I was wondering if there was any difference between these two guns, after looking at the smith and wesson website the only thing I could tell was the finish of the gun was different, and that the 638 was a bit cheaper price wise is there something im missing here or is that it?
638 vs 438
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Cujohunter
Member
From what I gather,the only difference is the finish.
Frankly, it's hard to keep track of the growing variations of models. The 438 black is an anodized finish, whereas the 638 has the silver painted finish. Also, the 438 has a stainless cylinder but I'm not sure about the 638. It may have the carbon steel cylinder but it isn't specified on the tech sheet.
Dan
Dan
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corky52
Member
I believe only the finish is different. I have a 438 and its cousin,
a 642. Same pedigree. Barrels and cylinders are stainless, frames alloy. One black one silver. I love diversity! ;-),and a joy to carry!
a 642. Same pedigree. Barrels and cylinders are stainless, frames alloy. One black one silver. I love diversity! ;-),and a joy to carry!
photoman
Member
I think, but am not 100% sure, the 438 has a Melonited (similar to Tenifer) stainless cylinder and barrel.
corky52
Member
You may be/probably are right. Now that I look at it, the 438's finish looks and feels pretty much like the finish on my M&P auto. That is Melonite, and listed as such in the specs. I can't find it stated anywhere on Smith's website but it sure looks and feels like the M&P's finish. The barrel and cylinder are listed as stainless, they'd probably use the same process as on the M&P to make a black stainless gun. Just my .02
have any of you had experience with the 438, ive been jonesing for one for a while now, although i love my model 36, when i practice with a holster the hammer tends to get caught.. also wondering what the recoil is like since its a good 8 ounces lighter than the 36..
corky52
Member
I carry a 438 Bodyguard AirWeight with rosewood panels and a T Grip every day I can. Mostly IWB, sometimes pocket, rarely ankle. It's so comfortable, I forget I'm carrying it. I sometimes switch off with a 642, Centennial Airweight in silver trim. The wife gets ticked though. That one has become "HER" gun!
Recoil? Not bad. A bit stout with +P, but if the juices were flowing, I suspect that it wouldn't be noticed. I carry with either Speer 135 gr +P GDHP-SB or Remington +P LSWCHP. When practicing at the range, I pretty much shoot .38 wadcutters. Both for price considerations and for recoil. While the recoil of +P rounds tolerable, I don't think I want to go through 50 or 100 at a clip. Then, there is the price of the +P rounds. Obviously, wadcutter target ammo is much cheaper. I do finish up with at least one cylinder of the +P rounds though.
On a side note, a friend just bought a M&P 340 .357Mag. Hopefully I'll get a chance to shoot that tomorrow. At 13.5 ounces or so, that should put things in perspective, recoil wise! It should be a real hoot!
I do like AirWeights! Right now I'm looking at acquiring a Model 12 K frame 4" barrel. Not J frame, or +P, but a cool revolver. I think it's habit forming! ;-)
Corky52
In line for the re-education camps.
thanks for the reply, everything you mentioned were things i was curious about, i think i might have to pick up a 438 pretty soon
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