Hello fellow enthusiasts! As an experienced shooter, I’ve spent significant time with the Bodyguard 380, testing its capabilities in varying scenarios. In my pursuit to optimize its efficiency, I’ve tried out numerous night sights on this reliable piece.
One that stood out among the others and became my preferred choice was the TRUGLO Tritium Pro. A choice for professional shooters, it enhances your firearm’s potential exponentially.
The goal of this article is to provide an in-depth review of the 5 Best M&P Bodyguard 380 Night Sights.
Top 5 Best Night Sight for Bodyguard 380
1. TRUGLO Tritium Pro – Best for Pro Shooters
The TRUGLO Tritium Pro is a game-changer for night sights, and a must-have for pro shooters. It features Swiss tritium for maximum brightness, transitioning seamlessly from a standard white dot sight during daylight to glowing green dots in the dark.
Benefits: This sight dramatically enhances visibility, glows in the dark, and performs flawlessly under all shooting conditions, 24/7.
Why to Buy: With the TRUGLO Tritium Pro, your shooting accuracy doesn’t drop when the lights do. Its self-illuminating feature, ease of installation, and rugged durability are compelling reasons to invest in it. Plus, its compact design doesn’t interfere with your standard holster.
Why Not to Buy: While the TRUGLO Tritium Pro excels in many aspects, it might not appeal to those looking for a more budget-friendly option. The added pro features come at a slightly higher cost.
Who Should Buy: This sight is ideal for professional shooters, law enforcement officers, and serious firearm enthusiasts who value performance, durability, and the confidence that comes with using top-notch gear.
My Experience
After testing the TRUGLO Tritium Pro on my Bodyguard 380, I was left highly impressed. The transition from day to night was smooth, and the sight performed remarkably well in different lighting conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional brightness day and night
- Compact, snag-free design
- Fits standard holsters
- Quality Swiss tritium for reliable illumination
- Focus-Lock ring for faster focus
Cons
- Slightly higher price point
- It might require professional installation for some users
2. Williams Firesight – Best for Self Defense
The Williams Firesight is a uniquely designed pistol sight. Instead of a plastic base, it utilizes a small diameter fiber optic rod held in a steel sight base, presenting a striking red front bead that remains clearly visible against various backgrounds. Its low-profile, anti-snag design is perfect for holsters and concealed carry.
Benefits: The primary advantage of the Williams Firesight lies in its impeccable visibility. The fiber optic rod provides a strikingly visible bead that significantly improves target acquisition speed, even against dark backgrounds.
Why to Buy: If you prioritize rapid and accurate target acquisition in your shooting experiences, especially for self-defense situations, this sight is a perfect fit. Its low-profile design minimizes snagging issues, enhancing holstering and drawing efficiency.
Why Not to Buy: The installation of the Williams Firesight can be complex and requires professional assistance, which might not suit everyone. Inappropriate installation can lead to product malfunction or even damage.
Who Should Buy: This sight is a fitting choice for individuals who frequently use their firearms for self-defense, requiring fast, clear, and reliable sight pictures. It’s also well-suited to those preferring steel-based sights over plastic ones.
My Experience
On testing the Williams Firesight on my Bodyguard 380, I found the bright red bead exceptionally useful in quickly acquiring targets. Its low-profile, anti-snag design proved beneficial for smooth holstering and drawing actions.
Pros
- Steel sight base ensures durability
- Bright red front bead for high visibility
- Low profile, anti-snag design for easy holstering
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- Potential for malfunction or damage if improperly installed
3. XS DXT Big Dot – Fast Target Acquisition
The XS DXT Big Dot is a premium night sight designed for fast target acquisition in all light conditions. It features a large white dot front sight with a green Tritium center for enhanced visibility and a low-sitting green Tritium rear sight with a white outline.
Benefits: The Big Dot excels in high-stress defensive situations. The enlarged front sight aids quick acquisition, while the express rear sight avoids front sight obstruction when moving. The white dot reflects light for optimum visibility in low light.
Why to Buy: The sight’s larger front sight and unique ‘dot the i’ arrangement make target acquisition quicker and more intuitive, improving your low-light accuracy. It’s the ultimate self-defense sight system for round-the-clock use.
Why Not to Buy: While the XS DXT Big Dot delivers excellent performance, its larger front sight might not be everyone’s preference, as some shooters prefer a smaller dot for precise long-range shooting.
Who Should Buy: This sight system is ideal for self-defense and tactical shooting, where fast target acquisition and high-stress handling are key. It’s also perfect for those preferring a larger front sight for quick visual alignment.
My Experience
Testing the XS DXT Big Dot on my Bodyguard 380 was a game-changer. The speed of front sight acquisition was indeed improved, and the sight proved its mettle in various lighting conditions, particularly in low-light scenarios.
Pros
- Fast target acquisition
- Works well in all light conditions
- Low-profile, snag-free design
- Tritium vials for night visibility
Cons
- Larger front sight may not suit everyone
- Slightly higher price compared to some other options
4. Meprolight Self Illuminated Rear Sight – High Illumination
The Meprolight Self Illuminated Rear Sight is specially designed for the BodyGuard .380. With its green tritium construction, this rear sight excels in all lighting conditions, including daytime, nighttime, and low light scenarios, without the need for batteries.
Benefits: The standout feature of the Meprolight Sight is its self-illuminating property, which enhances target acquisition in low-light situations. Its green tritium composition allows for high visibility, simplifying the shooter’s task.
Why to Buy: This sight’s key advantage is its robust performance across different lighting conditions without requiring batteries. If you need a reliable, high-illumination sight that works day and night, the Meprolight is worth considering.
Why Not to Buy: One potential drawback is that it’s only a rear sight. If you’re looking for a full sight set (front and rear), you might have to consider other options or purchase a matching front sight separately.
Who Should Buy: The Meprolight sight is an excellent fit for anyone in need of a high-performing rear sight. It’s particularly well-suited to owners of the BodyGuard .380 who often operate in varying light conditions.
My Experience
Using the Meprolight Self Illuminated Rear Sight on my Bodyguard 380, I found its high-illumination feature quite impressive. The sight enhanced my target acquisition in both bright and low-light conditions.
Pros
- High illumination for all lighting conditions
- Self-illuminating; no batteries needed
- Specifically designed for the BodyGuard .380
Cons
- It only includes a rear sight
- It may not fit other gun models without modifications
5. XS DXT Standard Dot – Good Value for Money
The XS DXT Standard Dot is a well-engineered night sight designed to enhance target acquisition. It perfectly fits the needs of self-defense and extended-range applications.
Benefits: The main benefits of the XS Standard Dot sight are its fast target acquisition and excellent visibility. The unique design allows for easy drawing from the holster without snagging clothing. The ‘V-Notch’ rear sight provides a larger field of view for faster target identification.
Why Buy: This sight offers an incredible balance between performance and value for money. It excels in facilitating quick target acquisition, which is vital for self-defense and tactical applications.
Why Not to Buy: However, it is crucial to note that professional installation is recommended. If you are not experienced in sight installation, this could potentially add to the cost and time.
Who Should Buy: The XS DXT Standard Dot sight is an excellent option for those who value quick target acquisition and wish to upgrade their Bodyguard 380 without breaking the bank.
My Experience
On testing the XS DXT Standard Dot with my Bodyguard 380, I found the sight incredibly responsive and accurate. The larger front sight helped in faster target acquisition, while the tritium lamps significantly improved visibility in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Fast target acquisition
- ‘No-Snag’ design allows for easy draw
- Tritium lamps for low-light visibility
- Good value for money
Cons
- It may require professional installation
- Not as feature-rich as some higher-priced sights
Final Verdict
After comprehensive testing, each sight brought its unique strengths to the Bodyguard 380. However, the TRUGLO Tritium Pro emerged as my top choice. Its superb visibility, day-to-night transition, and focus-lock ring for fast targeting make it an outstanding choice.
However, your individual needs and preferences will dictate your perfect match.
For fast target acquisition, consider the XS DXT Big Dot. If value for money is paramount, the XS DXT Standard Dot won’t disappoint. For self-defense, the Williams Firesight provides a striking red front bead, while the Meprolight Rear Sight offers reliable self-illumination.
FAQs
How much does a M&P Bodyguard 380 cost?
The SMITH & WESSON M&P BODYGUARD 380 costs $347.99.
How accurate is the Bodyguard 380?
The Bodyguard 380 reliably hits a man-sized target at 7 yards as fast as you can pull the trigger.
Is the Bodyguard 380 good for self defense?
Yes, the Bodyguard 380 is highly effective for self-defense, especially when equipped with a laser.
Can you put a laser on a 380 bodyguard?
Yes, you can attach a red or green laser to the 380 Bodyguard with the LG-454 Laserguard.
