Why are the 642/442s favored over the 638/438s?

[photoman]

In the the few years I've carried my 638 primarily on my ankle due to work dress. I hope to begin utilizing pocket/belt carry. So far (with ankle carry) I've not encountered significant lint collection.

My reason for the post, is if pocket carry winds up being my primary method of carry, would I be better of trading in my 638 for a 442. I love my 638, but unfortunately can't have both.

If you end up pocket carrying your 638, don't worry about it. Just give it a quick inspection each night and clean it off some canned air if need be. I pocket carry a Model 38 often and don't worry about lint at all.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

In the the few years I've carried my 638 primarily on my ankle due to work dress. I hope to begin utilizing pocket/belt carry. So far (with ankle carry) I've not encountered significant lint collection.

My reason for the post, is if pocket carry winds up being my primary method of carry, would I be better of trading in my 638 for a 442. I love my 638, but unfortunately can't have both.

I wouldn't worry about lint too much. As I mentioned in a previous post I use "canned air" to blow off my guns about once or twice a week and have never seen what could even be considered, light lint, come off of my guns while doing so.

Now if you are going to carry one around in your pocket for weeks, or months, and not clean or inspect it then the 442 might be the better choice. If you are the type that inspects their gun on a regular basis then either one will work just fine.

For those who use a pocket holster, I see more debris / lint settle in the bottom of those (pocket holsters) than anywhere else so those get "the air" put to 'em every couple of week's or so, depending on how much they have been used. It's a simple matter to look down into them to see when it's time........

 

[Minnehaha]

I Like the Old Humpback

I have loved the look of the 49s ever since I was a young boy, and I always wanted one. Now, many, many years later I love my 649 - 357 mag. It's all real stainless steel, has a great balance, soaks up the recoil, has a smooth, light double action trigger, and also gives me the option of a super light single action shot (as well as 357 mag or 38 sp). It's always nice to have options, even if you don't really need them. The pictures in the earlier posts tell it all - the 49s rule (IMHO).

 

[mtheo]

My first centerfire was a model 38...I carried it 4 years using a Barami hip grip. Body sweat wreaked such havoc on the steel finish I resorted to spray painting the steel to fend off the serious rust.. I wore most of the black oxide off the aluminum. I have had river mud/gravel, sand, and tree bark in the top slot behind the hammer...none of these ever stopped the gun from functioning.

I believe the warnings concerning the top slot in the hammer shroud are urban/rural myth.

I traded that gun for a model 60 when they became available...I wish I still had that old model 38. Today my favorite is a 642.

 

[adwjc]

The bodyguards were always hard to find, still don't see too many around.

I bought my first Centenniel (Model 42) in 1974, the year S&W discontinued them. Had a heck of a time finding a holster for it in those days.

Back then double action shooting didn't seem to be as popular as it became later, with the changes we saw in technique.

Then around 1989 they came back (w/o the grip safety - Yay!).

Presently I have a 640,442 a 432 and the original 42. Love those things.

 

[mtheo]

Sort of a troll comment.... Which I believe.

I believe the warnings concerning the top slot in the hammer shroud are urban/rural myth.

I am disappointed no one came after my head with a D2 serrated kukri for that comment. Testimonials are needed such as "I know a guy that accidentally got a glob of JB weld in the hammer slot that prevented the gun from firing!" or "when I carry my bodyguard in a pocket full of change...."

Respectfully,

Mtheo

 

[scout]

Bodyguards weigh a couple of ounces less than Centennials.