Hello all, brand new to the forum. I've been an avid s&w fan for many years. I just acquired a beautiful blue mod.49. It is in fantastic shape with the grips numbered to the gun. Could someone please advise me the year it was manufactured? the ser.# is 4J2xxx.
Also, what year did s&w stop numbering the grips and what time frame were the high horn style grips discontinued?
thanks for your help

Welcome TR96.

Congrats on your nice little .38. I love the look of those Bodyguards.

4K2... is from 1973. I'll leave the other questions because I don't know off the top of my head.

Not much to add except a thread like this requires some pictures...

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"Shall not be infringed"

I don't recall the high horn grips being furnished on the Bodyguard (Model 38 or 49). They were furnished on the early Centennials (Model 40 and 42).

This Bodyguard is from the same "roving J" serial number series (1971-72 1J1-999J99) and the back of the right stock was numbered to the gun. I believe S&W stopped numbering Magnas around 1980-82. Yours should look like this.

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"I also cook."

The Model 49 is an excellent choice for a pocket gun. Small, compact, no-snag hammer, and you still have the option of SA or DA. It's a classic.