My m638 for a m640. A good trade?

[hdguy]

I bought a m638 about a month ago and paid $360 to my FFL. At that time I had considered the m649 but just couldn't part with the well over $200 more in price. Well now I have a chance to do a straight across trade for a m640-3 (my gun also has the lock). The guy got it from his brother who kept it in his sock drawer (or wherever) for home defense. This guy has been using it as a daily carry for probably a year or so. Looks like it's been carried but mechanicaly it is excellent. He's looking for something lighter. My m638 is obviously lighter although there's not a lot of difference in overall size. Still small enough to slip into my coat pocket if I'm running to the bank at night. I like the idea of all stainless and .357. I hike and backpack a lot and would certainly feel more comfortable with the magnum. I live in a small(ish) somewhat isolated coastal town and really don't feel the need for a daily carrier. When I do carry it's usually in a coat pocket. The heavier gun would feel more noticable in that situation. Now that I have a chance to go up to the steel magnum I don't know if loosing the lighter 638 is really such a good idea. I guess i'm just looking for some feedback on the magnum and maybe some informed opinions on the trade.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I own "Airweight" versions of the J-frame (Models 642, and 432), and an all steel J-frame (Model 60-7). What I've noticed is that the "Airweights" tend to get carried a lot more than the Model 60. By the way, the Model 38/638 has a place on my "want list" - great gun, just homely.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[valkyriekl]

I have a Model 640 no-dash (.38 Special only) and a Model 442-1. I bought the 442-1 because the 640 was starting to feel a little heavy for all-day IWB carry as I was losing weight; the 442-1 carries a lot better (though it has a bit more felt-recoil with .38+P loads).

If it's for occasional carry (i.e. going to the ATM at night), I don't think the extra few ounces will matter that much, and the ability to shoot .357 Magnum is a nice plus (although I'd personally stick with .38+P).

 

[hdguy]

Sense they're both J frames would a set of the smaller style grips used on the Airweights still fit on the 640?

 

[valkyriekl]

Should fit, no problem.

 

[hdguy]

So with the smaller grips it should conceal just as well as the Airweight with the exception that it's an obviously heavier gun. The larger grips could be installed when I'm hiking etc. Well I'm gonna have to really give it some thought. Which gun is the least of a compromise (lesser of two evils). Dollar wise the 640 puts me ahead but it'd be a keeper so the dollars don't really count.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

One thing I did was put a pair of CT LG-405 laser grips on my Model 642. The LG-405 grips have an air pocket along the back-strap of the revolver that really helps soak up the recoil. I have an older set of CT LG-105 laser grips on the Model 60 as it is all steel, and thereby heavier and bit friendlier on the hand recoil-wise. My Model 60 was purchased used, and had a set of Hogue rubber (finger grip) grips installed. They are very comfortable, but I prefer a boot-style grip on my J-frames for pocket carry.

Best of luck,

Dave