S&W 638

[Heifer]

Hello everyone, I have not seen any threads regarding the 638. Why is that? I purchased one a few weeks ago and I really like this revolver for ccw, especially during the summer months.

My only problem with the revolver is that there were deep nicks at the end of the barrel, along a section of the cylinder and along the back strap of the frame. I sent it bac to S&W, and they gave me a new frame and buffed out the cylinder and barrel.

When I received the new frame, there was still a rough edge along the recessed hammer, and a minute chip on the top of the frame. I touched it up with crazy glue, and the slight imperfections are barely noticeable.

I love S&W pistols but I am a little disappointed with the quality of the new revolvers. Nothing beats an old 66.

 

[photoman]

I have a 38-2 that is a favorite.

 

[ab4ka]

they don't seem to be as popular as the Centennials, which I don't get as I like the shape of the Bodyguard better as well as the capability of single-action fire. My 638 is a gem! It's actually my second one. The first one was great except that it had a "hitch" when you pushed the cylinder release. It loosened right up after firing a couple of boxes through it. It got traded away and I realized that was a mistake so I bought another one. It isn't going anywhere!

 

[cobra44]

Deep nicks in the finish - that is bad a new revolver.
The 638 I have is an older model. It is my favorite small snub nose carry revolver. I like the shrouded hammer. As far as I am concerned it is the perfect snub nose.

 

[SaberOne]

Ahh, the sperm whale of snubs. It's an acquired taste for some, but I personally like it. I find the shape more conducive to pocket carry as well as action work. In this regard, I prefer the 649 variant.

 

[Engine49guy]

I had a hammerless model for 1 month then sold it.
IMHO, The Model 38/638 and 49 / 649 is the best pocket revolver ever made.

 

[bdb benzino]

I picked up my 638 a few weeks ago and it is becoming my favorite carry peice for sure. Sorry about the nicks on yours, but mine seems to be perfect and shoots way more accurate than I thought. Love this revolver!!

 

[r2d4]

I have had several different j-frames through the years. 640,640-1,442,642, and two 940's and a 60 no dash. Now I have a 649-2 thats my favorite! I sold a couple here and had a friend call a say he had one. It very accurate and an acquired taste on the looks side but I have really taken to it. I like the bodyguard and share the sentiments of the others on this thread.

 

[medic15al]

Love my 438!

 

[Ethang]

My wife got me one the first Christmas after I graduated the academy. It has been on my ankle or in my pocket almost everyday since then. Good gun, great wife.

 

[Wakatomika]

You can probably expect the finish to degrade on your 638 if you carry it. It won't hurt it's effectiveness. I have been carrying a 638 alternately with a model 49 for about five years now. The 638 looks kind of shabby but works great, and shoots accurately. The finish looks to be some kind of paint, and started to come off within a few weeks of purchase. Like you I was a little peeved but the finish degraded to a point over a year or so and has stayed "there" pretty much since. As with other responders here, I believe the Bodyguard is "the" best CCW gun. I have not once since Ohio got the CCW law had the occasion to even think of drawing it for deadly purposes. I hope to complete my time on earth without the need to shoot anyone, but I am confident the 638 / 49 will be there for me if need be.
Wakatomika

 

[Heifer]

Thanks for all of the replies! I carry my 638 everday as well. The weight, size and fell of this revolver is incredible. The second frame from S&W appears to have the same imperfection on the side of the top strap as the original one. After a few years of pocket carry, I am sure that it will get a little dinged up. I am developing an interest in the 649 based on the rave reviews I have read from many of you. I think aquiring a used pre-lock S&W is the way to go from now on.

 

[Engine49guy]

Hey Heifer,
The model 38 is much lighter for carry perposes but they are both great guns.

Picked up this unfired 649 last year.
Its 1 of 100 comemorating the introduction of the 649.

 

[ENGINE18]

Love mine. It's my "WYATT" ccw. (I have another 638 post in the CCW section)

 

[hiram2005]

I have a 38-2 that is a favorite.

Well, I see where my grips are going! lol I had 'em on my 638.

 

[photoman]

Well, I see where my grips are going! lol I had 'em on my 638.

I've got a whole bunch of J's in need of nice grips! Your money order is on the way.

 

[hiram2005]

I've got a whole bunch of J's in need of nice grips! Your money order is on the way.

It's all packed up. And I love those stags!

 

[Heifer]

Hey Engine49guy,

That is one nice 49! Now I am lusting for one. Yeah, you can't beat the weight on a 638.

Waka, I found that crazy glue is an excellent protective coating on areas prone to premature chipping.

 

[photoman]

It's all packed up. And I love those stags!

Patrick made those for me. Very nice!

 

[corky52]

I love my 438 too. He goes , pretty much, everywhere I do.