New Home for A 1983 Model 49 - Nickel

[NCBeagle]

This 1983 Model 49 has been in this fuzzy gun case since about 1986. It belonged to a neighbor's husband, a judge from south Florida, who died in a boating accident about that same time. He carried it to work in an ankle holster every day. Good thing he didn't take it fishing. Anyway, I have freed it from the fuzzy case forever. It moves into a climate controlled gun safe with occasional holster time.

It is in quite good condition, despite 36 years in the case. Finish is mirror shiny under the grips but slightly to moderately cloudy elsewhere. The cloudiness is difficult to photograph. No pitting or blemishes. Action is smooth. Crane and cylinder could use a cleaning and lube. The large aftermarket grips feel quite nice.

 

[Rpg]

That's a pretty nice revolver!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Very nice, indeed. Congrats.

Is the serial number one of the last 1J4xxxx, or is it from the 3-letter, 4-number series? I've seen 49s from both in early '83.

 

[NCBeagle]

Very nice, indeed. Congrats.

Is the serial number one of the last 1J4xxxx, or is it from the 3-letter, 4-number series? I've seen 49s from both in early '83.

It is an "ABH" serial number. That puts it about 1983…maybe 1982.

I think the serial range that you mentioned, with the floating J, would be about 10 years earlier. Early 70's, right?

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice Model 49.
I misread your post thought it was a 649 ...oops

 

[ACORN]

A little Flitz will have it shining like a new penny.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

It is an "ABH" serial number. That puts it about 1983…maybe 1982.

I think the serial range that you mentioned, with the floating J, would be about 10 years earlier. Early 70's, right?

Yes, your ABH is probably 1983.

No, the 1J+5digits is 1982/83. You're thinking of the roving J series with no more than five numbers between 1970 and '73. They're two completely different series.

My database lists a nickel Model 49 1J42302 that shipped in January 1983.

 

[NCBeagle]

Yes, your ABH is probably 1983.

No, the 1J+5digits is 1982/83. You're thinking of the roving J series with no more than five numbers between 1970 and '73. They're two completely different series.

My database lists a nickel Model 49 1J42302 that shipped in January 1983.

You're right. Was thinking of floating J. Thanks for setting me straight. Just went up to check…my daughter Olivia's factory engraved Model 49 shipped in 1982 and has a "J" serial:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[kaaskop49]

These darned J-frames are like weeds, they keep popping up everywhere! I would prefer my 2 casino 64HBs if the SHTF, but they refuse to fit into my pocket. Any pocket. And the Js chamber the same round. Wasn't that a selling point for the original Chiefs' Special?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[yugolovr]

Good looking 49. Nice grips also. How does it shoot?

 

[NCBeagle]

Good looking 49. Nice grips also. How does it shoot?

Thanks. How does it shoot? Not sure yet. I live in suburban Charlotte, so no shooting outside the range. I'll probably shoot it next weekend. Should be all good. Seems to function just fine.

 

[John Patrick]

Nice find!

… I need a steel Bodyguard!

 

[Model46]

Here is my EDC model 49. Easily my favorite J frame. Also have a model 38 and model 649. I really like the humpback .38's.

 

[RSinOR]

I've been packin an EDC 49 for 40+ years. Absolutely love 'em. You should see the strange looks it gets when it goes to the range with me.

 

[HamHands]

So..... what's the problem OP??? Hahah, just kidding but really... That is a very nice piece that will carry well with some slimmer grips or even now with practice/dedication. I love these hump backs and my wife carries one daily in the M642 package. I've made the DA trigger so reliable that it's easily "Stage-able" into Single Action Mode 99 times out of 100. These pocket revolvers are Essentially some of the most beneficial and dutiful firearms in existence for self defense and well-being! Here is a pic of the wife's M642 with that sub 6lbs trigger I spoke of before below:

Other Snubbie's that get carried a LOT TOO!

 

[.41magfan]

Nice find. Should you desire to spruce up the nickel finish, this stuff does a great job and multiple applications with a soft cloth will yield noticeable results.