Smith & Wesson 649 Bodyguard .357 Magnum Stainless

2 Reviews. Average Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

5 stars:		100% (2 of 2)
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Reviewed By: Matthew V on 03/11/2010 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]
This is my 24/7 carry pistol, my bedside gun and I always put a few rounds through my bodyguard everytime I visit the range. After I shot my father’s S&W 649, an older model 38 special Kentucky State Trooper service revolver, I have always liked the 649. The revolver feels great in the hands, nicely balanced and the shrouded hammer prevents snagging issues when drawing from a pocket. Also the shrouded hammer design allows the shooter to fire in single action (SA) mode should greater accuracy be required vs. “hammer-less” DA only snub-nose revolvers. Once S&W produced a 649 that could deliver the awesome .357 magnum round I knew this was my 24/7 carry gun.

Fit and Finish: Comes with a brushed stainless finish, no sign of wear after 6 months of moderate carry and range use
Trigger: There is nothing like a Smith and Wesson Revolver trigger, it is smooth all the way through double action operation and pulling the single action trigger “feels like you are breaking a rod of glass”. This Smith's trigger has no drag, pre-travel or excessive over-travel. Trigger reset for single action is A+.
Frame: Sturdy all stainless steel J-frame
Accuracy, while standing in SA: Using the fixed sights, I am shooting 2-3” groups at 10 yards and at 25 yards I can hit a silhouette everytime. With the CTC lasergrips I can shoot 1” groups (SA) at 10 yards.
Grips: original Wilson Combat grips fit my hand perfectly. Soft and smooth rubber feel.
Reliability: I have put around 100 rounds of Winchester 38 spl and CCI Blazer .357 magnum ammo without a single problem.
Balance: The weight distribution of this gun is very balanced, points and aims naturally
Action: Cycles very smoothly, cylinder removal and spent casing ejection is easy

Misc comments: The steel frame of the 649 has just enough weight so that shooting a box of hot .357 rounds is no chore, while carry via a pocket holster is routine. Additionally, shooting 38 spl and 38 spl +P rounds out of the 649 allows for comfortable and affordable practice.
If I were ever faced with a situation where my only option was self-defense, I would trust none other than the knock-down power of the .357 Magnum round chambered in a reliable all-steel framed ‘point and shoot’ revolver; accordingly, my home defense gun is a S&W 686P 7-Shot .357.

I have improved my stock 649 with: Testors Fluorescent Model Paint over Boyd’s White Primer to repaint front sight blade, CTC LG-305 extended laser grips, Uncle Mikes pocket holster (size 3), 38spl aZoom snap caps for trigger-pull practice and Remington Golden Saber 125 Grain for Self-Defense Rounds (very accurate and manageable recoil for effective follow-up shots)

Last: NO regrets on buying this great Pistol from Budsguns, Thanks guys

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Reviewed By: Tom M on 07/19/2008 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]
Nice 2" revolver in .357, a little more weight than a .38 but not enough to not move up to a magnum round. The shrouded hammer makes this a good CCW or pocket gun with less snag potential and is a great size for the summer months. With 5 rounds and the option to carry 1 or 2 speed loaders any citizen should feel well equiped to handle situations. For people that are recoil sensative the 649 is a nice option to have an all steel frame and the ability to load .38 rounds to reduce felt recoil. I feel this gun is a good compromise between a smaller .38 and a larger caliber pistol and would also make a good BUG (back up gun).

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