Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 649 .38 Bodyguard Stainless
Serial Number: AVV8718
Year of Manufacture: 1987-1988 / Modern
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Revolver, Double Action, Single Action with Swing Out 5-Shot Fluted Cylinder, Shrouded Hammer
Barrel Length: 2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth Goncalo Alves combat wood stocks with finger grooves and S&W medallions. There is little to no wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is little to no handling or operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory box, owner's manual, moisture absorbent paper, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the stainless-steel Model 649 Bodyguard in 1985, carrying forward the distinctive shrouded-hammer concept of the earlier Model 38 Airweight and Model 49 steel-frame Bodyguards. Built on the compact J-frame and chambered in .38 Special, the original no-dash 649 combined all-stainless construction with a five-shot cylinder and a hammer shroud that protected the hammer from snagging while still permitting manual cocking for single-action fire. The no-dash configuration was short-lived, being replaced by the 649-1 in 1988 with a revised yoke-retention system, making these early examples an identifiable first-generation variation of Smith & Wesson's stainless Bodyguard.
This Model 649 is an exceptionally clean example from 1987, retaining about 99% of its original stainless finish with little evidence of handling or operational use. Its smooth Goncalo Alves combat stocks remain in Excellent condition, the bore rates 10/10, and the action functions correctly. Serial prefix AVV is consistent with 1987 Smith & Wesson production, placing this revolver securely within the original no-dash period. Complete with its factory box, owner's manual, protective paper, and additional paperwork, this is a particularly well-preserved example of Smith & Wesson's first stainless-steel Bodyguard revolver.
