Couldn't pass up being able to get a humpback j frame. I had been toying with buying a 438, but saw this and decided I would jump on it instead of a 438.

Didn't have the original grips. I will be replacing these hip grips once I figure out what I want to replace them with.

Its a no dash 38, some wearing on the cylinder, couple scratches here and there, but overall feels good and solid. I'm pretty happy about it. Be happier once I get different grips on it.

Anyone able to help out with the year of production? 95J1**

The M 38 is the finest pocked pistol ever produced IMHO.

I prefer the original magnas with a T grip for stocks on these.

Congratulations!!

The "floating J" serials were around 1971-1972, if I remember correctly.

Nice looking gun.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Agreed.

Very nice Model 38.

I want to get some new grips for this. These hip grips don’t do it for me.

I really like wood, but this will probably be a working gun. I have the UM boot grips on my 640 and love them. Unfortunately I can’t find any from my searches.

Are the new grips shipped on the 642 similar to the uncle mikes? Would I be better set with a pair of the Hogue Bantam grips?

Any advise would be appreciated

I regularly carry a bodyguard and like the stock magnas with a Tyler T, Badger Boot Grips, or this super concealable grip by Ahrends.



I'll post some of the others later.



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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Nice! I saw that one today and didn't want to drive across town to buy it if you got it for the $390 OTD advertised price or better, you did just fine (even without the original grips)

I didn't call to ask but have to now, does it have a crack in the frame under the barrel? I'd stay away from the +p stuff regardless.

SVT28

No cracks. Looks to have been carried quite a bit with the hip grips but not unloaded much. Wear is only on one side of the cylinder. Looks to be loaded and carried often but not unloaded much to rotate that cylinder around. Or the owner was OCD and index same chamber each time.

The 638-3 is the closest I can get.





A very nice revolver. Fun to shoot and with the +P it packs a punch.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Following up on yesterday's post...carried this Model 38 today...IWB with. Tyler T and Barami Hip Grip.




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I used to have a nickled model 38, but traded it away years ago... Now the closet I have is my model 49 all steel version:



Dolled up with ivory grips and a Mitch Rosen sharkskin trimmed holster...

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

My Model 38 no dash has a flat latch. Anyone know why it's different from what is pictured here? FWIW I got it second hand back in the '70s as a b/u to my service Model 15. I've been told is was manufactured in the mid '60s.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Bodyguards and Models 38 (no dash) made before some point in 1966 had a flat latch. The flat latch is consistent with your info about mid-60s production.

Man. I’m liking those Tyler grip adapters. I might have to find me some with some classic panels...

I love my early (1990) 640, but my second choice in a J-frame--close second--would likely be a 49 or 649. The 640 gets the nod only because I don't want single-action capability in an up-close gun, and the fully enclosed hammer can't gather lint.

Unlike a lot of people, I don't consider the "humpbacks" ugly at all. Form and function, well blended. Actually they look pretty cool.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I like my 640. But I was eyeing something kore comfortable for the pocket. Was looking for a 442 or 438, but this popped up and couldn’t pass on it. Not the best deal, nothing to brag about, but I’m happy.

I think the 640 will keep its place as my BUG at work, but this will make a good New York reload for my 640 or my 66 if I ever get it back

I'm a big "humpback" fan. I think they're as ugly as me - and that takes some doing.
I keep a Mod. 38 w/Crimson Trace Laser by the bed (never bothered taking a picture of it).

Here's my Mod. 49 with very nice wood:






And my 44 Special Mod. 296ti Airweight:

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Jeb

I haven’t had a chance to shoot her yet. Was supposed to head into the PD range last week but got called out for a serious wreck.

I did order some classic panels for her and got my BK grip adapter in today. I’ll be posting photos tomorrow morning when I got some better light, assuming the locals can drive without crashing long enough

My brother asked me the other day to look for a CCW gun for him. By coincidence his wife's sister came up from Florida to visit and brought a gun for him, that belonged to her deceased husband. It's a Model 638 in the plastic case with all the papers, etc.. He's quite happy.

Here she is with her new grips (ignore the discoloration on the bottom of the frame on the left side. Just reflection caught in the photo)

Looks good dub. Carried one like it my whole adult life.

WILDPIG

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I ain't from around here.

Looks like a fine carry gun OP.

I have always liked these "humpback" guns, and was considering one some time ago. I really like the shrouded hammer but being able to still cock it SA.

I still favor, prefer, and use Colts because I love the action design. However, there are a ton of S&Ws I like and would love to shoot them all eventually just for fun & experience. I wish there were more revolver guys around my area to make acquaintances with. Not a good locale for fine gun collecting, my area.

Nice gun. I always wondered why they are called "humpbacks". Here is a humpback:


And this is a Hunchback:


Looks more like the second one to me...

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Nothing is more fun than shooting the BodyGuard from an old coat pocket, EXCEPT shooting two from an old coat pockets.

Use guys sure got some nice humpbacks!!!

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JAREDSHS
LEO(retired)

Put about 25 rounds through it real quick yesterday. 7 yards with RN and WC. RN grouped well in the center circle of the TQ-21 and the wadcutters in the head of the same. No issues except with some primers from some previously primed cases I had. She’s a sweet shooter. Going out on Tuesday for a real range trip and will try a few Gold Dot short barrels through it for carry

Time to fess up. I have experimented with other carry guns including some really nice autos but find that I usually carry a Bodyguard in any of a number of holsters. I know these guns are considered pretty much obsolete by many but they sure seem to work with my lifestyle. How many have had this same experience? How many feel under-gunned with a Bodyguard and two speed strips?

I have been carrying my 640 appendix for a while now. Bought an XDs to replace it. Didn’t happen. 640 with one or two speed strips is my off duty. Now I have this body guard for the pocket and will either supplement (instead of speed strip) or be my primary in picket conditions. My 66 is coming back and should be another option for appendix carry when wearing baggier clothes.

I’m just fine with a revolver for carry. And I don’t like to lug around speed loaders, but do have one on my belt at work for my BUG just in case.

Dub,

Are you active or retired law enforcement? I am always curious what L.E. Officers think about my logic or lack there of.

White Cloud

Active. Got a few more years until I could retire. My 649 is my back up at work. I shoot it better than my issues Glock most quakes. And we still have to qualify with our back ups the same as our duty guns, out to 25 yards. My 640 is my go to off duty with a couple speed strips.

If I could, I would carry a 686 or that 8 shot revolver they got now as my duty gun

Shot a qualification today. Not my best shooting. Shoots higher than I’m used to compared to the 640. But ran well.

Time to trot out my M38 again. Floating J, police surplus from Tennessee if memory serves me. 25 years in the pocket is starting to show.

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