The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0: A Proven CCW That Was Missing One Thing
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 has been on the market long enough to establish a solid reputation as a legitimate concealed-carry pistol. It’s easy to carry, offers meaningful capacity for its size, and—unlike many earlier pocket pistols—is shootable enough that people actually train with it.
In short, the platform itself was never the problem.
Where the Bodyguard 2.0 fell behind the broader concealed-carry market was optics support. As red dots became increasingly common on CCW pistols—including micro-compacts—the lack of an optic-ready solution became more noticeable. For shooters who had already transitioned to dot-equipped carry guns, the Bodyguard 2.0 felt like it was missing a key piece.
That missing piece is what kept it from being a complete modern CCW system.
Enter Viridian: A Purpose-Built Optic for the Bodyguard 2.0
Rather than adapting a generic micro red dot to a slim pistol, Viridian RFX1 was designed specifically around the Bodyguard 2.0 platform. The intent wasn’t to make the gun “optic capable” on paper—it was to add a red dot without compromising the reasons people choose a micro pistol in the first place.
Viridian’s RFX1 was built to solve that exact problem:
👉 https://viridianweapontech.com/viridian-rfx1-for-s-w-bodyguard-ambient-light-sensor-auto-on
The RFX1 addresses the original limitation directly:
- Sized and profiled for the Bodyguard 2.0 slide
- Designed to maintain the pistol’s slim, carry-focused footprint
- Avoids the bulk and top-heavy feel common with adapted optics
The result is an optic solution that brings the Bodyguard 2.0 in line with current CCW expectations—without changing the character of the pistol.
Why the Viridian RFX1 Custom Makes the Bodyguard 2.0 Even More Practical
Micro pistols work best when they stay simple: draw, acquire a sight picture, make the shot, and get the pistol back in the holster. That simplicity is exactly where the RFX1 fits.
Because it’s purpose-built for the Bodyguard 2.0, the RFX1 isn’t a “close enough” optic that bulks up the slide or disrupts balance. It’s designed to match the slide profile and align with the existing serrations, preserving concealability and comfort.
Real-world benefits that matter
Faster sight picture
Especially noticeable from imperfect presentation or awkward shooting positions—situations that are far more realistic in defensive use than on a flat range.
Improved target focus
A dot-centric aiming system keeps attention on the target instead of forcing a traditional front-sight focus on a very small pistol.
Keeps the gun truly micro
The RFX1 is extremely lightweight (0.53 oz / 15 g) and designed to avoid making the pistol tall or top-heavy.
Carry-ready activation
Viridian highlights an ambient-light sensor and auto-on readiness, designed to keep the optic active without additional steps during a defensive draw.
Bottom line: the Bodyguard 2.0 becomes easier to shoot quickly and accurately—without undermining the entire point of carrying a micro pistol.
One Important Note on Installation
There is one installation detail worth addressing honestly.
The RFX1 mounts through the rear sight dovetail, which means the factory rear sight must be removed. Smith & Wesson did not design that rear sight to come out easily—it’s a very tight factory fit. Attempting removal without the proper tools can quickly lead to frustration or cosmetic damage.
Because of this, a quality sight pusher is strongly recommended. Tools like the Real Avid Master Sight Pusher make the process controlled and predictable.
Recommended tool:
👉 https://realavid.com/products/master-sight-pusher
This isn’t a flaw in the optic itself—it’s simply the reality of how the mounting system works. If you already have a sight pusher or access to one, installation is straightforward. If not, planning ahead saves time and aggravation.
The Final Piece: A Holster That Actually Completes the System
A concealed-carry pistol can be excellent on its own, but if the holster fails, the entire setup falls apart. Comfort suffers, concealment becomes inconsistent, and confidence drops. At that point, even a great pistol tends to get left at home.
If you’re carrying the Bodyguard 2.0—especially with the RFX1 installed and daily use in mind—a purpose-built holster matters.
Four Brothers Holsters offers an Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster molded specifically for the Bodyguard 2.0 (including Carry Comp variants):
👉 https://fourbrothersinc.com/products/smith-and-wesson-m-p-bodyguard-2-0-iwb-holster
This holster supports both thumb-safety (TS) and no-thumb-safety (NTS) configurations and features an ambidextrous layout to ensure consistent draw.
The value here isn’t branding—it’s fit. A holster designed around the exact pistol and optic profile preserves proper retention, keeps the gun stable during movement, and maintains the concealability that makes the Bodyguard 2.0 appealing in the first place.
When the gun, optic, and holster are designed to work together, the result is a carry system that’s comfortable enough to wear daily—and consistent enough to trust.
Practical CCW Takeaways
The Bodyguard 2.0 didn’t need to be reinvented. It needed to be finished.
With the addition of a purpose-built optic and a dedicated holster, the platform now checks the boxes that matter for real-world concealed carry:
- Easy to conceal due to true micro dimensions
- Carries enough ammunition to feel confident in a small platform
- Shoots faster and more confidently with a dedicated micro optic
- Comfortable and consistent enough to actually carry every day
That’s why the Bodyguard 2.0 continues to earn its place in “best CCW” discussions. It’s not just small—it’s usable.
FAQ
Is the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 good for concealed carry?
Yes. Its micro profile, light weight, and 10+1 / 12+1 capacity make it a strong option for everyday concealed carry.
What optic fits the Bodyguard 2.0?
Viridian markets the RFX1 Custom as being designed specifically for the Bodyguard 2.0, with an emphasis on a true carry-friendly fit.
What holster should I use for the Bodyguard 2.0?
A dedicated holster is ideal. The Bodyguard 2.0 IWB holster from Four Brothers Holsters is molded for the pistol (including Carry Comp variants) and supports TS/NTS configurations.
