Ordered a New Model 638

[The Bolt Man]

I ordered a model 638 thinking it would serve well as a carry gun and pocket gun. I hope I was right.

I would like any feed back members may have for me, good or bad. I would also like recommendations as to the best ammo for the purpose of self defense in this short barreled 38 special.

 

[sps282]

The model 638 should serve you well. As far as ammo there are a lot of good choices and everyone seems to have their own preference....I think you will need to make that decision based on what works best for you!

Good Luck!

 

[thndrchiken]

I've been thinking about a 442 or an lcr, hard to beat the Speer 135 gr sb loads.

 

[loutent]

The 638 was my first SW purchase - just about 3 years ago - since then I have added many more (thanks to this forum - fair warning!)

I use Rem UMC 130g at the range and Speer GDHP 125g in the pocket. No problems with either and the gun has been perfect.

Here's a pic of mine:

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Bolt Man, you just had to say something didn't you...
I've been kickin' the idea of a 638 around for about a month now and your thread may knock me off the fence.

I already have a 649-3, which is the all stainless .357 mag version of the 638, that I feel is too heavy for pocket carry so I've been relying on my 642 for that role.

I really like the 649-3, other than the weight issue, which is why I've had my sights on the 638......

There are a lot of good ammo choices out there so it basically comes down to personal preference.
I tend to go with Buffalo Bore myself when it comes to self defense but also like the Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. "short barrel" round in the smaller, lighter J-Frames.

 

[bamabiker]

I carry mine more than any other gun. In a pocket, IWB holster or in a Galco ankle glove. It works very well.

 

[1 old 0311]

Airweight Bodyguard is a -P-E-R-F-E-C-T- pocket gun.

 

[Helderberg]

[/IMG]

I bought the 637 2.5" barrel first then the 638 snub. The 638 has not left my side, it is a great pocket or iwb carry. The fact that you can draw from concealment without having the hammer snag and yet be able to single action if needed makes this the perfect, to me, carry gun.
Be safe, Frank.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Not a Model 638, but I just got back from the range after shooting my newly acquired Model 38 no dash. 148gr. mid-range wadcutters are a pussycat to shoot out of this Air Weight. I believe this is what I'll carry in the piece when I slip it into my pocket.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[Hill_Country]

No doubt that a 638 is a sweet piece for pocket carry. I found a couple of caveats, though.

I carried a (non-lightweight) M36 or M38 for many years so I was no stranger to J frames and it was love at first sight when I saw a M638. The light weight and stainless construction seemed the answer to my prayers. However, this one pointed one direction and shot another (and, of course, the sights are not adjustable). On top of that it was the first gun I've ever fired which I found the recoil objectionable. Not recoil per se, it is like snapping the palm of my hand with a large rubber band. Very different from a steel M36 or M38.

I solved the sight problem by adding a Crimson Trace lasergrip and I found my marksmanship actually improved over the iron sighted M36 and it also slightly tamed the sting.

The 638 is my first choice for pocket carry, but the M36 gets the range time.

 

[cjtraining]

You did good. In my opinion there is not a finer J Frame than the Bodyguard. I have three M638's. I have removed the locks from all three of mine and installed a plug in the lock hole. The picture shows two w/ boot grips. I have replaced them w/ magnas.

 

[cjtraining]

bamabiker yours looks good with the polished barrel and cylinder. Almost like a pinto.

 

[enfield]

I've carried a 638 for over 10 years, in a Kramer horsehide pocket holster.

I don't know that I carry the best ammo, but I carry Remington 158 gr LSWCHP +P and practice with wadcutter reloads.

 

[hawgleg]

The very best pocket gun IMO. Added a set of C T laser grips 105 for carry and a set of Pachmayr compac grips for extended range practice.

 

[The Bolt Man]

Thanks for the great feedback and pictures.

I look forward to shooting the 638.

I see some 638 shooters have found some Hogue grips soften the sharp recoil enough to make shooting factory ammo less uncomfortable. Have any of you tried these grips and if so what model?

 

[scout]

Research this one: CorBon DPX .38 Special +P. It seems to be the best combination of reliable penetration/expansion--consistent expansion through any penetrable barrier. The only negative you will find with this cartridge is price. Lots of knowledgable, analytical guys on this board use them for defense. There are other very good choices.

 

[joespapa]

Have carried mine for the last 3 years either in a bianchi minimalist or uncle mikes pocket holster. Load with standard velocity hollow points. Carries and shoots like a dream! Great choice!

 

[freddy137]

My 638 was bought new for the purpose of pocket carry everyday and for a working tool. With a little maintenance/cleaning every-once in a while, a little practice from time to time and common sense, it is the best pocket pistol a man could carry for work and play. Mine looks like the devil with scratches and mares from my knife and keys but that gives it character. And it has never give me a minutes trouble even in worse
than bad conditions. Hollow-point +p's are my working loads but practice is just anything spare laying around , and 125gr. is my favorite, it doesn't seem to mind much what ever within 12 to 15 yards. Not to say I don't carry a larger or extra gun if the occasion may call for a reload or special purpose but this 638 is enough for anything I can see me needing, here in NW Fla.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

All ya'll are killing me here. Just when I convince myself that since I have a 36-2, 642 & 649-3, not to mention a 632-1, that I really don't need a 638 another post pops up and starts the "I want one" cycle all over again.

For that I thank you......

 

[reel adventure]

I woulkd reccomend the blue model if possible. I have both the satin 642 and 638 and found the finish to be sub par. I wore the finish off my 638 in 2 years and sent it out to have it coated. This coating is no joke and really lasts and protects the gun in a salt water environment.

I love the 638 for a EDC gun.

The pics appear to come out forest green but it is more a OD green color, and its dirty right out of my pocket.