How Many Carry the Model 38 Humpback?

[Old cop]

I was just wondering how many carry the older Bodyguard Model 38? It's inceasingly difficult to find one on the previously owned market, and the ones out there are commanding a high asking price.

Mine is a flat latch made in th early '60's. I picked it up used in the early '70's as an off-duty/back-up piece. Back in the day the Vice guys carried them and we thought that was pretty cool.

One word of caution. After shooting/practicing with about 50 rounds check the cylinder latch screw as well as all the side plate screws. They have a tendency to work lose, about a quarter turn.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I just started carrying one myself, one that had spent 25 yr's
riding around in a Michigan State Police Trooper's pocket.

I took the Pachmayr Grips that it used to wear off
and replaced them with Herrett coco bolo grips.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I bought this one in the early 90s. I carry it often.

 

[Old cop]

I actually think these are some of the best looking J's to come out of S&W. I'd post a pic of mine but will need to wait until one of the grandkids comes by.

 

[mc5aw]

I carry mine all the time and love it. A fine example of a J frame.

 

[Helderberg]

Had a 638, not the same gun I know, but I have arthritis in my hand and could never keep the gun from recoiling up and had to re set my grip for the second shot. Sold it and got the 642 and that move seem to have helped the situation. Miss the 638, loved that gun.
Frank.

 

[BaldEagle1313]

My Model 38 is my pocket/backup gun. When I'm in shorts and a t-shirt in the summer, it's my primary. Has a great deal of holster wear - it isn't pretty any more. Have a set of Pachy's on it. Makes it a little fatter, but much easier on the hand when shot.

 

[ltee]

I carry my 638 in a front pocket more than anything else.

 

[jungleman]

I purchased this one new and fired 12 rounds through it. Just sits in the
safe now.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Yep - Model 38 no dash along with a Model 60-7. The Model 38 has #405 CT Lasergrips (the one with the air pocket on the backstrap), while the Model 60 is equipped with #105 CT Lasergrips.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Chipmunk6]

Sorta.....a 638-3 and a 49 no dash, Love'em both.
C6

 

[Pointblank2U]

I've got the all-steel 49 in mint condition and it's a real tack driver. I love old Smiths. I wish they still made them that way.

 

[Stu Honea]

Old cop,I carried an all steel Bodyguard as my BUG for duty for years,and used it for off duty too.I agree it's one of the best J's ever made.

Ogy,that's a really sharp piece you have there.These little wheelies are timeless.I need to find me another one.

 

[maxwell]

I've been carrying this model 38 for over 15 years in a pocket holster. I always make sure to blow the lint out of the hammer "well" every so often, and manage to shoot a couple hundred lead swc reloads every year. Classic "always" gun.

 

[NE450No2]

I bought one around 1972. I went on the job in 1976. I have carried it either on or off duty, sometimes both, as a No 2, nearly daily, since I bought it...

I have shot a fair amount of small game and snakes with it as well.

Now that I am retired, I still, never leave the house without it.

It is always a No2...

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I purchased this one new and fired 12 rounds through it. Just sits in the
safe now.

Hmmmm. Seems a shame...

ECS

 

[DRYHEAT]

I carried a '70 M38 for 30+ years.

 

[ACP230]

I don't have one on my now but, when I went downtown this afternoon,
my ex-MI State police M38 was on my person.

I've been carrying it a lot lately due to it's weight advantage over my pair of M649s.

 

[jtpur]

Wife carries the 638 does that count. Great gun

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

I've got a 70's m49 LNIB. It's a safe queen...I've got a lot of other, less vulnerable, snubby options...but I love it.