438 score

[mike56]

Had been looking for a snubbie for the summer. Almost got a 442 no-lock on gunbroker. Was looking at 638's. Like the idea of being able to single action cock it as well. Leaning more toward the black finish. Really not bothered by the lock deal. Have a 29-10 with it and have no issues even with stout handloads.
Anyway, walked into a local shop and saw the new/old stock 438. $400.

When did they stop making/cataloguing them?

 

[Kingspoke]

Had been looking for a snubbie for the summer. Almost got a 442 no-lock on gunbroker.
Anyway, walked into a local shop and saw the new/old stock 438. $400.

When did they stop making/cataloguing them?

2009-2011 were the production years.

 

[NOTREDAME]

Great little gun, been carrying mine for 4 years. It keeps me from
having to carry my model 38 or 49.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

What's the serial number? From that we could determine the ship date. See how old it really is.

 

[mike56]

Just put a deposit down. Will pick it up tomorrow.

Only 1 on gunbroker, used, for 500+ so I'm feeling pretty good. I can tell mom it's an investment and not be fibbing!!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a 49 no dash, some one "Metal Life" refinished it. That is a Teflon type of finish. When they did the gun, they coated the inner surfaces as well. The double action is so smooth (when no gummed up with pocket lint & dust) you would think a half power hammer spring had been used, but no it is full power. One of the most difficult shots of my life was in my 32 year war with raccoons, I had one in the crotch of a 4+ inch tree limb all I can see or get at is a fist sized face. He is 35 to 40 feet straight up above me in twilight; cock hammer, aim, squeeze; Equals one very dead raccoon!

I bought a 638 with lock, unused from a friend, I didn't like the trigger at all. I ended up selling it quick! The next owner didn't know the difference, and loved the gun!

Ivan

 

[mike56]

With snubbies, my usual action job is open it up, add a little mil-tec and some graphite. Then dry fire the snot out of it. It's not a target gun.

Great shot by the way!

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congrats!!

 

[ShivasIrons]

Love the Bodyguards! My 638 is with me every day.

 

[shouldazagged]

I have a 49 no dash, some one "Metal Life" refinished it. That is a Teflon type of finish. When they did the gun, they coated the inner surfaces as well. The double action is so smooth (when not gummed up with pocket lint & dust) you would think a half power hammer spring had been used, but no it is full power.

That's my only objection to the humpback models, though personally I don't feel a need for the single action option. I like a fully concealed hammer, but a 49 or 649 would be my second choice for a pocket gun.