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03-20-2023, 01:32 PM
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S&W Model 638-3 Airweight
Here's a couple of photos of my carry gun; a S&W Model 638-3 that I purchased about five years ago. These are great little guns, but the Airweight is a real bear with +P .38 Specials. I'm thinking that .38 wadcutters would be much better in a revolver like this. Right now I load it up with Sellier & Bellot 140 grain Cowboy loads which have proven reliable and fairly easy to shoot double action. I've always liked the old S&W Bodyguard humpback style with the shrouded hammer. I guess this is the modern version. Thanks for looking.
Last edited by TJm15.38; 03-20-2023 at 01:47 PM.
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03-20-2023, 02:00 PM
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Recoil is a relative thing; I think there is little difference in felt recoil between mild loads and stout ones in the 638. To me, they all kick. I have a number of older J-frames, some I've had more than forty years. The 638 is more accurate than any of the older ones (maybe it's the lock). I generally shoot at 25 yards using single-action.
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03-20-2023, 02:24 PM
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That was my first carry gun. Sold for reasons I no longer remember. Which I tend to do with J frames for some reason. Never seem to keep them very long.
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03-20-2023, 02:52 PM
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Using target, wad cutter ammo is a great idea.
Not only does it encourage practice while not beating you up: it’s great self defense ammo. Creates a great wound canal and it’s easy to develop great accuracy.
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03-20-2023, 03:20 PM
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I put softer grips on mine. It’s easier to practice with and still fits my pockets. I practice with standard 130 GR. And carry the street proven Speer Gold Dot 135gr. +P 38
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Last edited by haywood; 03-20-2023 at 04:15 PM.
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03-20-2023, 04:17 PM
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Hornady makes a Lite version of Critical Defense for light revolvers like the 638.
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03-23-2023, 07:28 AM
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The 638-3 is a great carry gun. I have several of these modern production J frames, lock, MIM parts, etc. No problems at all. In fact, they've been super reliable. Thousands of rounds down range with a 442-2 and many hundreds with the others. The finish is durable (enough) and wear and tear is only cosmetic. No rust. Good stuff.
For carry ammo, I like the Speer Golt Dot 135 gr HP or any of the 158 gr. LSWCHP rounds, e.g. Remington, Buffalo Bore, etc.
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