What is your experience with a Model 49

[jdickson397]

Anybody own and use a Smith & Wesson Model 49? How does it rate for a carry gun? Since it is all steel is it too heavy? How does it shoot? Can you carry it in your pocket?

 

[gunny4053]

Yes and yes, awesome, no, great, and yes. Now that I'm done being a smart...well you know, let me explain. I have a model 49 and love it. During warmer weather, or when I need to be a little more discreet, it is my EDC. With the proper holster, the weight is not an issue at all, and the recoil reduction you gain from the weight is a bonus. My Wife shoots mine, and I can tell you I wouldn't want her PO'd at me. As for accuracy, considering it has a 2" barrel, I'd say it's accurate enough that I can hit pie plates at 50yards. That's vital organ area all day long. Pocket carry is no problem, unless you're into "skinny jeans", then drop a couple speed strips in your other pocket and you're good. The sights are fairly well regulated for 158 gr bullets, and plus P shouldn't be a problem.

 

[mc5aw]

+1 on everything Gunny said. The Model 49 is an ideal carry revolver. The steel frame will pound nails into fence posts then shoot bullseyes all afternoon. Try a variety of grips to make it perfect ... Pachs, Hogues, Factory.

 

[lawandorder]

Yep plus 1 to what the guys above said.

Carry a 649 everyday in pocket holster. Never notice the weight.

 

[palmetto99]

I've got a mid 1960's 49. Nickle plated. It carries well. I haven't had it to the range yet(only had it about a month), but the action is very smooth. Some folks seem to think a steel J-frame will be too heavy. I don't think so. For most of the past 5 years, my EDC was been a model 60, 60-9 or 36. IWB, OWB or pocket carried, I never thought of them as being too much. Plus, I like the extra heft to suck up a little recoil. BTW, I use to think of the Bodygaurds as kind of an ugly duck. Love'em now. Looking for another.

 

[oldafsp]

The first ever "off duty" gun I purchased was a 49 in nickle. Sold it in the 80's to a new deputy that needed one. Regretted it ever since.

Carried mine everyday,in a ankle or boot top holster on the inside of my left ankle.

I will get another one one of these days when I find the right one. But for now I use a 638 that is my constant companion.

 

[JCS&W]

I carry a nickel M49 just about everywhere. I had a M642, then switched to the M49. I do not notice the extra weight at all. In fact, I sold the M642. I have some CT LG405 grips on mine and carry it in a Blackhawk, size 3, pocket holster. Great carry revovler, in my opinion.

 

[kaaskop49]

The 49/649 is a great carry piece. The steel frame is no hindrance to carry, but I would use a high quality, sturdy belt and slacks that allow you to carry in your preferred manner: OWB, IWB, or pocket. That shrouded hammer is made for pocket carry, I use either the Blackhawk #3 pocket rig, $10-ish at Walmart, or the even better Concealment Specialties rig at $14.95 ([email protected]]
With pocket carry, I would clean out the shroud area behind the hammer: lint may collect in there. Hope I've helped.

 

[Fredo Batali]

I have two, a M49 and M649. My wife confiscated my M49 years ago and she loves it. I found the M649 last year and carry it quite a bit. Usually in a Don Hume "JIT", great little guns and they shoot like champs. "Minute of Man" accurate and I especially appreciate the all steel frame. You can't go wrong owning one...or two.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[What the]

They are great carry guns. Too heavy for pants pocket for me but disappears inside the waistband. I too have a nickel gun from the early 60's. It is finely fitted and loves 158 grain LSWC.

 

[RussellD]

The model 49 is like my wife. We have been together over 30 years, she is beautiful and fills all my needs.

Never stop with one..get several

 

[jdickson397]

Thanks so much for all your informative comments.

 

[texagun]

Anybody own and use a Smith & Wesson Model 49? How does it rate for a carry gun? Since it is all steel is it too heavy? How does it shoot? Can you carry it in your pocket?

Yes
Great
No
Good-SA and DA
Yes-I prefer a jacket pocket in cooler weather, but in summer I use a pocket holster to hide the outline.

I've recently changed to rubber grips for trips to the range.

 

[SuperMan]

Since I rarely shoot a DA gun SA can't explain why I like the Bodyguard series over the Centennial series of guns. Have owned both and ended up with a 649 and Michigan State Police 38....

Rarely carry either one as generally I can carry something bigger but they do carry nice...

Just bought this one a few months ago...

This one belonged to a retired LEO that I knew...

Nice guns...Bob

 

[Zackary]

I carry mine in my jacket using a Simply Rugged pocket holster. Maybe a little heavy but super reliable. A quality piece!