S&W 638 for my first revolver

[Sportcat]

Looking at getting a revolver for bedside, CCW, and something my wife will be comfortable with. Initally I looked at Taurus .38's, but I came across the S&W 638 yesterday.

Pros

S&W name
.38
Shrouded hammer
Light

Anyone have/had this pistol and can comment on it? I can pick one up for $448.

 

[ACP230]

I have a similar Smith M38. It is a few ounces lighter than my Smith M649, and carries more easily. The steel M649 weighs down my pocket more and tends to print a bit, if I'm not careful.

The M38 is harder to shoot well. The cylinder latch comes back and nicks my thumb with some loads. This may not be a problem for you.
Both snubs are quite accurate, but it was easier to find a load the M649 would shoot to point of aim.

I am keeping both guns.

 

[Pendragon]

I had a 638, I really liked it.

It kind of battered the inside of my thumb, but I think better grips would solve that.

Of all the guns I have sold, thats the only one I really miss.

When I get my CHL, I will get another one and it will be my primary CCW

 

[rock jock]

I have it. Excellent gun.

 

[Al Thompson]

If you get back to Cola, holler and you can try my M38. I like the K frames better for HD, J frames for carry.

 

[chaim]

If you can stand the DAO and no visable hammer you may want to consider the 642. If you want the SA option and you can deal with an exposed hammer you may want to consider the 637. Right now S&W seems to have let some of those two out of the factory for some really low prices. Even here (MD) where guns seem to be quite overpriced I've seen both for under $400 and on Gunbroker and Auction Arms you can get some really good deals on those two right now.

 

[MR.G]

Bought a 638 a couple of years ago for front pocket carry. Liked it so much that I traded a model 60 for a second one. The 638 is a good shooter, and is only 15 ounces. Bought the 642 with the enclosed hammer and the 637 with the fully exposed hammer also. The 638 seems to be the best of both with the shrouded hammer that can still be fired single action.

 

[James Bondrock]

Unless deep concealability or unconventional carries are a priority, I see little need for this small and light a revolver for home defense. (JMO) They may feel light and otherwise good in the hand, but I think the missus' opinion will change greatly when she touches a round off. There are two compact revolvers I do like, however: the Ruger SP101 and the Colt Detective Special. The Colts have not been made for years, but are plentiful on the used gun market. These have some weight to them to tame some of the kick, but are still not too heavy or bulky to carry. The Ruger's grip has a bit of cushion to it; you will probably want aftermarket grips for the Colt. (Eagle Grips www.eaglegrips.com makes what they call "secret service" grips that are very nice to hold without adding unnecessary bulk.) The Ruger is available with a spurless flush-fitting hammer in double-action only, if such appeals to you, and there is a bolt-on hammer shroud (still allows thumb cocking) available for the Colt.

 

[BigG]

For a first revo, a larger gun would be better, imho, assuming you have not shot one much. The snubby turns a lot of people off when they realize they can't empty it rapid fire into a pop can at 20 paces like you see on the TV. It can be done, but usually it's by somebody with a good bit of double action shooting under his belt, not a beginner who is just getting used to sight picture, noise, and recoil.

A K-frame 38 or 357 would be my choice for first gun. HTH

 

[Sportcat]

I've heard of the K and J frames. What exactyl are the differences? Can you give descriptions of the difference "styles?"

 

[BigG]

In S&Ws, there have been traditionally 3 frame sizes for most of the 20th century: From small to large J - K - N. Somebody is bound to chime in with, "Yeah, but, there are also I, L, and Z - yada yada." Just take it from me J - K - N is all you need to know. If you see an odd size it will be one of the others.

J frame is the snubby, like the 638 you're interested in.

K frame is the standard sized .38 holster pistol like Officer Friendly carried back when you were a kid, assuming you are 30 something.

N frame is the .44 Magnum size, like Dirty Harry carried. HTH

 

[Aux]

I recently purchased a 638 as my first revolver! My other handguns are Sig semiautos, and I needed something more concealable. The little semiautos most favored for CCW did not fit my hand as well as the J-frames.

So far (I have only put about 100 rounds through it in practice), I am very happy with my choice. It is light, easy to control, and seems accurate enough given the short barrel. The only thing I would (and will) change are the grips. I would like a small amount of cushion on the backstrap instead of uncovered metal.

If you do not need a carry gun, as mentioned some of the larger frames may have some advantages. But, IMO, the 638 and other J-Frames serve a good compromise for both roles.