If I cave in to getting a S&W...

B

BusGunner007

New member
I don't own a S&W.

If I did...
...the 1st HANDGUN I ever wanted was the S&W Model 49 Bodyguard...the lines just looked 'right'.
Now, years later, I'm not so hung up on the J-Frame Bodyguard.

I find myself liking the BIG N-Frame revolvers, particularly the snubnose variety ( and S&W has variety! :D ).

Where do I go from here?
.44 Special?
.357?
.41?
 
There is nothing wrong with S&W. If you feel S&W has continued to wrong the public we can add Ruger and Colt as well to that list. Buy one and be happy.
 
Well you have to search your soul for which chambering will have the most appeal to you. I was never good at that and have them in .357, .41, .44 spl, .44mag, and .45acp. I've thought long and hard at the .45 Colt and rejected the 10mm because I don't like the unfluted cylinder. Now the .41 and .44 magnums can be little beasts to shoot with full power loads. The .357 can get your attention with the right loads. The .44 spl and both the .45s are just pussycats to shoot. I imagine the 10mm can be like the .357 models.
The biggest problem may be in finding the one you want. Most were made in low production numbers and when they go up for sale they tend to not stay there very long.
Which one should you get? I'm no help at all as I'm still trying to decide which one I like the best.

Do you reload? If you don't I would only look at the .357 because it would get costly to shoot the .44 and .41 with factory ammo.
Click to expand...
There is always the .45acp and the 10mm which also uses the .40SW. Plus some shooters find deals on .45 Colt ammo.
 
i've owned only 3 handguns..... two of them were s&ws... i had a model 13-2 that i traded up to a 1968 vintage mod 27-2 6"....... i've just always liked the first .357 mag handgun....... the lines on a model 27 with a 6" tapered barrel look the best to me... an i'm convinced that a .357 mag will stop anything in no. america........ JMO...... GET A MODEL 27 AND BE HAPPY!



LIFE IS SHORT..........
 
I agree life is short

So buy the one you wanted when younger.... meet that need first.
First handgun I ever bought was when i was about 30... it was a Colt Trooper... When I was a teen, I always wanted one. So one day about 15 years ago, I walked into a gun store to get some ammo for my father for Christmas and had an extra 250 in my pocket... there was a beautiful Colt. That was my Christmas present to myself that year.
 
Bodyguard

I used to turn my nose up at J-Frames until about a year ago. Now I have several, they seem to grow on you.

The Model 49 and the airweight Model 38 are nice guns. The latest steel Bodyguard, the Model 649 is a touch larger for the .357 round, but still a fairly small package. S&W still makes the airweight M-638 in .38 Special only if you like the smaller size better. Airweights can be challenging to shoot accurately however.

If you're now attracted to the N-Frames, I'd suggest hunting around for a used Model 28 "Highway Patrolman" in good shape. Prices are generally reasonable and you get a nice gun that will last forever.

My favorite N-Frame is the Model 57 (.41 Mag) and I'm always looking for one of the 3" stainless steel "Lew Horton" guns to show up. Even the 4" can be a handful with factory hunting ammo. Reloading is a must unless you supply gold to the U.S. Mint. :p

If you're looking for something fun to shoot with a big hole at the front, look at the Model 625 in .45ACP. The recoil is mild and the guns are usually very accurate.
 
163414_large.


I recently purchased a S&W 329PD. It is the TiScan version of the N frame (now just known as the Large frame) and it weights 26 oz empty. Recoil? Stout with a 44 mag less so with 44 special - just a lot of fun.
 
It is the TiScan version of the N frame (now just known as the Large frame)
Click to expand...
It is still designated as a N-frame. Commonly today there is the J, K, L, N, and the X, but there are variations of several of them.
 
I would go for it

I would get the bodyguard, if you can find one. They seem pretty scarce now that everyone has CCW. I have passed on some cause they were pretty worn out and rusty from constant carry, presumably IWB by some sweaty guy who never inspected his gun. But I bet it still worked alright. I have passed on a gem quality blued one that looked unfired, and now regret it. Only thing better would be a stainless bodyguard. If you can find one anywhere! Concealed hammer Smiths seem to be getting rare, except possibly new ones with the yucky key lock, at a gunshop. And discounts seem rare. High demand for sure. Little gems.
 
dern you guys

I was really wanting a 10/22 rifle next but I think I've got to go on a search for a stainless steel body guard......
 
Ha Ha Ha...the irony of it all...

I just posted my M49 on Smith-wessonforum.com this morning...
PM me for a link/info/pics if interested.
Thanks, Rich
 
This is the photo I copped from somewhere on the internet...:rolleyes: ...that got me onto the N-Frame idea.
This is a COOL looking platform.
Sure, it might be a bit over the top, but if I had just ONE S&W, something like this would be nice.
I've been looking at the Model 57's a lot. Some engraved blued ones. Pricey...:eek:
Some of the factory nickel plated guns look nice, too.
Anyway, take a look at this unit:
358092.jpg

Makes you think about what kind, or how many, different grips you could put on it for fun, doesn't it? :D
 
Sounds like your going to need both before your done. :D


In the interum though, you might want to consider a nice K frame mod 10, 15,19 or 66 w a 2-2.5" barrel. Big gun feel with small gun concealability. Among my favorites!
 
Really!
I still think the BEST LOOKING revolver ever made is the Model 19 snubnose with factory grips.
Man, that is the quintessential REVOLVER profile.

The Bodyguard seemed to be the best compromise in a small carry gun.

But, that BIG OLD pic I posted has some super nice lines. It kinda looks like a '19' on steroids...:D
One of the reasons I got into guns was the aesthetic appeal and the engineering and history; much like HOT RODS that I also tend to favor. CARS/MOTORCYCLES/AIRPLANES/MACHINES/KNIVES/GUNS...there's a certain appeal with them all.
;)

I should add that when I bought revolvers, I chose RUGER...:p
 
I qualified as an 'ARMED GUARD' with Brinks on a S&W Model 64 NY-1 ( with the Nylon HOGUE grip I bought for myself! ).
Some new 'chick' guard liked it so much she 'copped' it! I never forgave the guy that handed out the guns...
I had to resort to a Model 10 ( which I liked BETTER, but didn't tell her... ) :D
 
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