I’m looking into S&W model 49 snubnose revolvers. Any interesting quirks I should be aware of? Can a nearly 60 year old one handle a .38 Special +P or is it strictly a standard load handgun? Don’t really know much about them except it seems ideal for a concealed carry, a bit ugly, in a nice way. (The hump.) Prices seem to be a bit high at the moment, but there’s not much to be done about that. Thanks.
S&W Model 49 snubnose questions
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Rpg
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IMHO, the M 49 is the second best pocket handgun ever produced: second only to the M38 - the alloy version of the M49. These are both built on a more svelt frame than the newer versions of these humpbacks (eg. the 638 or 649) which I find clunky in comparison with the 49 and 38.
The M49 will be fine with +p ammo, although there’s no practical benefit in using the stuff in a M49 other than to line the ammo manufacturers pockets.
Although the M49 isn’t rated for +p ammo, you’ll need a federal grant to shoot enough +p ammo to notice any increased wear on a M49 attributable to +p ammo. You don’t have to worry about a catastrophic failure of the gun due to +p ammo.
The M49 will be fine with +p ammo, although there’s no practical benefit in using the stuff in a M49 other than to line the ammo manufacturers pockets.
Although the M49 isn’t rated for +p ammo, you’ll need a federal grant to shoot enough +p ammo to notice any increased wear on a M49 attributable to +p ammo. You don’t have to worry about a catastrophic failure of the gun due to +p ammo.
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Cal44
Member
I agree with Rpg.
38 Sp +p is ok.
I have a 49 and a 649 -- both no dash models.
They are both built on the original pre magnum smaller J frame.
Later models of the 649 were built on the slightly beefed up magnum frame.
I'd like to get my hands on a model 38 at some point.
Model 49-0
Model 649-0
38 Sp +p is ok.
I have a 49 and a 649 -- both no dash models.
They are both built on the original pre magnum smaller J frame.
Later models of the 649 were built on the slightly beefed up magnum frame.
I'd like to get my hands on a model 38 at some point.
Model 49-0
Model 649-0
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Justin T
Member
Here’s my 1970 model 49. I thought it was a bit of an odd duck when I bought it, but I have since developed a strong affection for it. It’s a near-constant carry companion and the weight means little to me if anything. It’s my only J-frame, so I don’t have anything to compare it to, but that’s my take on it.
I shoot whatever I have on-hand in it. +P doesn’t mean a whole lot to me re: this revolver.
Buy one in as high condition as you can find. You’ll love it.
I shoot whatever I have on-hand in it. +P doesn’t mean a whole lot to me re: this revolver.
Buy one in as high condition as you can find. You’ll love it.
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Buick
Member
They are excellent in all respects
The model 38 with Tyler grip has been my carry firearm for years. I use Liberty Ammo (90) grain? real lite ammo. Uncle Mike pocket holster. You forget you have it on you at times. I have a firearms trust, so that tells you what I think of the BEST CCW ever made.
Qualified 4x annually with mine and +P 158 grain LHP. Tight as ever - it's from 1982.
Model46
Member
I also have a model 49 and a 649, both no dash models. I think they are the finest carry revolvers ever made. The 49 can be a bit hard to find. It seems like most folks back in the day bought the M38. If you are fortunate enough to get one, you will probably love it.
I was going to say that I have a 649 no dash, but I just checked and it is actually a "-1". Regardless, I bought it new to replace a piece of **** Rossi that I had. The 649 has been carried more than any other firearm that I own. Small enough to put in a coat pocket and the shrouded hammer keeps it from snagging, yet you can still shoot it single-action if you want to. What's not to like? 
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I have both a 49 and 649. The 649 replaced the 49 as a daily carry, and has been a constant companion for years. I like it so much that I retired my Sig Ultra and sold it. My 649 fills every need I have at this stage in life. I also find that the slight additional weight over the alloy frames makes it much more comfortable for me to shoot.
Inusuit
Member
I thought the same thing until I acquired a nickel Model 38. I find it quite attractive.
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While I will admit the M49 is an excellent "top notch" pocket gun, I don't own one because I've always thought it was an ugly duckling. 
That may be a silly reason not to - but I just never got into getting one. Still - one of the BEST (if not THE best) you can carry in a pocket!!!
+P ammo should be fine as long as it is used sparingly. Believe me, you won't want to shoot much of it anyway....
Load +P's for EDC but practice with standard ammo 99% of the time. Fire a couple pf +P's just to always be familiar with recoil and POA/POI.
That may be a silly reason not to - but I just never got into getting one. Still - one of the BEST (if not THE best) you can carry in a pocket!!! +P ammo should be fine as long as it is used sparingly. Believe me, you won't want to shoot much of it anyway....
Load +P's for EDC but practice with standard ammo 99% of the time. Fire a couple pf +P's just to always be familiar with recoil and POA/POI.
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I've carried a 49 for over 40 years, started out as an off duty weapon. They are so ugly they're beautiful. Fantastic design for concealed carry. Never snags on any type of clothing. Small enough to carry anytime.
I use standard factory ammo for practice and Critical Defense for carry purposes. If you buy one you'll love it. Buy the highest condition you can afford.
I use standard factory ammo for practice and Critical Defense for carry purposes. If you buy one you'll love it. Buy the highest condition you can afford.
crstrode
Member
IMHO the M49 and it's stainless counterpart, the M649, are the best pocket handguns ever produced and not a single Airweight, Scandium, or whatever alloy can come close to matching an all steel J frame for ease of handling especially in the realm of getting off a second shot.
There's steel. Then there's everything else - and the good news, you don't need +P, it's not going to be so great out of such a short barrel, and these guns are just as easy to carry as any lightweight J frame and MUCH easier to practice with. Enjoy that M49!!!
EDC M649:
And I am speaking from experience because these two are long gone and happily forgotten:
M642:
M638 (okay, the grips were fun):
I should note that unless you have awful arthritis or something your 60 year old hands can and will handle the M49 without any particular difficulty and those standard loads will be just the ticket - you can use wadcutters if you need to lighten up the recoil a tad. But you probably won't really need to.
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My one and only "J" frame is 649-2. Back when I bought it (1993), the S&W literature showed it to be the only "J" frame rated for +P ammo. I guess because it had a "heat treat" package. IMO, it is the best of the breed. I generally don't shoot +P in it. When the 649-3 came out in 357 magnum, I had zero interest in upgrading, and I still wonder why anyone would want to shoot such a small gun in that caliber.
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