S&W Model 49 snubnose questions

[biku324]

The 38 Special +P designation by SAAMI didn't exist until 1972. M49s were already in production (since 1959).

 

[rockquarry]

Very much wish I'd snagged a 49 when they were cheap. Have a 38 that the frame cracked on, love the profile but I think I'm sticking to steel.

I'm also in favor of steel. I had a like new Model 38 that also suffered a cracked frame using standard pressure equivalent handloads.

 

[rockquarry]

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.

It's more something different than an upgrade. You're probably better off with what you have; much more "shootable".

 

[sodacan]

It's more something different than an upgrade. You're probably better off with what you have; much more "shootable".

Totally agree.

 

[wetdog1911]

My first M49 was so pristine I could never bring myself to shoot it. Looked to be unfired after leaving the factory, in the box with all the paperwork & missing only the tools. Still has the warranty card.

I'm not a collector and then found my second M49, a factory nickle, that had enough of the 'new' knocked off it that, I didn't hesitate to shoot it. Also, having a 442-1 (NOT pleasant to shoot), and hearing about the cracking in the M38s convinced me that all steel was the way to go.

I'll find a home for the pristine M49 and keep carrying the nickle one.

Rob

 

[wrkerr]

I have carried my M49 on/off duty since the 80's. It is by far my favorite j-frame. The steel frame makes it pleasant to shoot, and the "hump" gives it a natural point IMHO. It can handle +p ammo, but why?

From a 1 7/8" barrel you get expansion or penetration, not both. To 'maybe' get both you suffer with a lot of recoil. I carried 148 wadcutters when I was working, and still do. I don't lose sleep over it.

 

[majick47]

S&W hit the ball out of the park with the Model 49, not sure which came first, the Colt Detective Special with the hammer shroud or the S&W 49, I'll give the honor to the 49 but not betting my life on it. My 49 rides either in an early Bianchi 9R shoulder holster or a Roys open top pancake holster, great warm weather companions.

 

[sikacz]

Well I found one that met my requirements, bought with Cabela's bonus points! It's going to be sent to my local Cabela's for pickup. Photos downloaded from seller.

 

[ispcapt]

I bought this 49 in 1975 and carried it everyday as my second, off duty, and undercover gun until 1995. In 1995 another agency transitioned from revolvers to autos and they sold 3 649s that had never been issued. I could only manage to get 1. Wish I could have bought all 3. After buying the 649 it became my everyday second, off duty gun. If I was out of the house either the 49 or the 649 was on me. On duty they were usually in an ankle rig unless the weather was really sloppy nasty. Then I carried them in a shoulder rig.
Since I retired the 649 is still with me more than any other gun. My wife has latched on to the 49.
The only duty load I've carried in both has been either W-W or Federal 158 gr LSWCHP+P.

 

[EldoEsq]

Picked this up for 2 bills about 5 years ago...floating J serial puts it in the early 70's

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[sikacz]

I’ll have to re-read earlier comments for any ammo recommendations. Thanks. I intend to stick to standard pressure 38 Special. Weight recommendations appreciated.

 

[sikacz]

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.

How do you keep an old carry gun in that good condition? I don’t see holster wear.

 

[sikacz]

I thought the same thing until I acquired a nickel Model 38. I find it quite attractive.

My mind has adjusted to view the “ugly” as a beauty spot. LoL. The look really grows on you. I can’t wait to actually have it in my hands and take it to the range.

 

[Donn]

Rescued a M49 from the LGS used gun showcase some years back and it quickly became my go-to pocket carry. No box or original paper work, had Pachmyr grips, (which sealed the deal when I picked it up). Shoot it well, which is the cherry on the sundae. Well enough I don't feel uncomfortable on the occasions when it's my EDC.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Think I need to find one! I previously posted about a pristine model 12 that I had owned twice. I loved it but never shot it or carried it because of the posts about cracked frames and holster wear on the anodized finish. Sort of wish I had kept it now but I think I would avoid the mod. 38 for the same reasons.

 

[Rpg]

Well I found one that met my requirements, bought with Cabela's bonus points! It's going to be sent to my local Cabela's for pickup. Photos downloaded from seller.

That’s a very nice gun! You’ll love it.

If you find yourself wanting different grips, try a Tyler T or BK grip adapter before you dive into bulky aftermarket grips. The grip adapter with the stock magna grips maintains the M49’s svelt profile and conceal ability while improving the shooting characteristics of the gun for many folks.

 

[Ugly Hombre]

649 is surprising accurate and handy, ugly looking? more like efficient look.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I bought two at a dealer a long time ago and I gave one to a D&L with a
pair of Pink Hogue rubber grips on it and mine got a pair of Black Houge grips, to replace the stock wood grips, for our target shooting.

The M49 will handle a +P load but it will let your hand know about it,
mostly when you move up to the heavy 158 lead "Fbi load".

The 110 JHP at 996 fps prints 4 @ .38" at 15 yards with a rest with a full cylinder on one chrony reading day.
The 148 target loads are a lot easier on the hands and a full day of shooting.

I only load +P for SD stand by, to take it easy on my stainless M49 and
shoot just standard loads for all my practice unless I am testing out new loads.

Enjoy your M49.

 

[Justin T]

How do you keep an old carry gun in that good condition? I don’t see holster wear.

That’s its good side. The other side has a small circle rubbed into the finish where a holster snap rubbed against the gun. There are also some tiny nicks and scratches that don’t show up in this picture. When I carry it, it’s most often pocket carry in a cheap uncle mike’s nomex holster. So hopefully it will continue to remain nice.

I bought the gun used a few years ago. Dunno who had it before me, but it was well-cared for.

 

[wrangler5]

Beauty is as beauty does. For its purpose, a humpback does exactly the job it was designed to do, AND gives a snag-free option for deliberate single action shooting should the need (or desire) ever arise.

My first J frame was a 49, and it lived in the console of my minivans for several decades until the state finally instituted concealed carry permits. It has a very smooth double action and is heavy enough to be tolerable shooting long strings (which the alloy frame J's that I've also acquired, are not). And it's still fun to surprise people at the range by dropping steel plates with it at 30 yards or so with careful single action shots in a classic straight arm target shooter pose.