I picked up a new 638 at a shop this weekend from a FFL dealer. I pulled it out of the box & fit and finish look very nice. The double action pull is typical for a standard J frame how ever the hammer is difficult to cock. Is this typical or should I send it back to S&W for service? The revolver was dry and not lubricated.

If it’s dry try a single drop of oil down the hammer channel then dry fire several times to work the oil in. I’d take it to the range next to see how it functions then call CS if it’s still giving you a problem.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Is the hammer difficult to cock because it is hard to get more than the skin of your thumb on it or is it a different reason?

non 638

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065

IMO this is next to impossible to answer without having the gun here! What one person deems "hard" might not be to someone else. Your theory about having very little to grab with your thumb is a possibility, but again, it is very subjective.

I do not own this particular model but have shot them in the past. I don't remember them being much different than a standard M36/60.

If this is a problem then I'd have a competent GS look at it. There could be something binding or it might be a candidate and benefit from a smoothing out and spring change. Before doing anything, I'd shoot it at least 100 rounds.

It locks up tight & double action is heavy but pretty smooth. I don’t have an issue w/ that on a carry gun. I’ll give it a drop of CLP.

All of the Bodyguard J frames I've owned have been difficult to cock into single action because of the small nub of the hammer that is exposed. Just the nature of that particular design. Lighter springs help but then that can create a whole new set of problems.

__________________
Centennial Every Day

Well,

I have one that is a few years old and have never tried to shoot in in Single Action. I only shoot mine in DA. Put a few hundred rounds down range and use some CLP or other lubricant of choice and you should see a difference.

Drop of oil smoothed out the double action pull, but did not help w/ difficult single action cocking. Not much hammer to get hold of just might be the problem.

My LGS says not too many people that come in to their shop can cock those hammers. They were amazed how easy I could. I told them I was used to working with tools all day long for 45 years not sitting behind a desk selling troll dolls.

They're difficult to cock because of design; very little exposed metal to get your thumb on. With some practice, you'll get used to it.

Mine cocks easy, but it isnt like a regular hammer. Takes practice!

Attached Images

20171215_142917.jpg (73.6 KB, 58 views)

There was a 638 in the showcase of my LGS. I was considering buying it to supplement my present 638. However, there was a definite hitch in SA cocking, as though there was an impediment of some sort, perhaps a burr. The hammer could be forced back past that rough spot, but that should be unnecessary. I passed on it.

Have a 'smith inspect it or send it back to the mother ship. In my experience, issues like this do not respond to firing, i.e., having the parts wear in. YMMV.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

When I first got my 642 (internal hammer version) The trigger was smooth, but heavy. The whole gun was "tight". I picked up a small can of Rem-oil and using the little red tube I shot lube up under the trigger, inside the frame where the hand is. Took off the grips and shot oil up into the internals, shook off the excess and shot the heck out of it.

400 rounds later it's much smoother & more enjoyable to shoot.

Congrats on the new 638 JOBA! Sorry your having problems.

I have 3 bodyguard style j frames and at first, i found the hammer very difficult to operate. With practice it becomes nearly as easy as a hammer without the shroud. I would give it some lube and then some time to break in.

__________________
Useless political propaganda

It will get a little easier as time passes, but you didn't buy it to shoot single action all the time?? did you? I love my 638.

__________________
JAREDSHS
LEO(retired)

My 638 is not hard to cock. It is a bit awkward due to the minimal hammer exposure on top and the general small size of the gun. I find my range time with it is split about 60/40 double action/single action. As small and light as it is, the gun is designed for close-in work and not long range target shooting. It's lots of fun to blast away with it on silhouette targets at 7 yards!

I love the Bodyguard guns. I have two older 649s. I have thought about a 638 for a better pocket carry.