Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson Model 49 No-Dash also known as “The Bodyguard."
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 49
Serial: J816600
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 S&W Spl
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned
Optics/Sights: 1/10" Serrated Ramp Front with Square Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut Magna Style with Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Introduced as a solution to a real-world carry problem, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard revolver represented an evolutionary step beyond the original Chief’s Special. While the 1950 Chiefs Special and its 1952 Airweight variant were widely praised as compact, practical defensive revolvers, their exposed hammers often snagged on clothing during the draw. In 1955, S&W addressed this flaw with a redesigned frame featuring a distinctive hump that partially enclosed a low-profile hammer. This allowed the revolver to remain double-action while still permitting single-action fire, combining snag-free carry with deliberate aimed shooting. Unusually, the company debuted this new design first in an aluminum-frame Airweight configuration rather than steel, underscoring its focus on lightweight concealment.
Model: 49
Serial: J816600
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 S&W Spl
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned
Optics/Sights: 1/10" Serrated Ramp Front with Square Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut Magna Style with Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Introduced as a solution to a real-world carry problem, Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard revolver represented an evolutionary step beyond the original Chief’s Special. While the 1950 Chiefs Special and its 1952 Airweight variant were widely praised as compact, practical defensive revolvers, their exposed hammers often snagged on clothing during the draw. In 1955, S&W addressed this flaw with a redesigned frame featuring a distinctive hump that partially enclosed a low-profile hammer. This allowed the revolver to remain double-action while still permitting single-action fire, combining snag-free carry with deliberate aimed shooting. Unusually, the company debuted this new design first in an aluminum-frame Airweight configuration rather than steel, underscoring its focus on lightweight concealment.
Demand for a heavier, more durable version soon followed, particularly from the Massachusetts State Police, leading to the introduction of the all-steel Bodyguard in 1959. Finished in blue or nickel with case-hardened controls, and occasionally offered with a 3-inch barrel, this variant balanced compactness with improved recoil control and longevity. When Smith & Wesson adopted model numbers in 1957, the steel Bodyguard became the Model 49, remaining in production until 1996. Though its humpbacked profile was unconventional and often criticized for aesthetics, the design proved functional: the added weight improved handling, the semi-concealed hammer remained accessible, and the smooth contours made it exceptionally well-suited for pocket or concealed carry, reinforcing its reputation as a practical defensive revolver rather than a showpiece.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory-labeled S&W box and all other contents pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1154440113 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-22 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
400 |
