649 BodyGuard for CCW ?

[94hokie]

Already own a 37-2 (no lock), but 38+P is a bit much out of it regarding recoil. Have tried numerous rigs, most recently a CS9 with Big Dog grips, but still love the J-frame. Was at my local store and held a 649 BodyGuard and loved it. I like knowing I can do both DA/SA, and the added weight and chambering for .357 make it very appealing to me. Would only see occasional pocket carry, and would most likely IWB carry where a J-frame disappears. Any thoughts from you guys who own one? Am about ready to purchase one.

 

[94hokie]

Already own a 37-2 (no lock), but 38+P is a bit much out of it regarding recoil. Have tried numerous rigs, most recently a CS9 with Big Dog grips, but still love the J-frame. Was at my local store and held a 649 BodyGuard and loved it. I like knowing I can do both DA/SA, and the added weight and chambering for .357 make it very appealing to me. Would only see occasional pocket carry, and would most likely IWB carry where a J-frame disappears. Any thoughts from you guys who own one? Am about ready to purchase one.

 

[flop-shank]

A steel frame .357 snubby is a good centerpiece of a decent carry line up. I use a Taurus 605 in that role and use guns smaller and bigger, but have the Taurus with me if possible.

 

[94hokie]

Thanks for the replies guys, user too bad you weren't closer. Looks like I'm going to have to order me a 649.

 

[KeithCarter]

I still have my lightweight .38 special Bodyguard, and it's never been fired (I practiced with stainless chief's specials).

I carried it as both a village police officer and security guard. Having it ready, in my hand, inside a pocket, kept me safe and secure, yet never bothered the general public.

It looks brand new, since the soft pocket fabric only shined it up more. I would sell it as a pseudo-safe queen, but may have need for it yet.

I liked the idea of being able to fire it single-action also, but since, as a civilian, I would statistically only fire it up close and personal, any of the concealed hammer revolvers would do just as well.

Keithcarter
NRA Life

 

[BugBeard]

I have no complaints about mine but then I've never shot another J-frame and just plain like the look and tactical options of the 649 due to the shrouded hammer.

I carry it with Thunderwear (i.e. Smart Carry equivalent) and it is perfect for deep concealment with this configuration. I need have no fear whatsoever of being "made" with that setup.

 

[photoman]

I had one for a while. Nice gun. I found I could shoot an Airweight just as well and not have to lug the extra weight.

I don't shoot .357's in J frames.

 

[dynamike]

I keep coming back to my 49 as well

 

[GatorFarmer]

I had one for a little while. I found it a bit heavy for pocket carry and didn't really like how it sat in my pocket. (And I used to carry a G27 as a pocket gun...)

If you don't like +Ps out of an Airweight, you're unlikely to enjoy any sort of .357 mag ammo out of any J frame. Would, like any steel J frame, be fairly easy for most users to handle with .38 +P.

There's an alloy frame .38 version (638) if all you wanted was a light gun with the bodyguard style build in hammer shroud.

 

[bub75]

While it may be a little heavy for pocket carry, the 649 is an excellent gun for CCW. I have a 649-3 (IIRC, .357 but no lock) that I carried for backup/off duty use for years without any trouble. It was a little pocket rocket with .357, but wasn't bad with .38+P. It is semi-retired now since I shoot an SP101 MUCH better but I am actively looking for a 638 for pocket carry, the SP being too big and heavy for that role. You should be perfectly happy with a 649 and it will give you years of faithful service.

Bub

 

[ispcapt]

I've been carrying this one everyday since 1995. Carried it as my 2nd and off duty gun for several years. Now it's my usual CCW gun particularly during the summer when I can't carry a bigger gun. Great shooter.
I carried a blued 49 for 20 yrs prior to getting the 649. Had a nickle 638 for a while until someone with money burning a hole in their pocket talked me out of it.

 

[Robert B]

I CCW a M&P 360 Chiefs Special in my front pocket with a Galco holster. Speer's 357 mag short barrel ammo doesn't hurt the hand too bad, and I can keep them in the 8 ring double action. I like the ballistics of the 357 mag over 38 spc +P out of the J frame barrel. When I draw the gun I have my thumb over the hammer. I love my little Chiefs Special.

 

[94hokie]

Thanks for the replies guys, still haven't decided yet but sounds like it should be a "yes" vote on this one for me.

 

[glypnir]

I prefer my 640-3. Even less likely to get something blocking the hammer.

Whatever you get, use short barrel ammo. Otherwise, the bullet is long gone, and you got what is essentially a solid fuel rocket pushing back against your hand. Not to mention lots of flames to blind you.

 

[2hawk]

Hokie, sounds like you're looking at one for the same reasons I got one. I do use mine as a pocket carry gun occasionally, and with the right pants/belt/holster it works fine. I like the weight to dampen the recoil on hot loads, and although the Gold Dot SB is my load of choice, I have experimented a little to see how far I could go. Three cylinders of .357 Winchester Partition Gold 180 gr. left my hand feeling like I'd hit a post full bore with a cracked bat, but I could keep things COM in rapid fire at 10 yds. I did replace the springs with Wolff and slicked things up a little inside, and I am probably never going to get rid of this one.

Obligatory 649 porn:

 

[Mark Clancy]

2hawk, what kind of grips are those?

 

[photoman]

Look like Spegel grips to me.

 

[Capt Steve]

I got my 649 because I wanted the extra weight. Shooting 357's is over kill but a nice 38 load is more manageable. The grips are faux Ivory from Eagle Grips.

 

[2hawk]

2hawk, what kind of grips are those?

Photoman's correct, they are Spegel's.

 

[Mark Clancy]

Thanks.