S&W model 49 yes or no?

[9ballbilly]

I came across a model 49 that is mechanically fine, with blued finish about 85% for $450.

I'm very tempted by this odd looking little .38 humpback revolver, but don't really know anything about them.

So, should I or not, and why?

Thanks.

[ligonierbill]

Yes! It's a J-frame with a shrouded hammer. If it's in good condition, that's a fair price.

[Outpost75]

Do not shoot more than one box +P in it, spread cautiously over the life of the gun if you want it to last.

[Webleymkv]

The Model 49 is also known as the "Bodyguard" (a name it shares with it's airweight brother the M38 and not to be confused with the later polymer-frame revolver and semi-autos S&W introduced which also use the "Bodyguard" name). The Bodyguard series is somewhat unusual in that the steel-frame version actually came out after the airweight version hence it's higher model number (49 vs 38) while the Chief's Special (Models 36 and 37) and Centennial (Models 40 and 42) both debuted their steel-frame versions first.

The Model 49 was in production from 1959-1996 and, AFAIK, never received engineering changes that would be denoted with dash-numbers on other models (ex. 36-1, 29-2, 19-4, etc.) nor was it resurrected in S&W's "Classic Series" like it's cousins the Model 36 and Model 40 were. S&W did for some time make the Model 649 which retained the "humpback" shrouded hammer of the Bodyguard series but differed from the original M49 in that it was made of stainless rather than carbon steel, built on the newer and slightly larger "magnum" J-Frame, and was chambered for .357 Magnum rather than .38 Special like the original.

While it is true that S&W does not officially rate the M49 for +P ammunition, being that it's an all-steel revolver I wouldn't be afraid to shoot limited amounts of +P ammo in it (as a matter of fact, that's exactly what I do with my own M36 no-dash). Understand, .38 +P will not blow up your gun nor be unsafe assuming that the gun is in safe shooting condition to begin with. What it will do is cause accelerated wear-and-tear on the gun and issues like timing problems or excessive endshake will show up a lot sooner if a steady diet or +P ammunition is used. However, a box or two to check POI vs POA and then a cylinder full here and there as you rotate out ammo probably isn't going to make a noticeable difference. Honestly, the problem is somewhat self-limiting because +P ammunition is more expensive and, from a 20oz revolver, not particularly pleasant to shoot and most people don't want to shoot enough of it to cause a problem anyway. This is, of course, assuming that you intend to use the revolver for a "serious" purpose like home defense or concealed carry. If your intended use is just as a collectible or fun at the range, there's no real reason to use +P ammunition at all.

[4V50 Gary]

$450 is good.

[Pumpkin]

Gun was ahead of it’s time, very innovative. Sounds like a great price if it’s in good condition.

[dogtown tom]

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/01/w...ion-photo.html

[Jim Watson]

I have a Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard.
Whoever thought of the humpback frame with just the tip of the hammer showing to cock must have had thumbs very different from mine.

It is at present loaded with Speer 135 grain Short Barrel +P. I have fired just enough to get the feel of it, practice, whenever I have a fit of revolveritis, is with ball and wadcutters.

[Armybrat]

Mine is the aAirweight version and is easy to shoot with standard loads.
Bought it from a Texas LEO 20+ years ago who had carried it in an ankle holster asa backup to his Kimber .45

http://thefiringline.com/forums/atta...9&d=1696383455

[Drm50]

I’ve seen a m38 with cracked frame from +p. Never saw a 49 cracked but then again don’t know history of those I have owned. I have never bought a J frame new, although a few as NIB. The 49 is nice pistol and I don’t know why people obsess over +P. The time tested standard 38special serves well in most cases. I keep a J for carry, at present m37 and it’s
stoked with the old 200gr. police load. I might not vaporize a bad guy but will make him awful sick if you plant one in his middle.

[Mike Irwin]

$450 is absolutely fantastic.

Buy it.

[9ballbilly]

Thanks for the input folks, unfortunately I was a day late. Just my luck!

Oh well, it will make someone happy.