M638, 1 7/8" barrel vs. 2 1/2" barrel

[hdguy]

I recently bought a model 638 with the standard 1 7/8" barrel. My son and I were talking about it and I mentioned that it was also offered with a 2 1/2" barrel. That got us to wondering just how much of an advantage the longer barrel actually offered. Understandably it doesn't make it any easier to pocket carry so, why? Truthfully, I like the looks of the longer barrel (balances out the "hump") and it has a pinned front sight with a full shroud protecting the ejector rod. What if any real world advantages does it have though. I understand about a longer sight radius etc but would there actually be noticable improvements. My son was very quick to offer me my purchase price for the one I have now if I should ever decide I want the longer barrel. My usual method of carry is my inside jacket pocket which would also accomodate the longer barrel. Thoughts?

 

[MeefZah]

I do like the pinned sight, but other than that, I do not see an advantage.

There would be a slight edge in accuracy with the longer sight radius, as you mention; and a slight increase in velocity, but I would think it would be negligible.

The downside of harder pocket carrying would negate the advantages, IMO.

 

[Hondo44]

The main advantage to the longer barrel may have been overlooked. Unless I'm mistaken the ejector rod is also 1/2" longer giving it a full stroke for ejecting cases, which in a defensive situation can be a life saver. Cases normally eject adequately with the shorter rod but there's always that sticky case exception. Smith made the rare 3" Mod 66 at the request of a government agency on their order for just that reason. I would get the longer barrel.

 

[hdguy]

Well you are correct about that. I found some pictures online and the ejector rod is definately about double the length of the one on the 1.875" barrel.

 

[sps282]

What I like;
1. Pinned front sight has the ability to be changed to something you like better or something you can pick up quicker.
2. Full lenght ejector=no more stuck cases to be picked out by hand.
3. Longer sight radius and probably improved accuracy.
4. Slight increase in velocity.
5. A little increase in weight which could reduce recoil.
6. And it just looks better.

 

[hdguy]

Funny how adding 5/8" to the barrel almost makes the 638 a good looking gun. I wish they were a little more common. I'd like to see one in person.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I have the longer barrel/shroud on my 60-9. I think it really helps the balance on the all steel gun, particularly with hot loads, but I really like the longer ejector rod. It did help with ejection with the .357 loads-the one box I was determined to fire through the gun just to prove to myself I could do it. I cannot imagine doing it with the lighter guns. I am back to a stout +P load now.

 

[Cdnbacon]

I have them both and you are correct: the 2.5 inch provides full length extraction, and the sight picture may be better for you. I don't find much difference in sight picture but think it would be different with a new front sight that provides a patridge style sight picture, which is easily done with the 2.5 incher. I do find that the longer barrel provides a little more control and shifts the balance forward making it slightly muzzle heavy. I like both models and like having both. The short barrel for pants pocket carry and the longer model for coat pocket or IWB carry.

 

[hdguy]

I guess I'm trying to convince myself that I have a valid reason for getting the 2.5" other than I just like the looks of it. The only down sides to it that I can see is the 5/8" longer barrel being a little harder to conceal and even though I'd get all my money back on the one I have now it's an extra $90+ for the longer barreled model. It should still fit well in my inside jacket pocket though.