what do u think

[kimber70]

Looking at an old model 49 for carry ? Could I get some views on this gun anyone have one ---

[snubbyfan]

I don't see why not. It's just an all steel version of the model 38. With the shrouded hammer, you have the option of shooting it in single action and it helps to prevent snagging.
As long as it locks up well and you've had lotsa practice with it, why not? Just make sure to get a quality holster to got with it.

[samandglove1]

I like the shape a lot, but it was a bit heavy for my use (pocket gun). I favor the Model 38 (same shape, but the airweight model) as my everyday pocket carry.

[loc n load]

I have a 49 that I bought in 73....I have carried it everyday since then. It was my "bug" for most of my 34 year career, it rode in my patrol jacket pocket most of the time, or sometimes in an ankle rig, or pocket carry. I have shot it a LOT, of all the things that have changed in my world since 73....one thing has remained constant....my model 49. I carry it with the Speer "short barrel" JHP's. Nowadays that I am retired, it is still my constant companion. The fact that I have carried it for 40 years pretty well speaks for itself.

[kimber70]

he wants $550 and it looks like great condition ...

[O2Guy]

It's a J Frame in .38 Special, what's not to like about it?

[loc n load]

Buy it....it will serve you well.

[M3Stuart]

IMHO; you'll never really know if you enjoy carrying it until you do it for awhile.

So the question I ask is: if I change my mind, can I get my money back out of it? Lots of folks on this forum say "...buy the gun, not the story...". I would add: "...buy the gun, not the idea of whether or not you'll enjoy carrying it...". Cuz you'll have to try it to know.

[M29since14]

Originally Posted by M3Stuart

...you'll have to try it to know.

That's it. Thoughts on the Bodyguard are all over the place but probably run about 50-50 in the Bodyguard vs.Centennial match up. I have always preferred Chief's Specials in a hammer gun or Centennials otherwise. Bodyguards seem to me to be somewhere in the middle of those two and thus of no real interest, but I have seen Bodyguards used by enough knowledgeable people that I believe it comes down to your own personal taste. If you're so inclined, I'd give it a fair try and see what you think.

[ACP230]

I have a M38 on me as I write this.
Started out with an M49 and gave it to my elder son a few years later.

Have also carried the M649, the stainless version of the M49.
My favorite style of pocket gun.

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have carried Model 38s, Model 49s, Model 638s, Model 640s, Model 36s, Model 37s, Model 60s, and Model 10s / Model12s.

I prefer the all steel Models, but in a OWB holster (Lobo dual carry).
The Model 638s and 640s have all developed "Finish Issues".
Dangerous incidents in my 45 year career has ruled out pocket carry and ankle carry. (lessons learned).
The $550.00 asking price seems a bit high, but if in excellent condition
I would buy it if from a private indiviual thus avoiding sales tax and FFL fee.

[oldafsp]

My very first J frame was a 49 in nickle. Carried it as my off duty and bug for over 15 years. It never let me down or the new guy on the job that i sold it to that needed a reliable bug.

It sure was pretty with the white pearl Ajax stocks on it too

I replaced it a few years back with a 638, which has been every bit as good as the 49 I had. Much lighter to carry all day.

The original Bodyguard design is a take it or leave it. It does not appeal to everyone. I like it for it's no snag design and ability to fire single action if absolutely needed.

Long live the humpback!

[kimber70]

well I got it and it looks like new....now where can I go to find out the year it was made ? im guessing s&w site

[arjay]

Post the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame and someone will look it up.

[kimber70]

ok its 587129

[arjay]

If there is no j preceding that,it's mid 60s,if there is, it's 76-77.

[kimber70]

there is no j after......thanks for the info ....

[Bajadoc]

Model 49 is good if you are dressed. Belt, coat, holster. Perhaps shoulder holster. Model 38 is good for jeans (pocket) or shorts with shirt out (Barami hip grip). Great guns for second gun or for a primary weapon in a low threat situation.

[Jaymo]

I carry a steel frame 36 both IWB and in a pocket holster.
What's this deal about steel frame Js being to heavy to pocket carry?

All you Airweight monkeys hereby have your man cards revoked.

[arjay]

Im so used to a large frame 44 or a 1911 that a k frame goes unnoticed and a j frame....

[Rpg]

Your m49 is as close to a perfect j frame as exists. I like the M38 better, (just my preference and I've put thousands of rounds through mine) but the M49 is easier to shoot, and only weighs a few oz more.

The guys who replied above who have carried a M49 for many years know their stuff!

You made an excellent choice.

[Jaymo]

I actually prefer the Centennial, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Bodyguard, even one made from beer cans.
A buddy of mine was selling a gorgeous nickel Airweight Bodyguard in 2009. Old one. Pinned barrel and round butt Magna stocks.
It looked brand new. No apparent wear.
Economy was in the toilet. I couldn't come up with the $250.00 asking price. ( Sad, isn't it?)
I should have sold a kidney or a gonad. Not like I need two of them.

Still kicking myself.

[hotrod150]

My first choice is a bobbed Chief, second is a Centennial, with the Bodyguard a distant third. I am a "J Hound" as kaaskop would put it, and I want so bad to like the model 38 & 49 Bodyguards, but I just can't warm up to the humpback look. But that's just me. If you like or at least don't mind that look, the Bodyguard models do have their advantages and I sure can't fault anyone who likes them.

[kaaskop49]

The important thing is: after you buy the 49, which J-frame are you going to buy next? Sorry, that's how my mind works. Remember the old "There's always room for Jello" commercial? Works for J-frames, too.

Re the photo posted by oldafsp: Is there anything cooler than a 2" J-frame photographed in its years-old carry rig? Maybe, but I can't think of it right now.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
J-hound extraordinaire

[Jaymo]

Yep. There's always room for another J frame, or ten.
I thought a 31-1 was enough.
Nope.
I had to have a 36, also.

[ISCS Yoda]

There are 4 M49s on Gunbroker right now. If you skip the engraved one for more than 2 grand there are two at 499 and 625 asking and one at 299 reserve not met. So I guess $550 is in the ballpark at full retail. I wouldn't do it but, then again, I already have a M649, M642, and a M32 so the 49 doesn't send me into ecstasy but it would be cool to have in the collection.

I carry the 642 daily due to the light weight but the 649 is not a problem to carry, I do it now and then. The 32 has an exposed hammer so it's not as easy to carry since I carry these guns in my jeans pockets,

***GRJ***

[daddy bear]

SIL has one on his desk. We like it. I do prefer airweight J frames for carry. I practice with a steed frame, carry the light ones, usually an old 42. Jack