S&W 638 hammer

[Capt. Ct.]

I just picked up a new S&W 638 revolver for pocket carry. I would never use the single action for self defense but it is nice to be able to use it for fun. I have been dry firing and after pulling the hammer back a few times my thumb is sore and hurting. I had one of these years ago and I don't recall having this happen. My son has one and his isn't bad. His is second gen and mine is third.
So, any ideas how to help with this problem? I don't want to file or do anything too radical and risk messing up the serrations. Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

You are soft!!

Years ago when I was younger and actually worked for a living?
The sharp checkering on the fine old guns weren't sharp enough to keep them from slipping on my calloused thumb with no damage done.

Now at 71, and baby soft hands??

Those dang things are downright hazardous!!!

All I can suggest is shooting gloves, or a band-aid for range use.


Rc

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

I thought there were laws for internet use past 70.

 

[bannockburn]

Capt. Ct.

I have both an older Model 649 and a newer Model 638. Neither hammer seems particularly sharp or abrasive to my thumb when I do use it in single action mode. The Model 649's hammer is a bit easier to cock probably because I have used it quite a bit more than the Model 638.

Model 649:



Model 638:

 

[Capt. Ct.]

RC,you are probably correct as usual. I haven't worked in seven years and everything is soft. I did think of the band-aid and will go that route. Thanks.

 

[Jim Watson]

Geez, I haven't thumb cocked my M38 in years.
Maybe I should, see exactly where my present 135 Gold Dot hits relative to previous ammo.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Capt Ct, try a pair of thin leather driving type gloves or real shooting gloves. That will protect your thumb and hands. Don't feel bad, we all get "soft" when we stop working.

 

[surjimmy]

bannockburn, I have the same set up in a Nickel model 38. Great pocket gun.

 

[Zeke/PA]

I like to shoot my 638 in a single action mode but as it's my daily carry, I shoot quite a bit at 7 yards double action.

 

[gbran]

I have the 638 and a 649, both shrouded hammers. My 638 has a horrible trigger and the 649 is almost a PC trigger. The 638 hammer seems harder that the 649.

 

[bannockburn]

surjimmy

My first Model 38 was a nickel plated version. That gun was my constant companion on many walks at night. After I traded it (can't even remember on what back then), I started looking for it's replacement. When the Model 649 came out, I knew that I had found it. Picked up the Model 638 a few years ago for those warm weather months when I wanted something a little bit lighter than the all stainless Model 649.

 

[Overkill870]

Also keep in mind it's new, and still probably a little stiff. Keep dry firing it and the action will break in and smooth out a lot and require a little less force.

 

[Coyote3855]

I probably wouldn't do this to a new gun, but I have a S&W 15-6 that I acquired used in 80% condition. The hammer serrations were really sharp. I carefully used some 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper on a flat stick to take the checkering points down a little.

P.S. I'm also 71 and soft.

 

[Jim K]

Coyote is correct; it is easy to take those sharp edges down a bit.

But those guns are sometimes misunderstood, especially with owners used to SA shooting. They are intended to be used primarily as DAO, with the single action for the rare case where a more accurate shot is needed. When looked at that way, a more certain cocking for the rare SA use may take precedence over a sore thumb if SA is the more used mode.

Jim

 

[spazzymcgee]

A newer 638 goes with me everywhere. I didn't find the checkering on it to hurt my thumb, but I see how it could others. The checkering on my 64 was a little tough, but the problem was lessened when I stoned everything inside and installed an Apex spring kit. I think that less spring pressure on that hammer would help you, but some don't recommend putting lighter springs in a carry gun. If you do, Apex sells an extended firing pin for internal hammer J and K frames that is supposed to bring back 110% reliable ignition. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't do that on a carry gun, as that's your decision. I've had good luck, others haven't.

Here's a family picture, because threads are boring without them:

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I also had a M638 that went everywhere with me until it seems to be in my son's pocket more than mine. I gave up and bought a M442 for my pocket.

 

[HexHead]

I have the 638 and a 649, both shrouded hammers. My 638 has a horrible trigger and the 649 is almost a PC trigger. The 638 hammer seems harder that the 649.

I had a trigger job done on my 438. Feels like a Glock trigger now.

 

[bannockburn]

The trigger on my Model 649 was fairly smooth and even when I first got it and has been pretty decent over the years. When I tried the trigger on my new Model 638 I knew I had found a good one because out of the box it was as nice of a trigger as the one on my Model 649. Build quality and overall fit and finish on the Model 638 was also very good.