649

[Snapping Twig]

Again, just like every other time this year I was minding my own business and had no intent to buy. I saw a 649 with the release side down in the consignment display, so I asked to see it and OMG!

It's a 649-2, pre MIM.

I won't list the price since us California guys have to shell out more than the rest of you and you wouldn't respect me if you knew what I paid. Suffice to say that we in California are more concerned with getting a particular firearm than how much we pay for them - within reason of course.

Does anyone know the history on these - years produced, numbers produced, etc?

I got lucky today.

 

[Mickey D]

According to SCSW, 649-2 started in 1990 with a heat treated package and sight width chage to 1/8".
Also
*649-2 (1996): Model 649-2 in .38 Special discontinued in favor of the 649-3 chambered in .357 Magnum

No listing on quantity manufactured.

 

[Rapidray]

Ok, let me get this right...

You have a 649-2? So that is a 38 spl. right?
The 649-3 is the 357 magnum. So you have a picture of the -2 and the barrel is marked 38 spl. so you have a 38 spl. right?

 

[ladder13]

357 has a shrouded barrel, for one, and the MAGNUM frame for two. But maybe I'm mistaken.

 

[Colokeb]

I like the fact that you can shoot these single action. And with the snubbie barrel it helps.

 

[Rapidray]

That 357 magnum is so nice looking! Oh well - one of these days I will get one also! Thanks for sharing.

 

[ladder13]

That 357 magnum is so nice looking! Oh well - one of these days I will get one also! Thanks for sharing.

You'll get one Ray, they're out there. You got your 696.

 

[Rapidray]

Yes sir, I did. lol

 

[Engine49guy]

Congrats on your new 649,
introduced in 1985 this no dash with flash chromed hammer/trigger (right) is one of the first 100 made .
The one on left is a dash 2 and has the wide front site and hardened hammer/trigger like yours.

 

[wrangler5]

I recently picked up a 649-3, like the one ladder13 shows - slightly longer "bull" barrel with ejector rod shroud and a black front sight, chambered for 357. I have fired exactly one 357 round through mine. After installing the cushiest Pachmayr grip (their "Decelerator" model) and wearing a cushioned shooting glove, it was still uncomfortable enough that I won't do it again.

But the gun's weight sure makes it fun with mild 38s, and even a cylinder or two of +P defense loads is quite tolerable with the Magna grips I usually have on it. Much more so than my Airweight 442. Unless I absolutely have to put a gun in a pocket, the 649 is the one I carry. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Here's a thread that has a few familiar
"faces" from this thread and add's a few more.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/237134-model-649-649-3-photo-thread.html

 

[Snapping Twig]

Thanks for clearing that up for me guys.

I suppose I saw what I wanted to see, not what was.

Truth be told, I recently made a batch of 38Spl's for a 36 and they were about as much as I'd like to shoot in a gun of this nature. You have to be able to keep these little guns on target and I can't imagine doing that with a .357 in one of these.

In any event, this particular model used to be unappealing to me way back when, but over time it has grown on me to the point of a 'must have'.

The thread linked here put me over the edge. I would not have gone out to find one, Lord knows I'm tiring of mac and cheese, but there it was in the case, waiting on me and the price was right (for California).

Exciting times. I've found several hard to find pieces in the last year or so, things I would only read about are finding their way to the market.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

In any event, this particular model used to be unappealing to me way back when, but over time it has grown on me to the point of a 'must have'.

I can seriously relate to the above quote ST!

The first time I saw a "humpback" I thought they looked, well, kind of goofy.

Now it's one of my all time favorites.......