649 vs. 60 or 640

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PhillipP

New member
I realize that the S&W model 649 and the 60 & 640 are basically the exact same gune. Same caliber, same finish, same barrell length.

but the model 649 has what they call a "Bodyguard style" hammer design.
And the 640 has a "centennial" type hammer design so that there is no possiblity of a snagging.

What is the purpose of the "bodyguard" type or hammer design??
 
I'll be buying the 649 next. I like the option of shooting single action for practice and it's an easy carry piece. I own the 60 and I've loved using it at the range which is always an important consideration when I make a purchase. At some point, I may get the 640 too, but not in a big hurry for a tough double action only gun. Already had a DAO in the 442 and sold it so that pretty much sums up my preference... :)
 
You're going to keep talking about that 649 and going to get me in trouble. :D

I generally shunned hammered guns in favor of the 640 series, but more and more I'm starting to consider the guns with hammer shrouds.
 
I think there's a definate cool factor -- kind of like the Remy 870 Marine--I love the look of the 649 and the versatality is hard to beat. The 640 sweet too but you got to love a gun that lets you play when you practice. :D
 
The 649 Bodyguard was my first pistol, followed by many others. Now, it's my wife's gun because it is reliable and relatively safe for someone who doesn't shoot a lot. As for me, I prefer to carry a super light Kel-Tec .380 in my back pocket rather than holstering my Glock 30 or Springfield XD-9.
 
I'm buying one or t'other this week.I started out looking at the 60 but as it'll be my primary CCW the shrouded hammer is attractive and the SA mode is a big plus! I guess the "humpback" design kind of rules out a thumbreak holster eh? ;) I think I'll go with the 649 anyway. :)
NW
 
I have a 640 but would probably go with the bodyguard style if I could do it over. I'd like to have the option of single shot when out plinking cans with 38's.
 
With Photos!

Phillip,

The "Bodyguard" series of revolvers was originally designed to provide a snag-free gun for officers on the East Coast during winter while preserving the ability to use the gun in single-action mode. As I understand it, the LEOs and a number of civilian customers asked S&W and Colt to produce guns that could be carried in a winter overcoat pocket yet be drawn easily without the hammer snagging. The result was the S&W "Bodyguard" Airweight model (Pre-Model 38). In an unusual twist, S&W introduced this lightweight gun in 1957 -- two years before producing the first all-steel "Model 49" version. Around the same time, Colt added a pair of shrouds to their "Detective Special" using screws which achieved the same thing but without permanently changing the gun.

The "Centennial" concealed hammer gun predates the "Bodyguard", being introduced in 1952 (ending production in 1974). In addition to having a concealed hammer, the original Centennial also incorporated a grip safety. Yes, a grip safety similar to the 1911 or the old S&W "Lemon Squeezer" revolvers from the turn of the century.

jduo03.jpg

(Above) A photo showing the difference between the S&W Model "42" (actually a Model 042) .38 Special and a new production M649 which uses the slightly larger J-Magnum frame.

M649TB2A.jpg

Bianchi makes an IWB holster specifically for the 640/649 series guns. Note the "finger-break" retention strap. This works surprisingly well too.
 
I've carrryed a 649 for quite a while. I practice double-action for the most part, but like the option of being able to shoot single-action. Sometimes it's just fun to see how tight a group you can get. For me, you got to do that single-action with a little gun.
 
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