Model 49 vs model 36

[Richard Simmons]

I prefer the humpbacks. Don't have a photo of my M49 daily carry but I'll toss a photo of my safe queen M38 in the hat for your viewing pleasure as well as a 3" M36 no dash that keeps the Model 38 company in the safe.

 

[jmark1651]

The shrouded snubbies with the hammer exposed will do anything a chiefs special will do. I have a model 38 I have owned since 1969 that was carried and qualified with for years. It is simply a matter of preference. It is hard for me not to like them all.

 

[Blaze]

Another outsider here. For my uses a SA/DA J frame is the way to go, not so much pocket carry for self defense but rather for convenience (in a pocket holster) when woods walking or walking the dogs in the hills up behind the house. The humpbacks (Models 38, 49, 649,etc) are nice guns, until you have to un-cock the hammer on a cold new England winters day. My model 60-7 and 37 are great for my purposes.

 

[jringo8769]

well i just went to the range yesterday and was able to shoot my model 38 again and i love it more every day...i do agree that single action is a little tougher...but you can not beat them for everyday carry....God Bless John

 

[loeman]

I'm solidly in the humpback camp. My Md 49 was my first S&W revolver. Bought it new in the late 70s. Sometime around 1997 or so I semi-retired the 49 and bought a new 649-3 in .357. I've carried the 649 more than any other gun I've owned. I also like to pocket carry it when I'm fishing or hiking in black bear country. I like the 36 too, but I like the shroud more. Here are a couple of pics.

 

[sodacan]

I own only one "J" frame, a 649-2 (38 special, pre-357 magnum for this model). Great for pocket carry, and S/A capability. Loses in the "looks" department, but a beauty in the area of form and function. Having shot 357 magnum in other small guns like this, I can tell you that I am no fan. Shoot what you like, and like what you shoot.

 

[sw44spl]

I carry my 638 almost daily.once in a while I throw in a ruger lc9s or a glock 43