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

 

[kaaskop49]

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.

I absolutely LOVE this story! Do something completely different on the spur of the moment. I've had a couple of similar incidents in my life. However, we're still waiting for the dog's side of the story. I'm sure he has a logical explanation for his behavior. Plus, displaying the dog's junior high school graduation photo is a must.(Add as many emojis as you like here.) Thanks, Dave.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[RoyM52]

SKUNKS single action is a nice feature for skunks {I live in the country}

it could be considered self defense. {in a certain sense/Scent of the word}

 

[rockquarry]

I've had all sorts of .38 Special J-frames since 1970, most of them older guns. They've all been pretty much unmolested guns and all had horrible trigger pulls, but with practice, every one was capable of decent accuracy well beyond the very short distances that many like to shoot at. Nothing wrong with a revolver that can be fired both single- and double-action.

 

[kthom]

C'mon guys! There is no best here! Both Models are great revolvers. I too have both, and they will both get the job done. I prefer the Centennial style because, well, I just do! My girl is kinda red headed. I see lots of others with different colored hair that are also good looking, but I just kinda like my red headed one. It truly is a matter of personal preference. For the same reason I'm not gonna diss your preference of hair color in girls, I ain't gonna diss you for liking the humpback or the Centennial. I don't mind having single action options on J Frames, but I don't use it or need it. Now I will say this, I'll take either one of these revolvers under discussion over one that has a hammer spur if you ask me about that. But again, if you like a hammer spur stickin' up, go for it! I've got some of those too! Thankfully for me, I can have several choices of revolvers but I really don't have that option for wives, and I'm kinda glad about that. One of those is all or more than I can handle!

 

[deputy tom]

Both Should be GTG...

I've owned and shot/carried a 642 for 23 years.I've owned and shot/carried a 649 for 25 years. I have no experience with the 638 but would imagine they would be just as serviceable as the other two. If I come across a 638 for the right price, I will put my assumption to the test. tom.

 

[washerman]

Well my personal preference picks......638!!!!! yeah humpback!! You go girl! 638 - she gots the looks and the moves for trippin my trigger

 

[SAFireman]

Centennial for me please!

Here is my EDC 340sc. It is lighter than the 642 and shoots 357 Magnum. It is not for the faint of heart (like getting hit in the hand with a 32oz hammer).

 

[ABPOS]

I'm with Kthom. Not really a wrong answer.

I'll give my 3 cents worth and it is not my intention to disrespect anyone's preference.

I bought a 637 while my 442 is back at the shop mainly cuz it was used and I saved about 80-100 bucks over buying a new one. Turns out I probably could've ponied up the extra dough but whatever.

My impression initially is I already shoot it better than the 442. I felt like the trigger is lighter on the 637 but after measuring it, it's actually not. But for some reason it feels lighter. It may be BECAUSE of the little bit lower hand position. I also do not feel the slight lowering of hand position is making me shoot any slower or felt recoil any worse. But you would think scientifically it should. I'm not sure why the trigger feels lighter. But it does. But I shoot them both decently and way better than I shoot my Colt DS. LOL.

The MAIN reason I like a hammer that no one has mentioned is that when I holster it's nice to put my thumb on the hammer to make sure it is not starting to cock for some reason.

I have not had an issue with the hammer yet and I've even carried in the pocket and done a few draws. What some guys suggest for this is to put your thumb over the hammer while drawing. I didn't even do that, but I think it would be good insurance to train like that.

I've yet to shoot it single action and I don't really have any plans to. However, I'm not against it and think there could be use for that too. In some scenarios. But in the end I personally prefer DAO and would like it if the hammer was bobbed.

I think back in the "old days" DA revolvers were trained with as Single Actions with DA capability for spitting distance or very quick needed. Like depression era. I think I have at least 2 pics of Military personelle in WWII shooting with their hammers cocked. So I think it was taught. Whether or not that is the "right" way to do things, I can't really argue. I see both sides of the argument and sort of lean towards DAO just cuz I feel more comfy with that and to me feels like the safest way to go.

However, it's definitely easier to shoot more accurately with a single action gun. My best shooting guns were a 1911 and a HiPower I own. In my hands. That being said, I feel like my DA shooting with my J frames is "good enough". Could be better but I'm hitting the target at 25 yards double action and to me, that's good enough.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My 638 was stolen but I preferred it so much to my 642 that I basically retired the 642 in favor of a 649 because the weight difference is insignificant in my pocket or on a belt but the ease of shooting is much better with the steel gun. However, if you're deciding between the 638 and 642 I'd go with the former simply because the "roundness" fits a front pocket of jeans better. Other pants as well but I live in jeans so that's where I make my decision.

 

[yep380]

Also - if you really want a centennial with a nice trigger and a little extra weight, check out a 640 (any of the dashes, I have a -2). The Centennial: Smith & Wesson Model 640 >> The Snubnose Revolver Files

That extra weight really makes for a nice shooting little revolver.