Couldn't say no

[frank_drebin]

I have been wanting to get a J-frame since I sold my 638 a few years ago. Today I was browsing a small shop and spotted this one. I have no idea how old it is or anything about it really. All I know is its sexy with just the right touch of character. Not abused, just used. I had to bring it home.

What can you tell me about it?
Thanks.

 

[eaglebeaver]

Looks like a model 49 "humpback" 38 special with a tyler t grip. I love my humpbacks, both a 49 and a ss 649. hope you enjoy yours too. has just the right amount of bluing wear to be respectable!

 

[Rapidray]

Great taste!

Looks like a model 49 "humpback" 38 special with a tyler t grip. I love my humpbacks, both a 49 and a ss 649. hope you enjoy yours too. has just the right amount of bluing wear to be respectable!

I see we have the same taste of great revolvers! Still after a 649-3 here are my two. A 49 and a 649.

 

[frank_drebin]

Very nice looking pair 'o humpbacks you have there.

Ok, forgive my revolver newbniness but I found a stamp that says "Mod 38" on the metal frame in front of the cylinder that is only visible when the cylinder is open (sorry, I'm sure that has a name).

How would I date this particular gun.

Also, I assume that. +P would not be advised. Is that a safe assumption?

 

[Horace & Daniel]

I've got a Model 38 manufactured in 1971. She's light as a feather and dead sexy.

 

[bamabiker]

If you tell us the serial number we can look in the SCSW and give a year that it shipped.
It's been said that any model marked S&W is good to go with +Ps but I would still limit my use of them in the J frames. That's just me.

Let me add, you can x out the last 2 digits if you do not wish for the world to know your serial number.

 

[frank_drebin]

That's a great pic. I had no idea this one may be older than I am. I agree, its extremely light.

Bama, The serial number is 32J869 thanks for any info.

 

[oldafsp]

Use a standard pressure load in the same bullet weight as the +Ps you are
using for carry purpose.

Your point of impact should be the same.

 

[bamabiker]

The SCSW says J1 through 999J99 was shipped in 1971 - 1972 so your's falls in there. Probably 1971. A factory letter would tell you the date and where it shipped to but it would cost you $50.

 

[frank_drebin]

The SCSW says J1 through 999J99 was shipped in 1971 - 1972 so your's falls in there. Probably 1971. A factory letter would tell you the date and where it shipped to but it would cost you $50.

Wow, that's the same year I shipped. Guess Shes a keeper. Thanks Bama.

 

[qballwill]

I just picked one up a couple of months ago. Mine was made in about 1981 though. Just keep an eye out for a crack in the frame under the barrel. Not that it happens all that often, but it does happen and still happens with current revolvers. I bought my first model 38 a few years back and after shooting a few standard pressure loads, it cracked. S&W was good about replacing it, unfortunately all they had to replace it with was a current model 638 with the lock. Enjoy it, shes a beaut!!!

 

[john505]

Perfict fit

perfict fit, works for me. A small good off duty gun for concealement in your waist band during the summer months when you got on shorts and a T-shirt.

John

 

[Rapidray]

He has a pinned model 38...

I have not heard of the pinned barrel revolvers cracking the frames. I know the un pinned ones are getting over clocked and cracking. I think he would be ok.

 

[qballwill]

I have not heard of the pinned barrel revolvers cracking the frames. I know the un pinned ones are getting over clocked and cracking. I think he would be ok.

Mine was pinned and cracked unfortunately, but you are right. I don't think cracking was as common

 

[frank_drebin]

Mine was pinned and cracked unfortunately, but you are right. I don't think cracking was as common

Well, I guess the important thing is that they will take care of me if it does. Thanks for the headsup.

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice Model 38 "Bodyguard Airweight"
Took this picture a year ago when I had like 6 BG's.
Now down to just 3,
(L to R) Models 49, 38, 38 nickel, 649.

 

[Rapidray]

(L to R) Models 49, 38, 38 nickel, 649.

I like your model 38 blue! Is that a flat latch? Do you know the year on that one? Nice collection of Bodyguards you have.

 

[BUFF]

Well, I guess the important thing is that they will take care of me if it does. Thanks for the headsup.

Mebbe they will, mebbe they won't. S&W only warranteed their guns for one year during the period yours was made, although they have a practice of taking care of most problems that look to be material or workmanship issues.

That is a very nice revolver you have just bought.

Plus-P? I shoot it in any J frame I will carry for serious. Some of which I have shot quite a bit of it. There are three main schools of thought on this subject. One is, go ahead, it isn't that much higher pressure than standard ammo. Two is, use it sparingly as it will accellerate wear rapidly. Three is, DON'T DO IT EVER!!! IT WILL BLOW YOUR REVOLVER UP INTO 43,917 EQUAL-SIZE FRAGMENTS THAT WILL ALTER THE EARTH'S ROTATION AND THE SKY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING AND...

 

[buck460XVR]

Mine was pinned and cracked unfortunately, but you are right. I don't think cracking was as common

Could be it was just as common, just there was no internet to hear about it. Another difference was, 40 years ago, civilian folks that bought a snub nosed revolver for protection or shootin' stray dogs bought a box of ammo with the gun and died or sold the gun with half the box left. There was no real fear of a Zombie Apocalypse, or TEOTWAWKI. Folks bought the gun, shot a few rounds thru it and put it in the sock drawer. One reason so many of those era guns are in such great shape. Since they didn't get shot much, they didn't get much of a chance to break or wear.

 

[frank_drebin]

Is it wrong that it reminds me of this one?