638

Helderberg · #1 12-13-2011, 10:27 PM

What is your opinion of the j-frame 638? I have a 637 with the 2.25" barrel and want something with a shorter barrel.
Any help would be appreciated, I can get it new for a good price.
Be safe, Frank.

Helderberg · #2 12-14-2011, 12:31 AM

Help, please?
Frank.

Helderberg · #3 12-14-2011, 08:55 AM

Thanks Jason.
Be safe, Frank.

turbo38gn · #4 12-14-2011, 09:10 AM

Great little gun, the 638 was the 1st airweight pocket gun I bought. Very nice gun if you are looking for a pocket gun, probably one of the best choices. I also own a couple of model 60's, like them alot 2 but they are not pocket guns, one is too heavy and the other is the 3" Pro series model. All of these models are also easy to carry in the waistband with a good holster, depending on what you want it for and how you want to carry will help in making your choice... heck, buy em all!!!! I did..

oldafsp · #5 12-14-2011, 09:44 AM

i like the 638 for the fact of the shrouded hammer. The light weight and +P capability are all bonuses.

If I have to run out quickly it slips into the hip pocket perfectly.

I love mine and carry it everywhere, everyday.

photoman · #6 12-14-2011, 10:05 AM

The Bodyguard Airweights are excellent concealed carry guns. If you can get a good deal, go for it.

cjtraining · #7 12-14-2011, 02:58 PM

All of my M638s have the "plug"

Pacifico · #8 12-14-2011, 03:03 PM

Have had mine about a year. Carry it all the time,shoots well. Highly recommend it.

bamabiker · #9 12-14-2011, 03:28 PM

Mine now gets carried more than any other gun I own. Either in an IWB holster that I made or a Galco ankle glove. The light weight makes it a dream to carry.

turbo38gn · #10 12-14-2011, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjtraining

All of my M638s have the "plug"

What's the plug, is that something you stick in the end of the barrel so you don't get any pocket dust in it...

snubbiefan · #11 12-14-2011, 03:50 PM

I have a newly acquired Model 38-2. I already had a 640 and I wanted a lightweight and also desired the option of SA/DA shooting. I stumbled across a Model 38 before I got to the 638, but the same thing applies....light, single-action option and a wonderful carry piece. Lots of 38-special SD ammo out there that will fill-the-bill.

OH....BTW....the Model 38 is "lock-less".

bamabiker · #12 12-14-2011, 03:50 PM

It plugs the weep hole when you remove the internal lock.

cjtraining · #13 12-14-2011, 04:21 PM

I use compressed air to get the dust bunnies out. I used to use a patch on a rod, but they didn't like it. Notice the middle M638 above the thumb piece. The hole where I removed the lock is filled by a plug. It shows polished and I could have made it satin, but why? I have three other guns with the lock, that still have it. They are not carry guns. A forum member makes and sells them.

Double-O-Dave · #14 12-14-2011, 04:29 PM

I used to think the Model 38/49 were the ugliest revolvers S&W ever made, and could never see a need for them. Well, after breaking my (dominant) arm, I can see where an opportunity for a precise, SA shot could present itself. I searched quite a bit for a Model 38 - I have a Model 642, but it's obviously DA only, and my Model 60 is nice, but it's no (pants) pocket pistol - and I finally found a nice Model 38 no dash on GB for just under $300.00. I'll probably carry it with standard velocity wadcutters once I've had a chance to sight in the CT Lasergrip and consider it done. I thought long and hard about the 438 and 638, but I simply don't like the lock, and I do like the older S&W revolvers.

Best of luck,

Dave

turbo38gn · #15 12-14-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamabiker

It plugs the weep hole when you remove the internal lock.

Why remove the IL...?

snubbiefan · #16 12-14-2011, 06:41 PM

OH NO....here we go again. This thread could be locked if this goes much farther with an IL discussion. My advice would be to go the the main page and read the sticky on the lock and let that be it.

Dave....I use to think the Model 38 was an ugly-duckling too, but I got over it. It's a darn-good little pistol and I truly believe made out of better alloy than the new models.

turbo38gn · #17 12-14-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbiefan

OH NO....here we go again. This thread could be locked if this goes much farther with an IL discussion. My advice would be to go the the main page and read the sticky on the lock and let that be it.

.

no need to lock it....

Dump1567 · #18 12-14-2011, 07:34 PM

Nothing against the 638, but I went with the NO LOCK 642. No lock or lint issues. I don't have the SA feature, but for its intended role, I don't think I'd need it.

unsingle · #19 12-15-2011, 12:01 AM

I love my 638. It is in my jean pocket daylight to dark. I am amazed at the trigger and how accurate the little gun is. It is a handful with +p loads.

BobR1 · #20 12-15-2011, 01:28 AM

I have had mine for about 3 years now. Great pocket carry gun. I have so far not tinkered with this one. I would have normally done a trigger job on it by now. The trigger is not all that bad on the one I have. The 638 is very light weight, and carries very well. I almost never cock it, but it is nice to be able to.

Myself If I were to just belt carry an airweight S&W J Frame the 637, 638, and 642 would all work fine.

When we go to pocket carry we are down to just the 638 and 642. Between the two is a coin flip. Which one do you like best. They are both non-snag designs.

If I were to get another J Frame to replace my 638 with, it would be a 340 M&P. I consider the 340 M&P to be an improvement over the 638, mainly because of the sights.

Just My 2 Cents

Bob

Dump1567 · #21 12-15-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

If I were to get another J Frame to replace my 638 with, it would be a 340 M&P. I consider the 340 M&P to be an improvement over the 638, mainly because of the sights.

I have a 340 M&P. It's a nice gun if you intend to use .357 mag ( most won't). And the big dot is nice, but it's hard to justify when you can get two 642 no-locks for the same price.

I've often thought of selling mine and just using my 642. But all my J frames just fill a back-up roll to my G23.

bamboo29 · #22 01-02-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbiefan

OH NO....here we go again. This thread could be locked if this goes much farther with an IL discussion. My advice would be to go the the main page and read the sticky on the lock and let that be it.

Dave....I use to think the Model 38 was an ugly-duckling too, but I got over it. It's a darn-good little pistol and I truly believe made out of better alloy than the new models.

What's the Link for this?

snubbiefan · #23 01-02-2012, 04:09 PM

You can go to the section...."1980 to present" and the third sticky down is the one you may be looking for, but IL discussions are all over the forum stuck in many, many thread topics..

willepeterson7 · #24 01-10-2012, 02:42 AM

Very nice revolver for concealed carry. It was my first j-frame and it has been with me many a day. In fact the 638 was my first S&W. I carry mine in a Galco strong side hip leather holster, or a Galco IWB leather holster. It wears like a dream, its easy to forget its there because of its light weight and comfort of carry in a quality holster. Its got my nod for a best buy. I use Speer 135gr short barrel + P Gold Dots. If my wife carrys it she shoots Federal 125gr standard preasure Nyclads..