S&W Bodyguard : Model 638 vs Model 649!

[scotjute]

Am interested in getting a S&W Bodyguard revolver later on this year. Plan to shoot .38 spl. +p ammo in it. May or may not get CCW. Min. acceptable accuracy - 6" circle at 25 yds. Any one with experience with one or the other or both have recommendations as to which one to choose?
Thanks.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Within 6 inches at 25 yards is pretty good for a snub. I own a 638. I couldn't do that...but, if she cocks the little bodyguard~my wife can. She's a little younger, good clear blue eyes, steady aim. She's a Dental Hygienist. Maybe she's just developed steady hands because, with a pistol she outshoots me every time.

KR

 

[ruger357]

649, since you are not sure about ccw, also +p's are a little easier to shoot out of an all steel frame.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

I have a 649 and I cannot do 6" groups at 25 yds (although the gun might with a different shooter) shooting DA.

 

[BigG]

The S&W guns can all do well within 6" at 25 yards. Probably easily 2 or 3" at 25 yards. For a shooter to shoot up to the gun's potential takes practice, however.

 

[Ledbetter]

649 all the way.

 

[Coltdriver]

I have been amazed at the accuracy of my j frames if I hold them still enough or shoot from a bench rest. IMNSHO most of the negative reports I hear about j frame accuracy are a problem of the shooter. Its also an easy problem to have because even a small swing with the pistol will get a great divergence at much distance.

But, what would you want to shoot at 25 yards with a j frame? I think the bodyguard union would complain

If your criteria is that the gun is just generally accurate that would make sense. Consistently hitting a 6 inch circle with a j frame from a free stance will not be an automatic result. You would have to practice and get pretty good.

But with a 75 foot head start I would be hard to catch and with my body guard (model 38) a 7 to 10 foot shot is relatively easy just in case I am not fast enough.

The real advantage a bodyguard model offers is the ability to cock it in your pocket and reliably shoot it right through your jacket. Queensberry Rules do not apply

 

[ACP230]

I have both a 649 and an M38. The 649 is easier to shoot with + P loads. It is also more accurate and shoots a wider range of ammo acceptably. It had a trigger job before I got my hands on it so that may account for some of the ease of shooting it.

My M38 is stock. Recoil is much more noticeable in the alloy-framed gun. It doesn't shoot 158 grain loads to point of aim, and accuracy with them does not match that from the 649. I ended up using Win Clean 125 grain loads because they shot closer to the point of aim than the rest of the ammo I tested. It does carry more easily and disappears better in a front pocket due to the lighter weight.

I plan to keep both, but if it came down to it I'd hold on to the M649.

 

[scotjute]

Sounds like the 649 may be the way I go. I've got a Chief's Special w/3" barrell that will usually hit within 3" circle at 25 yds (guess it depends on me and the ammo).
Will see what else is said.
Thanks for commenting.

 

[Trisha]

I recommend the 649, as that's what I carry (purse/BUG) and shoot. If you invest the trigger time to become proficient with it, the revolver is absolutely capable of sub-2 inch groups DA at 25 yards.

I only shoot full-power .357 mag loads, and my last time at the range, I shot 23 of 25 bowling pins SA at 25 yards, and 21 of 25 DA.

 

[10-Ring]

Here's another vote for the 649

 

[Jim Watson]

638.
My old M38 is light enough to carry in a pocket; my 640 is not, it needs a holster and if I am going to wear a holster I can carry more gun. But the 640 is engraved and too pretty to part with.
I don't know what they will do at 25 yards, I have full size guns for that. If you are determined to target shoot with a J frame, look at a M60 3" adjustable sight version.

 

[El Tejon]

Carried the 638 as a bug for many years. Solid piece.

You should be well-served with either weapon.

 

[MR.G]

I have both guns. The 638 is better for pocket carry, which is the way that I carry a J frame, because it is a lot lighter and shorter than the 649. The 649 seems to be built stronger than the 638, and is chambered for .357 magnum. The 649 also has a slightly longer barrel. As far as the accuracy you require, I can not consistantly shoot that well with either gun. My 649 rarely leaves the safe, because of it's size and weight, and the 649 is carried almost daily.

 

[JCM298]

Bodyguard

My 649, which reminds me of a one hump camel, is the most accurate snub that I've ever owned. It gives me one ragged hole at 15 yards. I've had it for approximaetly 5 years & have had no problems with it,
John

 

[mec]

this 14.5 oz pre six series airweight bodyguard would hold a well centered tight group double action from 25 yards but I was most impressed with the instinctive way it landed fast pairs at the closer ranges

Recoil with standard pressure handloads was sharp but well short of distracting or painful