Tell me "Why or Why Not" on a 649

[SWP357]

I'm trying to decide on a 649, here's why: I have a 686+ 3", a 65-2 3", a 60-15 2⅛", I like 357, don't mind recoil, reload a lot of 357, want SA/DA, like stainless. Any better suggestions, any thoughts, no offense taken if you disagree, looking for some input. Thanks!

 

[photoman]

What do you intend to do with the 649?

 

[SWP357]

Strickly CCW and practice

 

[dentkimterry]

I bought an early 38 special only 649 a few weeks ago. It carries nice and shoots well. But a big attraction for me was it's all steel, no aluminum. Sure it's a little heavier but a real revolver is!

 

[Capt Steve]

I've had mine for several years and love it. Solid, reliable, SA/DA, conceals like a dream, fun to shoot, handles 357 very well and 38+P is nothing but fun to shoot. I added CT laser grips a year ago and a great gun got even better. When it travels in my Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake it is, for me anyway, the ultimate in CCW. YMMV

 

[Patrol dog handler]

For what it's worth, I carry a S&W 640 using a grip adapter and hip grip. The J frame S&W has been my constant bud for over 40 years. Yes, I've tried others, model 60, 36, 49, but have used the hammerless srainless J for a number of years and like them the best. The 649 would work for me too. Charlie

 

[wnr700]

I like the 649.

If I had to get rid of all my guns except one... this would be the keeper.

It's no beauty queen, and not my favorite shooter or carry gun.

Even tried to sell it, but I realized its my most functional gun.

My snub model 19 is a better shooter, but too big for CCW...

My Model 442 is a better carry option, but a witch to shoot...

The 649/60/640 class is just right for most of my needs.

For me, it's an all around better CCW option. Pocket carry is where the 442 excels.

I prefer this to a Model 60, because for my purpose an exposed hammer could snag. I like the DA/SA option and it is easy to manipulate the hammer.

I've become very comfortable shooting this class of jFrame as opposed to the 442 Airweights. My accuracy has improved and it helps me that this can double as a range gun.

 

[ENGINE18]

A 649-3, .357 would be a nice addition! As others have said, it should handle many functions well.

 

[photoman]

I bought an early 38 special only 649 a few weeks ago. It carries nice and shoots well. But a big attraction for me was it's all steel, no aluminum. Sure it's a little heavier but a real revolver is!

Anyone that gets on the wrong end of my Model 642 "aluminum" revolver will, I assure you, find out it is a "real" revolver.

 

[photoman]

I bought an early one a few years back and, like a doof, sold it about a year later. Very nice gun and would make an excellent belt CC gun.

 

[lanceman193]

649

My favorite Js for pocket carry are a prelock 649 and its lightweight relative, prelock 638. I love the little humpbacks. I carried a nickeled model 38 with pachy compacs in my waistband for about 10 years,when I was still working. Great little guns...

 

[mc5aw]

It's a near perfect carry pistol. You can pound nails with it and still shoot tight groups. Nothing not to like, as already voiced by numerous aficionados.

 

[ABC]

I bought an early one a few years back and, like a doof, sold it about a year later. Very nice gun and would make an excellent belt CC gun.

Please tell me what kind of grips those are.

 

[Sebago Son]

649 Body Guard Magnum

Here's mine... sans the origional stocks that I removed, put back in the box and replaced with factory magnas...

Yes, it's true that today there are other options such as the Kahr MK-40, seen here with a 640-1 Centennial Magnum....

... but I seem to always be drawn back to the Stainless J-Magnums.

I think that it's a matter of reliability and simplicity.

Drew

Drew

 

[rasmith3442]

Love them humpbacks

Like most of the other guys, I love them humpbacks. My wife carries a 638, her truck gun is a 649, and my motorcycle / walk the dog gun is a 639. I suggest getting one with the 2-1/8" barrel because it has the "full length" ejector rod, which the 1-7/8" versions do not. I do not have any with the internal lock - a testament to PC (not Performance Center) insanity.

I load them all with the FBI load - 158 gr. SWCHP at about 925 FPS. Buffalo Bore carries this in regular and extra crispy. The +P's hurt to shoot, but will clock over 1000. The regular loads do just fine. Supposedly the FBI load has the "stopping power" of .45 hardball. Add a tritium Big Dot and you are good to go. Shot placement and control. The market may not like them, but we love 'em.

By having the same carry gun, we can trade speed loaders if needed, and if I get shot too badly, she can pick up my gun and continue the fight - not a pleasant thought, but a necessary one.

Semper Fi.

 

[OIF2]

I won this one shooting in my first match with the LAPD pistol team back in the 80's. It was my first off-duty and back up gun. Still carry it a lot in retirement.
Bob

 

[photoman]

Please tell me what kind of grips those are.

Ajax. Unfortunately, no longer in business.

 

[SWP357]

Thanks for all the great input, 649 it will be. BTW, OIF2, what kind of grips? Very nice.

 

[OIF2]

Those stocks were made by the late John Hurst, who was a contemporary of Hogue and Farrant. He gave me them to me when I won the gun, as a present. They're made from coco-bolo.
Bob

 

[.357magger]

The 649 is my all time fave J.

Easy to pocket carry and has the single action in the rare event that is called for.

I'm on the lookout of a new to me 649, it will be my next purchase. They're just too versatile imo. Was a great "walk the dog at night" gun but I sold it a couple of years ago. Had it fitted with a set of Herret's that I cut down to fit the grip. Fit my hand like a glove (don't all the ones you've sold though about a year later).

Too many guns...too little money.

Another one will be mine in 2011 fer sure.