Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
Reload this Page difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42
Forum Register

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-01-2012, 07:30 PM
grampa p grampa p is offline
Member
difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42
What is the difference between these models? they all look very similar and seem to be made during the same time frame more or less. I am looking for an older steel frame revolver and these model numbers seem to come up the most. I have been looking at a 49 at a local pawn shop and that is pretty much what I am looking for. They wanted $500 for it and that was too high. I'll see if they have it in a couple weeks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-01-2012, 07:41 PM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
US Veteran
difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MA
Posts: 7,622
Likes: 8,363
Liked 6,030 Times in 2,758 Posts
Default
A 49 is a steel-frame Bodyguard (built-in hammer shroud, but can still be cocked for SA). The 38 is an Airweight (aluminum-frame) Bodyguard. The 42 is an Airweight Centennial (internal hammer, DA only). If you want steel, you might consider a Model 40, which is an internal-hammer 5-shot in steel.

If the 49 is in excellent shape, $500 may not be all that high, although perhaps others more knowledgeable will pitch in and clue you in a little better.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-01-2012, 07:48 PM
JCS&W's Avatar
JCS&W JCS&W is offline
US Veteran
difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Jonesboro, GA
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 1,769
Liked 1,582 Times in 448 Posts
Default
I have a soft spot for M49's even though they can be a little heavy in the pocket. I feel that $500 is a little high unless it is in the box with all the accessories, then maybe. If it was nickel, I would buy it immediately.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-01-2012, 08:04 PM
Rapidray's Avatar
Rapidray Rapidray is offline
Member
difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Douglasville,Georgia
Posts: 826
Likes: 517
Liked 304 Times in 133 Posts
Default +1
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCS&W View Post
I have a soft spot for M49's even though they can be a little heavy in the pocket. I feel that $500 is a little high unless it is in the box with all the accessories, then maybe. If it was nickel, I would buy it immediately.
Was looking at another 49 yesterday. $380.00. It has light freckling and might disappear with a little work. But I am mostly after a 649. I agree with JCS&W on that $500 is to high, but we live in just about the same back yard. If you are around here let me know and I will tell you the shops location. Happy hunting.
__________________
2 Timothy 1:7
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-01-2012, 09:09 PM
RussellD RussellD is offline
Member
difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: America
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 17
Liked 775 Times in 378 Posts
Default
At the last gun show I attended there was a nickle model 49 excellent for 450. hope that helps. The 49's around here bring a premium over other models because they are not as common.

Good hunting
__________________
The American dream is alive
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-01-2012, 10:29 PM
grampa p grampa p is offline
Member
difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42 difference models 49, 38 airweight, and 42  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default
Thank you for your help. I like the 49 although I know that some don't care for that style. Now I know that the other models are not exactly what I am looking for so I can eliminate them from my search. The 49 at the pawn shop was not in excellent condition and without a box or accessories. $500 seemed a little high for that. I think nicer ones are out there I just have to be patient.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-02-2012, 09:51 AM
shep854's Avatar
shep854 shep854 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Birmingham AL
Posts: 578
Likes: 358
Liked 273 Times in 156 Posts
Default
"The 49 at the pawn shop was not in excellent condition and without a box or accessories."--grampa p
$300 max, and only if it's life or death.
$200-250 reasonable.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
649, airweight, bodyguard, centennial, model 40, shroud

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Difference between two models? Shifty277 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 2 04-13-2017 07:56 AM
Help With Difference In M&P 22C Models mopac01 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 1 02-15-2017 04:45 PM
Difference in M&P models Sonders Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 3 12-22-2014 02:14 PM
Difference in M&P models? ABMI Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 2 07-19-2012 06:31 PM
What's the Difference Between These Two Models? 686357 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 10 08-25-2010 10:16 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:50 AM.

Advertise with us - Contact Us - Smith & Wesson Forum - Privacy Statement - Top - Privacy Policy

© 2000-2025 smith-wessonforum.com All rights reserved worldwide.
Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)