Lightest Bodyguard?

[orangehole]

I am thinking of adding a bodyguard style J-frame to my collection. What is the lightest weight model S&W made with the humpback shrouded type hammer. Is it the 638?

 

[orangehole]

I am thinking of adding a bodyguard style J-frame to my collection. What is the lightest weight model S&W made with the humpback shrouded type hammer. Is it the 638?

 

[JudgeColt]

It is my understanding that the Models 38 and 638 and their subsequent "dash" models are essentially the same guns, except for finish, so they all weigh the same. Since the N38/638 revolvers are my favorite for carry, I always wished that Smith would put the lightweight cylinders in the M38/638, but Smith never did for some reason. Maybe someday.

 

[orangehole]

So the 638 is about the same weight as a 642 huh?

 

[ol'gil]

i have a 638-3 and it is light as feather...you forget its even on you

 

[indiandave]

Orangehole, the 638 and the 642 weigh about the same. The 638 is the lightest bodyguard they make.

 

[ENH]

I think it's the M38, alloy frame.

 

[SmithNut]

Unfortunately the factory never offered a Scandium/Ti version, so the standard Airweight in either the M38 or M638 flavor will be the lightest (or the new M438 for that matter).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The new M438 is 15.1oz empty. The M638 as well as the M637 and M642 are all listed as 15.0oz on the S&W site.

I don't know for sure what the M38 weighed but I doubt it was lighter than 15oz.

 

[Andy Taylor]

I doubt that 0.1 oz will make much of a difference to most people. Any of the airwieght versions should fit the bill nicely. I don't know why S&W never offered an airlight Bodyguard, but I like the airwieghts better anyway.

 

[rdrancher]

For what it's worth, my 642 (15oz advertised weight) weighs just 13.7oz when outfitted with Magna grips like ENH's

rd