Picked up a Model 49 this week

[Dragonfly]

I thought it'd make a good companion for the Bren Ten. I picked up that one up three years ago—it was my Holy Grail gun—and I wasn't really looking for a Bodyguard but I saw this nice-looking one at a good price and went for it.

While the factory wood grips give it an iconic look they don't give much to hold onto, especially behind the trigger guard. I like VZ grips a lot—I've owned a bunch on my 1911s and current have a set on my CS-1—so I thought I'd try a set of their "Boot Grips".

They needed a bit of sanding to fit but they feel much better in the hand than factory grips, while not adding much bulk (not that I'll be carrying it!). I've got small hands and I can almost fit all fingers on the grip but it's more of a 2.5 finger grip instead of all three.

Here's the right side of the revolver, showing the grooved and fairly narrow trigger.

Here's the revolver's defining feature—how the frame extends up to provide a snag-free draw while still allowing the hammer to be manually cocked if desired.

Overall it's a cool little gun—I'm looking forward to getting it out to the range.

 

[biku324]

Had one in my coat pocket for 21 years.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Nifty little Bodyguard. Congrats.

 

[JH1951]

Very nice 49, and I like the photography as well. (Did you use a light box?)
My first J-frame was a 49. I now have a few more as well.

 

[Dragonfly]

Very nice 49, and I like the photography as well. (Did you use a light box?)
My first J-frame was a 49. I now have a few more as well.

It's actually on my back deck! We had some fog come in the evening to give nice even lightning, and I used a piece of bristol board as the background.

 

[mic214]

I packed one as a backup for many years….

 

[waffles]

Man really burying the lead there!

Though at least I can feasibly get a 49 at some point. The ugliness is really the charm.

 

[wrkerr]

The Model 49 is always a good choice. I started carrying mine for backup and off-duty in the mid 80's. Still carry it today. For duty, we had to remove the single action sear rendering it DA only (this was before the Centennials were brought back). It has seen a LOT of use, 1000's of rounds, and shows it!!!
It still shoots great, timing is perfect. Only part to ever break was the torsion spring.

OP…. Your specimen is beautiful, but it begs to be carried and shot….often!

 

[Dragonfly]

OP…. Your specimen is beautiful, but it begs to be carried and shot….often!

Thanks! It is indeed in very good condition but I will be shooting it for sure! As nice a carry gun as it would be (especially with the new grips) it will remain a range-only gun since I'm in Canada.

 

[WILDPIG]

Mine was rode hard when I bought it but little was needed in armoring. Carried it hidden for another 20+ years. Its still ugly but beautiful.

WILDPIG

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I'll never forget the first time I saw a Model 49. UGH! What is THAT??!! But time went by and I grew fonder and fonder of the design. Maybe 20 years later this little gem came up and I snapped it up forthwith!

I find the Tyler-T does the job of filling in the "spaces" caused by the small Magna stocks.

So cute.........I think............

And it's with me routinely!

 

[6string]

Hey,
Nice score you got there with your M49!
Yeah, I always thought the ability to use it in single action was a clever design.
How'd you get one in Canada? I thought handguns with barrels under 3" were moved from the "Restricted" list to the "Prohibited" list?

PS: my folks live in Hammonds Plains!

 

[Dragonfly]

Hey,
Nice score you got there with your M49!
Yeah, I always thought the ability to use it in single action was a clever design.
How'd you get one in Canada? I thought handguns with barrels under 3" were moved from the "Restricted" list to the "Prohibited" list?

PS: my folks live in Hammonds Plains!

If you owned a handgun that was re-classified from Restricted to Prohibited (generally, any handgun with a barrel 4" or shorter or chambered in a centrefire caliber .32 or smaller) you could keep them and continue to purchase additional ones, although no new versions could be imported into the country.

If I stood on my roof I'd almost be able to see your folks' place!

 

[Truckman]

The ugliness is really the charm.

I've got a thing for ugly guns, ugly knives and ugly trucks...But I'll draw the line at dating someone's ugly sister...Unless of course she really knows how to cook......Ben

 

[haywood]

Had a nice 49, got stupid and sold it. Now I only see them on auction sites but, they bid them up so high I would be afraid to carry it.

 

[SS336]

That's very nice. I am fond of the 49. Great little revolvers for their intended purpose.
Would like a blued 49 but they are getting expensive, like everything else. My 649 will have to do.

 

[Artyldr01]

I finally picked up one. I had a 640 Stainless Centennial and a newer lock-638, but I always wanted a classic. The problem is, the 1976 made example I found is LNIB and I'm reluctant to even shoot it (I don't think it has been fired) let alone carry it.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[eazyrhino]

Nice Dragonfly but I've always thought that it was called mod.38 body guard.

 

[Dragonfly]

Nice Dragonfly but I've always thought that it was called mod.38 body guard.

The Model 38 is the aluminum-framed lightweight version. The Model 49 is all-steel.

 

[ldausmc1369]

Bought 2 at once couple years ago..Nickle and blue! Ugly little neat guns!