Can't decide between model 60 or 649.

[Fox609]

I'm starting to think about getting a revolver for carrying & am stuck. I love the model 60 since it's available with a 3 inch barrel, but the 649 is far better suited for pocket carry. I saw some grips in another thread that provided kind of a 649 style hump for a gun with a full hammer. Just wondering what you might recommend or if there are any accessories that might help me out. Thanks!

On a total side note, I just got a 686+ 5 incher & LOVE it. It's perfect for me. Wouldn't change a thing.

 

[treerat]

I really like my 640 as a carry gun, dao and no pocket lint in it. but the 649 is better for me because of the ability to single action it. the 60 is an equal good gun except for pocket carry, because the hammer tends to catch on the draw. so you know I saw several bianchi grips on ebay that conceal the hammer on a 60 but still alow the hammer to be used single action, defineatly a posible way to go if you already have a 60, if not I would consider a 649 a very good choice for all but the dirtiest enviroments which the 640 handles well. well I guess thats my 2 cents, hope it helps some.

 

[Fox609]

That does help. I was looking at the 640, but I want the option for single action. Only for fun at the range, of course.

 

[wrangler5]

< snip > Only for fun at the range, of course.

Well, I think it's OK to engage zombies at longer range, where single action might be an advantage . . .

Seriously, I carry a 649 daily and shoot it regularly at the range - what a delight. I have lighter J frames and larger, heavier K frames, but I think I shoot the 649 the most. Always with 38s. (I shot one (1) 357 round when I first got the gun, to say I'd done it, but never again.) Knocking down steel plates with it at 25+ yards usually gets other people's attention.

 

[jrs70]

I own both a 649-1 and a 60 no dash. On the 60 I have Bianchi "Lightning" grips on it. They shroud the hammer. They are out of production. They go from $30 to $70 for J frames. They also made K frames.

If you are limited on the number of guns the “lightning" grips are the way to go. You have the best of both worlds.

Or have both they are both fine revolvers. I like the 649-1 so much I also picked up a nickle 49.

 

[Detective_Special]

Shrouded hammer

Lots of advantages having the shrouded hammer as mentioned above. I like it because I can hold it with a slightly higher grip because of the shroud giving me a better grip. I tend to shoot better with Bodyguards in either steel or alloy frame.

 

[Rapidray]

60 vs 649

For carrying concealed...the 649 wins by a land slide! I carried the 49 untill I found the 649. I have them both still and will always keep them but the 649 is what gets the carry time. The 49 is back up if something should happen to my 649.

 

[Fox609]

Right on. Lots to think about.. also kind of looking at the 638 since it's lighter and less expensive [where I can find it]. I don't plan to shoot 357s out of a carry gun anyway. That's what my 686 is for.

 

[mc5aw]

A 3" barrel J-frame will carry concealed differently from a 2". You should first consider how/where you wear it, then go with the revolver that is most appropriate. I have an older 3" Model 36 that shoots like a laser, but it won't ride in an ankle rig, and it's not suitable for my shoulder holster. Between a 60 and a 649, you really can't go wrong. Part of the equation will also be what you what to shoot, strictly .38s or some .357s. Tough decision between the two Js.

 

[rrobertson]

I would go with the 60, but keep in mind I dont like the look/feel of the hump. I do believe however that the hump/round back models 49/649/638 etc are very nice firearms and have their place. They are just not for me. For pocket carry I have found that the 60 to be alittle long for the front pockets of my carpenter jeans and ends up having the end of the grip handle just outside the pocket. Granted the grips are not boot grips.

 

[inspcalahan]

I carry an early 80's 49 every day in a variety of methods based on what I'm doing. Ankle if at work, and if away from work it's often the ankle, a pocket or even in my Alessi shoulder rig that holds my Colt CCO on one side and the 49 on the other. I've got a 649 also, but it's relegated to the closet as a "always near by" gun in the house. I'd prefer to carry it, but the trigger on the 49 is sooooooo much sweeter, that it won out.

 

[mg357]

I suggest the model 60 since of the two revolvers mentioned i only have any experience with that specific model.

 

[ACP230]

I own two 649s and an M38. I used to own a Model 60 but gave it to my
youngest son.
Both are good guns but, for carry, I prefer the old-style Bodyguards.

 

[grif684]

It all comes down to personal preferance, but as far as versatility and all around ease of carry, there really is only one choice......and my personal favorite backup and summer concealed carry, the 649.....

 

[Bill_Johnson]

Soon after getting my CCW, I was torn between the 60 and 649 and went back and forth. Finally decided the hammer exposed on the 60 might be an issue, so went with the 649 and love it. My 2¢

 

[M3Stuart]

I have a 60 and 36. I keep telling myself I'm going to get a 642 or 649 but never do. (actually had a 642 at one time). So I keep cc'ing the 60 and 36. I just put my thumb on the spur when drawing it and it's never been an issue.

I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the hammer spur that I can't live without.

But they are both great choices.

My advice; buy a pre-owned one and wait to buy until you can find one at a good price. That way, if you change your mind, you won't have any problem at all recouping your investment.

 

[wbdrey]

I have carried a 649 for about 6 years now, and I really like it. The ability to single action it id plus. It doesn't have the classic look of the 60 but is a great carry piece.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Bought a 1 7/8" 36 ND SB, liked it, but then I ran across a 649-2 and snapped it up.

IMO, the 649 , at least mine, is smoother and I can shoot it more accurately. Just feels better.

For CCW, the 649 offers the ability to be used while still in the pocket.

 

[MacGuffin]

For me... it's the Bodyguard!

On the occasion that I grab a revolver to carry, it is usually my M38 Airweight Bodyguard. However, when my attire can accommodate a heavier pocket piece, my M649-2 is the choice.

You won't go wrong with a M60. But, you'll do a little bit better with a M649.

 

[EldoEsq]

I have a 60 and 36. I keep telling myself I'm going to get a 642 or 649 but never do. (actually had a 642 at one time). So I keep cc'ing the 60 and 36. I just put my thumb on the spur when drawing it and it's never been an issue.

I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the hammer spur that I can't live without.

But they are both great choices.

My advice; buy a pre-owned one and wait to buy until you can find one at a good price. That way, if you change your mind, you won't have any problem at all recouping your investment.

Putting your thumb over the spur while under stress could be a serious issue.

That is why the shrouded hammer exists.