Used 649 .357 $$

[popeye]

I'm lookin at a 649 for $350. Gun is 98%. I'm hopin to get a $25 break on price, and trade a blue 4" pencil barrel 10-7 and get $175 - $200 for it. I've got a mod 640 .38 spec, 2 mod 36's, an .042, and a 442. So as yet no J frame .357's. HELP ME. Do I need this gun?

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's popeye My Friend-

I can't see where you really need this firearm, as you
have already indicated that you have a nice inventory!
Snub nose .357's just don't excite me, as you lose way
too much velocity with the shortened barrel.

When shooting full power, .357 magnum loads give me
the most horsepower that I can get from a 6" barrel.
The muzzle blast and recoil from a .357 snubbie is very
impressive to say the least; and something that most
folks aren't willing to tolerate! Just my opinion.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[popeye]

Ala Dan: You're logic makes perfect sense, I may adhere (sp?) to it. My problem: I have 3, 10-7, 4 inchers, and no bodyguard style J Frame. I would never shoot .357 out of it, as I draw the line at, .357 = 4" K Frame minimum. The 649 would be loaded with .38 spec 158 gr LSWC max.. I should have made that clear. The .357 thing would be just an additional barrel length issue. And I HAVE yen for it. Hopefully I can resist.

P.S. I thankyou for, and greatly respect your opinion. Thanks

 

[Standing Wolf]

Snub-nosed .357 magnum revolvers aren't for shooting hundreds of rounds in an afternoon at the range. They're not target guns. They're not works of art. Their only real function is to save your life.

 

[popeye]

Standing Wolf: Thanks for reply. I'm going back today to take a second look.

 

[Topgun]

Don't forget that the commotion from a .357 snubbie is far WORSE on the one BEING shot.

Think about it. You have just accosted a citizen armed with a .357 snub. He pulls it out and suddenly you are engulfed in about an 8 foot wall of flame. The noise has stopped your hearing. The bullet has hit you with 300-400 foot pounds of energy which has snapped your bones and heavy clothing like it didn't even exist. The bullet path has opened every vein and artery in its way. Your internal organs have been either lacerated or destroyed by hydraulic shock and you are now being physically rocked back against your will and are in the process of falling, probably never to arise again.

Your last thought is that this was a bad guy to rob.

 

[popeye]

Unfortunately after a closer inspection today, the gun must have been shot quite a bit. Loose in the crane (side to side shift of cyl when it's closed)(can't remember correct terminology). Also, didn't lock up over one hole before hammer fall. I would have accepted that, and had it fixed, but extra half inch of barrel made it unacceptable for front pocket carry. So no sale.

However, on the way home I stopped at another shop and he had 649 in .38 special. This one passed all the tests so got it.

 

[MR.G]

I have a 649 .357. Already owned a few S&W J franes, and did not need another one. but had to have that 649 when I saw it. It has had several range sessions with 200-300 rounds fired each time and it is still in excellent condition. They seem to be built pretty good. Fun to shoot also.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Your last thought is that this was a bad guy to rob.

[SMIRK] I'm sure more than a few criminals have died thinking, "Hey, no fair!" [/SMIRK]