My First Bodyguard

[Red Rover]

I already have a '94 Model 442 with Spegel boot grips and a 340 PD with factory wood and a Tyler T Grip, but today I picked up a Model 49 from my FFL. Bought it off GB for $406 from a retired PO who bought it in the late 80's from a retired buddy from Metro Detroit area PD. It has been a BUG for two police officers. I am very pleased with this old gun. The pictures can't show how good it smells. Like Rem oil.

It definitely has been carried a lot, but shot very little and has been well cared for. You could say it has character. I have "the book" but still can't figure out a born on date for S/N 10J2XX. Not sure if it belongs here or in the forum for earlier guns.

The little hump backed revolver is so ugly that it's beautiful, IMO. Grips are numbered to the gun, the timing is OK, and it locks up solid. Not sure if it is limited to standard loads or will handle +P ammo; I'll call S & W tomorrow.

Once I clean it and function test it at the range, I'll put a T-Grip on it and this will be a carry gun. Pictures are from the seller's GB ad but they're pretty good.

 

[j38]

The perfect carry gun! I really like mine.

Enjoy that snubby,

Jerry

 

[ACP230]

My first snubnose was also a Bodyguard that had been a cop's backup piece. It had some "road rash" so I assume it was an ankle gun for a while.
I learned to shoot a snubnose with the 49, then bought a 649 and gave the 49 to my oldest son. He doesn't use it much and I often wish I had it back.

 

[Glock 'em down]

What a beautiful Bodyguard.

I've never seen a Smith & Wesson revolver I didn't like, but I gotta say that Bodyguards are probably my very favorites of the bunch. My model 38 from 1985 goes with me EVERYWHERE in my front pocket.

Someday I plan on owning one of each: a model 49 (had one and let it slip away

) a 649 and a 638 if I can find a pre lock model.

 

[Rugskipper]

I think that the cylinder release is a little newer than the gun, but I'm sure that you could replace it easily if you so desire. That's a nice price for a Bodyguard in today's market.
Congratulations! I love mine.

 

[Red Rover]

Originally posted by Rugskipper:
I think that the cylinder release is a little newer than the gun, but I'm sure that you could replace it easily if you so desire. That's a nice price for a Bodyguard in today's market.
Congratulations! I love mine.

Funny you mention that. I was looking at it this morning and had the same thought. As a carry gun I don't really mind, but if I can find out the correct year I may look for an original.

Anyone know what year this Bodyguard was made and what the latch should look like?

 

[ezb57]

Its pinned, so I think that makes it pre 1982. Thumbpiece should be like this:

 

[mod34]

Very, very nice. I wish SW would do more with this frame design. An 8-shot .22mag, 6-shot .32, etc.

By the way, NO to +Ps in this one.

 

[Red Rover]

Originally posted by mod34:
Very, very nice. I wish SW would do more with this frame design. An 8-shot .22mag, 6-shot .32, etc.

By the way, NO to +Ps in this one.

Thanks for the info on the latch and ammo limitations. What do you shoot in yours?

 

[WaistGunner]

Congrats Dwood,

Like President Jimmy Carter, "I admit to having lust in my heart..." for a vintage S&W Model 49

. I am hoping to add one to my mini-arsenal someday! For now, I have to settle with my pre-lock Model 640 pocket bazooka.

Yours is a beauty, enjoy! Waistgunner

 

[mississippi revolverman]

I picked up a Bodyguard a while back in great condition also. You are right they are so ugly "Only a Mother could love it"

 

[bub75]

I love the Bodyguard design, too. I have a newer .357, pre-lock 649 and would love to find an older 649 (.38 only) or 638. It's the best of both worlds- snag-free hammer that is still able to be thumb cocked for SA, just in case it's needed. Now, I just need to come up with some $$$ to replace the horrid factory Goodyears on it!

Bub

 

[VonFatman]

DWood,
Nice find! Don't you just love that hi-gloss blue! Enjoy your new revolver!

Bob

 

[CapnHawk]

I carried a Model 49 as a back-up in my 33 years as a peace officer. I was inspired by Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., as he carried one as Inspector Lew Erskine on the claasic TV show, "The F.B.I."

 

[pred]

If I am correct, 1971 or 1972.
Peter

 

[Red Rover]

Originally posted by pred:
If I am correct, 1971 or 1972.
Peter

Pred, just trying to learn. How did you come to that conclusion? I wasn't able to figure it out with the SCSW.

 

[JumpinJack]

From a shooting standpoint I'd leave that cylinder latch. The origional on my 940 used to cut my thumb during recoil. The new ones work much better on heavy recoiling J frames.

 

[carpenter]

Hoping to pick a "bodyguard" next week from a local wheeler-dealer. I don't know what model it is yet but as long as it's in decent shape I want it. I just sold a Rossi m-88 ss3"(tackle box gun) $250 so I could get it. The guy want $300 so I can't turn it down(He's a S&W collector so I sure it will be in good shape). I carry a Rossi 351/2" most of the time and am looking forward replacing it with a S&W...

 

[Capt Steve]

Now, I just need to come up with some $$$ to replace the horrid factory Goodyears on it!

Here's mine withe faux ivory grips from Eagle($69.95). Yes, it has the lock but since it has never been used to me it's just not there. (o;

 

[bub75]

Not bad, Capt Steve. However, I'm thinking old-school, or at least old-school style. I've seen several J-Frames on here with a reddish color (rosewood, I think?), smooth Magna-style stocks and a T-Grip. That's what I have my heart set on, but regular Magnas would be OK, too.

Bub