Good morning.

As the title states, I have the opportunity to buy either a Model 38 (73-74 date) or Model 49 (75-76 date) Both NIB for $895 and $795 respectively.

I can only afford one.

Which would you pick, if any? The prices seem pretty good for NIB these days.

Thanks!



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Interesting question. Personally, I've never owned a Bodyguard of any sort. But I do sort of like them and have often thought of picking one up if I come across one.

Here's the deal (and you probably know this, but I'll write it for the sake of others who may not). The original Bodyguard, which became the Model 38, was introduced in the days before model numbers (c. 1955). It was an Airweight. The steel frame Bodyguard didn't come along until 1959 and always had a model number - Model 49. This is a reversal of the standard order of events. As a result, there are a whole lot more aluminum frame Bodyguards out there than there are steel frame units.

Faced with the choice you have, I believe I would purchase the Model 49. But both (or either one) would be fun to have.

Put this down in the "for what it is worth" department.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

No question for me. The model 49 is much more comfortable to shoot and you will shoot it more. I only traded mine in when S&W brought out the SS M649.
I'm not a huge fan of the "Airweight" series.

I'd take the 49 for sure. Alloy guns are a bit easier to carry but it's not a real big difference to me, especially holstered. If you pocket carry it might matter. The steel is more durable and easier to shoot. If you're not going to carry it there's zero reason to get the 38.

Thank you very much. I didn't even think of the fact that the 49 came along later therefore less of them.

The only substantive difference is weight/strength and the commensurate difference in felt recoil which had me leaning towards the 49 anyway. They aren't THAT heavy compared to modern guns and if my wife or daughter were to shoot it, a bit less recoil/flip might help.

I actually contemplate this being "date night carry gun" (on the very rare occasion that my wife and I go on a date!) though I know some collectors would cringe at carrying a NIB classic, I see it as a useful/collectible gun.

The fact that it is $100 less is a bonus.

The 49 it is! It will be going on layaway, but I will take photos ASAP.



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I've had a 49 since '82 and carried it daily, qualified 4x yearly through retirement. No contest.

Have two Airweights, a M442 that is not fun to shoot and a M43C, that, being a .22LR isn't bad.

Started hearing about cracked frames and such that, while not common, still occured. That steered me to all steel, as all my other pistols are.

Have 2- M49s, a LNIB, that is more a collectors piece and unfired by me. The other, a nickle plated has the 'New' knocked off and that one gets carried and shot.

Yes, it's heavier, but practice doesn't become painful after a couple of cylinders.

Rob

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Strange days have found us

For shooting, the only choice is the 49. For collecting, either. The early airweight frames from S&W have proven to be accidents waiting to happen in terms of durability. Shoot them at your own risk. My only "J" frame is a 649-2. The design is the best of the breed, IMO. Good luck.

I carried a Model 38 as a back-up to my issued Model 15 for years. We had to qualify w/our b/u guns and while it wasn’t easy I did squeak by w/an 85%. If you plan to carry more than shoot the weight savings is worth it, great pocket gun.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Around 2008, I bought a like-new Model 38 and Model 49, both nickel, in with some other S&W J-frame guns. Neither revolver appeared to have been fired; they were the from early- to mid-70s era as I recall. I put fewer than 200 rounds of standard pressure 158 grain cast handloads through the Model 38 before the frame cracked in the usual spot.

Since this gun was not in production at the time, S&W replaced it with a 638, perhaps a lesser gun, but I was just glad to get something in return for the damaged Model 38. I woudn't buy another older airweight J-frame unless I planned to shoot no more than about ten rounds a year and I'd never use +P in one.

Great choice. If you're only going to buy one, go with carbon steel.

Looking forward to seeing your photos.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Well, here she is. Now we wait.

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I'd buy the 38. But only because I already have a 49 and a 649 -- both 38 special no dash models.

If I could only have one, it would be the 649.

Attached Images

49-0.jpg (50.0 KB, 237 views)

If I could only have one it would be the 49. In my case I would buy both.

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Two Handguns every day

Except for collecting I'd never own an Airweight. They're really not that much fun to shoot, steel guns are much nicer, and carrying a steel gun versus an Airweight is really not at all different. I carry a M649 in a pocket holster routinely; I dumped a M642 because it sucked to shoot and the 649 does not at all suck. I had a M638 I couldn't enjoy shooting, either.

The 49 is the best choice!

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Come and take it!!

Not my favorite J-frame by any means and not the most pleasant to shoot, but from an accuracy standpoint, my 638 will easily outshoot the several other J-frame snub nose .38s I have, a couple of which I bought new more than forty years ago. I test them all at 25 yards.

I really like the Bodyguard revolvers - they combine the drawing advantage of the Centennials with versatility in being able to cock the gun for precision shooting if necessary. I have both a 49 (1976) and a 649 (1997) - never really wanted a 38.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Can anyone get the exact date, or at least exact year of mine? J207326? I know it is supposed to be between 75-76. I'm hoping for a bicentennial Gun!

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Only Dr. Jinks can give you the exact date if you request a factory letter.

If you want a '76, bicentennial, revolver, though, I think you'd be disappointed. Based on others in my database near that serial number, I believe you're in or near the summer of '74.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Really? Ok. Well, still cool! I was born in 70, wife 72...ummm...yeah, can't find a 74 correlation but whatever, it is still gorgeous!

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Same here. I have a 649 and think it's a blast.

Steel, always steel.
You chose wisely.

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LEX ET ORDO

I too like the Bodyguard; but then all J frames are cool!

GC45

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GC45