S&W model 38

[Engine 21]

I have my eye on a model 38 bodyguard revolver. It's an aluminum J frame, five shot (obviously) in excellent shape. Anyone have this model and any info on it would be appreciated. I would like to use this as a bug. Thanks.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have my eye on a model 38 bodyguard revolver. It's an aluminum J frame, five shot (obviously) in excellent shape. Anyone have this model and any info on it would be appreciated. I would like to use this as a bug. Thanks.

It is Airweight version of the bodyguard. Excellent choice.

 

[Old cop]

Your choice is an excellent one, mine has served me well since I bought it used in the early '70's as a b/u to my duty weapon. One thing, pay attention to the hump area where the hammer is as crud tends to build up there. While it will not impact function it will impact the overall appearance and value.

 

[mc5aw]

The only problem with my 38 is that the front sight is very thin, and sometimes difficult to pick up. Otherwise, it makes for a great concealed carry option.

 

[ladder13]

I have the later 38-3 no lock, but don't use it very much as there's other J's that get the call. It's light, and has the SA option, as good a carry J frame as there is.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I have more than my fair share of lighweight J Frames
and this is my most carried, if that tells you anything.

I do agree that the front sight is thinner, thus harder to pickup, than
those on my newer guns, but, at the distance(s) I would more than likely
be using the gun, the sights would just be going along for the ride.

 

[Engine 21]

Thanks everyone for the feed back, much appreciated. You made my decision easier and my conclusions correct. Besides, who doesn't like a J frame.

 

[rwschill]

Model 38 Frame Size

Does this model have the "magnum" frame as the newer j's have?

 

[Engine 21]

No...I cannot see anything referring to a magnum frame.

 

[5Wire]

J frame – small; 5-shot .38 size; (6 in .32 caliber) current production; Chiefs Special sized. This frame was enlarged slightly in 1995 to accept the .357 Magnum round, and may be called the "J Magnum" frame. By 1997, all J-frame revolvers were produced on the J Magnum frame.

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006-12-20). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 2). F+W Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

 

[rbmac52]

My 38-2 is my every day carry and I love it. It is my favorite J-frame, and prefer it over my 640 no dash and 642 no dash.

 

[Armybrat]

My M 38-3 (bought it from a Texas LEO) lives in the bedside table:

 

[smithfelty]

What is the difference between the M38 and the M438 and when did they stop production of the 438?