I was able to get a nice 638-3 at a discount (store closing) for carry purposes. I've always carried with an empty chamber. A couple of guys at the range told me i could carry on a loaded chamber (I've never heard that before). Are they correct? Is it safe?

Since WWII S&W has incorporated a hammer block that prevents the hammer from reaching the firing pin (frame mounted pin) or the pin from reaching the primer (Hammer mounted FP) unless the trigger is pulled. Perfectly safe to carry a loaded round under the hammer.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

PS: If this is a used gun, best to check that someone has not removed the hammer block in pursuit of a lighter trigger pull.

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NRA Benefactor Member

My EDC consists of a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1 both fully loaded with standard velocity .38 Special ammo, and a fully loaded 8 round speed strip in a small nylon carrier on my belt. Do whatever makes you comfortable, but I've carried both of mine fully loaded for many years without any problems.

Regards,

Dave

I CC my M638-3 with all chambers loaded & the hammer is well covered by the frame.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Thanks guys. Sounds like I am safe for all rounds. It's a new gun, everything should be in place.

Any suggestions on your favorite inside the wasteband holster for a 638?

The only modern revolvers you cannot safely carry with all chambers loaded are, as far as I am aware, replicas of Old West SAA "Peacemakers" and similar guns. And even a lot of those are now safe to load six, like the Berettas and Rugers that use transfer bars. Modern double action revolvers can always be loaded completely; the hammer block removes the risk totally and that includes the guns with the firing pin on the hammer, not just the new ones with the internal firing pins.

If you are carrying a J frame I would recommend a good pocket holster but if you must carry it IWB the best choice is a Summer Comfort-style from Milt Sparks, Galco, El Paso Saddlery, or other quality holster makers, like some of the guys on this Forum, e.g. Barranti, Dave Workman, Lobo Gun Leather, etc.

I'm too fat to carry IWB. In my opinion, the Model 38 and its offspring (Model 438 and 638) excel in the pocket - pants, coat, and or jacket. I like and use the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holsters. Some people like the Remora brand holsters that can be used as an IWB holster, and depending on your pocket size, also as a pocket holster. By the way, primarily for safety reasons, most folks always use a pocket holster for pocket carry. I strongly advise against having anything else in the pocket with the revolver if you choose to carry in that manner.

For belt carry, I like the Bianchi 55L Lightning holster, or the Galco Combat Master.

Good luck,

Dave

While not for everyone, I carried a satin nickel 638 with only a Barami Hip Grip for nearly 10 years, with nary a problem. I was more inclined to clean it often back then, which everyday carry in that fashion calls for. However I got the hots for a semi-auto and eventually (like an idiot) sold that rascal. Sure wish I had it back now, it was a shooter.

I think if I carried one today, I'd have to try an Alien Gear holster, like I use now for a Shield. The hip grip, and Desantis's clip grip are more less designed for occasional use I think. I still have those grips, and a Desantis, and from time to time use them to slip a j frame in my britches for a short run to the store. It's a very comfortable way to carry for me, and I never had to buy a larger belt to accommodate a holster.

I like the Andrew's McDaniel II. Takes the belt loop off the cylinder which makes for a more compact package.

Andrews Leather Exotic Skins Catalog

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

I pocket carry mine. You're good to go with five rounds in your 638-3.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

5 is good to go pard... never leave home without it.

Thanks guys...I need to go "holster shopping".

For OWB J-frame carry under a Hawaiian shirt, I use a Don Hume JIT slide, lately more crossdraw with my 2 inch Model 12-2 strong side in a Bucheimer Concealer. I have a lot of Hawaiian shirts.😎

Sent from my QTAQZ3 using Tapatalk

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I just use a sort of cheapy Galco. AIWB. It works really well.



My friend let me shoot his 638 the other day and I'm jealous. His trigger is factory and seemed smoother and lighter than my 442's trigger. (double action)

That carry on an empty chamber I believe from the day's of the single action handguns. If the hammer was banged on them there would be a discharge if there was a bullet in all six chambers. I always carried with an empty chamber even with the later model SA guns. These days I carry a semi auto so there is no worry as I see it with the new modern guns. Then I'm too old to worry about it......

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Nam '66-67