Differences 49 vs 649? (other than pinned, blued)

[snubbert]

Other than blued (49) vs. stainless, and pinned (49) vs non-pinned barrel, what are the differences between the .38 spl 49 and 649? Specifically the 49-2 vs 649-2.

 

[mg357]

The S&W Model 49 is chambered in .38 special and came in either blued or nickel finish.

The S&W Model 649 is chambered .357 magnum and is stainless steel and I highly recommend that you Don't I Repeat Don't shoot .357 magnum ammunition in the model 649.

because the recoil is very sharp and incredibly painful.

 

[Smoke52]

OK Gersh, calm down. I have a 649, and while the recoil with .357 is substantial, a set of good rubber stocks will tame the shock to tolerable levels. They will make it so you don't bruise your shoulder either!

 

[Cal44]

The op pretty much summed up the differences.

Early 649's were chambered in 38 special and were basically a stainless steel version of the 49.

Later 649's were built on a slightly larger frame and shoot 357 Magnum.

I don't think there ever was a 357 mag version of the 49.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I have described 357s recoil in the 649 as 'Brisk.'
You should give it a try it.
I think that with a self protection gun, you should be able to control the piece and keep it on target for follow up shots.
So mine is loaded with 38.

 

[AZretired]

I had a 49 that was stolen and ever since have been looking for a nice 649 in .38 spl. at a reasonable price.

 

[OIF2]

My 649 goes everywhere with me. The older .38 version is the way to go.
Bob

 

[shouldazagged]

I like the Centennials and carry an early 640 in .38 special; but my second choice of a pocket gun would be a 649 in .38.

I have no interest at all in shooting .357 Magnum from a snub revolver. Zilch.

 

[5Wire]

The S&W Model 649 is chambered .357 magnum...

I have 649 no dash chambered in .38 Special, Plus P. I can't imagine much of a weight difference between the blues steel and stainless versions. I can imagine neither being a lot of fun to shoot with .357 Magnums.

Engineering and Production Changes

• 649-3 (1996): Change to .357 J Magnum frame.
• 649-4 (November, 1997): Reintroduced in .38 Special +P only using new frame.
• 1999: Discontinue .38 Special variation.
• 649-5 (2001): Introduce internal key lock system.
• 649-6 (2003): Internal key lock system (.38 Special only).

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006-12-20). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (pp. 253-254). F+W Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

 

[Cal44]

Here is my 49-0.

From the early 1980's right before the pinned barrel went away.

Weighs about 20 oz. Seems to be about an ounce heavier than a similar age 36. Due to the shroud, I suppose.

 

[loeman]

The S&W Model 49 is chambered in .38 special and came in either blued or nickel finish.

The S&W Model 649 is chambered .357 magnum and is stainless steel and I highly recommend that you Don't I Repeat Don't shoot .357 magnum ammunition in the model 649.

because the recoil is very sharp and incredibly painful.

Dang, I'm not going to shoot a gun that is incredibly painful! But it sure isn't my 649-3 in.357! Yes, it has a sharp and substantial recoil but I love it! And I love the OEM Uncle Mikes grips. And rest assured, I've never felt pain. And furthermore it is a remarkably accurate gun. And it is the most carried CC gun I have ever owned. Here's a pic.

 

[wrangler5]

The magnum framed 649 gives you a 1/4" longer barrel, which gives you an additional 1/4" of ejector travel. This almost fully extracts a 38 Special case, which is why I prefer the 357 version. (Same holds true for the 640s.)

I have shot one (1) round of 357 out of one of these guns - with the biggest, softest Pachmayr grip available plus a shooting glove. It still hurts. So I can say I've done it, and also that I'll never do it again. The +P 38 FBI load is plenty for me out of one of these things.