|
|
12-28-2011, 03:48 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
Ordered a New Model 638
I ordered a model 638 thinking it would serve well as a carry gun and pocket gun. I hope I was right.
I would like any feed back members may have for me, good or bad. I would also like recommendations as to the best ammo for the purpose of self defense in this short barreled 38 special.
|
12-28-2011, 04:25 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Kettering, OH
Posts: 303
Likes: 225
Liked 97 Times in 53 Posts
|
|
The model 638 should serve you well. As far as ammo there are a lot of good choices and everyone seems to have their own preference....I think you will need to make that decision based on what works best for you!
Good Luck!
|
12-28-2011, 04:26 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: People's Republic of NJ
Posts: 856
Likes: 8
Liked 88 Times in 66 Posts
|
|
I've been thinking about a 442 or an lcr, hard to beat the Speer 135 gr sb loads.
|
12-28-2011, 04:37 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Del Aware
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 523
Liked 1,042 Times in 304 Posts
|
|
The 638 was my first SW purchase - just about 3 years ago - since then I have added many more (thanks to this forum - fair warning!)
I use Rem UMC 130g at the range and Speer GDHP 125g in the pocket. No problems with either and the gun has been perfect.
Here's a pic of mine:
__________________
Lou
|
12-28-2011, 05:03 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,656
Likes: 1,362
Liked 1,371 Times in 699 Posts
|
|
Bolt Man, you just had to say something didn't you...
I've been kickin' the idea of a 638 around for about a month now and your thread may knock me off the fence.
I already have a 649-3, which is the all stainless .357 mag version of the 638, that I feel is too heavy for pocket carry so I've been relying on my 642 for that role.
I really like the 649-3, other than the weight issue, which is why I've had my sights on the 638......
There are a lot of good ammo choices out there so it basically comes down to personal preference.
I tend to go with Buffalo Bore myself when it comes to self defense but also like the Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. "short barrel" round in the smaller, lighter J-Frames.
|
12-28-2011, 05:47 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Near Birmingham
Posts: 7,185
Likes: 4,881
Liked 8,235 Times in 2,168 Posts
|
|
I carry mine more than any other gun. In a pocket, IWB holster or in a Galco ankle glove. It works very well.
|
12-28-2011, 08:20 PM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Indy
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
Liked 109 Times in 53 Posts
|
|
Airweight Bodyguard is a -P-E-R-F-E-C-T- pocket gun.
|
12-28-2011, 09:02 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 574
Likes: 1,800
Liked 465 Times in 148 Posts
|
|
[IMG] [/IMG]
I bought the 637 2.5" barrel first then the 638 snub. The 638 has not left my side, it is a great pocket or iwb carry. The fact that you can draw from concealment without having the hammer snag and yet be able to single action if needed makes this the perfect, to me, carry gun.
Be safe, Frank.
|
12-28-2011, 09:36 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 4,162
Likes: 341
Liked 3,944 Times in 1,494 Posts
|
|
Not a Model 638, but I just got back from the range after shooting my newly acquired Model 38 no dash. 148gr. mid-range wadcutters are a pussycat to shoot out of this Air Weight. I believe this is what I'll carry in the piece when I slip it into my pocket.
Best of luck,
Dave
|
12-28-2011, 10:55 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: I Can See The Alamo
Posts: 556
Likes: 303
Liked 372 Times in 188 Posts
|
|
No doubt that a 638 is a sweet piece for pocket carry. I found a couple of caveats, though.
I carried a (non-lightweight) M36 or M38 for many years so I was no stranger to J frames and it was love at first sight when I saw a M638. The light weight and stainless construction seemed the answer to my prayers. However, this one pointed one direction and shot another (and, of course, the sights are not adjustable). On top of that it was the first gun I've ever fired which I found the recoil objectionable. Not recoil per se, it is like snapping the palm of my hand with a large rubber band. Very different from a steel M36 or M38.
I solved the sight problem by adding a Crimson Trace lasergrip and I found my marksmanship actually improved over the iron sighted M36 and it also slightly tamed the sting.
The 638 is my first choice for pocket carry, but the M36 gets the range time.
|
12-28-2011, 11:31 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 377
Likes: 489
Liked 168 Times in 67 Posts
|
|
You did good. In my opinion there is not a finer J Frame than the Bodyguard. I have three M638's. I have removed the locks from all three of mine and installed a plug in the lock hole. The picture shows two w/ boot grips. I have replaced them w/ magnas.
Last edited by cjtraining; 12-30-2011 at 07:24 AM.
|
12-28-2011, 11:33 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 377
Likes: 489
Liked 168 Times in 67 Posts
|
|
bamabiker yours looks good with the polished barrel and cylinder. Almost like a pinto.
|
12-29-2011, 09:54 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cornfield County TN
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 6
Liked 55 Times in 23 Posts
|
|
I've carried a 638 for over 10 years, in a Kramer horsehide pocket holster.
I don't know that I carry the best ammo, but I carry Remington 158 gr LSWCHP +P and practice with wadcutter reloads.
__________________
VIVERE MILITARE EST
|
12-29-2011, 12:55 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: arkansas
Posts: 236
Likes: 4
Liked 15 Times in 11 Posts
|
|
The very best pocket gun IMO. Added a set of C T laser grips 105 for carry and a set of Pachmayr compac grips for extended range practice.
|
12-29-2011, 01:42 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
Thanks for the great feedback and pictures.
I look forward to shooting the 638.
I see some 638 shooters have found some Hogue grips soften the sharp recoil enough to make shooting factory ammo less uncomfortable. Have any of you tried these grips and if so what model?
|
12-30-2011, 02:56 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 115
Likes: 18
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
|
|
Research this one: CorBon DPX .38 Special +P. It seems to be the best combination of reliable penetration/expansion--consistent expansion through any penetrable barrier. The only negative you will find with this cartridge is price. Lots of knowledgable, analytical guys on this board use them for defense. There are other very good choices.
|
12-31-2011, 10:34 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tulsa Oklahoma
Posts: 323
Likes: 147
Liked 188 Times in 86 Posts
|
|
Have carried mine for the last 3 years either in a bianchi minimalist or uncle mikes pocket holster. Load with standard velocity hollow points. Carries and shoots like a dream! Great choice!
|
01-02-2012, 07:03 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Grand Ridge, Fl.
Posts: 31
Likes: 10
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
My 638 was bought new for the purpose of pocket carry everyday and for a working tool. With a little maintenance/cleaning every-once in a while, a little practice from time to time and common sense, it is the best pocket pistol a man could carry for work and play. Mine looks like the devil with scratches and mares from my knife and keys but that gives it character. And it has never give me a minutes trouble even in worse
than bad conditions. Hollow-point +p's are my working loads but practice is just anything spare laying around , and 125gr. is my favorite, it doesn't seem to mind much what ever within 12 to 15 yards. Not to say I don't carry a larger or extra gun if the occasion may call for a reload or special purpose but this 638 is enough for anything I can see me needing, here in NW Fla.
|
01-02-2012, 08:25 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,656
Likes: 1,362
Liked 1,371 Times in 699 Posts
|
|
All ya'll are killing me here. Just when I convince myself that since I have a 36-2, 642 & 649-3, not to mention a 632-1, that I really don't need a 638 another post pops up and starts the "I want one" cycle all over again.
For that I thank you......
|
01-03-2012, 12:58 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Wilmington NC
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
I woulkd reccomend the blue model if possible. I have both the satin 642 and 638 and found the finish to be sub par. I wore the finish off my 638 in 2 years and sent it out to have it coated. This coating is no joke and really lasts and protects the gun in a salt water environment.
I love the 638 for a EDC gun.
The pics appear to come out forest green but it is more a OD green color, and its dirty right out of my pocket.
|
01-04-2012, 09:12 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,808
Likes: 4,240
Liked 15,203 Times in 4,161 Posts
|
|
Excellent choice. I have a Model 38 flat latch from 1962 that still shoots great. I carry the CorBox DPX 110 gr. +P.
|
01-05-2012, 01:27 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,656
Likes: 1,362
Liked 1,371 Times in 699 Posts
|
|
I haven't fired my new 638-3 yet, which came in a cardboard box for those interested in such things, but will do so just as soon as my BK Grips Adapter(s) show up.
The wait will give my front sight paint job time to dry so it's all good.
|
01-06-2012, 09:54 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: America
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 17
Liked 775 Times in 378 Posts
|
|
I went to gunshow with my youngest son on New Year's day. Just for the old man the deal of the day was nice 38-2 for $275. I went there looking to add another model 49 to the small herd. There were none to be had..and then this model 38 without a lock winked at me. Even though I almost fell for a 3" model 36, I came home with the 38-2. Low miles, good shape and pre-lock. Much more sexy than the next generation J frame. Does this mean I am now an old curmudgeon?
__________________
The American dream is alive
|
|
Tags
|
442, 632, 637, 642, 649, airweight, bianchi, bodyguard, cartridge, crimson, galco, horsehide, j frame, kramer, lock, m36, marksmanship, model 63, pachmayr, pinto, remington, snubnose, umc, wadcutter |
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|