S&W 638, 637, or 642?

[bannockburn]

Hondo 60

Definitely some old school happening there with your Model 38 and that well used holster! My first Model 38 was nickel plated to which I added a pair of Rogers Combat grips on it (also used a Tyler T-Grip from time to time), and had a Bianchi #6 IWB clip-on holster for it (when I wasn't pocket carrying it).



These is the Rogers Combat grips on my Model 638.



Still have the Tyler T-Grip too; now it's on my Model 649.



The Bianchi #6 holster is also still around but I prefer the DeSantis SOF-TUK holster for my S&W revolvers nowadays.

 

[Pukindog12]

After firing my wife's 642 a while back I decided I wanted a J frame also. Although I liked hers with a good trigger (thanks from the apex trigger kit) I looked at getting a 638. I liked the option of SA operation if needed or wanted.

What I ended up with is a 438 previosly owned. It is basically an all black 638 which has been discontinued by S&W. I am glad I got it. So far it seems to be a good CCW with a good albeit heavy trigger. It should be a great trigger after I install a Wilson Combat Tuned Spring kit (for J frames) next week.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like all three. I see the OP bought a M638, good choice. Since it's for pocket carry I would think the fully enclosed hammer would have been better since it would keep the lint out of the works.

Just as a note, S&W has black versions of their J frame Airweights which I like better just because they are black instead of shiny. I bought a M442 for carry instead if the M642. There was a M438 for a while too and tge M437 is still available.

I have several J frames and like them all...

 

[olafhardtB]

I bought a nickle plated humpback. For no particular reason I did not like it. I got a 637 because I wanted to try a snubbie. I love the 637 and shoot it all the time, mostly DA. An old hand injury affects my strong grip and the additional hold provided by the index trigger finger significantly improves my grip. I also am developing a two finger trigger pull useing both index fingers. It works and does seem to reduce the tendancy to pull shots to the right. I also prefer for my revolvers to have a hammer, agian for no particular reason.

 

[Haywood]

I never met a J-Frame I didn’t like. The 442 is my all time favorite. I have a 36 and a 37 but tha 442s get carried as a pair the most. I also shoot them the most.

 

[Jim Watson]

I was disappointed to see the 642s at the store/range had locks.
I would consider one without lock to be rechambered 9mm.
Nothing wrong with .38 Spl, but I load 9mm in some quantity. More convenient practice ammo than changing out press head and plate.

 

[NMPOPS]

I have both the 638 and a 642. I prefer the 642 but they are basically interchangeable.

 

[Striker]

See what you guys did? I had to buy this 638 today......

 

[SharpDog]

642 ... I just hate the hunchback for no real reason ...

I have both a 338 and a 342.Don't fire each much as I carry various Sigs for EDC and I'm more partial to larger frame revolvers that end in ...29.

 

[stevek]

See what you guys did? I had to buy this 638 today......

View attachment 787553

Glad to be of assistance!

 

[bannockburn]

Striker

Yeah, we really had to twist your arm to make ya' do it!

Great choice! Enjoy your new EDC.

 

[TreeDoc]

638, but it's not for the hammer, its for the hump. For some reason I grip it higher than the 642. The result is a better shooter for me and it's a little odd looking.

 

[bannockburn]

TreeDoc

638, but it's not for the hammer, its for the hump. For some reason I grip it higher than the 642. The result is a better shooter for me and it's a little odd looking.

That's what I felt too, ever since I first tried a Model 38. Had plenty of "normal" snubbies like a Charter Arms Undercover and a S&W Model 36 but there was something different about the way the Model 38 felt in my hand when I was shooting it. I don't know if it was the higher grip or it's unusual shape but it just seemed to work better for me.

 

[NMPOPS]

My two J's with my favorite holster