Model 649 in .357M v.38S (possible upgrade?)

[SmithNik]

I have noticed that S&W has been making the 649 in .357 Magnum for a few years
I understand the that very same frame is used for those designated .38 Special only. Is this correct ?
If correct, is it possible to upgrade older 649's to shoot .357 Magnum ?
And if so, what model #s would qualify ?

Tnx.

 

[SmithNik]

I have noticed that S&W has been making the 649 in .357 Magnum for a few years
I understand the that very same frame is used for those designated .38 Special only. Is this correct ?
If correct, is it possible to upgrade older 649's to shoot .357 Magnum ?
And if so, what model #s would qualify ?

Tnx.

 

[Repellere]

No models will qualify for an upgrade to 357 magnum from 38 special.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

Trying to "upgrade" a 38 to 357 is just one of those things you NEVER want to do. Some guns will take it, some won't. And you will not know the difference until the gun does its hand grenade impersonation.

 

[S.B.]

Do some home work, there may be a difference in heat treating?
Steve

 

[DCWilson]

I'll just double up on the caution everyone else has expressed. It is my understanding that 649 frames are NOT all the same. SCSW-3 says the 649-3 (the first bodyguard rated for .357 magnum) uses the "slightly larger" J Magnum frame. The 649-2 was built on the predecessor J frame.

Version 649-4, built on the J Magnum frame, was a .38 Special product rated for +P ammunition. Maybe the company would tell you that this one could be upgraded to .357, but I'm not sure I would do it.

I have a 649-5 that is stamped for .357 Magnum -- wonderful revolver. If you want the extra power, I'd suggest the safe course of action is to sell any .38 version you have and buy one rated for .357 Magnum. If you get a 649-3, you can avoid the internal lock.

David W.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

DC has hit it. I surmise that any J magnum frame is rated for 357-it just doesn't make sense from a manufacturung standpoint to make a bunch of otherwise identical frames and then heat treat or whatever some to be 357's as poopsed ot being 38's. Any steel J magnum frame would be rated for 357 regardless of what is being put on the barrel. as far as the j magnum lightweight frames, only the scanduium alloy ones would be rated 357, the aluminum ones would necessarily be 38 rated in spite of being the same size.