[tnieto2004]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_72/products_id/26311

I haven't owned many revolvers and I was thinking about switching from an auto to a wheelgun for my every day carry .. I was looking at the 638 and noticed it says on that site that it is single/double action .. Is that right? Would this be a good CCW? Anyone had bad luck with it?

[ArchAngelCD]

I have been carrying a M638 for over 2 years now. I wouldn't consider carrying anything else right now. It's only 15 oz, can fire .38 Special +P rounds and conceals great in a front pocket. With the Bodyguard frame you can still have the option to fire the revolver SD while but you don't have to worry about the hammer snagging on clothing since it's shrouded. (look at the first picture, you can see a small part of the hammer is available to you) With a little practice you can shoot it as well as any other gun. I guess by now you figured out I really like this revolver... :D

BTW, the add in the link you posted is incorrect. The barrel is 1 7/8", not 2" and it's not a Stainless Steel revolver, it's an Aluminum Alloy. The Stainless model is the M649 and it weighs 23 oz. It is the same revolver as the M638 but for the Stainless Steel.

Here (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14773&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y) is the S&W site link for the Model 649.
Here (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14772&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y) is the S&W site link for the Model 638 so you can compare the two.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2203.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2082.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2083.jpg

[chieftain]

I used to carry an old model 38, that is the original Bodyguard model in blue steel.

Then I traded it in on a 649.

Which I traded in on a 638.

Always preferred the option to go single action if I had to. So I have been carrying one or the other Bodyguard types for about 30 years.

I recently got a 642 before they started that safety lock BS.

I like both of them. When I carry J frame, I carry the 642 in the right pocket and the 638 in the left.

Both are great guns.

Fred

[Moonclip]

All these bodyguard pics are making me sad since I no longer have one and I rarely see decent priced, decent conditioned pre lock ones in my area.

[shooter429]

I was thinking about switching from an auto to a wheelgun for my every day carry I did that too. they are just so simple elegant and reliable.

Shooter429