I’m not sure why it was discontinued, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the 649 in 357 magnum brought back to production. The shrouded hammer and DA/SA option is something I really appreciate and the option to go with 357 magnum or 38 Special +P or even just 38 Special for ammo for carry. I’m sure that S&W had reasons, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the 649 in the lineup even in a limited run.
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Bring back the S&W Model 649 357 Mag
- Thread starter sikacz
- Start date
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I would never load a J-frame of any kind with .357 Magnum rounds but YMMV. The M649 is ideal for pocket carry.
pantannojack
US Veteran
I'm actually going to use the same 38 Special defense ammo I have for my 49. What I like about the 649 Magnum is it is slightly heavier, has a 1/4" longer barrel and could potentially use 357magnum, which to me says I can load 38 Special +P as well. Also I wanted a stainless version. My 49 is so nice I don't want to continuously carry it. So the 649 will be my carry for now, until I find a more beat up version to take its place. Damn gun is in sweet condition! LoL.
My 649-3 has a black sight, contrasts pretty good with the stainless frame.
I'd buy one.
My EDC is a 649-2. I painted the front sight with red nail polish. Works fine.
My EDC is a 649 no dash. I also retired a Mod.49 that was too nice to carry. The 649 is everything I need.
THE PILGRIM
Member
1sailor
Member
I carry an M&P340 but if I didn't own that I would absolutely buy a 649. I was surprised that it was discontinued.
Some bright orange Testor's model paint applied with a toothpick will make that problem go away.
Did that to both the 640 (before i foolishly sold it), and the 642-1 that I now carry.
May I second Jugheads suggestion above with a base coat of white. Another tip is to paint black on the “back wall” of the rear sight notch. Definitely use a tooth pick and start with the tiniest amount of paint. The hobby magnifier headbands are a definite help !
BubbaBlades
Member
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTLtsRJzpsQ[/ame]
Years ago I sold my 649 .38 Special because I just had to have a .357 Magnum version. I carried .38 Special +p ammo in my new gun but I always wondered how it would shoot with full power .357 Magnums.
I was also concerned with how this gun/hot ammo combination would work out if I was unable to use my right hand and had to shoot left-handed.
This video answered both of my questions.
I try to shoot with my weak hand at least once a month.
I did not try this experiment with my Model 340 PD.
Years ago I sold my 649 .38 Special because I just had to have a .357 Magnum version. I carried .38 Special +p ammo in my new gun but I always wondered how it would shoot with full power .357 Magnums.
I was also concerned with how this gun/hot ammo combination would work out if I was unable to use my right hand and had to shoot left-handed.
This video answered both of my questions.
I try to shoot with my weak hand at least once a month.
I did not try this experiment with my Model 340 PD.
BRING IT BACK!!
I was very surprised as well that S&W discontinued the 649 in 357. I have gone through more little carry guns than I care to elaborate, but I always end up going back to my little J-Frame. Right now I have my little 438 Bodyguard, and I love it. I have shot a few J Frame 357s with the light frames and titanium cylinders and finally decided on another humpback that has a little more heft to it. Now I find they've discontinued them. Not the prettiest revolver in the world, but I definitely like the shroud for carrying.
I was very surprised as well that S&W discontinued the 649 in 357. I have gone through more little carry guns than I care to elaborate, but I always end up going back to my little J-Frame. Right now I have my little 438 Bodyguard, and I love it. I have shot a few J Frame 357s with the light frames and titanium cylinders and finally decided on another humpback that has a little more heft to it. Now I find they've discontinued them. Not the prettiest revolver in the world, but I definitely like the shroud for carrying.
Marshal Tom
Member
Until recently I had never owned or particularly liked the humpbacks and instead preferred the inclosed hammer models. I had a 640-0 for a short time and then purchased an M&P 340 that I had and carried for many years. I purchased a 649-2 a short time ago and much prefer shooting it to the M&P 340. I just carried it with me yesterday on an all day MC ride. I really like the increased heft of an all steel J frame.
The 649-3 is one of my favorite carry guns. Mine is a pleasure to shoot and quite accurate.
Crawfish0206
Member
I have an old S&w 360.
