Finally: 638-3 at a good price

[Redcoat3340]

Just "won" a 638-3 (mislabled by Summit on the big auction site as 683-3) for $290. I've been patient but Summit has had these most every week starting out at a penny and I think I did okay.

A while back I was looking for a new direction to explore in terms of what I could "hunt" for at a good price. Someone here suggested J-frames and off I went. So now, in addition to the 642 PC I've had for years, I have a shooter grade 36 (awaiting new springs from Wolff) and this 638, which could get new springs as well.

There's still a few Js online that I am looking at, but I think I've done enough gun buying for the season (I'm waiting out the WA state 10 day waiting period on a model 59.)

I know prices are way high these days, but if one is patient and chooses well, there are still guns that are both good and affordable. (The 59 was $311 but after looking at it I'm not sure about the barrell...it either needs a hard cleaning or is ugh. The seller says it's in "Great" condition I gotta wait 'till I can get it home and start scrubbing to verify that.)

I'm looking forward to this new addition, and from what I've read here it may replace my 642 as a regular pocket carry for when I wear jeans (which is most of the time as a retired guy.)

Anyone with any thoughts on these, please chime in.

 

[max503]

They are nice but they aren't bomb-proof. I shot one loose with wadcutters.

 

[TJm15.38]

I like the 638-3; carried a lot and shot some. I don't shoot +P stuff in mine.

 

[Beauetienne]

That's a great design in a J frame.

 

[Cotis]

I think you did great! I also think I would have bid against you if I had known about this ��

 

[Banjo 10-79]

I have one and I’ve shot the hell out of it. Finish/clear coat looked terrible after only a year or less so I stripped it off. It was carried on duty as a back up and off duty so it’s no safe queen. Mine sports the worthless lock I loathe but it’s never failed to go bang. I should shoot it tomorrow.

 

[Retired W4]

I do love a Bodyguard. Owned at least one going back to the mid 1970's. My latest acquisition is this satin electroless nickel without the Airweight markings. Don't like to use the "R" word, but it's a variation of the Bodygaurd line that was produced for a short time. ANIB.

 

[haywood]

J-Frames have been my Favorite for years. I had a 49 years ago. I got stupid and traded it off. I missed it for years. After seeing them bid out of my price range I inherited a 638. The finish is still good. I filled the lock with supper glue and then sealed it with nail polish. Like all my J-Frames I dry fire it regularly to smooth and lighten the trigger. I always have at least one J-Frame with me no matter what I carry in my waist. Some days it is Two J-Frames.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

I'm currently looking for one. Haven't seen that good of a deal by a long shot though...

 

[sigp220.45]

I bought this one not long ago - factory nickel Model 49. Its heavier than its Airweight siblings, but it carries well. I love it.