I first became a Sheriff's Deputy in 1979, with a department that made you buy your own revolver. I chose, after a couple of false starts, a four inch S&W Model 19, and never regretted it. But the following year, I was given a special assignment that involved the regular transport of mental patients. At the time, we only had strap holsters because security holsters had not yet been invented. I was cautioned by senior officers to always take off my duty gun before doing a close escort of a "crazy" as they called them. They told me you never knew when one of those folks was going to grab your gun. So I started leaving my 19 in the car, but never felt good about being in uniform unarmed. It was about this time that I began looking for an off-duty gun anyway, and at that time, the default choice was a Smith and Wesson Model 36, or a Model 60 if you could ever find one. So I started looking. The manager of the saddle shop that made our gun belts and tailored our uniforms also sold revolvers, and he showed me a nickel finished Model 49, telling me it was the way to go, perfect for in the pocket. I bought it, and had him sew a piece of soft leather in my left uniform pants pockets. I'd never heard of a pocket holster at the time. I loaded the 49 and dropped it in my uniform pants on the left side, and no matter what I was doing, I was never unarmed after that day. It rode equally well in a jacket pocket off duty. I enjoyed that gun and shot it well. I never really cocked the gun except to show off. In single action it would hit a bowling pin at 50 yards if you knew where to hold. I used to bet $5 a shot that I could do it. Sometime later that gun left me in a trade toward a 2.5 inch Model 19. About three years ago, I came across a blue Model 49 in good shape at a pawn shop, but I could tell it had internal issues. I bought it for a very low price as-is, and called my late friend Frank Smith down in Comanche, Texas. We had bonded by phone over a shared love of the Model 39 auto pistol. Frank had been an S&W trained factory armorer for decades and diagnosed the problem over the phone. He told me he had been sick, and fixing the revolver might take a bit longer than normal. I said okay, wrapped it up, and sent it to him. I didn't hear anything for about a year. I called several times but got no answer. Then when I was about to write a nasty letter, I got a package with my repaired revolver in it, and a note from Frank's widow. She apologized for the delay, and told me that my 49 had been one of the guns Frank had worked on as he was dying. I love this little gun, and it shoots very well. Frank had treated it to an action job while he had it that is the equivalent of that done by the Performance Center. I'll never part with my Frank Smith Bodyguard until the day I go to meet Frank in another life. I'm sure we'll drink coffee and talk about good guns.
Stories like this make me want to get a prenup that says that all guns I have before marriage, are MINE, not shared. Same with any property or land I have before or inherit.
Elegant little revolver! Although I usually keep revolvers of 4” or longer, I can still see the utility of these good looking, faithful little defenders.
My dad carried one (model 49)when he was a police officer as a backup gun. He still has it. I carried a Smith 442 as a backup gun when I was a city police officer. Great guns! Thanks for the video!
Back in 1990 when I started on the police department I carried a bodyguard off duty and for backup, now I'm retired and I still carry The Bodyguard it's a great gun.
There are many of us across the ocean that are so envious of you guys being able to go buy, use enjoy any sort of revolver, ugly or not, and guns in general.
I have a S&W 638 airweight and its one of the best pistols ive ever bought. Reliable, compact, powerful, accurate, can fire from the pocket, snag free, double, and single action, what more can I say? I love this little revolver. Its a wonderful design.
I have one as well and agree that it is a great little gun. Feels great in my hand and I can shoot it more accurately than one would expect for a snubbie.
The Smith J-frame is a summertime standard in South Texas. Also, when you are hanging around at home, it is super easy to slip one in the pocket. Still useful.
the little j-frames are so comfortable to carry IWB. being round at the cylinder and so short makes it fit your body much better than a compact semiautomatic. The little single stacks are much better than they used to be, but still not j-frame in a leather holster comfy.
I love wheelguns but they can and do fail and when they do it's not trivial getting it fixed. Double Action Revolvers are mechanically complex,alot more so than something like a Glock or Smith and Wesson M&P
Had to buy two of the 638 airweight versions. Brought the first one home on Christmas Eve and was quickly relieved of it by my Dad. The look in his eye when he saw it, I had to gift it to him. The second one got a mild trigger job and has lots of rounds through it. My second favorite backup to the PPK.
Ricardo Tubs in Miami Vice carried this model revolver. I have a 1974 bodyguard in Nickel. Great revolver. Nothing beats the pre lock Smith and Wesson revolvers.
He did! I was going to post a comment on this but decided to read down some and found yours. I thought his choice of sidearms was unique to Tubbs character compared to Sonny Crockett's Bren Ten 10mm and then later I think he went to a .45 ACP of some make or model.
When I was about to hit the street as a new cop in 1974 Los Angeles, I committed to locating a Model 49. They were hard to find and finally found one. I had to pay big bucks for it ($200.00), but again, I had to have it for a backup. I learned that wearing it in a leather lined rear pocket wasn't a good idea since it began to have signs of rust. I had it reblued and switched to a leather lined front left pocket. That was the ticket and I still own it. There is something about the design that appeals to me because I have added stainless Models in 649 and an enclosed hammer Kimber K6S. Also, I want to give a shout out to Smith and Wesson. Upon retiring I wanted that Model 49 brought back to having a single action capability as it had been neutered as required by the Department. I could not find a factory sear and as a last hope I telephoned Smith and Wesson and they connected me to an individual in parts. Wow, he located one and mailed it to me. What service! Thank you Smith and Wesson.
It’s absolutely foolproof! If it’s loaded and you can remember to pull the trigger it will go bang. I think that it and the 642 are ideal guns for women and those who don’t shoot often. It can also be fired from inside a coat pocket without the possibility of a jam. I like carrying an ammo strip for loading extra ammo.
I think they are more of an experts’ gun. They take time to master. I understand what you mean about reliability and convenience , though. For a newbie or woman, I’d go with the 43C in 22 lr .
No. J frames are among the hardest Handguns to shoot well. DA takes time to master,and with the airweight guns these have a fair bit of recoil with p+ defensive Ammo. If you don't shoot often you shouldn't have guns for self defense
Bought 2 model 38 Airweight Bodyguards in the early 90’s one Nickel plated & the other Blued .. The frame cracked on the Nickel one a couple months ago & Smith & Wesson covered it under warranty. They made & sent me a new model 638 at no charge. Very nice that after all those years, Smith & Wesson stood behind their product. I carry the Blued model 38 everyday as backup for a Glock 27.
Smith and Wesson advised me to not shoot +P ammunition in my steel frame bodyguard because the metal was not treated like the revolvers made after 1980.
I was shooting non +P 148 gr. Federal gold medal match wadcutters when the frame split right where the barrel screws into the frame. The crack was on the underside & I only noticed it when I opened the cylinder cleaning it afterwards. I believe the barrel was over torqued at the factory , causing stress on the frame . It was examined at their lab & they determined that it wasn’t over pressure that caused the failure..
That's a cool little revolver! I don't think they make 'em like that anymore. =) I don't think it's ugly. I like how you can snap it open and keep an all-steel revolver in your pocket like that. I really like you sharing some of your thoughts about Massad Ayoob. Both of you give terrific advice! I've thought about getting a J-frame pistol and a video like this is just what I needed to see. I have heard of .357 Mag not being able to be used in a .38 but only the other way around, but I've never seen it until your video. Thanks for the lessons! On a completely different note, Hickok, you've mentioned during your Ballistol cleaning videos that - sorry, got all choked up thinking of it - you drew a similarity between putting Ballistol on your pistols and using a cast-iron skillet and keeping both in great condition? Well, might you talk a little (perhaps on a Sunday Shoot-a-Round) a bit about how you use your cast-iron skillets? I have one and I'm not sure how to treat it (though thanks again to you I'm putting some bacon back in my life). Keep on keepin' on, Hickok and John! =)
Kenny beat me too it. Yeah Kent Rollins has a good video. If you are applying your first coat you need to strip the old seasoning off so the new seasoning has something to stick to. So what you do is you put the cast iron in the oven on self clean let it run it’s course then you obviously let the cast iron cool down. Then when it’s cool you apply grapeseed or refined coconut oil you apply it with a lint free rag wipe the whole thing down a very thin coat while this is happening you turn your oven as low as it can go then run it for 15-30 mins let it cool down again and repeat. You can apply four to five coats or as many as you like. You don’t want the cast iron to be sticky. Sticky and spotty means you’ve applied too thick of a coating. You’ll know it’s good if it’s smooth. Now is your cast iron is rough you can sand it down with 1000 grit sandpaper. That’s what i had to do on a lodge. You want a smooth surface to get the seasoning to stick too. So yeah that’s about all for cast iron and when you clean it you want to never put it in the dishwasher cause it will strip seasoning and rust pan. You want to have a hot pan and hot water anything that is stuck will come right off. You can use coarse epsom salt (mortons square box) a little bit of water and the blue or green sponge that is rough for the really stuck on stuff. Then after everything is off you stick it back on the stove with as little water as possible. Turn it on let the water heat off. Then you pour a drop of your oil and spread it back on with your lint free rag. Heat it up for a few minutes and then turn it off let it come back down to room temp. I have a griswald from my great grandma that i cook on regulary this is what i do and it has been a godsend. Once you know how to treat cast iron you’ll always want to use it. A note of warning dont cook acidic things in the cast iron it will strip the seasoning you’ve worked so hard to do. Happy cast iron love gent. The temps are 250,300,350 for the seasoning process always decreasing the time. So 15-20 @250 10-15 300 and 350 5-10 always let the cast iron cool down before applying. Don’t want to get burned.
Fell in love the first time I saw one as a kid on a large urban PDs Detectives belt. Little did I know in the early 90s I would be using one as a Detective.
A buddy of mine who's a officer we were talking about this a couple of weeks ago why he always tells people to keep their hands out of their pockets when he pulls them over just for that reason you could have a j frame in your pocket and fire it from your pocket because you don't have to Cock it back it's good to see you explain this to people 🙏🏻
I have a S&W model 36 for 47 years, and fired thousands of rounds without have any misfires. I also have a Glock 17 gen 2; but if my life depended on one shot, it would be my S&W revolver!
On my 21st birthday, my dad came in my room and tossed a box into my lap wishing me a happy birthday. As I picked up the box, I asked "what is this, a chunk of iron?" He chuckled and said "sorta". It was a S&W model 49 pinned barrow I later dated to around 1971 year. He had the gunsmith do a trigger job to smooth out the action before wrapping it up.
In our opinion the humpback revolvers with an exposed hammer are the best looking snubbies. Ever so much more than the other two you have on the table. We love them.
Never considered them ugly and in the ‘70s carried the Model 38 Airweight was a b/u to my issued 4” Model 15. In retirement my EDC is a 340PD loaded w/+P.
My wife loves this gun, i bought her a model S&W 649 on her birthday. the perfect get off me gun. No longer in production but can still pick up the remaining ones in stores.
Great little guns. Pretty much the standard back up gun for duty use for many many years at my agency. The Dept neuters them to DA only and have carried one in my back pocket for nearly three decades
@@hickok45 Bernie purchased the revolver in New Hampshire. He carried it illegally in NYC for protection like many did back then. He apparently uttered to one of the robbers he shot “You don’t look that bad take another!” He was found not guilty of the most serious charges because it was self defense. He was found guilty of criminal possession of a weapon.
@@boostimalaka1 I believe it was actually Florida, according to the book: A Crime Of Self Defense, by George P Fletcher. A very good read and it delves into the complex legal side of things in the case. It is my opinion if the same case happened today, the defendant would have faced no charges what so ever
Yes, it was. Please note : If reading the wiki or current "PC" media articles on that self-defense shooting , they often omit the fact that the 4 attackers had several "sharpened " screw-drivers amongst them. Wikipedia deflects and subverts the issue Sure perfectly legal to have a screw-diver (which was why such criminals would carry them). But once the end is sharpened, it is no-longer really a functional screw-driver, but a more effective "jimmie" and also a deadly weapon. None of them had "jobs" , that would require carrying a big screw-driver at all (sharpened or not), but they had a few (3 IIRC). Also note, in the film "The Joker" is a rip-off of the same. But the subway scene is a total abomination of the truth. With 4 rich yuppie stock-brokers attacking a weird guy on the subway , instead of what occurs in the real world. The same chit was pulled in the TV series Law and Order a couple times. Regards for bringing why the S&W 49, is an effective CCW for self defense, with the most well-known event of using a gun in self-defense ( pre Zimmerman LOL) . Though IMO, Bernard Goetze later proved himself to be a very weird guy. I honestly can see why he was denied a CCW permit before that event happened, and later why he bought and carried a handgun "illegally" as defined by NY state. The case is the whole issue of permit/permitless/2ad/CCW carry in a nutshell, with the S&W 49 being a minor but actual part of it.
I really like my little S&W .32 magnum. Pocket sized J frame hammerless design that gives me 6 shots instead of 5. Ballistics are almost the same, just a very slight edge to the .38 special.
A friend of mine has the stainless 357 version of this. It's lived in his pocket in a Galco horsehide holster for probably over 20 years. He likes that version because he can fire it single action if he so chooses. I have the 640 - same as his but hammerless variant, because I like the one action and staging the trigger is easy. It gets a lot of pocket time, even around the house, and is a go to carry for me. Sucks to shoot 357 through it but better than nothing when you need it.
I have a first generation Model 649 and I love it. I think they look great for their purpose and design. I like all the old classic Smiths and think a lot of the revolvers they make now are ugly. I was on S&W's website recently and it appears the 649 in 357 has been discontinued but they still make the 638 air weight.
Ugly is as ugly does. I have a 71/72 model 38 (same as the 49 but in airweight) with beautiful stag grips ... great little gun that I use to carry when I need something extra small.
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 The original model 60 was a 2 inch all stainless 38 special J frame. They were wildly popular as backups to law enforcement. They stopped making them well before applying the same model number to the larger contemporary 357 version.
@@donaldramey1896 Interesting. I didn’t know that. When I got on to them they were all 357. What I mean is everything that I was saying was 357. Somehow I determine there were 5 inches out there and at least for a while they were very scarce, so I felt lucky to find one especially for 500.
Great review. So glad to have seen it! I love the model 49. I have had one since 1994, and also have the 638. Great on the ankle and any pocket. I have other revolvers and many pistols, however, this is my favorite "deep" conceal carry. The barrels were pinned until the mid-eighties. The later steel models were not rated by S&W for +P's. I was informed by S&W that they never tested for +P in the later years, so they could not give it that rating. I, however, shoot +P's with no issue in the later 49 steel J frame. I read that it has been said the +P of today was like the standard 38 special loads back in the 50's and 60's. If I read bad info on that, let me know. The 638 alloy is rated for +P. Again, I love the unique model 49. Happy, safe shooting.
My dad carried a 649 made in a 1985 as a BUG. I shot it a lot back in the day. I have a nickel plated 49 made in 1971/72. I’ve come around to the design/looks over the years.
Great video. I had one of these and the hammerless too. I wished I'd have seen Mr.Hickok's slow fire double action revolver shooting video before I got rid of them. They are great revolvers. I like my G2s Taurus's which are close to the same size and fires eight rounds and reload much faster. These Smith revolvers like this make great second guns for a oh dang it moment. I went to three inch barrel revolvers and shot them much better. But wonderful close in defense revolvers. With a 99.9% guarantee to function rate going for them. But these little Smith's ,especially the older ones, are hard to not start collecting. Fun shooting and built like a swiss watch.
“Welcome S&W to Tennessee.” That to me is a real shame. My cousin was an engineer in Springfield. Too bad that the friends of Brandon chased S&W out of Mass.
I was once offered a vintage centennial model with a grip safety (1911-type) but before it could be given to me as a gift, the guy died and nobody in the family knew it was intended for me.
Donald Hamilton's Matt Helm was issued the Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard in a series of novels. I bought a Model 38 when I was stationed in Hawaii but had to get rid of it 15 years later when I moved overseas and had no place to keep it. It was a nice little revolver even though it had snappy recoil.
A nifty pistol...these can be used as a back up pistol with an ankle holster...it can also be carried in a "butt - down" shoulder holster(Bullit - style) & no one is the wiser...& on the hip "Ricardo Tubbs" style...undercover officers like them because they are concealable & are ideal for close - range work in small spaces...you can add power by using hollow points or purchasing a model that would take .357 shells as well as .38s...I would not carry one in my pocket & I would use speed loaders(Dirty Harry) style...Nice video, thanks!
Had a 36 and a 60. Reliable of course. I’d always ding up my grip thumb from the hammer striking it - large hands. The shrouded hammer is a good feature in some ways as long as you are shooting double action only.
My Dad had a Colt Cobra, the same model alloy J frame that was used by Jack Ruby to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald. It was the first handgun I learned to shoot. When Dad passed his wife sold it.
Dear hickock45, this piece which you are displaying is not the supreme firearm........................BUT I LOVE IT FOR IT'S SHEER RELIABILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS ON THE LIST OF THE BEST FIREARMS IN THE MARKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD.
I’ve had Taurus’ copy of the j-frame for 30 years, the little Mod 85 CH. It’s been an absolute gem and a very good shooter. Replacing the skinny j-frame grips with the oversized ergo grips make these little guns so much easier to shoot well.
The J frames are great little carry guns, and are still a good option for concealed carry. I used to carry a 640 and my wife still carries an alloy version chambered in 38.
My work gun is a Colt Lightweight commander 45 and my around town casual carry is the S&W Hammerless 38- great pocket gun with some punch- Thanks for the great videos! BrianK
You can't go wrong with a humpback Model 38 and/or 49. Especially a pre-lock model! I'd love to see you check out the new Taurus 856 and compare it to a J-frame, especially for pocket carry.
What!!!! You made a video of my favorite firearm??!!! I've been looking at this gun for months!!! Along with its aluminum frame and stainless steel brothers model 38 and model 649!
Love those J frame S&W's another fun video.Handy tools.Not an expert but carry them in holsters.For pocket use I cover the hammers with my thumb.Shoot d.a most times.Like to have options for long shots ect. Great job Hickock,John
I first became a Sheriff's Deputy in 1979, with a department that made you buy your own revolver. I chose, after a couple of false starts, a four inch S&W Model 19, and never regretted it. But the following year, I was given a special assignment that involved the regular transport of mental patients. At the time, we only had strap holsters because security holsters had not yet been invented.
I was cautioned by senior officers to always take off my duty gun before doing a close escort of a "crazy" as they called them. They told me you never knew when one of those folks was going to grab your gun. So I started leaving my 19 in the car, but never felt good about being in uniform unarmed. It was about this time that I began looking for an off-duty gun anyway, and at that time, the default choice was a Smith and Wesson Model 36, or a Model 60 if you could ever find one. So I started looking.
The manager of the saddle shop that made our gun belts and tailored our uniforms also sold revolvers, and he showed me a nickel finished Model 49, telling me it was the way to go, perfect for in the pocket. I bought it, and had him sew a piece of soft leather in my left uniform pants pockets. I'd never heard of a pocket holster at the time. I loaded the 49 and dropped it in my uniform pants on the left side, and no matter what I was doing, I was never unarmed after that day. It rode equally well in a jacket pocket off duty. I enjoyed that gun and shot it well. I never really cocked the gun except to show off. In single action it would hit a bowling pin at 50 yards if you knew where to hold. I used to bet $5 a shot that I could do it. Sometime later that gun left me in a trade toward a 2.5 inch Model 19.
About three years ago, I came across a blue Model 49 in good shape at a pawn shop, but I could tell it had internal issues. I bought it for a very low price as-is, and called my late friend Frank Smith down in Comanche, Texas. We had bonded by phone over a shared love of the Model 39 auto pistol. Frank had been an S&W trained factory armorer for decades and diagnosed the problem over the phone. He told me he had been sick, and fixing the revolver might take a bit longer than normal. I said okay, wrapped it up, and sent it to him. I didn't hear anything for about a year. I called several times but got no answer. Then when I was about to write a nasty letter, I got a package with my repaired revolver in it, and a note from Frank's widow. She apologized for the delay, and told me that my 49 had been one of the guns Frank had worked on as he was dying.
I love this little gun, and it shoots very well. Frank had treated it to an action job while he had it that is the equivalent of that done by the Performance Center. I'll never part with my Frank Smith Bodyguard until the day I go to meet Frank in another life. I'm sure we'll drink coffee and talk about good guns.
Wild. Enjoyed reading your post.
Rip Frank Smith. God bless
Rip 🪦 Frank
Best TH-cam comment I've read. Thank you
thats very nice man. rip frank
I had a model 49 years ago. It was my BUG as a rookie cop. My ex-wife took it when we divorced. God I really miss her! The gun, not the ex.
Nice 😂
My wife just bought a model 49 at a gun show yesterday!
😂😂😂
Stories like this make me want to get a prenup that says that all guns I have before marriage, are MINE, not shared. Same with any property or land I have before or inherit.
😂 funny as hell
I normally don’t like the look of “hammerless” wheel guns but this one is a different story. Definitely has some character.
this isnt hammerless
@@M.D.Reinel you see the quotation marks around his word "hammerless" ? Why do you think he did that 🤔
Elegant little revolver! Although I usually keep revolvers of 4” or longer, I can still see the utility of these good looking, faithful little defenders.
😄 Yeah me too
This is Heisenberg's pistol 🤭🤭
@@hentali he had a .38
My dad carried one (model 49)when he was a police officer as a backup gun. He still has it. I carried a Smith 442 as a backup gun when I was a city police officer. Great guns! Thanks for the video!
Anything that is blued with wooden furniture is beautiful
Back in 1990 when I started on the police department I carried a bodyguard off duty and for backup, now I'm retired and I still carry The Bodyguard it's a great gun.
There are many of us across the ocean that are so envious of you guys being able to go buy, use enjoy any sort of revolver, ugly or not, and guns in general.
It is evil living as a subject!
I have a S&W 638 airweight and its one of the best pistols ive ever bought. Reliable, compact, powerful, accurate, can fire from the pocket, snag free, double, and single action, what more can I say? I love this little revolver. Its a wonderful design.
I have one as well and agree that it is a great little gun. Feels great in my hand and I can shoot it more accurately than one would expect for a snubbie.
Mám 37 airweight a jsem mimořádně spokojen
Very nice gun my dad had one we practiced with !👏✨👍
I have a matte-black model 438, discontinued, J-frame. And I swear I stare at it 15 minutes every other day
I have the all steel version. After 74 years and dozens of guns, it’s the one I have left.
The Smith J-frame is a summertime standard in South Texas. Also, when you are hanging around at home, it is super easy to slip one in the pocket. Still useful.
Same here in FL. It’s my movie theatre gun as well.
the little j-frames are so comfortable to carry IWB. being round at the cylinder and so short makes it fit your body much better than a compact semiautomatic. The little single stacks are much better than they used to be, but still not j-frame in a leather holster comfy.
So much to be said for a wheel gun... never fails.
Nice revolver, Hickok!!
I love wheelguns but they can and do fail and when they do it's not trivial getting it fixed. Double Action Revolvers are mechanically complex,alot more so than something like a Glock or Smith and Wesson M&P
@@jacobt1027 Yup. I have a nice looking Taurus Ultra Lite Nine and the hammer is always locking up to where it's un-cockable. Very frustrating.
Had to buy two of the 638 airweight versions. Brought the first one home on Christmas Eve and was quickly relieved of it by my Dad. The look in his eye when he saw it, I had to gift it to him. The second one got a mild trigger job and has lots of rounds through it. My second favorite backup to the PPK.
I just love these compact revolvers. Reliable and powerful enough for most situations.
I carried a 642 in the zippered pocket of my motorcycle jacket for so many years the leather looked like a perfectly formed holster.
Ricardo Tubs in Miami Vice carried this model revolver. I have a 1974 bodyguard in Nickel. Great revolver. Nothing beats the pre lock Smith and Wesson revolvers.
Tubs was cool.
I remember he also carried a derringer in a couple episodes.
He did! I was going to post a comment on this but decided to read down some and found yours. I thought his choice of sidearms was unique to Tubbs character compared to Sonny Crockett's Bren Ten 10mm and then later I think he went to a .45 ACP of some make or model.
Exactly what brought me to this video
I had a black S&W 49 Bodyguard from the mid 90s. Never should have traded it. The black frame and grips looked great.
When I was about to hit the street as a new cop in 1974 Los Angeles, I committed to locating a Model 49. They were hard to find and finally found one. I had to pay big bucks for it ($200.00), but again, I had to have it for a backup. I learned that wearing it in a leather lined rear pocket wasn't a good idea since it began to have signs of rust. I had it reblued and switched to a leather lined front left pocket. That was the ticket and I still own it. There is something about the design that appeals to me because I have added stainless Models in 649 and an enclosed hammer Kimber K6S. Also, I want to give a shout out to Smith and Wesson. Upon retiring I wanted that Model 49 brought back to having a single action capability as it had been neutered as required by the Department. I could not find a factory sear and as a last hope I telephoned Smith and Wesson and they connected me to an individual in parts. Wow, he located one and mailed it to me. What service! Thank you Smith and Wesson.
Thank you for the story and for your service, sir.
It’s absolutely foolproof! If it’s loaded and you can remember to pull the trigger it will go bang. I think that it and the 642 are ideal guns for women and those who don’t shoot often. It can also be fired from inside a coat pocket without the possibility of a jam. I like carrying an ammo strip for loading extra ammo.
Have the air weight Model 38..14 ounces.. carries nice in a front pocket. comes out like lightning if you pull it right..
Your English gave me cancer
You forgot the lemon squeeze 38
I think they are more of an experts’ gun. They take time to master. I understand what you mean about reliability and convenience , though. For a newbie or woman, I’d go with the 43C in 22 lr .
No. J frames are among the hardest Handguns to shoot well. DA takes time to master,and with the airweight guns these have a fair bit of recoil with p+ defensive Ammo.
If you don't shoot often you shouldn't have guns for self defense
Great little pistol, also called the Humpback...carried one and then the 649 ( stainless 357) for years....still a great pocket pistol.
The steel 49 is my favorite J-frame in both function and looks. I think they look great.
I've had a 49 for about 20 years. It's a heavy little booger by today's standards. It still keeps company with me at my desk.
100 X👍
I've got a 638 Airweight in my pocket right now, great gun. I kinda wish they'd bring this design out in a "PD" version, I'd buy one.
Mine is in a belt holster. I hardly notice that it’s even there. But it goes on my belt when I put my pants on in the morning.
I’ve kept a couple of those around for so long I don’t remember how long.
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 yes. I have an extra one just in case I ever wear the one I am carrying out.
@@thealsatian4232 👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Isn’t the 342 PD essentially the PD version of the 638? Maybe I am confusing the models not sure
Bought 2 model 38 Airweight Bodyguards in the early 90’s one Nickel plated & the other Blued .. The frame cracked on the Nickel one a couple months ago & Smith & Wesson covered it under warranty.
They made & sent me a new model 638 at no charge.
Very nice that after all those years, Smith & Wesson stood behind their product.
I carry the Blued model 38 everyday as backup for a Glock 27.
Smith and Wesson advised me to not shoot +P ammunition in my steel frame bodyguard because the metal was not treated like the revolvers made after 1980.
I was shooting non +P 148 gr. Federal gold medal match wadcutters when the frame split right where the barrel screws into the frame. The crack was on the underside & I only noticed it when I opened the cylinder cleaning it afterwards.
I believe the barrel was over torqued at the factory , causing stress on the frame . It was examined at their lab & they determined that it wasn’t over pressure that caused the failure..
my dad always carried a Chief special SS in a belt holster , love that gun
Not ugly, just a funny shape. Smith and Wesson have made guns for a long time though, so I trust them with the design.
I have it! That same combination. Passed down to me after my grandfather passed away. Was bought by my grandfather I believe in 1988.
That's a cool little revolver! I don't think they make 'em like that anymore. =)
I don't think it's ugly. I like how you can snap it open and keep an all-steel revolver in your pocket like that. I really like you sharing some of your thoughts about Massad Ayoob. Both of you give terrific advice! I've thought about getting a J-frame pistol and a video like this is just what I needed to see. I have heard of .357 Mag not being able to be used in a .38 but only the other way around, but I've never seen it until your video. Thanks for the lessons!
On a completely different note, Hickok, you've mentioned during your Ballistol cleaning videos that - sorry, got all choked up thinking of it - you drew a similarity between putting Ballistol on your pistols and using a cast-iron skillet and keeping both in great condition? Well, might you talk a little (perhaps on a Sunday Shoot-a-Round) a bit about how you use your cast-iron skillets? I have one and I'm not sure how to treat it (though thanks again to you I'm putting some bacon back in my life).
Keep on keepin' on, Hickok and John! =)
Check out cowboy Kent Rollins for cast iron skillet care and use. You won't regret it. 👍
@@kenycharles8600 Thank you for the lead, Mr. Charles! =)
@Do what you can I am glad to hear this. Thank you for telling me! =)
Kenny beat me too it. Yeah Kent Rollins has a good video. If you are applying your first coat you need to strip the old seasoning off so the new seasoning has something to stick to. So what you do is you put the cast iron in the oven on self clean let it run it’s course then you obviously let the cast iron cool down. Then when it’s cool you apply grapeseed or refined coconut oil you apply it with a lint free rag wipe the whole thing down a very thin coat while this is happening you turn your oven as low as it can go then run it for 15-30 mins let it cool down again and repeat. You can apply four to five coats or as many as you like. You don’t want the cast iron to be sticky. Sticky and spotty means you’ve applied too thick of a coating. You’ll know it’s good if it’s smooth. Now is your cast iron is rough you can sand it down with 1000 grit sandpaper. That’s what i had to do on a lodge. You want a smooth surface to get the seasoning to stick too. So yeah that’s about all for cast iron and when you clean it you want to never put it in the dishwasher cause it will strip seasoning and rust pan. You want to have a hot pan and hot water anything that is stuck will come right off. You can use coarse epsom salt (mortons square box) a little bit of water and the blue or green sponge that is rough for the really stuck on stuff. Then after everything is off you stick it back on the stove with as little water as possible. Turn it on let the water heat off. Then you pour a drop of your oil and spread it back on with your lint free rag. Heat it up for a few minutes and then turn it off let it come back down to room temp. I have a griswald from my great grandma that i cook on regulary this is what i do and it has been a godsend. Once you know how to treat cast iron you’ll always want to use it. A note of warning dont cook acidic things in the cast iron it will strip the seasoning you’ve worked so hard to do. Happy cast iron love gent. The temps are 250,300,350 for the seasoning process always decreasing the time. So 15-20 @250 10-15 300 and 350 5-10 always let the cast iron cool down before applying. Don’t want to get burned.
@@whoc4r3s117 you are great help!
Fell in love the first time I saw one as a kid on a large urban PDs Detectives belt. Little did I know in the early 90s I would be using one as a Detective.
Getting close to 7 million....... I don't think it will be much longer now.... thanks again for sharing
A buddy of mine who's a officer we were talking about this a couple of weeks ago why he always tells people to keep their hands out of their pockets when he pulls them over just for that reason you could have a j frame in your pocket and fire it from your pocket because you don't have to Cock it back it's good to see you explain this to people 🙏🏻
Facts
I have this model and I love it. It’s the only EDC I use despite having a half dozen pistols.
"And some people not watching right now." The metaphysics of that blow my mind. :) great content
I have a S&W model 36 for 47 years, and fired thousands of rounds without have any misfires. I also have a Glock 17 gen 2; but if my life depended on one shot, it would be my S&W revolver!
Sergeant Joe Friday would be proud to carry that gorgeous piece of iron. Great little snub revolver!!!
On my 21st birthday, my dad came in my room and tossed a box into my lap wishing me a happy birthday. As I picked up the box, I asked "what is this, a chunk of iron?" He chuckled and said "sorta".
It was a S&W model 49 pinned barrow I later dated to around 1971 year. He had the gunsmith do a trigger job to smooth out the action before wrapping it up.
Well, now we have twins! The exact same as my S&W model 49 including manufacture date and condition!!! 👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻
Haven't seen one I didn't like. .Some I just like more. They are all beautiful. TY for sharing
My 640-1 has been with me since the very late 1990's. It always works and is a lot of power in a small package. The J-frame definitely fills a niche.
It's a bit strange looking but it does have a useful place as a EDC. I like the 642 better.
My father left me one. Beautiful piece.
In our opinion the humpback revolvers with an exposed hammer are the best looking snubbies. Ever so much more than the other two you have on the table. We love them.
I have my grandfathers from the late 60s or early 70s. They are beautiful and love shooting it.
Never considered them ugly and in the ‘70s carried the Model 38 Airweight was a b/u to my issued 4” Model 15. In retirement my EDC is a 340PD loaded w/+P.
My tackle box gun. Also the 38 special is just so much fun to shoot
My wife loves this gun, i bought her a model S&W 649 on her birthday. the perfect get off me gun. No longer in production but can still pick up the remaining ones in stores.
Great little guns. Pretty much the standard back up gun for duty use for many many years at my agency. The Dept neuters them to DA only and have carried one in my back pocket for nearly three decades
The Model 49 Bodyguard was the same gun Bernhard Goetz used to defend himself in 1984 in NYC, way before the time of permit/permitless carry
Was it? I don't know that I ever knew the exact revolver he used.
@@hickok45 Bernie purchased the revolver in New Hampshire. He carried it illegally in NYC for protection like many did back then.
He apparently uttered to one of the robbers he shot “You don’t look that bad take another!” He was found not guilty of the most serious charges because it was self defense. He was found guilty of criminal possession of a weapon.
@@hickok45 Technically it was a model 38, but it was still of the "bodyguard" design
@@boostimalaka1 I believe it was actually Florida, according to the book: A Crime Of Self Defense, by George P Fletcher.
A very good read and it delves into the complex legal side of things in the case.
It is my opinion if the same case happened today, the defendant would have faced no charges what so ever
Yes, it was. Please note : If reading the wiki or current "PC" media articles on that self-defense shooting , they often omit the fact that the 4 attackers had several "sharpened " screw-drivers amongst them. Wikipedia deflects and subverts the issue Sure perfectly legal to have a screw-diver (which was why such criminals would carry them). But once the end is sharpened, it is no-longer really a functional screw-driver, but a more effective "jimmie" and also a deadly weapon. None of them had "jobs" , that would require carrying a big screw-driver at all (sharpened or not), but they had a few (3 IIRC).
Also note, in the film "The Joker" is a rip-off of the same. But the subway scene is a total abomination of the truth. With 4 rich yuppie stock-brokers attacking a weird guy on the subway , instead of what occurs in the real world. The same chit was pulled in the TV series Law and Order a couple times.
Regards for bringing why the S&W 49, is an effective CCW for self defense, with the most well-known event of using a gun in self-defense ( pre Zimmerman LOL) . Though IMO, Bernard Goetze later proved himself to be a very weird guy. I honestly can see why he was denied a CCW permit before that event happened, and later why he bought and carried a handgun "illegally" as defined by NY state. The case is the whole issue of permit/permitless/2ad/CCW carry in a nutshell, with the S&W 49 being a minor but actual part of it.
The original with this blue finish is extremely gorgeous. I wish that S&W brings them back.
I always thought that the “HUMPBACK” was rather homely. But any J frame is fun and worthwhile.
Hickok45 I'm from Morocco, been watching your content for two years and I would never miss a video of yours!
I really like my little S&W .32 magnum. Pocket sized J frame hammerless design that gives me 6 shots instead of 5. Ballistics are almost the same, just a very slight edge to the .38 special.
Wheel guns just look so damn good!!!
Yeah! Life is good. And you’re right I’m glad I came to watch this video. I understand more about the model 49. Thank you for your great work
Have carried one in my pocket for over 32 years. Love it
A friend of mine has the stainless 357 version of this. It's lived in his pocket in a Galco horsehide holster for probably over 20 years. He likes that version because he can fire it single action if he so chooses. I have the 640 - same as his but hammerless variant, because I like the one action and staging the trigger is easy. It gets a lot of pocket time, even around the house, and is a go to carry for me. Sucks to shoot 357 through it but better than nothing when you need it.
I have a newer S&W 649,it’s very nice. It’s chambered in 357 magnum, shoots great!
Love my 638. 5 shots. 5 yards. 5 seconds.
I have a first generation Model 649 and I love it. I think they look great for their purpose and design. I like all the old classic Smiths and think a lot of the revolvers they make now are ugly. I was on S&W's website recently and it appears the 649 in 357 has been discontinued but they still make the 638 air weight.
I love mine! Stainless lightweight! Great carry!!
I love the bodyguards. I carry a 649 in 38spl quite a bit for off duty.
Ugly is as ugly does. I have a 71/72 model 38 (same as the 49 but in airweight) with beautiful stag grips ... great little gun that I use to carry when I need something extra small.
Super light. Carry mine all the time.
S&W should bring it back, I’d buy one in a heartbeat!
I love model 60, the all stainless in .38 special. It's a safe queen but enjoyable to own.
Thought all model 60’s we’re 38/357. I located a 5 inch. It’s got the Hillary hole🤦🏻♂️.
Nope, I’ve had my model 60 for 35 years, and yes it’s 38 special.
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 The original model 60 was a 2 inch all stainless 38 special J frame. They were wildly popular as backups to law enforcement. They stopped making them well before applying the same model number to the larger contemporary 357 version.
@@donaldramey1896 Interesting. I didn’t know that. When I got on to them they were all 357. What I mean is everything that I was saying was 357. Somehow I determine there were 5 inches out there and at least for a while they were very scarce, so I felt lucky to find one especially for 500.
Great review. So glad to have seen it! I love the model 49. I have had one since 1994, and also have the 638. Great on the ankle and any pocket. I have other revolvers and many pistols, however, this is my favorite "deep" conceal carry. The barrels were pinned until the mid-eighties. The later steel models were not rated by S&W for +P's. I was informed by S&W that they never tested for +P in the later years, so they could not give it that rating. I, however, shoot +P's with no issue in the later 49 steel J frame. I read that it has been said the +P of today was like the standard 38 special loads back in the 50's and 60's. If I read bad info on that, let me know. The 638 alloy is rated for +P. Again, I love the unique model 49. Happy, safe shooting.
My dad carried a 649 made in a 1985 as a BUG. I shot it a lot back in the day. I have a nickel plated 49 made in 1971/72. I’ve come around to the design/looks over the years.
Would love to see your take on the new bodyguard m&p .38. Thinking of getting one myself but I always watch your vids prior to purchasing.
I carried a 442 for years, excellent, accurate
Great video.
I had one of these and the hammerless too.
I wished I'd have seen Mr.Hickok's slow fire double action revolver shooting video before I got rid of them.
They are great revolvers.
I like my G2s Taurus's which are close to the same size and fires eight rounds and reload much faster.
These Smith revolvers like this make great second guns for a oh dang it moment.
I went to three inch barrel revolvers and shot them much better.
But wonderful close in defense revolvers.
With a 99.9% guarantee to function rate going for them.
But these little Smith's ,especially the older ones, are hard to not start collecting.
Fun shooting and built like a swiss watch.
“Welcome S&W to Tennessee.” That to me is a real shame. My cousin was an engineer in Springfield. Too bad that the friends of Brandon chased S&W out of Mass.
I was once offered a vintage centennial model with a grip safety (1911-type) but before it could be given to me as a gift, the guy died and nobody in the family knew it was intended for me.
Smh
Those were nicknamed Lemon Squeezers. Very collectible.
Lemon squeezers are cool and valuable.
Ok people, rub it in why don’t’cha?😩
@@clplusp8762 pats his shoulder... we're just sympathizing
Best simple effective. Gets the job done
I've always been a smith and colt person so I just like any smith.
Great video guys . I love the old revolvers and the history. And who better to teach you then a teacher. “Life Is Good”
I live in East Tn , but if I were closer to Hickok he’d be wandering who’s out side crawling around picking up all that brass!!!
I had a 649 one back in the day. Wish I still had it!
Donald Hamilton's Matt Helm was issued the Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard in a series of novels. I bought a Model 38 when I was stationed in Hawaii but had to get rid of it 15 years later when I moved overseas and had no place to keep it. It was a nice little revolver even though it had snappy recoil.
A nifty pistol...these can be used as a back up pistol with an ankle holster...it can also be carried in a "butt - down" shoulder holster(Bullit - style) & no one is the wiser...& on the hip "Ricardo Tubbs" style...undercover officers like them because they are concealable & are ideal for close - range work in small spaces...you can add power by using hollow points or purchasing a model that would take .357 shells as well as .38s...I would not carry one in my pocket & I would use speed loaders(Dirty Harry) style...Nice video, thanks!
Had a 36 and a 60. Reliable of course. I’d always ding up my grip thumb from the hammer striking it - large hands. The shrouded hammer is a good feature in some ways as long as you are shooting double action only.
Anxious for you to try the Taurus 856 UL. It's basically a 6 shot alloy j frame, neat little package!
Wonderful gun that spawned a TON of others… including my LCR…
I love my 649. I’ve carried it almost daily for 37 years.
My Dad had a Colt Cobra, the same model alloy J frame that was used by Jack Ruby to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald. It was the first handgun I learned to shoot. When Dad passed his wife sold it.
Dear hickock45, this piece which you are displaying is not the supreme firearm........................BUT I LOVE IT FOR IT'S SHEER RELIABILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS ON THE LIST OF THE BEST FIREARMS IN THE MARKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD.
I’ve had Taurus’ copy of the j-frame for 30 years, the little Mod 85 CH. It’s been an absolute gem and a very good shooter. Replacing the skinny j-frame grips with the oversized ergo grips make these little guns so much easier to shoot well.
I started out with revolvers then got into Glocks but maaaaan I love these little guys.
I just got the same one today!! Fine little revolver!!
I actually buy federal because of Hickok, and he doesn't seem to have many problems with as much ammo as he uses
Hickok, if you get a chance, do a video on the Seecamp pistol or the Beretta Tomcat. Even a side by side comparison video would be awesome!
The J frames are great little carry guns, and are still a good option for concealed carry. I used to carry a 640 and my wife still carries an alloy version chambered in 38.
My work gun is a Colt Lightweight commander 45 and my around town casual carry is the S&W Hammerless 38- great pocket gun with some punch- Thanks for the great videos! BrianK
In my pocket! Functional over fashion.
And as for “ugly” I don’t think it matters when you carry it concealed.
These small revolvers are very reliable and compact , a must have
The 49 is my all time favorite carry revolver.
You can't go wrong with a humpback Model 38 and/or 49. Especially a pre-lock model! I'd love to see you check out the new Taurus 856 and compare it to a J-frame, especially for pocket carry.
What!!!! You made a video of my favorite firearm??!!! I've been looking at this gun for months!!! Along with its aluminum frame and stainless steel brothers model 38 and model 649!
Great little pistol I love the bodyguard 👌 thanks for the video 👍
Love those J frame S&W's another fun video.Handy tools.Not an expert but carry them in holsters.For pocket use I cover the hammers with my thumb.Shoot d.a most times.Like to have options for long shots ect.
Great job Hickock,John
This might be the first video where he did not shoot at the gong.
I recently picked up a 1977 model 36. This maybe my next revolver
A classic with a classic shooter.