Smith and wesson model 49

briant1961 · Jan 4, 2017

I just acquired a model 49 in stainless steel with sn# acm75××. I have tried to research this model and I can only find it in blue or nickel finish. But my model 49 is stainless steel. Was this model made in stainless steel. It definitely says model 49 and not 649. It is a 38 special. Any help will be appreciated.

murphydog · Jan 4, 2017

Welcome! Photos would help here, but if the finish appears stainless and it has a case-colored hammer and trigger it is likely hard chromed, and if the action parts are silver (flash chromed) it may be a mis-stamped 649.

briant1961 · Jan 4, 2017

I am new to the forom and don't know how to post pictures yet but it does has a case hardened trigger and hammer.

briant1961 · Jan 4, 2017

Smith and wesson model 49

Smith and wesson model 49

19leben · Jan 4, 2017

Looks like a nicely chromed 49 to me. I don't believe Smith & Wesson ever made a stainless version either.

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sodacan · Jan 5, 2017

Looks like a chrome finish. My 649-2 has a very different look to the finish. Cool gun. Gotta love the humpback. The most versatile "J" frame ever.

murphydog · Jan 5, 2017

It appears to be a hard chromed model 49, but with the durability of this finish it is effectively a stainless gun. A letter of authenticity will tell you how it left the factory, but usually a nickel gun will be stamped with an N on the frame and/or cylinder, so if you don't see this it probably left as a blue gun:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

Enjoy!

briant1961 · Jan 5, 2017

Smith and wesson model 49

Thanks. I was told today from a gun dealer that the gun was originally a blue finish and was buffed to its current finish. The gun looks like it has never been fired.

19leben · Jan 5, 2017

Your gun dealer told you that it was buffed to bare metal? I've gotta believe that's not true, although you never know what someone will do, no matter how silly it may be. I still think it's been hard chromed.

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briant1961 · Jan 5, 2017

Smith and wesson model 49

What is hard chromed and would it decrease the value.

19leben · Jan 5, 2017

Hard chrome is a very tough plated finish that in various forms has been around for probably over 30 years. It's a finish that I believe can be very beautiful and long lasting on a gun.
As to value possibly being diminished, that's a personal kind of thing; I typically do not like a refinished gun, and I usually put a lower value on such pieces that might be considered collectibles.
However, the model 49 isn't a typical collector's item.
A lot of people have their 1911 pistols hard chromed, and in these cases value would not necessarily change.
I would say your gun is probably worth about $350 to $400, whether original finish or hard chrome.

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Smith and wesson model 49

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