638 vs. Model 38

[Mexistrat]

Are there any major differences that cause you to prefer one over the other? I haven an affinity for older revolvers, but the 638 (sans lock) seems to be pretty close to the original.

I am considering one or the other as a CC that can be dropped in a pocket when called for.

 

[1chubbyoldguy]

A 638 is my CC of choice daily! Love it!

 

[joe44va]

In the middle is the 438, my most carried revolver.

 

[Old cop]

Mine is the flat latch Model 38 (no dash) that I got second hand in the '70s as a back up to my service Model 15. Still shoots great and although showing some "character" is one of my favorites.

 

[Rpg]

I prefer the M38. I've carried one for decades.
The 638 is built on a heavier, larger frame that I find clunky in comparison to the M38.

 

[murphydog]

There is not much difference between a later (unpinned) nickel model 38 and the 638. The latter was only made for a brief period of time around 1998 without the lock, and neither is officially + P rated. The later (J Magnum) + P rated version was introduced a few years later with the lock.

 

[Blackshirt]

It's light, affordable, easy to carry, and safely fires .38 +P...638s are great guns. The locks remove easily...

 

[STCM(SW)]

My 638 was in my front pocket since it reach 80 today...

 

[Double-O-Dave]

My EDC used to consist of a Model 642, a folding knife on my belt, and an 8 round speed strip. After I had an unfriendly incident with a pair of Boxers (dogs), and once I had pulled my head out of my backside, I changed my EDC to a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1 aka the New York Reload. These two revolvers were as close as I had to a matched pair in my collection. Both are loaded with the same, standard velocity ammo, and both are equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. Of the two, I much prefer the Model 638 as the front sight is wider than the narrower front sight of the Model 38. Additionally, the stainless steel Model 638 is preferable to me over the blued steel of the Model 38. By the way, I still carry a folding knife, and a loaded speed strip, as well as a small flashlight to complete my EDC. I will occasionally downsize to the Model 638, but only when I'm hunting in the field, where I have a long gun at hand.

Regards,

Dave

PS - here is a link to a previous post with photos of my EDC:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/138838918-post15.html

Regards,

Dave

 

[TeaDub]

I prefer the 638. My Airweight Smiths ride in a pocket much of the time. In the sauna that is the summer where I live, I prefer to have stainless steel vs the carbon steel of the model 38. I also prefer the aesthetics of stainless. YMMV.

The modern 638's are factory rated for +P. While I'm sure the older guns are fine with occasional use, having the blessings of the manufacturer, is another plus.

 

[model17]

Model 38 Bodyguard for me but you can't go wrong either way!

 

[kaaskop49]

While I am accustomed to shooting .357 snub revolvers, for some reason, I find the early Smith lightweights (Models 37, 38, 42) painful to shoot. This includes the standard velocity/pressure LRN service ammo and target wadcutters for which they were designed.

I much prefer the later generation lightweights (637, 638, 642) and my 638 has been THE choice for casino visits. I have no problem shooting 158gr LHP +P ammo in any of these later guns.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Mexistrat]

While I am accustomed to shooting .357 snub revolvers, for some reason, I find the early Smith lightweights (Models 37, 38, 42) painful to shoot. This includes the standard velocity/pressure LRN service ammo and target wadcutters for which they were designed.

I much prefer the later generation lightweights (637, 638, 642) and my 638 has been THE choice for casino visits. I have no problem shooting 158gr LHP +P ammo in any of these later guns.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Interesting. For some reason I assumed the older model would be heavier and shoot a little easier, and the new model would be lighter due to improvements in alloys and so on. I'm hearing in this thread that the opposite may be true.

 

[photoman]

The later guns have a 1/8" longer (more or less, I don't remember the exact amount) frame and cylinder making them a bit heavier.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....The later (J Magnum) + P rated version was introduced a few years later with the lock.

The M638-2 was made on the new J-Magnum frame from about 1996 to 2001. It did not have a lock. The -3 was introduced sometime after. The -3 has the lock, and today is still the current M638 dash number.

So, for about six years M638-2 were made, built on the new J-Magnum frame, that had no lock.

 

[Mexistrat]

The M638-2 was made on the new J-Magnum frame from about 1996 to 2001. It did not have a lock. The -3 was introduced sometime after. The -3 has the lock, and today is still the current M638 dash number.

So, for about six years M638-2 were made, built on the new J-Magnum frame, that had no lock.

Good info, thanks. So if I decide the lock is a deal breaker for me, I either need to search for a 638-2, or go with a M38. I don't think I've ever seen a 638 for sale that didn't have a lock.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

......I don't think I've ever seen a 638 for sale that didn't have a lock.

The -2's were not made in large numbers, but they are out there.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

I have both, a model 38 from the 70's and a new 638. I like the new one better. Out of the box the trigger was smoother and the 638 shoots point of aim. I also have a flat latch model 36, a new 442 and a 60-15. On days I don't plan on getting in a shooting, my most everyday carry is the 638. Since retiring from LE, the days I think I might get in a shooting, I stay home.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

The later guns have a 1/8" longer (more or less, I don't remember the exact amount) frame and cylinder making them a bit heavier.

The Model 638-1 were made for a short while - or so I have been told. They are built on the same sized frame (non-magnum) as the Model 38.

Regards,

Dave

 

[jaeapla]

Is there any mechanical reason to stay away from a revolver that has a lock built in, or is it just a collectibility issue? I just don't use the lock.