Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 49 “Bodyguard”

Serial Number: ABH4763

Year of Manufacture: 1983-1984

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action/Single Action 5-Shot Swing Out Cylinder and Shrouded Hammer

Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “38 S&W. SPL.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas address. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON ''. The left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The yoke cut is marked “MOD-49”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The butt is marked with the serial number. 

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to the tapered barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch before a U-channel in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood magna stocks with S&W monogram medallions. There are handling marks. The checkering is faded smooth. Overall, the grips are in about fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. The is stubborn fouling in the grooves. There is light erosion in the bore near the muzzle. 8.5/10 on a bore rating in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are a few light handling marks. There is corrosion and oxidation on the hammer shroud portion of the frame; This is mostly on the left side. There is corrosion and oxidation on the cylinder. There is some finish loss on both sides of the barrel. There is a turn line on the cylinder. There are burn marks on the front of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about fine plus to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger pull is smooth and the single action is crisp. The cylinder locks up with some side-to-side play. 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: Included is a two-piece box with metal reinforced corners, the moisture barrier paper. (The box is in poor shape)

Our Assessment: The models 38, 49, and 649 offered a compromise not found in many other revolvers. Typically, you can either have a fully enclosed hammer to prevent snags, which prevents use in single-action, or you can have an exposed hammer which can snag but allows precise single-action use. These models, with aluminum, steel, and stainless steel frames respectively, allow both by having a shroud which leaves only the serrated hammer spur exposed. This prevents snagging and allows for single-action use, the best of both worlds. This 38 caliber blued Model 49 is a steel framed, compact, snag-free revolver with original grips and box and which is still capable of precise shooting when necessary. This one still carries about 75% of its original finish and comes with a S&W box (non matching), it is ready to ride in your pocket for the next 50 plus years.