Help with age of M49 bodyguard? (w/photo)

[MaxS]

Attached is a photo of the Model 49 bodyguard I picked up this weekend for $275. It seems mechanically sound; there was a little pitting on the left side near the top of the grip. I went over it very gently with a little Break Free and 0000 steel wool.

Serial Number is ALD38##

Can anyone help with estimating an age?
thanks in advance!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Serial Number is ALD38##

Jan/Feb 1986.

You got it for a good price, even allowing for a little pitting.

 

[markeb]

Very nice, and for a good price. I recently bought one and it has become my weekend pocket gun. I like wood grips on my revolvers, but put a set of Uncle Mike's boot grips on for pocket carry. You now officially have Humpback Disease. Enjoy and give a range report.

 

[MaxS]

Thanks Kernel.

I'm now debating which Altamont grips to put on it.
Will post a range report next weekend.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

MaxS:

Nice Model 49 at an excellent price. Irrespective of the type of grips you put on it, you'll need to monitor that spot of pitting. I once heard a gunsmith compare rust to cancer, which I thought was a pretty apt comparison. After treating that area, I'd suggest applying a couple of coats of paste wax (I use whatever car wax is in the garage) to the exterior of the piece, and occassionally wipe it down with an oil impregnated rag to help prevent rust. If the grips cover this area, you should remove them periodically to ensure rust is starting under the grips.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[Bajadoc]

Nice 49. For me in the big city, the Model 49 is my favorite everything all the time gun. You got it for a great price and a little "gun cancer" is par for the coarse with a working gun. Dave is on target with the wax.