Quick overview of 638 Please...I'm a want'n one.

[Redcoat3340]

Have a 642 PC so don't really need another .38 carry piece. But ever since my middle guy "borrowed" my last humpback (never to be seen again) I'm wanting one.

I'm thinking a 638 but aside from Youtube stuff and a few interweb written reviews I'd like to hear from some people who have had experience with them.

How do they stack up against other J-frames? Against other makers? And anything (everything??) else.

Thanks.

 

[326MOD10]

I would say other than the ability to shoot the 638 in single action I am not sure there is a great deal of difference in that and your former 642.

I have several humpbacks because I always thought they were cool and when my finances became a little more free I bought several. Thank you Tubbs for that!!!

When I was a police officer I carried a 642 (and later a 442PC) as my back up gun. I carried it in an ankle holster and in the pocket when I was off.

I purchased a 638-3 to use as a back-up for my back-up just in case of any issues. When it came time to go to the back-up to the back-up I was hesitant cause with the ability to fire it single action it also comes with an ability to let lint/dirt into the mechanism.

Now carrying in a belt holster not an issue. Checking things out on a regular basis and blowing the gunk out of it then not an issue. But I hesitated and went to the 442PC.

Just my two cents worth.

 

[TJm15.38]

I like the 638; it's one of my carry guns. I know it's rated for +P ammo, but I find it much more controllable in double action firing with lead bullets. I don't shoot it a lot, but when I do I practice with 148 grain wadcutters (my loads). It stays at night by the bed in a Hornady Rapid Safe and is loaded with 140 grain factory lead cowboy loads. The gun's been reliable and I do like the fact that you can shoot it single action, however, to be honest, that is not practical in a defensive situation.

 

[John Patrick]

I have one. I put some longer smooth wood grips on it so my pinky has a place to go. Even with the longer grips it's fine in a pocket with a pocket holster.

It's not fun to shoot with anything stiffer than cowboy action or wadcutter loads. I carry Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158gr LSWCHP or Gold Dot Short Barrel ammo the relatively few times I carry it.

 

[Rpg]

I've always thought the model 38 and its progeny like the model 638 are the best pocket revolvers ever made.

 

[robrossk]

I have a 438 (blued version). Great J frame but does have a little kick. I have not fired +P ammo but definitely pleased to have it in my rotation.

 

[dubshooter]

I'm in the opposite boat. While I have my 638 (and a442 pro), I still somehow want a 642 Pro.


I like the 638 because I'm able to get a higher grip up on the gun without the corner of the Centennial frame getting into the knuckle of my thumb.

If you like the 642, you'll like the 638.

 

[haywood]

I like all J-Frames. If I had the opportunity to buy more at an affordable price, I probably would. I'd like a 49, and a 38. The new 442 and 642 from lipsey's look interesting also. You need a 638. A 649 would be good also.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I've heard the 38/49 series referred to as "the thinking man's J-Frame".

I bought a 638 for carry and retired my PPK/s. The SA was really helpful learning the Airweight platform. The more I trained DA, the less I shot SA. Now other than maybe dispatching an injured animal I really don't have the need for SA and currently carry a 640.

I do own Models 38, 49, 638, 649 though, and really like my humpbacks, just rarely carry one anymore.

 

[rockquarry]

A J-frame is a J-frame. Any differences are small ones. Most shoot these revolvers double-action. They also work fine single-action once the shooter becomes accustomed to the gun.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Many thanks for the comments so far. Much appreciated.

I should have asked that if anyone sees one in a gun shop that ships, let me know (or if you have one for sale). I'm a semi-retired guy so I don't have a big budget but can afford a moderate tariff. (I could just ask my middle son for "mine" back, but I've tried that twice and get the ole "Ohhhh dad, do you reeeaally need it?" For revenge I 'borrow' his Single Malts."

 

[mikerjf]

Any future J's for me will be steel. The small weight difference doesn't hurt carry for me, but significantly helps with the recoil.

 

[dubshooter]

Any future J's for me will be steel. The small weight difference doesn't hurt carry for me, but significantly helps with the recoil.

I'm in the same boat. Except one of the new Lipseys 642's might replace my 442 Pro for my backup pocket gun at work

 

[TJm15.38]

Many thanks for the comments so far. Much appreciated.

I should have asked that if anyone sees one in a gun shop that ships, let me know (or if you have one for sale). I'm a semi-retired guy so I don't have a big budget but can afford a moderate tariff. (I could just ask my middle son for "mine" back, but I've tried that twice and get the ole "Ohhhh dad, do you reeeaally need it?" For revenge I 'borrow' his Single Malts."

AIM Surplus has them for sale new:

AimSurplus, LLC

 

[max503]

You asked, "How do they stack up against other J-frames? Against other makers? And anything (everything??) else."

It says on the frame "+P rated".
I was shooting mine regularly with mid-range wadcutter reloads. Two or three boxes/month. It wasn't long before it started showing signs of wear. The hole for the bolt enlarged. I sent it back to S&W and after a lot of back and forth communications they finally agreed to fix it and replace the frame. (It looks like they replaced it with a used one).
Just beware they may hold up to +P but not regular shooting. It's an Airweight and you can't fool mother nature. It won't stand up to volume.

If I ever buy another snub it will be a Charter Arms or Taurus. I won't pay the premium for an S&W. To me a snub is an appliance. If it works, that's good enough. No need for fancy.