Opinions on the humpback

[Mickey D]

Hi everyone. I'm the new kid on the block and appreciate the opportunity to associate with all you knowledgeable minds.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Mickey D]

I have never cared for the looks of the m49 bodyguard because of humpback. A friend had a nice late '80s specimen he wanted to trade for an m60. I had three m60s so I traded one for the m49.
I have since learned to accept and actually like this M49, and it rounds out my J frame collection.

 

[Kavinsky]

I respectfully disagree.

The 649-3 and 649-5 are rated for .357 and can shoot p+ all day long without breaking a sweat; if you examine the normal 649 and compare it to the 357 model, you will see not only the heavier barrel, but where they beefed up the frame with a couple more ounces of steel. My 649-5 weighs nearly as much as a Ruger SP101, and nobody would question shooting p+ out of that gun.

hmmm well I just dont feel that comfortabile with the thought of shooting those out of a vintage pre dash 49, plus that whole thing with the hearing damage caused by shooting loads that are probably around 1100 fps that one of the guys mentioned on one of the shooting threads I commented on awhile back.

basically I just dont like the idea of pushing the envelope with that kind of thing as thats usually never a good thing with a gun, car, knife you name it as I just like to keep it factory for the sake of somethings longevity

 

[Sebago Son]

What's a "Humpback"? Isn't that a whale or something?

This is the S&W Body Guard Magnum....

 

[MikeChandler]

hmmm well I just dont feel that comfortabile with the thought of shooting those out of a vintage pre dash 49, plus that whole thing with the hearing damage caused by shooting loads that are probably around 1100 fps that one of the guys mentioned on one of the shooting threads I commented on awhile back.

basically I just dont like the idea of pushing the envelope with that kind of thing as thats usually never a good thing with a gun, car, knife you name it as I just like to keep it factory for the sake of somethings longevity

If it's a pre-dash 49, it's not rated for it; that's an entirely different story. There's nothing squeamish about it - I wouldn't do it either.

 

[MikeChandler]

What's a "Humpback"? Isn't that a whale or something?

This is the S&W Body Guard Magnum....

I am SOOOO jealous!

 

[Rapidray]

Is the LGS closed???

So, correct me if I misinterpreted your many replies, but you think the 49 would be a good buy?

Thanks to all of you, I think Tuesday when they open it's going to get set aside.

If not you need to do it TODAY! A gun stored that is closed on Monday's...lol. Hope you get it asap.

 

[model17]

What's not to love about the "real" Bodyguards?

 

[shep854]

So, correct me if I misinterpreted your many replies, but you think the 49 would be a good buy?

Thanks to all of you, I think Tuesday when they open it's going to get set aside.

*Sigh* OK, Gunny...you busted us.
That gun is really a cheap, crude lump of pot metal--absolutely worthless even for scrap. As a public service, send me the shop's address and FFL, and I will buy it to get it off the streets: take one for the team, so to speak.
----
For +P out of a no-dash, occasional use is fine; my carry load is the 135gr +P "snubbie load", but the vast majority of my practice is with standard loads. Once or twice a year, I shoot off the rounds I've been carrying.
; this also keeps me familiar with the feel.

 

[Kavinsky]

If it's a pre-dash 49, it's not rated for it; that's an entirely different story. There's nothing squeamish about it - I wouldn't do it either.

Indeed and the reason why I brought that up is because I've heard of people using it with the old .38's in general, quoting their steel frame construction as the reason why it can take higher than rated loads and not just with the old smiths but with guns like the old colt detective special from the 1930's as well.

although I didnt know they made a steel version of the 49 that was rigged up for .357.

I only know of guns like the titanium framed ones that are rigged up for it and they've only really been around for the past 10 or 15 years and have had their fair share of problems from the very round that gave the K frame magnums trouble, that 125 grain 1500 fps round or the rough equivalent of it.

 

[gunny4053]

Safe in the arms of Lay-a-way.

 

[phubai8]

First off - cjtraining - you are making me ill. Jealousy is a terrible thing....

Second off - Continental Op - I do that. Seems senseable to me. Practice with the 49 and carry the pre 38. Hope to make the Airweight last the rest of my life. I'm not very big (about 125 and thin) so the weight does make a difference....

 

[photoman]