My new pocket J-Frame is a keeper

[American1776]

I've always loved the model 649 chambered in .357 magnum. The shrouded hammer, to me, is the most aesthetically pleasing profile on a revolver.

Over the past few years, I've had 3 649's. The first one was a nice one, bought new. It functioned well, lock up was acceptable, and it shot accurately. I sold it to fund something else. Fast forward about a year. I was yearning for the humpback again. I picked up another new one. This time, this one did not lock up tightly. Trigger back, the cylinder would wiggle quite a bit both rotational and fore-aft. I sent it to S&W for 'tightening', and it came back exactly the same. It shot fine, but I just wasn't pleased with how sloppy the cylinder felt. So I sold that one for another gun.

Today I was in my LGS and decided to check out the new M649-5 in the case. The lock up on this one is absolutely bank-vault solid on all five chambers. I couldn't believe it. It actually feels like an old Colt Trooper (original lock-work) I once had. The only S&W revolver I've owned that locks up as tight as this one was an M&P .38 spl. dated to 1928.

I decided that I couldn't let this one get away. Here's my new (and 3rd) Model 649-5. It will now play the role of BUG to my Springfield 1911 TRP in a pocket holster.

Great guns.

 

[reppans]

Congrats... I recently picked up a 638 - my first snub nose. It's relegated my semi's to the safe. Now I'm saving up for the 649 - love the full stainless and I think it'll make a better/more fun range gun (least w/ .38 spl and +Ps ).

 

[American1776]

Thanks. You'll find the little extra weight of the stainless j frames helps when firing the full magnums. I personally have no problem going through 100 rounds of 158 gr. Magnums in a m649.

.38 spl target loads are very pleasant in the stainless j frame. These guns do take a ton of careful practice to get proficient at 7 yards. But they are a lot of fun and make reliable little self defense guns.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

You've got three 649-5s??

You must have been bitten by a good one to start with..
That happened to me with the Model 940..

Congrats on the new Bug!!
Gary/Hk

 

[mbliss57]

Congrats AGAIN ! I can't say I haven't done the same with a couple of different guns. I foolishly sold a 625-3 3" to a forum member. Man do I wish I had it back. It went to a good owner but what I sold it for in Sept... and what I can buy it for, are hundreds apart.. weak moments. Many of us have been there. Congrats again. I love mine.

 

[kaaskop49]

Everyone knows how much I love J-frames, but the 649 in .357 would be much too heavy for my pocket!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. A gentle suggestion: never sell a snub to fund something else, sell a "something else" to fund another snub! Happy New Year to all.

 

[American1776]

Everyone knows how much I love J-frames, but the 649 in .357 would be much too heavy for my pocket!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. A gentle suggestion: never sell a snub to fund something else, sell a "something else" to fund another snub! Happy New Year to all.

Happy new year. I sometimes pocket carry my HK P7! So the model 649 is comparatively small for the pocket.

 

[Old cop]

I have an older Model 38 flat latch I picked up used in the early '70s as a back up for my service revolver. It goes to the range now and then and is pocket carried often.

 

[HKB]

I have an original 649 in .38 Special, shortly after I got it S&W came out with the +P and then .357 models. Once I thought about upgrading but I like my old 649 all the same. It's a fine little shooter with several hundred rounds through it, I think I'll keep her.

 

[Rick_A]

A 642 is my pocket carry, but the 649 is an excellent gun.
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

 

[American1776]

A 642 is my pocket carry, but the 649 is an excellent gun.
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

That's a great photo. I always liked how the humpback 'flows' into the lines of the top strap and the barrel. Seems as though a revolver should look like this.

I know people who think the humpback is ugly...

 

[Blackshirt]

My 638 is my third J-Frame and my second Airweight. I parted with my cherished steel-framed 36 some years ago. A 649 would sure be a great complement to my Airweight...hmmmm.

 

[Backlighting]

Waiting on BK grips I ordered for my new, recently bought 638 (great revolver). As soon as they're in I'm off to the range. I also put red nail polish on the front sight. This will be my carry most of the time. Small & light with reasonable power...what's not to like?

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Congrats on your newest!

That sure will make a nice bug.

 

[loeman]

I too am a big fan of the 649. Mine is a -3 in .357 that I bought new in '98 and it has been the most carried gun I've ever owned. Also, I'm a big fan of the Uncle Mikes rubber grips that came with it. They are the only finger grooved grips that I've ever had that actually fit my hand perfectly.

It seems the shrouded humpbacks are experiencing something of a renaissance! Good used ones are hard to find and we've seen numerous posts here.

 

[ginzo]

I have a 638-3 AND a 649-3....... Love those humpbacks, although the .357 is not much fun at the range even with the U.M. boot grips.

Bought the 638 new, and was lucky to find the 649 last December, for $375!!!

 

[wrangler5]

Happy new year. I sometimes pocket carry my HK P7! So the model 649 is comparatively small for the pocket.

WOW. A P7 in a pocket. That's some pocket.

I'm with kaaskop49 and others - steel J frames are too heavy for MY pockets. But in a Lobo holster on a belt, they're what I carry every day.

 

[haywood]

I always liked the 442. Then picked up a 37 in a trade. Last month fell in love with a Mint 36. I think I've become a J-Frame Fanatic. I'm even thinking of selling my LCR357. At one time I couldn't live without my LCR357. I've been carrying the 442 and 37 when not carrying my 4" 357 and 442. The 36 is so nice it has become a Safe Queen. I think I'm rambling. I'm loosing control. It must be "J-FRAME FEVER". By the way nice 649.

 

[kaaskop49]

I always liked the 442. Then picked up a 37 in a trade. Last month fell in love with a Mint 36. I think I've become a J-Frame Fanatic. I'm even thinking of selling my LCR357. At one time I couldn't live without my LCR357. I've been carrying the 442 and 37 when not carrying my 4" 357 and 442. The 36 is so nice it has become a Safe Queen. I think I'm rambling. I'm loosing control. It must be "J-FRAME FEVER". By the way nice 649.

Congratulations! You've become a "J-hound!" Not easy to be one, you have to be on the lookout for J-frame threads you can contribute to. We're running a little behind on membership cards, but you don't have to show a card to be a J-hound. Welcome aboard!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
J-hound extraordinaire

 

[OLDSTER]

J frame

A 642 is my pocket carry, but the 649 is an excellent gun.
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Nice 649 Where did you get your "Hillary Hole" plug ? Looks like a nice fit