[Kentucky Rifle]

I don't know how it happened! Somehow, my model 638 has become my favorite revolver. And, to top that, I carry it in an inexpensive Fobus paddle! No leather at all!
Either I've lost my mind or my tastes have changed. Maybe both. :)

KR

[MR.G]

Have carried a 638 for about two years now, and shot it quite a bit. A couple of months ago, saw a new one at a local shop and had to have it for a spare. They do grow on you.

[Kentucky Rifle]

*Nearly everybody said, "Buy a 642"! But there was just something about that little "humpback" that appealed to me. Plus, the fact that I can cock the 638 "sealed the deal". No doubt that most people would say the 642 is a more handsome gun, I'd even admit that. But you've got to go for more than looks.
(Luckily, my wife did. :) )

KR
P.S. I'm thinking hard about a 332 TI. I love my 331, but it gets very dusty in my ankle holster. I think maybe the "all sealed up" 332 would keep it's innards cleaner. (Just in case you don't know, I'm talking .32 H&R Mag here.)

[Mark IV Series 80]

Hello K.R.,

I would say that the beauty is in the funtionality.

The fact that you can cock the M638, and safely do a cylinder rotation check on the loaded revolver, puts it way ahead of the 642 & 442 in my book.

[Greybeard]

KR - I'm several hunnerd miles away and still trying to decide which is uglier, you or that pregnant tadpole. ... ;) ' Glad it's working out there ... :)

[22luvr]

No sir, Kentucky Rifle, you have definitely not lost your mind....to wit:

I bought a beautiful used 638 Bodyguard and of the some nine snubs I've owned, it was my clear favorite.

BUT, I sold it to get funds to buy what I thought was the ultimate snub: a Smith mod 340SC. :banghead:

Idiot that I am strikes again! :cuss: The 340SC, while a fine piece, is out-matched by the versatility, carriability, and shootability of the 638.

I'm convinced I'll NEVER learn my lesson which should be: BUY GUNS! NEVER SELL THEM! :fire:

[Kentucky Rifle]

It's me. I take the prize for "most ugly in show". :D

KR

[Trisha]

My compliments on your good taste and common sense, Kentucky Rifle - a gentleman needs never feel a sense of disorientation in ordinary affairs for simply perceiving himself to asurredly having more intelligence than the norm.

Though I prefer the 649. . .

:D

[Tamara]

A Fobus?

Oh, man, KR... I used to respect you so much, too... :neener:

[Poohgyrr]

The Centennial has been my favorite, it is really sweet. But those Airweights (Bodyguard too) have been saying my name lately.....

Do I have to admit to having a Fobus Roto for my 3" M65 (crossdraw) when I'm driving?? "Hello, I'm John and I have a Fobus for my Smith..."

[Kentucky Rifle]

My 638 has Hogue "Pau Ferro" wood grips on it. Does that get me back in?

KR :)

[22luvr]

KR: You say you carry your 638 in a Fobus?

My current 340SC is carried in a backyard engineered pocket contraption made out of (gulp) the thin tough plastic that milk jugs are made of and a little duct tape. I found that it is the flattest, toughest, cheapest, easiest-to-work material and it minimizes printing far better than anything else out there. And, of course I love the price. One of these days I'll get up enough nerve to post a photo of my hideous invention and get some feedback.

Here's a shot of my box-stock and sorely-missed 638 with the formerly-used Uncle Mike's size 3. (can't touch the milk carton doohickey for thinness and hideability.)

[Kentucky Rifle]

Thank you Friend Trisha. I'm always impressed with your language skills. But then, you're a writer. So I guess your stuff has GOTTA sound great!

OK Friend Tamara~A guy contacted me last night after he read this post and offered to make me an Ostrich skin holster for my 638 FOR FREE. Do I have good friends, or what??? :)

KR

[Boiler_G]

Can you cock the 638 from the get go, or do you have to start a double action trigger pull and then cock it the rest of the way?

I would think you could just cock it, but it looks like that would be a bit finicky.

I haven't seen one up close or handled one, so I am just going by the pic on the S&W web site.

Not trying to take over a thread here, but for a guy looking for first revolver as primary carry piece, would you wheel veterans recomend a DA or SA/DA? I am just concerned with snagging from the hammer. Is this a major problem?

I am looking at the S&W 36, 342, 337PD, 37, 637, 642, 342 ... you get the idea.

What about the weight of the gun vs. perceived recoil? I have read many threads on this, but is there a big difference b/t the 20 oz. and 15 oz. models. I don't think I will drop below the 15 oz. and I have no intention of shooting .357 mags! That is why I am looking at the .38 spl +P only guns.

I am trying to decide b/t a snubbie and a Kahr or S&W 3953. I haven't shot any of the guns, but plan to try examples of all. Funds are low and a purchase will not be in the near future. Will carry in the waist band.

Right now the primary is my Colt 1991A1