Got a Model 38

[dubshooter]

Couldn't pass up being able to get a humpback j frame. I had been toying with buying a 438, but saw this and decided I would jump on it instead of a 438.

Didn't have the original grips. I will be replacing these hip grips once I figure out what I want to replace them with.

Its a no dash 38, some wearing on the cylinder, couple scratches here and there, but overall feels good and solid. I'm pretty happy about it. Be happier once I get different grips on it.

Anyone able to help out with the year of production? 95J1**

 

[Rpg]

The M 38 is the finest pocked pistol ever produced IMHO.

I prefer the original magnas with a T grip for stocks on these.

Congratulations!!

 

[les.b]

The "floating J" serials were around 1971-1972, if I remember correctly.

Nice looking gun.

Best Regards, Les

 

[NCBeagle]

The "floating J" serials were around 1971-1972, if I remember correctly.

Nice looking gun.

Best Regards, Les

Agreed.

Very nice Model 38.

 

[dubshooter]

I want to get some new grips for this. These hip grips don't do it for me.

I really like wood, but this will probably be a working gun. I have the UM boot grips on my 640 and love them. Unfortunately I can't find any from my searches.

Are the new grips shipped on the 642 similar to the uncle mikes? Would I be better set with a pair of the Hogue Bantam grips?

Any advise would be appreciated

 

[NCBeagle]

I want to get some new grips for this. These hip grips don't do it for me.

I really like wood, but this will probably be a working gun. I have the UM boot grips on my 640 and love them. Unfortunately I can't find any from my searches.

Are the new grips shipped on the 642 similar to the uncle mikes? Would I be better set with a pair of the Hogue Bantam grips?

Any advise would be appreciated

I regularly carry a bodyguard and like the stock magnas with a Tyler T, Badger Boot Grips, or this super concealable grip by Ahrends.

I'll post some of the others later.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[STCM(SW)]

 

[SVT28]

Nice! I saw that one today and didn't want to drive across town to buy it if you got it for the $390 OTD advertised price or better, you did just fine (even without the original grips)

I didn't call to ask but have to now, does it have a crack in the frame under the barrel? I'd stay away from the +p stuff regardless.

SVT28

 

[dubshooter]

No cracks. Looks to have been carried quite a bit with the hip grips but not unloaded much. Wear is only on one side of the cylinder. Looks to be loaded and carried often but not unloaded much to rotate that cylinder around. Or the owner was OCD and index same chamber each time.

 

[Targets Guy]

The 638-3 is the closest I can get.





A very nice revolver. Fun to shoot and with the +P it packs a punch.

 

[NCBeagle]

Following up on yesterday's post...carried this Model 38 today...IWB with. Tyler T and Barami Hip Grip.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[les.b]

I used to have a nickled model 38, but traded it away years ago... Now the closet I have is my model 49 all steel version:

Dolled up with ivory grips and a Mitch Rosen sharkskin trimmed holster...

Best Regards, Les

 

[Old cop]

My Model 38 no dash has a flat latch. Anyone know why it's different from what is pictured here? FWIW I got it second hand back in the '70s as a b/u to my service Model 15. I've been told is was manufactured in the mid '60s.

 

[NCBeagle]

My Model 38 no dash has a flat latch. Anyone know why it's different from what is pictured here? FWIW I got it second hand back in the '70s as a b/u to my service Model 15. I've been told is was manufactured in the mid '60s.

Bodyguards and Models 38 (no dash) made before some point in 1966 had a flat latch. The flat latch is consistent with your info about mid-60s production.

 

[dubshooter]

Man. I'm liking those Tyler grip adapters. I might have to find me some with some classic panels...

 

[shouldazagged]

I love my early (1990) 640, but my second choice in a J-frame--close second--would likely be a 49 or 649. The 640 gets the nod only because I don't want single-action capability in an up-close gun, and the fully enclosed hammer can't gather lint.

Unlike a lot of people, I don't consider the "humpbacks" ugly at all. Form and function, well blended. Actually they look pretty cool.

 

[dubshooter]

I like my 640. But I was eyeing something kore comfortable for the pocket. Was looking for a 442 or 438, but this popped up and couldn't pass on it. Not the best deal, nothing to brag about, but I'm happy.

I think the 640 will keep its place as my BUG at work, but this will make a good New York reload for my 640 or my 66 if I ever get it back

 

[jebstuart]

I'm a big "humpback" fan. I think they're as ugly as me - and that takes some doing.
I keep a Mod. 38 w/Crimson Trace Laser by the bed (never bothered taking a picture of it).

Here's my Mod. 49 with very nice wood:

And my 44 Special Mod. 296ti Airweight:

 

[dubshooter]

I haven't had a chance to shoot her yet. Was supposed to head into the PD range last week but got called out for a serious wreck.

I did order some classic panels for her and got my BK grip adapter in today. I'll be posting photos tomorrow morning when I got some better light, assuming the locals can drive without crashing long enough

 

[bgrafsr]

My brother asked me the other day to look for a CCW gun for him. By coincidence his wife's sister came up from Florida to visit and brought a gun for him, that belonged to her deceased husband. It's a Model 638 in the plastic case with all the papers, etc.. He's quite happy.