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 Chief's Special Airweight. But the Chief’s Special and Airweight had one hang-up, literally. Chief’s Special had one hang-up, literally. The hammer had a nasty habit of snagging on clothing when the gun was drawn.

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 & Wesson dubbed this innovative variation the Bodyguard (setting the precedent for S&W’s current concealed-hammer Bodyguard revolver).
This model 49 remains in 95% or better condition with original checkered Walnut grips numbered to the gun. A Small, powerful,no-snag pocket gun that this shooter loves. Gun has faint inscription on front of grip strap.
Mn buyer needs Mn state ID and permit.Buyer residing outside of Mn pays $30 shipping to local FFL for transfer.