Opinions of the 638

[Springfeildkid585]

I've been looking to find a good BUG to my 1911. I've looked at the 638 and like the idea of the low profile hammer and such. I was curious as to how theory compares to practice. I'm leaning towards ankle or pocket carry for it. Thank you in advance for your input.

[rilkil23]

I'm carrying a model 637 with a bobbed hammer. I have a cheap pocket holster and typically have it in my cargo pocket of my work pants. Days off I carry it iwb in a Desantis Intruder. Really like my little wheel gun. Hornaday Critical Defense for ammo, Buffalo Bore was impossible to control and follow up shots might have taken out a helicopter or maybe my little toe.

[638great]

I feel the 638 makes great pocket carry revolver. Carrying it mostly in a pocket holster, I have yet to have the hammer catch on any part of my clothing. Once I became familiar with the trigger, it seemed I could shoot equally well in either single or double action.I like having the option.

[pdcampy]

I have a 638 and love it. I keep it loaded with Speer 135 Gn HP's which was made for the short barrels. Before I retired I qualified with it several times with no problem. It's a great carry piece and you have the option of single action should you need it. I always shoot if double action the way I was trained.

[CPO15]

I've gotten rid of five snubs over the years, just couldn't shoot them. Bought a 638 in Nov. with the intention of mastering it. Bought two more J frames since then (640 & 442); gotten to love them all, but the 638 is my favorite for pocket carry: I don't worry about the finish, it's light and doesn't snag on the draw. I did use some oversized grips for a few weeks to overcome the recoil, but am back to factory grips for carry.

I don't think you can go wrong with this gun.

[ogilvyspecial]

I pocket or ankle carry a M638 on a regular basis and love it.

If you are looking for a lightweight gun, it is that!!

[JumpinJack]

Love the gun with standard velocity ammo. Both my 638 and 38-3 are fitted with Crimson Trace LG205. The grip is wide enough to be comfortable but has the room for speed loaders.

[Minnehaha]

I love the looks of the bodyguard revolvers (I think they are the best looking of all the J Frames - they look like they mean business), and they are the most practical and functional for self defense (IMO). I have a black 438 in 38 special, and a stainless 649 in 357 mag. I love these two, and carry them both. The 638 is the more comfortable carry gun being so much lighter, and a little smaller, but you feel very safe with the 357 mag strapped on. I use either a Galco Executive shoulder holster or an El Paso OWB holster which are shared by both (sometimes I even carry both). The Bodyguards are great, you can't go wrong with them, and you get to join the club of those who appreciate the humpbacks.

[cjtraining]

I have three M638's and fifteen Bodyguards. The Bodyguard is the only frame I have carried, as a BUG, since 1968. I may sell some of my other guns, but will not sell a Bodyguard.

[allglock]

I like the bodyguard alot! But I had to make my own, to lessen the weight. I added a Ti Cyl. and lighter Hogue grips.
If they only made it without the lock.... It is my only S&W, that has one!

[Helderberg]

[IMG][/IMG]

Love mine and the only time I don't carry it is when I need to be discrete. Then I carry a .380 Bodyguard.
Frank.