M638

[STCM(SW)]

Any one that has one, what do you think of it?
Recoil bad? Tough to hold on to?
Seems to have small grips I'm thinking.
LGS has one for $421 OTD.
Said I wouldn't buy another alloy frame revolver but
it seemed OK dry firing in the store.
Told there not big sellers for him and only has the one
I looked at.

 

[tim c]

I love mine it is my EDC , very accurate, recoil is ok, i don't mind recoil I will tell you it is a lot less than my 649 357. i paid $425 for mine last year.
comfortable to carry can't say enough about it

 

[tim c]

I have big hands and i do like the factory uncle mike grips real easy to hold onto.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I'm a real Humpback fan. The enclosed photos show my EDC (right) Model 638-1 and Model 38-0. Both are equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips - which I find concealable (they'll fit into your pants pockets without showing), and comfortable - they have a raised area over the back strap of the grip frame, and this area compresses under recoil. I like to use the LG-405 grips on my Airweight J-frames, and I use the LG-105 on my all (stainless) steel J-frames (bottom, left) like my Model 649-0. Assuming it's in good condition, that's not a bad price for the 638 you are considering. I don't have my records at hand, but I think I paid around $350.00 for each of my Bodyguards. I shoot and carry standard velocity 130 gr. Gold Dots loaded for short barreled revolvers.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[m4user]

The alloy frame is nice if you carry it all day - every day but you will feel a little more recoil than the steel frame.
If you like the idea of being able to fire it single action, the older "Bodyguard" design is the way to go. I personally like the Centennial series but that is just my own bias.
I'm sure you will be happy with it.

 

[Old cop]

The humpbacks are my favorite too. My EDC is a M38 flat latch in rotation w/a nickel 442. I used the single action option once to dispatch a deer I hit w/my car many years ago.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I CC a M49 flat latch now.
Was just looking for a newer one and this is NIB @ $421.
Would rather have a M649 but there not around much it seems and would be $150 to $200 more if he got one in.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

My M638-2 Airweight with Crimson Trace LG-105 grips like D-O-D's. CBD s/n, made in June of 1996. J-Magnum frame. NOT marked +P, but IMO it could shoot +P till the cows came home and and not hurt it none.

You don't see the -2 come up for sale all too often. I don't, anyway, and I sorta pay attention on GB. I don't think they made them in huge numbers, especially compared to other J-frames like the M642 that were cranked out like hot cakes. Got it from a nice gent up in Washington State who was selling off portions of his father's estate. NIB. Including the grip, got about $650 tied up in it.

This is not a gun that came into my possession by happenstance (like most of my guns). This is one I specifically sought out, after long consideration, from the whole universe of S&W revolvers, and bought to be my EDC. A task to which it is perfectly suited.

 

[kaaskop49]

I'm a confirmed "J-hound," yet I only have one 638. Seems the 637 and 642, with all their variants, PC and otherwise, are more numerous. Perhaps there is an unwritten prejudice against the Bodyguard, given the perception that the built-up shroud renders it ugly. Too, the old saw about the possibility of a dime being trapped behind the shrouded hammer does not help. (Not gonna happen to me, there are no dimes in Vegas ).

That being said, the 638 is my go-to gun when I'm headed to a casino. Just my respect, love and admiration for the model. I stick with the 158gr LHP rounds out of habit, and it's not a bad habit.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. The shroud/dime fear is unfounded.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Well, I picked up one at a pawn shop here used.
$319 + tax

Cleaned it up a little. Looks like someone shot it once and didn't like how it recoiled.
I'll see how I like it this weekend....

 

[MaxS]

I've had the 642, 442 and 637 and got rid of them. I love my 638, it's my edc. I practice with it at least twice a month, putting 100 rounds of 130gr ammo through it each time. With the lower grain the recoil isn't bad and I can be very accurate at 8-10 yards.

I put some pretty wood grips on it, but could feel too much snap so I went back to the factory grips.

 

[oldafsp]

Congrats on your 638.

I too am a advocate of the humpback. It is not a range gun.

Practice enough on a regular basis to keep yourself "Tuned Up" with it. It will do the job. The Airweights are a handful with heavy loads.

A good friend of mine owes his life to a Model 38 some 25 years ago. Each of us carried Bodyguards as our back up guns.

While responding to a domestic call one evening he was attacked by two brothers, losing his service weapon in the fight.

Let me add that he was overpowered by these guys and spent weeks recovering from injuries they inflicted on him. But the fight went to the ground and he was able to get to his back up.

Which he promptly shoved into the armpit of one of his assailants and pulled the trigger 5 times. The other one fled and was captured within minutes.

5 125gr +P JHPs ended that fight for good.

No exposed hammer to hang up in clothing is a big plus.

I speak from years of carrying one, the bull about dimes, lint, is a load of .....if you dump a handful of change in on top of your gun, your a idiot.

You made a good choice.

 

[Mike-4]

Great snag! I'm also a big humpback fan. I have a 638-2 and a 638-3. The -2 being a little more "rare" and in mint condition, it's relegated to safe duty. My 638-3 was purchased new and has a CT-405 grip and mostly carried in a cheapie Uncle Mikes IWB holster.

I also have a 649 and a 649-1. Love those humpbacks!

Regards

 

[STCM(SW)]

The grips on this one OK, or are there better ones around that don't beat you up bad?

 

[Mtnfolk325]

I agree with the dime comments. My 38-0 rides in a Mika with NOTHING else in the pocket, a Speed Strip rides in the watch pocket above the Roscoe .... ;o)

 

[kaaskop49]

The grips on this one OK, or are there better ones around that don't beat you up bad?

The issue of grips is VERY subjective. Some prefer wood. Others like the rubber styles. Some go for grips which are flush with the butt of the gun while others dig a longer grip which brings the pinky finger into play.

The issue grips on your gun are the S&W knock-offs of the UM Boot Grip which, IMO, provide a firm grip and fill in the space behind the trigger guard so the gun does not 'dive' into the hand upon firing. I like them or the original UMs for all modes of carry with these small .38s, although some shooters find the rubber adheres to clothing, causing difficulty in drawing the weapon.

I use these grips daily, although I have accumulated over 20 different style of RB-J grips over the years. You may also! Enjoy that great little gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Remember to remove the grips after firing to clean the frame underneath.

 

[Old cop]

I just read another myth about a dime getting caught in the hump of the Model 38 or 638. It won't happen, try and it does not fit in there.

 

[Gamecock]

I thought I wanted a 638 a few years ago. When I fondled one at the LGS, I found I couldn't cock it single action. So I bought my 642.

 

[Realgunner]

The issue of grips is VERY subjective. Some prefer wood. Others like the rubber styles. Some go for grips which are flush with the butt of the gun while others dig a longer grip which brings the pinky finger into play.

The issue grips on your gun are the S&W knock-offs of the UM Boot Grip which, IMO, provide a firm grip and fill in the space behind the trigger guard so the gun does not 'dive' into the hand upon firing. I like them or the original UMs for all modes of carry with these small .38s, although some shooters find the rubber adheres to clothing, causing difficulty in drawing the weapon.

I use these grips daily, although I have accumulated over 20 different style of RB-J grips over the years. You may also! Enjoy that great little gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Remember to remove the grips after firing to clean the frame underneath.

Agree completely. The Uncle Mikes Boot Grip is my favorite for J frames; however I do like a laser sight on a carry gun and the Crimson Trace LG-105 has almost exactly the same contours as the Uncle Mikes. That is how I've equipped my EDC 340SC.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Congrats on your newest!

I prefer the UM's boot grips or the Magna style wood grips with a grip adapter for pocket carry. Pachmayr Compac's are nice as well and can be pocket carried but work better for belt carry.

 

[kaaskop49]

I just read another myth about a dime getting caught in the hump of the Model 38 or 638. It won't happen, try and it does not fit in there.

You have to file down the circumference of the dime...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[haywood]

I installed the Hogue Tamer for J-Frames on One of my 442's. I fired 150 rounds and it felt fine. A HKS Speed Loader works with it also. The length of the Grip is a hair longer but, it still fit in my pocket. Good Grip for extended shooting sessions.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm a fan of the (real) Bodyguard series even though I don't own one (yet!). I came close to getting a no-lock 649 a few years ago but the price was too high for the condition it was in. While a no-dash 640 is my "grail" gun, a no-lock 649 would be a close second.

As for grips, I'm a big fan of Spegel boot grips. I have them on my 642. I like how the palm swell shape fills my hand without any unnecessary bulk. I think the grip's shape spreads out the recoil force over a larger surface area. I think they definitely help make the gun more controllable. They also work well with my Safariland speedloaders. But like was mentioned above, grips can be a very personal choice and you may just have to experiment. I've tried different J-frame grips (Ahrends boot grips, PGS Hideout grips, Eagle Secret Service grips, UM boot grips, Magnas with a Tyler grip adapter, Barami Hip-Grips, factory S&W rubber boot grips) and the Spegels work best for me. The only changes I'd make would be getting the checkered version and possibly the extended length option (about 1/4" IIRC). The only downside of Spegel boot grips for me is that I don't care for finger grooves.

I do most of my practice with midweight factory target ammo (currently 132gr PMC FMJ) and at least a few cylinder-fulls of +P ammo (either some older Speer 135gr SB-GDHP carry ammo that have seen better days or Speer 158gr TMJ). I usually limit my range sessions to ~50 rounds total. More than that and I need to ice my hand for a couple of days. At most I can get to the range once a month, but usually it's closer to once every two or three months, if that. While not ideal, I rely on dry fire practice with A-Zoom dummy rounds when I can't get to the range or want to work on skills that aren't allowed at the range.

 

[STCM(SW)]

The grips I put on my M 638 made a world of difference in control and hitting the target.
Some may not think there good for CC, but I have not found that to be.

free image host

 

[kaaskop49]

The grips I put on my M 638 made a world of difference in control and hitting the target.
Some may not think there good for CC, but I have not found that to be.

Some folks seem to think grips are to make the gun "look good." This poster and I believe grips should help us to shoot better. Especially on these 24/7 EDC snubs.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Eagle1*]

Just got this little guy last night at my lgs as they were having specials so I got it for $369.00. Trigger felt pretty good so I jumped on it. Seems to be a neat gun so I am excited to see what it can do. Could not decide between a 642 or this 638 as the 642 was on sale for 349.00. Looking forward to working it out... I think the 638 is a neat gun...