S&W 638-3 w/2.5" Barrel

[dwilarsk]

I just bought a S&W 638-3 w/2.5" barrel at auction. I could not find any info on this revolver on line. Is it rare or was it discontinued due to lack of interest? Appears to be a excellent carry gun.
Any PROS or CONS would be greatly appreciated.

 

[326MOD10]

Not an expert but I think the 2.5 inch J series lasted about 2 years. Not rare but not common.

I think they made a 638, 642 and 637 with that barrel length.

Some, If not all came with Crimson Trace grips.

The 2.5 inch just didn't show a big improvement over the standard 1 3/4" barrel and they had the lock. Then subcompact 9mm's came along and that was that.

I always found them neat but never bought one.

Enjoy it. It should be a good one.

Found a post using Google that said they were made from 2007 to 2009, for 18 months. A little later than I thought.

Also said as a plus the 2.5 inch barrel models provided a full ejector rod.

It also advised that there were 3 models as indicated above.

 

[TJm15.38]

I love the 638; mine's a newer one with the shorter barrel.

 

[shell627]

I havea 638-3 I bought used at a lgs a couple years ago.I love it as I type it is near me in living room.I have always loved humpback j frames .I carried 638 no dash for over 20yrs either on my ankle or pocket as backup and off duty piece.That one was 38special .My 638-3 is 357 and came with a gunrug with 5 rounds of 357 golden saber.It is a good 3/4 strength 357 for j frame .I have trouble deciding on which is my favorite 357 j frame the 640 or 638-3.And to your question I don’t think they are rare but not common.Mine is only one I ever saw in wild so I bought it.

 

[dwilarsk]

Thank You!

 

[shell627]

Welcome to the forum from Tn.when I was young I believe I spent many a happy day at a Boy Scout camp near metamora

 

[URIT]

Great auction find. Congratulations. I believe you are correct to assume it will be a nice CCW option. ENJOY

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Not sure on the rarity but nice find! A good J frame goes a long way regardless of rarity.

 

[dobegrant]

J frames are just great carry guns, I can never decide which is my favorite but if comes down to either a 638 or 642.

 

[snubbyfan]

 

[lkabug]

Welcome to the forum from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

[pmanton]

Hi from Salome, AZ.

 

[C Islander]

Welcome from Ohio!

 

[husker51]

Welcome from the Great Plains of Nebraska!

 

[STCM(SW)]

My 638-3 is my CC gun in the summer in my front pocket.
Says 38 +P on the barrel
Hope you enjoy yours and welcome to our site.

 

[Delta Expatriate]

Welcome from down south in Mississippi.

 

[Baxter6551]

Welcome from CT ! Nice grab. I think the 3 inch model 642 that was mentioned would be very cool.

 

[shell627]

I would like to apologize to everyone about my post about this 638 being 357.I don’t know why i made the mistake.But what I have is a 649 with 2 1/4 barrel.I did carry a 638 for over 20 years in law enforcement as a backup.I still carry it as a second weapon as a constable.