Model 49 Bodyguard, serial number question.

Knightenforcer · Mar 29, 2012

Hey guys, another find at the local gs.

It's a model 49 the original Bodyguard, it came with pinned barrel, no dash. I know it's def a pre-1982, but the serial number starts with a "9J" (9J6XXX). Gun has a lot of holster wear, but the forcing cone and top strap is in great condition, The gun needed some cleaning and clp when i took it home, but the top strap has no flame marks at all, at least not one the I can see.

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murphydog · Mar 29, 2012

Nice gun; another of the "floating J" guns from 1971-'72, with one or more digits of a total of 5 numbers with the J moving around within.

Knightenforcer · Mar 29, 2012

Cool, thanks Murphydog!
I suspect it was definitely older, being pinned and no dash.
Also the wood seems original and has coresponding age and wear with the gun.

Kavinsky · Mar 29, 2012

Looks like a pre dash gun, probably a pre 1960 model as I believe the bodyguard came out in 55"

Goony · Mar 29, 2012

I'm on board with murphydog on the dating of this, I'd say it most likely shipped toward the end of 1971.

Are the stocks (grips) numbered to the gun?

Knightenforcer · Mar 29, 2012

Goony said:
I'm on board with murphydog on the dating of this, I'd say it most likely shipped toward the end of 1971.

Are the stocks (grips) numbered to the gun?

Thanks guys.
Yes the Grips are stamped/engraved with the serial numbers and the "J" in the middle inside the grip.

Knightenforcer · Apr 2, 2012

Here she is with a Tyler-T grip adapter.
It actually makes a difference with the grip, much better to hold,
and still maintains concealability.

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Rapidray · Apr 3, 2012

very nice 49...and I like the T...have been thinking of getting one for my 49. enjoy.

shep854 · Apr 4, 2012

Those grip adapters make a huge difference; I can't (and don't want to) imagine shooting without one!

Knightenforcer · Apr 4, 2012

Thanks guys.
I agree on the grip adapter, it makes it more maneagable to shoot.
Had a blast at the range today.

shep854 · Apr 4, 2012

Knightenforcer said:
Thanks guys.
I agree on the grip adapter, it makes it more maneagable to shoot.
Had a blast at the range today.

As posted elsewhere, the adapter allows you to maintain the classic look of the little guns with their original grips.
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A random thought; could those tiny 'lemon peel' grips be behind the J-frames' reputation for poor accuracy? There just isn't much to get a good hold on.

Kentucky Dave · May 7, 2012

I've got a cousin to yours at 9J61XX... Just got it last year after looking for a long time for the right one at the right time & place!

Knightenforcer · May 7, 2012

Nice Dave!

1fun61 · May 7, 2015

Another annoying request

I just got this fine piece of machinery home today. It is a model 49 blued with a 2 inch barrel. Box, gun and grips all have matching numbers. Excellent condition with a manual. Numbers are 7242**. Can anyone help me figure out about which year? Box and manual say 1955.

gmborkovic · May 7, 2015

Hello Knight, great 49. I still carry my 38 that I bought new in 1972.
Other than the 40/42, the greatest little carry gun sold. Mike 2796

STCM(SW) · May 7, 2015

M49 no dash. Stocks have the S/N stamped on one. S/N is 2089XX, think 1958-59 but my list has no breakdown from 1957 to 1961...

mbliss57 · May 7, 2015

Nice Model 49.!

Just an FYI to the Op and others, the original Bodyguard was actually an "Airweight" that came out in 1956. The pre- Model 38 as some would call it. The Model 49, on an all steel frame, post dated the Bodyguard Airweight by 3 years. It was not produced until 1959 as a model numbered gun. In the J frame series of guns this was the 1st "Airweight" to be produced prior to the introduction of the steel version.
The Chief Special preceded the Chief Special Airweight as did the Centennial precede the Centennial Airweight. Albeit by only a year or 2.

trustingman · Feb 13, 2017

My S&W model 49 nickle

Hello all. I got this little model 49 about a year ago from a gun shop here in Texas. Paid $289.00 for it. I don't think anyone else showed interest in it and that is why it was so cheap. It is in great condition w only minor finish wear on cylinder from holster. I carry it IWB in a holster. I really love it and it shoots very accurately at 7- 10 yards. I really like that even though the hammer is covered you can still cock the hammer because of the serrations on the top. The serial number is 4J9XX. Can anyone tell me the year it was made based on that part of the serial number? Thank you

murphydog · Feb 13, 2017

Welcome! Another 1971 gun, probably not far away from the OP's example. Enjoy!

Model 49 Bodyguard, serial number question.

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