Philadelphia Patriot
Member
I'm thinking of picking up a 438 as a back up gun and carrying on my ankle. Anybody have any positive or negative remarks regarding the 438? Thanks!
Any positive or negative comments: 438
- Thread starter Philadelphia Patriot
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I have an Model 38 from the early '60s I picked up second hand in the '70s as a back up to my service revolver. It still shoots great and up until about a year ago was my EDC (replaced by a Ruger LCP). The 438 is a newer version and it should be a perfect CCW for you. J frame shooting is a perishable skill so save some money for range ammo.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
The Bodyguard type J-frame is ideal for Country Carry. That's when you carry in an environment where you might have the frequent opportunity to fire your gun in non-self-defense situations. Like outside of city limits, to protect live stock or bag a small animal for it's pelt or for the pot. Or just plinking for fun.
That's when the single action cockable hammer comes into play. To take longer distance slowly aimed shots. It does this, plus it's still a great every day carry gun even without the Country Carry aspects.
That's when the single action cockable hammer comes into play. To take longer distance slowly aimed shots. It does this, plus it's still a great every day carry gun even without the Country Carry aspects.
Blackshirt
Member
It's true. I have a small farm and carry my 638 with me all the time. The rodents at the stable hate that thing!
lefty_jake
Member
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I own a model 438. When I bought it, I really liked the bodyguard style. I thought it was a great compromise of having a snag free design while maintaining the option for single action.
However, now that I have owned one for a while, I think all the bodyguard revolvers have a disadvantage which is not frequently mentioned. It is very difficult to decock these revolvers safely.
I was taught that if you have cocked a revolver, and then you decide not to fire, that you place your off hand thumb in front of the hammer, before you lower the hammer with your strong hand thumb. That way if you lose control of the hammer, it still cannot drop. With the bodyguard style hammers, you cannot place your thumb in front of the hammer. And it is difficult to get a firm grip on the hammer to control it while decocking.
Because of this design, I believe a bodyguard revolver should only be cocked in circumstances where it will definitely be fired. I almost always use my 438 in double action mode, and I now think the DAO 442 is better for most uses. The enclosed frame of the 442 really helps to keep dirt out of the revolver. A lot of dust and pocket lint can collect in the hammer shroud area of a 438.
With all of that said, I think a 438 might still have advantages in open country or for animal related problems. But I am not as excited about the bodyguard style revolvers as I once was.
However, now that I have owned one for a while, I think all the bodyguard revolvers have a disadvantage which is not frequently mentioned. It is very difficult to decock these revolvers safely.
I was taught that if you have cocked a revolver, and then you decide not to fire, that you place your off hand thumb in front of the hammer, before you lower the hammer with your strong hand thumb. That way if you lose control of the hammer, it still cannot drop. With the bodyguard style hammers, you cannot place your thumb in front of the hammer. And it is difficult to get a firm grip on the hammer to control it while decocking.
Because of this design, I believe a bodyguard revolver should only be cocked in circumstances where it will definitely be fired. I almost always use my 438 in double action mode, and I now think the DAO 442 is better for most uses. The enclosed frame of the 442 really helps to keep dirt out of the revolver. A lot of dust and pocket lint can collect in the hammer shroud area of a 438.
With all of that said, I think a 438 might still have advantages in open country or for animal related problems. But I am not as excited about the bodyguard style revolvers as I once was.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
They are harder to decock. Just remember to always take your finger off the trigger the instant you trip the hammer. (Practice this and it will become second nature). Once you remove your finger the internal hammer block safety comes into play. As long as your finger is off the trigger the hammer can smash forward with its full force and it will never touch the firing pin. Even knowing that, it's always wise to slowly lower the hammer.
The 438 is my every day carry gun, had it for about 3 years,
and never had a problem. Have mine set up with crimson trace
grips.
and never had a problem. Have mine set up with crimson trace
grips.
