Has the 438 been discontinued?

GeorgeH · #1 07-06-2012, 11:14 PM

I noticed that the 438 is no longer shown as a current model. What gives?

photoman · #2 07-07-2012, 12:57 PM

That model had the lock, nobody bought them so S&W no longer makes them. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

slabside2 · #3 07-07-2012, 03:01 PM

Yea I was wondering that too??

GeorgeH · #4 07-08-2012, 02:10 PM

But the 638 is still listed as a current model. It too has a lock. I wouldn't have thought that the natural aluminum color would be more popular.

DeeBee · #5 07-08-2012, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeH

But the 638 is still listed as a current model. It too has a lock. I wouldn't have thought that the natural aluminum color would be more popular.

For some odd reason, the silver 638, is more popular

For the life of me I don't know why?

cometpx4 · #6 07-08-2012, 06:29 PM

I picked one up about a year ago as i had the feeling they wouldn't last. its the best j frame i own, and i carry it every day.
I am not positive about this, but just from the looks of the design, it seems as if manufacturing a 438/638 would be more costly than the hammerless/hammer equivalent . It just seems like the hammer channel area is more complicated to make.
anyone know if this is the case?

Old cop · #7 07-08-2012, 07:21 PM

I own a Model 38 no dash flat latch I picked up second hand back in the early '70's. I used it as a back-up to my duty weapon as well as an off-duty gun. It still sees service as a ccw rotation in my EDC now that I'm retired. IMHO it is one of the best J's ever produced.

STCM(SW) · #8 07-08-2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old cop

I own a Model 38 no dash flat latch I picked up second hand back in the early '70's. I used it as a back-up to my duty weapon as well as an off-duty gun. It still sees service as a ccw rotation in my EDC now that I'm retired. IMHO it is one of the best J's ever produced.

Mine is a few years earlyer then that(1952) But agree....

Nframe_is_no1 · #9 07-08-2012, 07:32 PM

I picked up a 438 earlier this year. I like the light weight combined with the no snag design but ability to still fire single action. I also like the black color as opposed to the natural stainless/aluminum color of the 638. I guess I will have to get a 638 if I ever have to replace it.

GeorgeH · #10 07-08-2012, 10:38 PM

I got the 438 because of the color. I put the DeSantis Grip Clip on mine to carry without a holster. I am really surprised. It is by far the best J frame that I have ever owned. I am not ainternal lock fan, but I do love this gun.

HDFLHRC08 · #11 07-10-2012, 01:42 PM

I also bought my 438 because of the color. After much research I went to the gun show with the intent of purchasing a 638 but was intrigued by the look of the 438 on display. I went back and forth between the fraternal twins for awhile but could not refuse the 438 since it offered me all of the features that had drawn me to the 638 and also promised to be better at hiding in the shadows when used for concealed carry which is its primary purpose.