I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard

posted on March 17, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
oldgun_sw_bodyguard_3.jpg

Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard
Caliber: .38 Spl.
Serial No: J263XXX 
Manufactured: 1975
Condition: NRA Excellent (Modern Gun Standards)
Value: $535 (subtract $125 to $150 without box and accessories)

When the Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special made its debut in 1950, many hailed it as the perfect backup gun. With a five-shot .38 Spl. cylinder, 17⁄8" barrel, and a weight of 20 ozs., it was ideal for a lawman’s off-duty revolver or for a law-abiding civilian’s self-defense gun. Two years later, S&W introduced an aluminum-alloy version, the Chiefs Special Airweight. But the Chief’s Special and Airweight had one hang-up, literally. The hammer had a nasty habit of snagging on clothing when the gun was drawn. undefined

To address that issue, in 1955, the company introduced an altered version. It sported a redesigned frame with an integral hump that concealed a low-contoured hammer, and its flattened spur barely protruded above the top of the hump. Thus, the double-action revolver could still be manually cocked for aimed single-action fire. Smith dubbed this innovative variation the Bodyguard (setting the precedent for S&W’s current concealed-hammer Bodyguard revolver). In a reversal of the way things were normally done, however, S&W introduced its camel-humped double-action as an aluminum-frame Bodyguard Airweight, rather than an all-steel version. Proving you can’t please all the people all the time, there soon was a demand for a steel-frame version, prompted by a request from the Massachusetts State Police. As a result, in 1959 an all-steel Bodyguard was introduced, providing greater strength and reduced felt recoil.

As with the Chief’s Special, finishes were blued or nickeled, with a case-hardened trigger and hammer. A few 3" barrels were also produced. With the changeover in S&W numbering in 1957, the steel-frame Bodyguard became the Model 49, which remained in production until 1996. 

Although its unorthodox design borders on what some might call ugly, the extra weight from its hump-backed frame nestles the Bodyguard solidly in the hand, the semi-concealed hammer is surprisingly easy to cock and, due to its snag-free contours, the gun can be quickly drawn from the pocket.

This pristine example is in NRA Excellent Condition. It would have been NRA Perfect had not the previous owner, at some point during the last 40 years, fired three shots (probably to see what it felt like), before cleaning the gun and storing it. Still, with original box and accessories and two unfired chambers, it sold on Lock, Stock & Barrel’s internet auction (LSBauctions.com) for $535 just more than a year ago.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.