Looking for a bodyguard and am a little lost on S&W number system. In a later catalog that I have it shows a 649 in both .38 and .357. Is this so, I thought that the 638 was the .38 version of the bodyguard. If this is the correct # for these guns, is one more desierable than the other? Mostly looking for a .38 in either stainless or blue, and would like to know what price range I should be expecting for both new and used. thanks
S&W bodyguard Questions
- Thread starter newman
- Start date
S&W Bodyguard's-
model's 38 (original AirWeight), 49 (Standard), 638 (stainless
Airweight) and 649 (stainless standard), as far as I know?
Possibily, might be some chambered for .357 magnum-
I will check the book, and get back to you,
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
model's 38 (original AirWeight), 49 (Standard), 638 (stainless
Airweight) and 649 (stainless standard), as far as I know?
Possibily, might be some chambered for .357 magnum-
I will check the book, and get back to you,
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Stephen A. Camp
Staff In Memoriam
Hello. Here's 638 .38 Special. Not the best picture, but you can see the revolver.
Best.
Best.
Stephen A. Camp
Staff In Memoriam
Hello. It's a Galco pocket holster. I think it costs about $65 and works fine for me. I paid something around $300 for the revolver NIB.
Best.
Best.
The original model 38 Airweight and the model 49 were
both available with the nickel finish. I use to have a model
38 with nickel finish back in the mid 70's; as well as several
blued model 49's. I'm here to tell you, the nickel model 38
was a beautiful piece. Nickel model 49's were kind'a scarce
in my area.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
both available with the nickel finish. I use to have a model
38 with nickel finish back in the mid 70's; as well as several
blued model 49's. I'm here to tell you, the nickel model 38
was a beautiful piece. Nickel model 49's were kind'a scarce
in my area.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
deputy tom
New member
Newman,I've been wearing a mod. 649 everyday for nine years since I replaced another J frame.These are some of S&W's greatest renderings.I also have a mod. 642 that I use when the need to carry a lighter firearm,due to dress constrictions,dictates.I wore out My original Bodygard mod.49 thirty years ago due to too many rounds of Super-Vel ammo.No matter which of the Bodygard variations You should pick,You won't be dis-satisfied.tom.
I currently carry an original model 38 with the flat cylinder release. Made in the early 60's. I only shoot standard velocity .38's in it and it is my always / must have handgun. 90% of the time it is in a pocket holster in the right front pocket. Occasionally in a renagade ankle holster for backup duties. I paid $200.00 for mine 8 years ago. Have seen them recently, same vintage in the $300 range.
I have Model 49, a M649 and a "palomino" M38 with a blue alloy frame and a stainless steel cylinder. The M38 is a former MI State Police revolver. The M649 shoots best of the trio and is the one I usually carry. The M38 is lighter but I haven't found a load that shoots as well as I'd like out of it.
Bodyguards are my favorite J frames.
Bodyguards are my favorite J frames.
I got one just like Mr. Camp's
I'll second the motion for the desirability of a Smith mod 638: the convenience of either an SA or DA pull without the snagging of a hammer. Mine is compact, shoots +P, and weighs only about 15 oz. Carries well and although it does not have an ejector shroud, that should not be a problem if the gun is holstered. I bought mine used in creampuff condition for $335. The way it shoots, it's worth every penny.
I'll second the motion for the desirability of a Smith mod 638: the convenience of either an SA or DA pull without the snagging of a hammer. Mine is compact, shoots +P, and weighs only about 15 oz. Carries well and although it does not have an ejector shroud, that should not be a problem if the gun is holstered. I bought mine used in creampuff condition for $335. The way it shoots, it's worth every penny.
Carried the 649 for several years. Replaced it with a 642-1, which is the newest aluminum Centennial with stainless cylinder & barrel, rated for use of +P ammunition.
To ease manufacturing, S&W has lengthened the frame cylinder window in the newest little guns, even those only chambered for .38 spl, so they can install the longer .357 cylinders in those models rated for magnum. On the .38-only guns they just install the longer cylinders bored for the shorter .38 spl rounds.
I paid $315 for my 649 several years ago. That was back when S&W revolver QC wasn't what it had used to be, and my gun required immediate armorer attention. The newest ones, though, have been working great right out of the box, as they should, around our neck of the woods ...
If you're considering a used model 38 or 638, they're great little pocket guns, but I'd have it checked out by an armorer or gunsmith, just to make sure it functioned properly.
For just a little more money, though, check out one of the newer 642-1. The enclosed hammer means you won't have to clean out lint in the hammer space like with the Bodyguard series
To ease manufacturing, S&W has lengthened the frame cylinder window in the newest little guns, even those only chambered for .38 spl, so they can install the longer .357 cylinders in those models rated for magnum. On the .38-only guns they just install the longer cylinders bored for the shorter .38 spl rounds.
I paid $315 for my 649 several years ago. That was back when S&W revolver QC wasn't what it had used to be, and my gun required immediate armorer attention. The newest ones, though, have been working great right out of the box, as they should, around our neck of the woods ...
If you're considering a used model 38 or 638, they're great little pocket guns, but I'd have it checked out by an armorer or gunsmith, just to make sure it functioned properly.
For just a little more money, though, check out one of the newer 642-1. The enclosed hammer means you won't have to clean out lint in the hammer space like with the Bodyguard series