to providing a capable and comfortable defensive tool, even if it is a bit on the lighter-hitting side of the calibre spectrum.

For those intrigued by the blend of discreet carry and enhanced shootability, the Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp is now making its way to authorized Smith & Wesson dealers. It certainly offers a fresh perspective on what a micro-compact .380 ACP pistol can be, proving that even a small package can come with a few clever tricks up its sleeve.

For airsoft players, Tokyo Marui has the fixed-slide Bodyguard 380.