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J-Frame Model 38 Humpback
- Thread starter Dave Workman
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Chrome or more likely nickel?
The 38 has been my choice for EDC now for more than a decade. I prefer this style to other J-frames for pocket carry. No snagging yet retains single action trigger function.
Mine is blued and a guess some type of anodizing on the alloy frame.
Well, at least what color is still there after a dozen years in my pocket!
Still light, reliable and accurate at rational ranges. Just looks ugly. Named mine Quasimodo.
Post a serial number and someone here can tell you approximately when it was made.
The 38 has been my choice for EDC now for more than a decade. I prefer this style to other J-frames for pocket carry. No snagging yet retains single action trigger function.
Mine is blued and a guess some type of anodizing on the alloy frame.
Well, at least what color is still there after a dozen years in my pocket!
Still light, reliable and accurate at rational ranges. Just looks ugly. Named mine Quasimodo.
Post a serial number and someone here can tell you approximately when it was made.
If the serial number is 54####, it's from about 1967. If it's J54####, it's from a decade later.
Yes, nickel, not chrome.
Yes, nickel, not chrome.
The airweight frame makes for a lighter carry gun but open the cylinder and inspect for frame cracks on the flat surface where the barrel screws into it. The recent Forum link below discusses the issue with a few pics:
Dont forget WAC show this weekend.
Todd
Dont forget WAC show this weekend.
Todd
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kraynky
Member
I can tell ya I think you're gonna like it. My 638-2 has a lot of miles on it, and quite a few rounds downrange. And it's still my favorite J frame to carry. I don't hotrod it for sure, but it has had a few warm rounds down the pipe with no ill effects.
Your 38 certainly looks a lot better than my 638. Congratulations!
Your 38 certainly looks a lot better than my 638. Congratulations!
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Dave Workman
Member
Yeah. my bad. Nickel finish.
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Dave Workman
Member
Alas, I have to finish laying in my firewood this weekend so I'll be missing it.
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Dave Workman
Member
Well, it was my understanding the '54' at the beginning of the serial number indicated it was made in 1954. I dunno. Sometime later the serial numbers changed to J-XXXXXXX, isn't that right?
Either way, this revolver was in remarkably good condition
Not even close. When someone requests historical information on a gun, ( my ultimate pet peeve on gun forums!) list the entire serial number for the love of god!!!
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Dave Workman
Member
There is no reason to get testy here. Some people dislike broadcasting serial numbers, for their guns or someone else's. Now, if you believe you can be of some assistance, I'd be delighted to provide the Ser. ## by PM.
youngridge
Member
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2025
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I’ve always wanted a hump back in 357. See a few in GB from time to time. Seems like 38 is way more popular. I have a modern 638 I really enjoy. Does anyone have any history of the hump in 357? Why they never caught on as much? I know they are heavier but now the make all kind of J Frames chambered in 357, figures they would maybe introduce that? Side note, my reply is full of questions I know, did they ever make a hump in 32 H&R?
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Dave Workman
Member
Recoil can be brutal in a J-frame in .357. Be advised.
Not sure where you heard that bit of fiction. I doubt it was on this forum.
Smith & Wesson introduced its J-frame "concealed hammer revolver" in October 1955 at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia, and ask the Chiefs to name its new revolver. Chief of Police Walter W. Wohlfahrt from Marshfield, Wisconsin, was the only Chief at the conference to submit the name Bodyguard to the Smith & Wesson team. The first known serial number for a Bodyguard is 73781, and it shipped on December 12, 1955.
I maintain a database of Chiefs Specials and Bodyguards.
My summer CC is a M638-3 Prefer my M640-4 357 magnum but it is heaver .....
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Dave Workman
Member
HAHAHA! Always good to be "big on interesting trivia!" Thanks so much for that little trip down memory lane. Seriously, though, that must be quite a database. I'll send you a PM with the serial number if you don't mind and you can have some fun with it.
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Dave Workman
Member
I don't recall any in .32 H&R, although it's a great cartridge. It would probably allow for the gun to be a six-shooter. I expect someone here can provide an answer.
Yes, Dave, please send your s/n to me.
Always happy to add new Bodyguards and Chiefs Specials to the list--more than 20,000 and counting ...
Always happy to add new Bodyguards and Chiefs Specials to the list--more than 20,000 and counting ...
fatcat3
Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2016
- Messages
- 307
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OMG! Just no accounting for taste
. Humpbacks are just way cooler than anything else.
I have one in brushed nickel. Shoots great. It’s be used an abused cared in all kinds of weather. Right side on the waist band. I’ve ruined the finish with body touching it. The lite weight and power of the 38 makes a great carry weapon. Embarrassed to show a picture!
