S&W 638 Newbie

[NikkieLynn]

Hello! I hope I'm in the correct forum. This is my first time.

A bit of background. I've only shot and owned rifles, but I needed a small, very concealable handgun for personal protection. I am picking up my S&W 638 revolver tomorrow (providing it comes in) and I have a few questions about ammo.

On the S&W website, it states the 638 is .38 Special +P caliber...but can I fire non +P ammo in this gun? I noticed the revolver manual includes all ammo and acceptable alternatives, but it doesn't list the .38 Special +P.

Since this is my first handgun I have a private instruction class schedule next Thursday and a CWP test on Oct 12th. I need to put in a ton of time on the range to shoot this gun accurately (or so I'm told). This is another reason I am questioning the non +P ammo...much less recoil (again, from what I'm told only). What would be a typical price for 50 rounds of ammo. Before I ordered the gun, I was given some low-ball prices of $5 a box, but when I looked online, it appears to be more in the $20-$30 range.

Any help is appreciated.

NikkieLynn

 

[jonesy814]

Yes, you can fire non +P ammo in it.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Welcome to the forum!

The 638 is a great CCW gun, but be sure to practice often with it.

The class will be very helpful in learning and if taught right will be well worth the money.

"The snubby revolver" by Ed Lovette is a great book for those who carry a snubbie.
The Snubby Revolver: The ECQ, Backup, and Concealed Carry Standard: Ed Lovette, Bert DuVernay: 9781581605716: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ubyt4e3tL.@@AMEPARAM@@51ubyt4e3tL

Just to warn you J-frames tend to multiply.

BTW: You can (and should at first.) shoot non +p ammo.

 

[NikkieLynn]

Thank you both! I appreciate the info

 

[snubbyfan]

Lotsa dry fire practice'll help with trigger control and help smooth the trigger pull. When you first try it out at the range, get some mild .38 special rounds, ya don't want to develop a flinch.
That little sucker'll want to jump around in your hand anyway.
If the grip's not comfortable, there are many aftermarket grips available to help it fit your hand better.
I put Pachmayr Compact grips on my 442, really helped with my accuracy and it's still concealable either on my belt or in my pocket.

 

[Jimmyjones]

Welcome to the forum !

I have a 638 tucked in my waste band as I type this. Yes you can shoot non +P's. I carry stout target rounds in mine.

Yeah a box of 50 is now > $20.

The J-Frame is a platform to master, practice, practice practice. The advantage of a 638 over say a 642 (DAO) is that you can shoot it single action during the learning stage. This helps eliminate the struggle folks seem to have learning a double action revolver. Learn the sights and how the gun performs under recoil using single action, then after you're grouping consistently switch to double action and continue the learning process. I now only shoot mine SA occasionally at the range or for looong shoots. You don't use or want to use single action in a defensive situation.

I'd highly recommend doing dry-fire drills. They will help to strengthen your trigger finger and help you control the sight picture. You can balance a coin on the front sight or frame top and see if you can keep it there while you dry-fire. I learn the most of my trigger control doing dry-fire drills. It also help smooth the action and speeds up break in. You can use snap-caps, but it's not a necessity, you can dry fire an S&W with out damage.

Good shooting, you picked a great carry piece, the Humpback seems to have a cult following, you either love them or they're ugly.

Once heard it call the 'Thinking man's J-Frame.

 

[Rpg]

Congratulations!! You've purchased one of the two or three best pocket revolvers of the three digit S&W models.

You can safely shoot any commercial 38 special ammo you find (+p or other designation) in your revolver.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I have owned one for over 4 years. A great little carry gun. I put Pachmeiers on mine plus a spring kit. I shoot my own hand loads. Plus P ammo is rough on the hands.I use milder stuff.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn NikkieLynn

Welcome to the Forum. Always great to have new members. For once, I have nothing to add, except live- and dry-fire practice. Competent instruction (emphasis "competent") will also help prevent you from simply making noise and haphazardly hitting the backstop of the range.

The above posters are all card-carrying "J-hounds." You can become one,too, in time. Followtheir lead.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire

 

[629shooter]

I can't really add anything except be patient. I know a few people that claim J-frames aren't accurate because, they have put ten rounds downrange and, failed to hit the target. It's not true, just hit the range as much as you can and get some dry fire practice in as well. If you have good marksmanship fundamentals, you'll do just fine.

Enjoy your new revolver.

 

[David R]

Welcome to the forum!

Snip

Just to warn you J-frames tend to multiply.

BTW: You can (and should at first.) shoot non +p ammo.

I started out with a blue model 36. I had it a few years and always liked it. Then I started hanging around here and realized how nice a light weight would be. So I bought one, then I realized it would be nice to have a 3" J frame.....

Learn the gun. Its not the easiest handgun to master, keep shooting.


David

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I went from no J's - two, in short time. Bought 1 in July, and 1 a few weeks ago. (both 36's) I am old, and like to have the ability to shoot single action. Your gun gives you the best of both worlds. As said, PRACTICE! I would use a combination of loads at the range, BUT practice also with what you are going to use for carry. Bob

 

[kaaskop49]

New J-hounds are popping up like mushrooms in this thread. Gotta order new membership cards from the printer. Tell Zachary and Natayo to prepare to lick a batch of envelopes.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire

 

[S&WForty]

Study post #6 by Jimmyjones over and over. He summed up every key point excellently. I watched tv last night and dry fired my 638. [emoji1]

As someone else stated, it will kick. If you start to fatigue while shooting it, I would suggest you rent a similar revolver in a smaller caliber for continued practice. (if your range has rentals) I carry a large DSLR camera and BIG lenses one-handed all the time (heavy!), and I shoot a 'snappy' .40 semiauto a lot, but before I was finished with 50 rds through my 638, my hand was 'feeling it.' If you get physically or mentally fatigued shooting it, don't worry. That's normal, and you'll do better with each practice session.

 

[NikkieLynn]

Ah...I didn't realize I could dry fire a .38. Good to know. I need to reprogram my brain that this is a centerfire. Thank you for the tips!

Lotsa dry fire practice'll help with trigger control and help smooth the trigger pull. When you first try it out at the range, get some mild .38 special rounds, ya don't want to develop a flinch.

 

[NikkieLynn]

Thank you for all the great info! I have no idea why the one range kept telling me a box of 50 was $5. I had questioned it then.

Welcome to the forum !

I have a 638 tucked in my waste band as I type this. Yes you can shoot non +P's. I carry stout target rounds in mine.

Yeah a box of 50 is now > $20.

 

[NikkieLynn]

I agree with the "competent" sentiment. A few of my friends offered to teach me, but when I scheduled my CWP class, I asked the instructor if he could recommend someone. That someone turned out to be him. He's a SLED instruction along with instruction in USPSA, IDPA and Cowboy competition. He exceeded my qualification list I feel more secure with him teaching me rather than one of my "casual shooting" friends.

Welcome to the Forum. Always great to have new members. For once, I have nothing to add, except live- and dry-fire practice. Competent instruction (emphasis "competent") will also help prevent you from simply making noise and haphazardly hitting the backstop of the range.

The above posters are all card-carrying "J-hounds." You can become one,too, in time. Followtheir lead.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire

 

[NikkieLynn]

Thank you all for the wonderful responses. I honestly didn't even know a S&W forum existed. I have another newbie question...I don't hunt, don't intend to, so would joining the NRA still be beneficial to me or should I pass? I notice many of you are members. And what about the S&W Collector's Club?

 

[kaaskop49]

Very important to join the NRA. If you scan the Forum, sometimes a discounted membership is available here, but please join. I know some folks take the NRA to task for what they believe to be the organization's insupportable viewpoints or they don't like the merchandise offers. However, if you want to preserve your right to legally own the firearms you choose and the right to shoot, joining the NRA is the best step.

I'll let others take it from here.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. NikkieLynn: I applaud your decision to work with a competent instructor.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi NikkieLynn:

Welcome to the Forum. Congratulations on buying what I think is S&W's best J-frame pocket pistol - the famed "Humpback" or Bodyguard series of revolvers. My EDC (Every-Day-Carry) is a Model 38-0 (top in photo) and a Model 638-1 (bottom right in photo). Both of these revolvers are equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 lasergrips. This particular model has a small channel running down the back of the grips that creates an air pocket. This air pocket helps to soak up recoil from these light weight guns. The Bodyguard is also made in an all steel version known as the Model 49 (blued steel), and the Model 649 in stainless steel (bottom left in photo). I use my Model 649-0 primarily for the range as the extra weight helps to control the recoil. I also use it as a winter gun and frequently carry it in a coat jacket pocket.

By the way, I wonder if the $5.00 price for a box of ammo you were quoted was for reloaded ammunition. Though tempting to buy due to the lower price, I think most experienced shooters would only shoot their own reloads, or those from a very trusted friend or acquaintance. There are some companies that manufacture and sell ammo in steel or aluminum, rather than brass, shell casings that are usually cheaper. I would encourage you to save and keep your brass shell casings as they will be useful if you eventually decide to get into reloading, or they would be a very welcomed gift from you to others that do reload.

Best of luck,

Dave