Most versatile j-frame?

[PALADIN85020]

I'm a great fan of the Model 49 and 649 J-frames, the "bodyguard" models. They don't snag on clothing, yet can be cocked for a precision shot if need be. Heavy enough to absorb +P loads without undue pain, yet small and light enough to put in your pocket quickly when you run down to the local stop-n-rob for a 6-pack. Of course, I favor the no-lock versions.

This nickel-plated model 49 no-dash is new in the box, and was made in 1976.

Anyone else like these little critters?

John

 

[Glock 'em down]

Funny you should ask John. If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only take ONE pistol with me, it would be my Smith & Wesson J frame model 38 Airweight Bodyguard. It's a blued no dash model from 1985. I "acquired" it back in October along with a DeSantis "Nemesis" pocket holster. It has been my CONSTANT companion since that day and I'll never EVER get rid of it.

With it's shrouded hammer, it really is the best of both worlds!

 

[aterry33]

Beautiful gun. My 642 is pretty much always in my pocket, 24/7.

Glock, why not a 29? It's not like you would have to worry about concealment

 

[7shooter]

I've got an old kind of beat up bodyguard with a stainless steel cylinder and a blue alloy frame. It was originally sent to the Michigan Police Supply. It's not much to look at but it still shoots fine. It's my second favorite j frame after my scandium Centennial with a 2 digit serial #.

 

[DCWilson]

I like Bodyguards a lot, but have only one. Yours is a beauty. Mine is a modern 649, lock and all, so it is undistinguished compared to yours. I guess I could claim some kind of design superiority because the modern J-magnum frames let me put .357 rounds through it if I want to, but I can't imagine doing that on a steady basis.

Mine's not for carry -- I just like its looks and feel. It's my desktop gun at home. If you could see my desktop you would understand why I am partial to guns with reduced snag capacity.

Haven't published this photo for a while, so here it is again. I put ebony stocks on it to dress it up a bit.

David Wilson

 

[Glock 'em down]

Beautiful gun. My 642 is pretty much always in my pocket, 24/7.

Glock, why not a 29? It's not like you would have to worry about concealment

I used to carry a model 29 at another agency I worked at back in 1990. Then in 91, the "wonder nine" bug bit us and we all switched over to the bottom feeders.

I've carried a Glock ever since.

I still sneak in a snubbie on my hip every now and then...just for kicks and giggles.

 

[robotoid]

640-1. Fire any round from full house .357 Mag to powder puff .38 Spl. Small enough for pocket carry, or change out the grips and have nice belt holster gun. Front sight changes out easily to meet users tastes. So let it be written......So let it be done.

 

[Sprefix]

Very nice pieces........

That is some great lookin' "iron". I ride a (motorcycle) lots of the time and weight and size is a factor. I held an M&P 360 for about 2.7 seconds and fell in love with it. I like the front Tritium sight and I like the fact that you "can" put some serious heat in it or carry it with a pet load. I prefer the hammer as I'm somewhat A.D.D.(kidding) and it gives my thumb something to do. I had a Galco horsehide pocket holster but changed to a Don Humme. I had a friend of mine(very experienced private smith) go through it with Wolff springs and some polishing. The double action is like slow silk and the single action pull is INCREDIBLE!!! I came across an original ******* High ride Rt hand thumb break holster and I don't think I'll ever get rid or this combo. It may not be perfect, but it is close to it for me......JMO........Sprefix

 

[Glock 'em down]

640-1. Fire any round from full house .357 Mag to powder puff .38 Spl. Small enough for pocket carry, or change out the grips and have nice belt holster gun. Front sight changes out easily to meet users tastes. So let it be written......So let it be done.

I'm sent here by the chosen one...

 

[Texas Star]

I think the most versatility may be from the M-60-4.

You can go Magnum with later entries in this series, but I really think the .357 is excessive in a j-frame.

T-Star

 

[ACP230]

I have two 649s and one of the stainless cylinder ex-Mi State Cop issue M38s.
All are .38 Specials. They are my daily carry guns.

An M49 was my first snubnose. My older son has it now and rarely uses it. I often wish I had it back.

I have been wanting to pick up a nickeled Bodyguard for a while but haven't come across one.

I have other snubs, a Colt Cobra, and a Smith M60. They don't get used much. I just prefer the Bodyguards to all other snubnoses.

 

[Malysh]

I have several very old Centennials and Centennial Airweights that are my favorites.
However, since you used the term most versitile, I'd have to say my late 60s Bodyguard Airweight. I finally got a very slightly used Kramer pocket holster for it. I prefer this holster over my Nemisis(which doesn't like my Bodyguard Airweight) or my Galco pocket holster.
I vote for the Bodyguard as more versitile than my cherished Centennials because they can also be cocked for single action shooting. I don't shoot any of my revolvers in single action, but one does has the choice with the Bodyguards.

 

[Sportsterguy]

A 36-6 3" barrel or my 3" 60-10 .357 mag that's magnaported. Just as easy to conceal in a IWB and with the adjustable sights can use any ammo out there. Both are much more accurate than my ancient snub nickel 36 making 25 yd. groups very respectable.

Great little plinkers and the 60 loaded with Speer 158 gr. .38+P's pack a pretty good punch for self defense. I won't shoot full house .357's through it though. JMO


60-10

36-6. Not my pic, but it is my revolver. Now has wrap around Uncle Mikes on it.