Anybody own and use a Smith & Wesson Model 49? How does it rate for a carry gun? Since it is all steel is it too heavy? How does it shoot? Can you carry it in your pocket?

Yes and yes, awesome, no, great, and yes. Now that I'm done being a smart...well you know, let me explain. I have a model 49 and love it. During warmer weather, or when I need to be a little more discreet, it is my EDC. With the proper holster, the weight is not an issue at all, and the recoil reduction you gain from the weight is a bonus. My Wife shoots mine, and I can tell you I wouldn't want her PO'd at me. As for accuracy, considering it has a 2" barrel, I'd say it's accurate enough that I can hit pie plates at 50yards. That's vital organ area all day long. Pocket carry is no problem, unless you're into "skinny jeans", then drop a couple speed strips in your other pocket and you're good. The sights are fairly well regulated for 158 gr bullets, and plus P shouldn't be a problem.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

+1 on everything Gunny said. The Model 49 is an ideal carry revolver. The steel frame will pound nails into fence posts then shoot bullseyes all afternoon. Try a variety of grips to make it perfect ... Pachs, Hogues, Factory.

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I'm with the banned ...

Yep plus 1 to what the guys above said.

Carry a 649 everyday in pocket holster. Never notice the weight.

I've got a mid 1960's 49. Nickle plated. It carries well. I haven't had it to the range yet(only had it about a month), but the action is very smooth. Some folks seem to think a steel J-frame will be too heavy. I don't think so. For most of the past 5 years, my EDC was been a model 60, 60-9 or 36. IWB, OWB or pocket carried, I never thought of them as being too much. Plus, I like the extra heft to suck up a little recoil. BTW, I use to think of the Bodygaurds as kind of an ugly duck. Love'em now. Looking for another.

The first ever "off duty" gun I purchased was a 49 in nickle. Sold it in the 80's to a new deputy that needed one. Regretted it ever since.

Carried mine everyday,in a ankle or boot top holster on the inside of my left ankle.

I will get another one one of these days when I find the right one. But for now I use a 638 that is my constant companion.

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Take your time..quickly.

I carry a nickel M49 just about everywhere. I had a M642, then switched to the M49. I do not notice the extra weight at all. In fact, I sold the M642. I have some CT LG405 grips on mine and carry it in a Blackhawk, size 3, pocket holster. Great carry revovler, in my opinion.

The 49/649 is a great carry piece. The steel frame is no hindrance to carry, but I would use a high quality, sturdy belt and slacks that allow you to carry in your preferred manner: OWB, IWB, or pocket. That shrouded hammer is made for pocket carry, I use either the Blackhawk #3 pocket rig, $10-ish at Walmart, or the even better Concealment Specialties rig at $14.95 ([email protected]]
With pocket carry, I would clean out the shroud area behind the hammer: lint may collect in there. Hope I've helped.

I have two, a M49 and M649. My wife confiscated my M49 years ago and she loves it. I found the M649 last year and carry it quite a bit. Usually in a Don Hume "JIT", great little guns and they shoot like champs. "Minute of Man" accurate and I especially appreciate the all steel frame. You can't go wrong owning one...or two.

De Oppresso Liber

They are great carry guns. Too heavy for pants pocket for me but disappears inside the waistband. I too have a nickel gun from the early 60's. It is finely fitted and loves 158 grain LSWC.

The model 49 is like my wife. We have been together over 30 years, she is beautiful and fills all my needs.

Never stop with one..get several

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The American dream is alive

Thanks so much for all your informative comments.

Yes
Great
No
Good-SA and DA
Yes-I prefer a jacket pocket in cooler weather, but in summer I use a pocket holster to hide the outline.



I've recently changed to rubber grips for trips to the range.

Since I rarely shoot a DA gun SA can't explain why I like the Bodyguard series over the Centennial series of guns. Have owned both and ended up with a 649 and Michigan State Police 38....

Rarely carry either one as generally I can carry something bigger but they do carry nice...

Just bought this one a few months ago...









This one belonged to a retired LEO that I knew...




Nice guns...Bob

I carry mine in my jacket using a Simply Rugged pocket holster. Maybe a little heavy but super reliable. A quality piece!

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