3” Model 49 Real or Bubba?

[Eddietruett]

I have a model 49 no dash with a 3” barrel. Since the barrel does not match the frame exactly, I had assumed the barrel was a replacement. At a recent gun show I encountered another one exactly as mine and the seller assured me he had a letter for his but had left it home. I can’t find a clear picture online to compare, so I’m turning to the experts for info.

 

[Mikey1871]

No help from me, but I love it.
I have a 3" Model 37, I am very fond of the 3" guns.

 

[Piwo]

Looks like a heavy barrel. Every bodyguard I have seen in pics has a standard barrel. This one looks a little hinky. My .02

 

[Martyk]

Factory original or an aftermarket modification, it sure looks neat! When my 432UC was back at the mothership for a new frame, I lobbied S&W to put a 3" barrel on it. All I got was: No Way José

 

[sw702]

49

looks like a 36-1 barrel........still very cool.........here is my pawn shop buy from years ago with the tapered barrel,,,,, I have never checked to see if it left the factory with the 3 inch barrel

 

[stansdds]

Looks to be a pretty good mismatch between the barrel rib and the frame. I'd say it's been rebarreled.

 

[Nomadmax]

Rebarreled or not, I'd be proud to have that revolver.

 

[chief38]

Bubba I'd say.

 

[gwpercle]

There is only one way to know for sure ...

Letter It ... and I think I would !

Not seen everyday and proof of Factory correct 3" bbl would be worth the money ... you could sleep better at night knowing !
Gary

 

[AudieMurphy]

Stansdd and Chief...hit it...stevie wonder could see the mismatch Not worth the cost of a letter.... A display from Bubbas work shop

 

[Yendor357]

Not everything has to be factory original and perfect, with a letter.

It’s a little quirky, a little different, like the dude that put a 624 barrel on a 629. Where do you think factories get their ideas?

A cool gun is a cool gun. I like it.

 

[Mercury]

I have a 3" in .32 SWL.

 

[Alk8944]

I agree the gun has been re-barrelled. I like the 3", but would really like that gun if it had been a standard tapered barrel. The heavy barrel just looks out of place!

 

[seldon14]

I never knew I needed one of these until today.

 

[-BTM-]

The barrel-frame junction looks odd, but just about every model 49 image is like that. It’s the 3” part that stands out, never saw that before.

 

[wrangler5]

That would be an absolute keeper if it were mine. Humpbacks are my favorite style of J frame carry guns. Wish I could get a 32 H&R Magnum in a 3" humpback.