Bosquebass
Well-known member
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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Model 438 still in production?***Update W/Pics***
- Thread starter Bosquebass
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ridgewalker
Well-known member
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.
photoman
Well-known member
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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tincan sailor
New member
tincan sailor
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.
Proud to be a tincan sailor. USS Noa 1966-1968
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.
Proud to be a tincan sailor. USS Noa 1966-1968
OP
Bosquebass
Well-known member
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.
photoman
Well-known member
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.
OP
Bosquebass
Well-known member
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.
When it gets here I'll post a few pics.
photoman
Well-known member
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.
OP
Bosquebass
Well-known member
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 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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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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Bosquebass
Well-known member
I am no great resurcher or S&W Historian. The SKU no says 2011. Who knows
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.
ridgewalker
Well-known member
Great gun. Enjoy it.
I wish they made a no lock version like some of the other J frames.
I wish they made a no lock version like some of the other J frames.
photoman
Well-known member
OP
Bosquebass
Well-known member
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.
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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