S&W Model 649 357Mag questions

S

sikacz

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 1, 2017
Messages
183
Reaction score
189
Location
Houston
Hi y'all! I really love my "ugly" Model 49 so much that I have started to look for a Bodyguard Model 649 Stainless 357Mag. I was a bit surprised to find that it's noted as not in production. Does anyone have any idea if this is temporary or permanent? Also, I think the 649-5 has a hammer lock, but does the 649-3? What was the cutoff for the change? Not that I have anything against a lock version. Thoughts and insights appreciated, thanks.
 
Last edited:
From the SCSW:

M 649:

2 1/8 inch 357 Magnum Full Lug Barrel 1996 - 1999

1 7/8 inch .38 Special only 1997 - 98 Discontinued 1999

M 649-3

This is a little harder to understand but, apparently, 1997 saw a deletion of .357 Magnum and a reintroduction in .38 Spl +P. . 2003 it says .38 Special only.

Pages 318-319 SCSW

Since a J-frame in .357 Magnum answers a question nobody really asked, or, nobody should have asked, discontinuance in .357 Magnum makes total sense. S&W still makes 5 J-frame models in .357 Magnum, according to the website, so some folks must still be asking this nonsensical question.


Revolvers | Smith & Wesson

©2021 Smith & Wesson

The longer cylinder required, never mind any longer barrels, totally ruins the compactness of a J-frame in .38 Special. It's pretty close to the ideal concealment handgun around in terms of size and weight and especially for those of us who do not expect to get into a gunfight requiring 17 rounds but, okay, I do carry a higher capacity 9mm instead of a J-frame when I think it's appropriate but, still, my 9mm Walther CCP is nearly the same size as my M 649 so concealment is just as easy. So I'll give a compact 9mm a nod there but, mostly, my M649-1 in .38 Special is my go to, pocket or belt carry, EDC.

The recoil of a .357 Magnum in a J-frame is brutal, I don't care who you are, and it is not worth the tradeoff.

Everything you need; nothing you don't:

iscs-yoda-albums-s-and-w-revolvers-picture18704-model-649-a.jpg


As an aside, snubby K frames in .38 Special are pretty close to the same ideal. YMMV as always. :rolleyes:
 
My reasons for looking at the 469 357Mag is options. It gives me three choices for ammo 38 Special, 38 Special +P, and 357Mag even if the latter is not something I would often use. Mostly would use the +P which is not something I want to put through my older Model 49. I like my old one too much to risk damaging it. I intend to only use standard pressure 38 Special in my older 49, but want a newer 649 for a carry gun. I’ve shot an Airweight with 357 didn’t enjoy it. LoL. Still on occasion I would like to try it, just some rounds to train with and then step down to the regular pressure 38 Special and +P ammo.
 
ISCS Yoda said:
From the SCSW:

M 649:

2 1/8 inch 357 Magnum Full Lug Barrel 1996 - 1999

1 7/8 inch .38 Special only 1997 - 98 Discontinued 1999

M 649-3

This is a little harder to understand but, apparently, 1997 saw a deletion of .357 Magnum and a reintroduction in .38 Spl +P. . 2003 it says .38 Special only.

Pages 318-319 SCSW

Since a J-frame in .357 Magnum answers a question nobody really asked, or, nobody should have asked, discontinuance in .357 Magnum makes total sense. S&W still makes 5 J-frame models in .357 Magnum, according to the website, so some folks must still be asking this nonsensical question.


Revolvers | Smith & Wesson

©2021 Smith & Wesson

The longer cylinder required, never mind any longer barrels, totally ruins the compactness of a J-frame in .38 Special. It's pretty close to the ideal concealment handgun around in terms of size and weight and especially for those of us who do not expect to get into a gunfight requiring 17 rounds but, okay, I do carry a higher capacity 9mm instead of a J-frame when I think it's appropriate but, still, my 9mm Walther CCP is nearly the same size as my M 649 so concealment is just as easy. So I'll give a compact 9mm a nod there but, mostly, my M649-1 in .38 Special is my go to, pocket or belt carry, EDC.

The recoil of a .357 Magnum in a J-frame is brutal, I don't care who you are, and it is not worth the tradeoff.

Everything you need; nothing you don't:

iscs-yoda-albums-s-and-w-revolvers-picture18704-model-649-a.jpg


As an aside, snubby K frames in .38 Special are pretty close to the same ideal. YMMV as always. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
What is your thoughts on the Model 638 Airweight 38 Special +P? I’d like the heavier 649, but chances of me finding one from the specific vendor I need to make my purchase through to take advantage of reward points is slim and could take a long time. I might be better off saving the actual cash for a 649 purchase at this point. I know the Airweight is lighter and probably doesn’t handle the recoil as well as the 649 all steel snubnose. Thoughts?
 
In a J I prefer a steel frame and shoot +P .38s regardless of chambering.

I have a 640-1 in .357 and a 36-1 in .38 special.
 
I like mine.
Yes! It’s more than little Snappy with 357s!
I usually load it with 38 + P.
But if a Bear charges - Oh - Mr. Bruin-
Could you hold on for a sec while I change the load in my Revolver?
 

Attachments

  • 3ECF1C50-7A9A-4299-8420-265597525CB5.jpg
    3ECF1C50-7A9A-4299-8420-265597525CB5.jpg
    57.9 KB · Views: 35
Birdhunter6 said:
In a J I prefer a steel frame and shoot +P .38s regardless of chambering.

I have a 640-1 in .357 and a 36-1 in .38 special.
Click to expand...

I do like steel for it’s weight. Something for me to consider. A 649 would be my preference.
 
THE PILGRIM said:
I like mine.
Yes! It’s more than little Snappy with 357s!
I usually load it with 38 + P.
But if a Bear charges - Oh - Mr. Bruin-
Could you hold on for a sec while I change the load in my Revolver?
Click to expand...
This a 638 Airweight?
 
and now I have one!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_E5489.jpg
    IMG_E5489.jpg
    113.1 KB · Views: 43
  • IMG_5483.jpg
    IMG_5483.jpg
    100 KB · Views: 39
  • IMG_5487.jpg
    IMG_5487.jpg
    111 KB · Views: 45
Crimson trace will tame the .357
 

Attachments

  • 944BC339-E3C1-493E-9498-B4C3D0067686.jpg
    944BC339-E3C1-493E-9498-B4C3D0067686.jpg
    84.3 KB · Views: 22
I’m glad you found your 649. I have the engraved 640 in 357 magnum,and only carry 38 special wadcutter in it. I see no reason to beat myself up.
 
Longer extractor in magnum J frame

The longer barrel on a magnum J frame brings a longer extractor rod. While it's still not long enough to fully extract a 38 Special case from the chamber, it cuts the amount of case left in a chamber at full extractor throw to about half that of a 38 Special gun.

See attached photo with case marked at full extractor throw in a 638-3 (38 Special) and 640-1 (357 Magnum).

If you've ever had an extracted 38 case hang up while doing a fast reload, you might appreciate the longer throw of a magnum gun. I know I do.
 

Attachments

  • 38 Spl case 38-357 J extractor.jpg
    38 Spl case 38-357 J extractor.jpg
    67.1 KB · Views: 5
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
S&W 49 Factory Engraved Value
Replies
2
Views
375
Eddietruett
E
mag318
New to me Model 66-5
Replies
3
Views
332
TheTinMan
T
28WheelGirl
Model 13-4 Question
Replies
2
Views
378
28WheelGirl
28WheelGirl
Say When!
Scope mount on 1997 S&W Performance Center Model 625-6
Replies
1
Views
185
jrc1
J
G
Seeking Info on an Inherited S&W Model 651 .22 Magnum
Replies
12
Views
721
Hawg Rider
H

Latest posts

Back
Top