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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 10-08-2017, 07:24 PM
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What years was the model 438 manufactured? When were they discontinued? I have a line on one in nice condition and I was wondering how old it could be.
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Old 10-08-2017, 08:08 PM
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I think the 438 is being currently produced by Smith. I can find it for sale new online. That's a sweet gun. Go ahead and buy it.
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Old 10-09-2017, 06:47 PM
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Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition says it was made 2009-2011
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Old 10-09-2017, 07:12 PM
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I recently bought a new one as there are still some new old stock online. It was $319 shipped. Nice gun.
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Old 10-09-2017, 07:44 PM
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My 438 was made 6/2014 and purchased 8/2016. I figure mine is new old stock. So it seems that 2014 may be the last year they were made.

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Old 10-10-2017, 10:19 AM
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Quote:
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I recently bought a new one as there are still some new old stock online. It was $319 shipped. Nice gun.
Do you like it? How does it measure up quality-wise?
I've wanted a Bodyguard for years and the matte black finish on the 438 looks good to me. I'm hoping it will prove to be longer lasting than the "silver" finish that was on a 637 I had.
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Old 10-10-2017, 11:19 PM
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So far so good but the black finish is a bit delicate. It easily "mars" or shows scrapes (not all the way through the finish) and I haven't figured out how to get rid of them (if possible). I don't worry too much about it though as this will be a carry gun and mine usually get beat up looking quick. The gun does tend to shoot left but I'm trying some different grips and ammo to see if I can find a combo that hits to point of aim.
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Old 10-11-2017, 04:53 PM
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Well I went ahead and ordered one at $319 bucks. It should be here in the next week or so. Now I need to order some nice grips for it. The rubber boot grips Smith uses now just don't fit me too well.
When it gets here I'll post a few pics.
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Old 10-12-2017, 09:57 AM
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I think you'll like it! I installed Wolff springs in mine (8# hammer; 14# trigger) and it made a world of difference. So far, with about 400 rounds downrange (six or seven different brands), 100% reliable ignition. I also painted the front sight bright orange with some Testors model paint.
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Old 10-19-2017, 04:27 PM
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I got my new 438 today and it looks like instead of being an old stock gun this gun was made earlier this year. The 438 isn't listed on Smith's website and from all I've found out they haven't been made for a few years.

I put a set of Altamonts on it to replace the "rubber boots" and I'm going to go to the range tomorrow if I can. The gun has a nice trigger and I expect that it will shoot pretty well.
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Old 10-19-2017, 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Bosquebass View Post
I got my new 438 today and it looks like instead of being an old stock gun this gun was made earlier this year. The 438 isn't listed on Smith's website and from all I've found out they haven't been made for a few years.

I put a set of Altamonts on it to replace the "rubber boots" and I'm going to go to the range tomorrow if I can. The gun has a nice trigger and I expect that it will shoot pretty well.
I am no great resurcher or S&W Historian. The SKU no says 2011. Who knows🤷‍♂️. I couldn’t find the DDH serial no. In the S&W Catalog #4. You could always call Smith and ask what’s up.
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Old 10-19-2017, 05:51 PM
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Quote:
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I am no great resurcher or S&W Historian. The SKU no says 2011. Who knows🤷‍♂️. I couldn’t find the DDH serial no. In the S&W Catalog #4. You could always call Smith and ask what’s up.
I'll be honest in that I don't know how to read the SKU.
I was thinking that the 050817 on the box was the production date. May 8th of 2017.
I do know this and that is the owners manual revision date is 121516. And the copyright date on it is 2016.
Another mystery.
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Old 10-20-2017, 01:36 PM
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Great gun. Enjoy it.
I wish they made a no lock version like some of the other J frames.
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Old 10-20-2017, 10:01 PM
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Great gun. I've owned two. I just bought a model 38... wanted the original.

Where did you find the 438 for $319?
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Old 10-20-2017, 10:24 PM
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Guns Midwest | Overland Park, KS | Smith & Wesson 438 Bodyguard 38spc+p 1-7/8"
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Old 10-20-2017, 11:12 PM
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Went to the indoor range this afternoon and fired a few rounds with the 438. This is the last 9 rounds on a new target and I fired these SA. The last 4 in the center were with me leaning on the dividing wall to steady myself. Getting old and wobbly really sucks.
All in all I really like the gun. No flaws of any kind that I can find and it shoots as well or better than expected. DA trigger pull is a little on the heavy side at 10+ but the SA pull is right on at a little over 3. Maybe I'll put a spring kit in it before too long.
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