Model 638 or 642

[GaryED50]

Hi

Need some opinions I want to get a hidden hammer snubby but can't decide between the 638 or the 642. What do you guys think?

Gary

 

[ken158]

Well, I got a 642 because it didn't have the IL. (And happy with it) I would have taken a 638 without the IL but had not found one when the 642 came along. For a pocket gun either will suffice.

 

[Greymann]

638 would be my choice. Having the option to shoot single action is a plus to me. I usually carry a mod. 49.

 

[Backlighting]

I like having the single action option on my 638. All in all it's a great carry gun.

 

[rockquarry]

I prefer shooting my 638 single-action most of the time. These guns are surprisingly accurate, even at 25 yards. However, the light weight certainly contributes to a healthy recoil even with regular non-+P ammo. With 158 grain bullets, these guns shoot very close to point-of-aim.

People whine about the lock, perhaps because they feel an obligation to do so as others have. Few of my revolvers have the lock, but I've yet to find it a hindrance.

 

[ContinentalOp]

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably go with a 642-1, because it's available without the internal lock.

If I were to find a 638 without the lock, in good condition, I still might pass unless it was a really good deal because I would want it converted to DAO (I know...I'm weird). One thing I like about the Bodyguards is that, even if converted to DAO, you can thumb the hammer back a bit and check for high primers. It can be done on a Centennial, but it's a little more involved.

I also like being able to put my thumb on the hammer when holstering, which is not possible with a Centennial. I'm so conditioned to it that when holstering my 642-1 my thumb automatically goes where the hammer would be.

 

[Mister X]

642

Single action capabilty isn't needed nor desirable in a defensive revolver, so no need to practice it plus you trade away some more practical advantages if going with DA over DAO. The 642 has a better double-action trigger, allows for greater versatility in gripping the gun-primarily a higher grasp on the backstrap, the action is fully enclosed so it remains cleaner when pocket carried, it's more reliable in contact defense scenarios, no way to cock to single action nor be accused of doing so, no internal lock.

 

[smithman]

642

Single action capabilty isn't needed nor desirable in a defensive revolver, so no need to practice it plus you trade away some more practical advantages if going with DA over DAO. The 642 has a better double-action trigger, allows for greater versatility in gripping the gun-primarily a higher grasp on the backstrap, the action is fully enclosed so it remains cleaner when pocket carried, it's more reliable in contact defense scenarios, no way to cock to single action nor be accused of doing so, no internal lock.

Why is the Centennial da trigger better than a Bodyguard?

 

[christak]

I'd go with the 638...I carry a model 49 and love it.

 

[Mister X]

Why is the Centennial da trigger better than a Bodyguard?

From Mas Ayoob...

"My friend Grant Cunningham, master wheelgun-smith and author of the excellent Gun Digest Book of the Revolver, writes the following at his blog at Personal security training and advice - www.GrantCunningham.com www.GrantCunningham.com “… the Centennial models simply have better actions! The enclosed hammer Centennial models have slightly different sear geometry than do the exposed hammer models, which gives them a pull that is more even—more linear—than the models with hammer spurs. For the savvy shooter it’s a noticeable difference, making the Centennial a bit easier to shoot well.”
Grant continues, “The Centennials also have one less part than the other models: since they have no exposed hammer, they don’t have (nor do they need) the hammer-block safety common to all other ‘J’ frames. That part, which is quite long and rides in a close-fitting slot machined into the sideplate, is difficult to make perfectly smooth. Even in the best-case scenario, it will always add just a bit of friction to the action. Not having the part to begin with gives the Centennial a ‘leg up’ in action feel."

 

[rubiranch]

My brother carried a 642-1 for his backup gun.

If it was good enough for him its good enough for me. I actually like it a lot.

I've never even help a 638 so I guess my opinion isn't worth squat.

 

[D Brown]

I would choose the 638 (or 649) over the 642. I just think it's a better design.

 

[DwayneV]

I bought the 638. I have no regrets about it.

 

[AZretired]

I have both and carry both and to be honest I can't tell the difference in trigger pulls. Seems the 642 had a better pull to start with but I've fired enough rounds through the 638, they both are pretty smooth.
This thread needs some pictures:

 

[Truckin]

I have both but prefer the 638. I live in the country and I like the option to use SA for four legged varmits.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

I like the 638 better than my 442 in function but not looks

 

[yep380]

I have the 4xx version of these guns, as well as a M38.

Aesthetically, I like the humpbacks more, but carry the 442 (no lock) most often. In fact, since last summer, I’d say daily. Why? I don’t know, It just seems to carry well in the front pocket with a desantis nemesis holster.

 

[uncleted327]

I'm sick of hearing people say SA is never needed nor wanted for defensive purposes. Sometimes a precise SA shot is exactly what is required, anyone arguing against options is trying to sell themselves on something...

 

[kaaskop49]

Wow! Where did all the 638 fans come from!? I have both 638 and 642: more 642s because S&W has produced more different variants of this model. There has only been one 638 at any time in the catalog, dash numbers aside (Yes Virginia, there is a dash number.). We need more 638 variants: I have cash to burn.

Perhaps get both. Or try both first, if possible, at a rental range. I find, however, rental guns are not always in the best shape and often require much cleaning. Performance may be affected. Get both. Practice with both. Something can always go wrong with a gun and a spare J-frame is handy. Good luck and good shooting.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Old chestnut time: No, a dime will NOT get caught behind the shielded hammer of a 638 and jam up the gun. Not that I use change in Vegas...

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I own both a Model 642 as well as a Model 38-0, a Model 638-1, and a Model 649-0. All have factory original parts and actions. Without a doubt, the Model 642 has the better trigger pull, and is the preferred handgun of my wife and daughter. My EDC is the Model 638-1 and Model 38-0 after facing a situation where a big dog was trying to cross a busy street to come after me and my two dogs (leashed). I kept thinking if the dog got the break in traffic he was looking for, that it was going to require quick and accurate shooting on my part. Luckily, the "Aha!" light went off when I realized I could use the traffic to my advantage, and my dogs and myself left while the other dog was still waiting for the traffic to clear. After that, I started carrying the Model 638, and still later, I started carrying the Model 38 as back-up.

Regards,

Dave