Out of these candidates, which one would you choose, and more importantly why? Please limit this discussion to these three S&W models only. I'm leaning toward the 638 with the shrouded hammer. This will be for pocket carry, and filled with shot for snakes when working in the yard.
S&W 638, 637, or 642?
- Thread starter stevek
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638. Have had one for over 3 years now .I was considering pocket carry so that immediately eliminated the 637 as the hammer catching on you pocket while drawing can be an issue. Of the 642 and 638 I chose the 638 because it gives me the option of single action shots. Might never need that option for self defense but doesn't hurt to have it. It turns out the curve of the hump back area actually helps guide the gun out of the pocket. Don't let anyone tell you these little guns aren't accurate. I shoot at and hit a 10 X 12 steel plate at 40 yards all the time. I can draw and put 5 hits on 3 targets at 15 feet in 6 seconds with the targets being 5 and 6 inch circles
bannockburn
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Have always had a definite preference for the Model 38 and it's successors. Started with a nickel plated Model 38 well over 30 years ago and currently have two versions: an all stainless steel Model 649 and a stainless steel/aluminum alloy Model 638. I like having the snag-proof configuration with the hammer shroud frame and still having the option of shooting in single action mode. Makes for a great pocket revolver!
I have 642/442s and dehoned 37s which I routinely carried as pocket guns until retired in favor of Kahr CMs for that role. I decided to go back to a J frame as a pocket gun and interestingly have decided in the last few days to procure a 638 for that purpose. I think it comes out the pocket easier and the single action option is available for a more precise shot if need.
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edwardware
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I chose the 642, because you can buy it and a bucket full of ammo or components for the price of either alternative.
I shoot mine quite well double action, and in my opinion single action is a waste in a snubbie revolver.
I shoot mine quite well double action, and in my opinion single action is a waste in a snubbie revolver.
The Evangelist Cowboy
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I prefer the 637 the hammer is a non issue once youve trained yourself to cover the hammer with your thumb, I actually want SA capabilities on my defensive revolvers even if it wont be my main method of practice, there maybe times where a very precise shot is needed and I would want every advantage I could get in that situation, also useful for the snake shot option vs shooting critters in DA anyway.
springer99
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Of those mentioned, I'd prefer the 642, primarily because I don't have much use for a hammer on these snubby's. A 638 would be my second choice, but does have more frame holes to allow pocket fuzz to collect in. Bear in mind though that I find I use all my Smith's DA, Even my 686's and 629.
mcb
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Certainly not the only way to look at this but when I was picking out my snubby it was to be my primary CCW and in that context I decided the 638 is probably the worst choice of the three for me. If you're in a serious self defense situation where you need to use a snubby your almost guaranteed to be shooting double action. I couldn't think of any situations for a conceal carry revolver that I would thumb the hammer back. Even if we invent a plausible situation where you would want to thumb the hammer back, why would you then select a revolver with such a small fumble-prone thumb pad? In that self defense situation where your body is very likely flooded with adrenaline, that is degrading your fine motor skills, it seems unwise to use a revolver that makes that fine motor action, of thumbing the hammer back, more difficult by selecting the 638 over the 637. If you really think you need to thumb the hammer then I would go with the 637.
Personally for a pocket snubby revolver I want a fully enclose hammer for snag free draw and no temptation to mess with a hammer in a stressful situation. I would go with the 642 and a fair amount of practice. I personally carry a black version of the 642 a 442 Moonclip.
Personally for a pocket snubby revolver I want a fully enclose hammer for snag free draw and no temptation to mess with a hammer in a stressful situation. I would go with the 642 and a fair amount of practice. I personally carry a black version of the 642 a 442 Moonclip.
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buck460XVR
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^^^Same here. The rubber grips on the small J-Frames are a bigger hindrance when drawing from a pocket than any hammer spur. If one has the gun in an appropriate holster, even with pocket carry, neither is an issue. My 637 is on me most all the time. For the most part, being attacked by the neighbor's dog or a rabid coon, is the biggest threat of violence I have against me. I also like to, just for ships and giggles, shoot it while walking/hiking in the woods. Having the capability of an easy and fast SA trigger is a plus, while offering nothing negative when shooting D.A.
Picking a personal SD/ND firearm is a decision many folks take too lightly. They go on a gun forum and read a few threads and buy whatever model is popular that week. Or they go to their LGS and buy what the clerk says he uses....or what is on sale. Kinda the same way they choose their ammo. I wonder how many folks have actually snagged their hammer when drawing their j-frame? Is it possible? Of course it is, as is having a dud round in the chamber. One needs to practice drawing, just as much as they practice shooting, if the gun really is their EDC. One should use what makes them most comfortable, what they are most confident with, and what they are the most proficient with. What others use is moot.
Every time one of these (hammer vs no-hammer)threads comes up, there's always that one person that knows for sure that those of us with hammers, never shoot, never practice, and are incapable of hitting anything, in D.A. Apparently, according to those folks, that's the only reason to have a hammer, is because we are so dismally pathetic and totally incapable of shooting in D.A. Some folks ain't got a clue.
cal44mag
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Of those three, I'd go with the 638.
It has the shrouded hammer for pocket carry without worrying about the hammer hanging up.
You can use it single action if you need to shoot at longer distances -- like on a rabid critter while hiking.
I don't have a 638, but do carry a 49 which is the blue all steel version of the same gun.
Best pocket revolver made, IMHO.
It has the shrouded hammer for pocket carry without worrying about the hammer hanging up.
You can use it single action if you need to shoot at longer distances -- like on a rabid critter while hiking.
I don't have a 638, but do carry a 49 which is the blue all steel version of the same gun.
Best pocket revolver made, IMHO.
638 of those three, but the 649 is my favorite handgun, period.
The shrouded hammer is the split between the 642 and 637. No snag draw and shoot from inside jacket pocket advantage of the 642, yet single action accuracy and thumb-riding-hammer reholstering safety of the 637 (very important to this AIWB guy).
I'm a hiker/backpacker and have seen coyote/feral dog packs, black bear, and rabid raccoons - between the safe distance animals like to maintain, and lack of brandishing worries, I much prefer to be sighted in and ready w/single action. In my safe suburban area and with good situational awareness, I'm unlikely to encounter up-close/personal human threats, if anything it's the random mass shooter so in vogue these days that has me slightly concerned. Of course my first instinct will be to run, but if cornered in a building (like so many past victims) I would seek a covered position where I could take a single action long shot. Lastly, although I mostly practice in DA, I always like shooting a few more precise single-action shots - the difference in groups shows me what I need to work on with my DA practice.
The shrouded hammer is the split between the 642 and 637. No snag draw and shoot from inside jacket pocket advantage of the 642, yet single action accuracy and thumb-riding-hammer reholstering safety of the 637 (very important to this AIWB guy).
I'm a hiker/backpacker and have seen coyote/feral dog packs, black bear, and rabid raccoons - between the safe distance animals like to maintain, and lack of brandishing worries, I much prefer to be sighted in and ready w/single action. In my safe suburban area and with good situational awareness, I'm unlikely to encounter up-close/personal human threats, if anything it's the random mass shooter so in vogue these days that has me slightly concerned. Of course my first instinct will be to run, but if cornered in a building (like so many past victims) I would seek a covered position where I could take a single action long shot. Lastly, although I mostly practice in DA, I always like shooting a few more precise single-action shots - the difference in groups shows me what I need to work on with my DA practice.
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tbob38
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I'm close to buying one of the 3. I like the idea of being able to shoot single action, but would like it to be snag free. Between the 642 and 638, to me the 638 is butt ugly, while the 642 has beautiful lines. So it will probably be the 642.
fireman 9731
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I carry the same as mcb and would recommend it. mcb, what kind of moon clip carrier is that?
Sistema1927
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I would choose the 642 (and often have, even though right now only a 442 is in the stable).
All three are great guns, I have a 37, but don't carry it due to spur hammer. I have never been a fan of "humpback" but that is just my personal preference. So, the 642 it is of your choices.
All three are great guns, I have a 37, but don't carry it due to spur hammer. I have never been a fan of "humpback" but that is just my personal preference. So, the 642 it is of your choices.
mcb
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It's made by TK Custom. It's in their accessory sections. There are a little pricey for what they are but are well made.
Thanks for all the replies folks. I decided to go with the 638, which is now resting comfortably on my desk. This was bought specifically to load with shotshell rounds and pocket when I'm walking around my wooded property for any chance snake encounter. My normal carry gun is either a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry, or a Kimber Micro 9 Eclipse. To be honest, I may end up buying the 642 at some point.
Wishoot, where are you finding it for close to $300? I paid $399 for the 638, and it was the cheapest price that I was able to find...
Wishoot, where are you finding it for close to $300? I paid $399 for the 638, and it was the cheapest price that I was able to find...
bannockburn
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stevek
Excellent choice! Had my Model 649 for a lot of years but always remembered how nice and light that first Model 38 was in my pocket. When I came across a Model 638 (wasn't really looking for one at the time), that was extremely well built I decided to get it for carrying in those warm weather months.
Excellent choice! Had my Model 649 for a lot of years but always remembered how nice and light that first Model 38 was in my pocket. When I came across a Model 638 (wasn't really looking for one at the time), that was extremely well built I decided to get it for carrying in those warm weather months.
sabbfan
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I plan on getting a 638 or 649 at some point, besides the practicality of having the SA option I just like the way the humpback looks.
9mmfan
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I have a 637 and a 642.
For my purposes, which is pocket carry, I would recommend the 642.
That being said, your original post seems to have you leaning towards the 638.
If the shrouded hammer appeals to you, then go for it.
Suspect you have reasons that mean more to you than to the rest of us.
It is all a personal decision, your own opinion matters more than ours.
For my purposes, which is pocket carry, I would recommend the 642.
That being said, your original post seems to have you leaning towards the 638.
If the shrouded hammer appeals to you, then go for it.
Suspect you have reasons that mean more to you than to the rest of us.
It is all a personal decision, your own opinion matters more than ours.
$399 is a pretty good price for a 638. Usually they run $419-439 around here. An area shop had the 637 and 642 on sale recently for $339.99, but not the 638. A clerk said the shop owner had got a very good buy on a large batch of the 637 and 642's. Its a very large gunshop but not a chain
For what its worth, all of my self defense practice is double action with this gun. I never quick draw and try to thumb back the hammer. Where it comes in handy is testing out a new ammo and I want maximum accuracy or when I want to try a long range precision shot while just messing around. I have never had a problem with lint, fuzz or other pocket junk accumulating around the hammer
darkcloud
Member
Put a 638 on layaway. Other uses besides just self protection from an assault. Single action may come in handy for many of us. I like the outdoors and it is light and unobtrusive. It will be with me everywhere.
Old Dog
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I like the OP's final choice of the 638. While I own a couple 442s, I do find myself thinking about the possibility of needing the SA option (I sold my 637 after I picked up my new Colt Cobra, which wasn't much larger and has one more round capacity, but isn't really pocket-gun material).
Hondo 60
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My vote goes to the 638. I have an original M38 & it's perfect for a pocket or hip holster.
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