Bodyguard (49, 649) info

1911turbo · Jan 25, 2022

Hi all,

I'm gathering info on the good ol' .38spl bodyguard and I specifically want a steel gun (preferably stainless). Help me make sure I have the details right:

649 - 1985
649-1 - 1988 - book says "new yoke retention system; radius stud package" but what does that mean exactly?
649-2 - 1990 - heat treated, narrower sight
1994 - change extractor, synthetic grips, blue box
649-3 - change to .357 magnum - 1996
649-4 - bring back .38spl - 1997
649-5 - internal lock - 2001
649-6 - internal lock .38spl - 2003

Do I have the above right?

Also, S&W has had some quality control issues over the years. Between 1985 and 1995, are there best or worst years for the 649?

Would an older model 49 be a higher quality item than a 649? I have a mid-60s model 36 and it oozes quality, very well made gun.

Thanks!

biku324 · Jan 25, 2022

Dunno about the 649. I have an '82 M49 that is good as new after 21 years of qualifications and +P ammo.

Ivan the Butcher · Jan 25, 2022

I EDC a 49 no dash, for about 12 years now. and never had a problem. But I'm careful to keep the belly button lint from building up. That seems to be a problem for people who don't maintain their guns properly!

For reloading I do own speed loaders but actually use one 8 shot speed strip. (If I can't get away with 13 rounds, I definitely bit off more than I should have!) When I was trained to use revolvers, I was trained to use loose ammo blindfolded! I haven't found an affordable dump pouch I like, but I wouldn't hesitate to carry that way either!

The only newer "Humpback" I've owned was a 449 just after the locks came out, NOTHING would fix the hitch in that trigger! So, I got rid of it! I have handled newer 449's and 649's and they all seem to be fine.

Ivan

Oscar Zulu · Jan 25, 2022

I have a nickel 49 that is late enough production as not to have a pinned barrel. Qualitywise it is just fine.
I believe the .357 versions would recoil too much for me. It's just fine with .38+P.

OZ

Bodyguard (49, 649) info

1911turbo

biku324

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Ivan the Butcher

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Oscar Zulu

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