I recently traded for a S&W 649, first year mfg/1985 snub 38spl. After owning and selling quickly, a 342ti, I thought I'd never own another snub again! This VG/Exc condition 649 came up, glad I gave the snubbie another chance, I LOVE IT! It's one of my favorites! I can't believe the accuracy it's capable of. The trigger is fantastic, and the Target J frame grips I put on it, make the gun feel like it was built for my hands. Definite keeper!
Model 649
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IMHO, the Model 649 is the best pocket gun ever. I have two of the .38 Special versions so 649 "no dash". Stainless, easy to pocket carry, smooth drawing, completely reliable and with single action capability. I know you are never supposed to shoot single action. I beg to differ. I have a variety of holsters for different carry needs. It is the gun that can always be with you.
Congratulations! The "original" Model 49 Bodyguard seems to be the number 1 love-it-or-hate-it model in the entire line. So many folks hate the hump, but when you have one, it grows on you like your favorite pet. I no longer carry mine but it's not going anywhere - my retirement info is engraved on the sideplate.
By the way, I liked the Bodyguard so much that I bought all 3 flavors: blued, nickel and of course, the 649 stainless. Why not, right?
By the way, I liked the Bodyguard so much that I bought all 3 flavors: blued, nickel and of course, the 649 stainless. Why not, right?
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Beauty is as beauty does, and a humpback always did it for me. Until I discovered the joys of 32 caliber. Sadly, I've looked but never could find a 32 cal humpback.
So now I carry a 632 with Buffalo Bore 100g rounds - a bit more energy than a 38 Special +P and one more round in the cylinder. But there are times at the range I wish I could cock the hammer if for no other reason than to amaze my friends and mystify my enemies with a J frame.
So now I carry a 632 with Buffalo Bore 100g rounds - a bit more energy than a 38 Special +P and one more round in the cylinder. But there are times at the range I wish I could cock the hammer if for no other reason than to amaze my friends and mystify my enemies with a J frame.
dmthomp32
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The humpbacks are my favorite j frames for sure. I've had the 49 and 649. I personally like the 649 the best. I don't have one at the moment but I'm always on the look out for my next acquisition!
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A friend of mine had a Model 38 years ago, or it could have been a M49. Too many years ago to remember. For a long, long time I thought it was a weird gun but as the years passed I lusted for one, anyway, and the shape grew on me by leaps and bounds. One day in the 1990s a friend offered me a M649 for 300 bucks and I snapped it up!
Many S&W handguns later, and after realizing that lightweight J frames are NOT the best choice for me, I started carrying that old M649-1. I could hardly tell the difference between it and the 642 I had been carrying in my pocket. It has been with me almost every day now for quite some time. It definitely fits the "go anywhere" description.
Many S&W handguns later, and after realizing that lightweight J frames are NOT the best choice for me, I started carrying that old M649-1. I could hardly tell the difference between it and the 642 I had been carrying in my pocket. It has been with me almost every day now for quite some time. It definitely fits the "go anywhere" description.
341ti, how low is your serial number?
While the 649s were introduced at the SHOT Show in January of 1985.
Production began at Serial Number AFN0001 on Thursday, December 6th of 1984 so that revolvers were available for sale when the announcement was made
My Avatar is the 39th, Model 649 manufactured on that first day of Production
While the 649s were introduced at the SHOT Show in January of 1985.
Production began at Serial Number AFN0001 on Thursday, December 6th of 1984 so that revolvers were available for sale when the announcement was made
My Avatar is the 39th, Model 649 manufactured on that first day of Production
Serial # AFN11**341ti, how low is your serial number?
While the 649s were introduced at the SHOT Show in January of 1985.
Production began at Serial Number AFN0001 on Thursday, December 6th of 1984 so that revolvers were available for sale when the announcement was made
My Avatar is the 39th, Model 649 manufactured on that first day of Production [center
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THE PILGRIM
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I am not nearly as pretty as that 649, even if you put a set of Ivory grips on me
I wish I still had my 357 Magnum 649 but I gave it to my niece when she got her Real Estate license
How low is your serial number?
I have an AFN1271 I assume that is a low serial number and a keeper? It is in beautiful condition.
341ti, how low is your serial number?
While the 649s were introduced at the SHOT Show in January of 1985.
Production began at Serial Number AFN0001 on Thursday, December 6th of 1984 so that revolvers were available for sale when the announcement was made
My Avatar is the 39th, Model 649 manufactured on that first day of Production
I have an AFN1271 I assume that is a low serial number and a keeper? It is in beautiful condition.
That would be the 1271st production gun. Certainly an early example.
If it is unfired since leaving he factory, the relative early manufacture would probably bring a premium to the selling price
On the original box, the "SPEC ORD" number is the date of manufacturer if it starts with a 4, that is a 1984 revolver. If that number starts with a 5, it would be a 1985 manufactured firearm
AFN2179. She's a keeper.
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Nothing wrong with shooting J-frames single-action. These guns are not strictly for those with a 100% defense/gunfighting frame of mind. Shooting single-action, bullseye style at 25 yards will help one improve shooting skills. Reverting back to using two hands and firing double-action becomes instinctive, particularly if you practice regularly. You'll likely see an improvement in your double-action shooting as well after becoming at least minimally proficient with bullseye single action shooting.
