The 638 has been added to my list if J-frames I'd like to own.
I happen to like the Bodyguard design. I have an older 649 (all stainless) .38 Spl which is the only all-steel J-frame I still own. While the significant majority of my training & practice is done double action, I do take advantage of the single action capability of the 649 to practice longer distance 'precision' shots, reinforcing my SA trigger control in addition to my DA trigger control skills.
Since I prefer to carry an Airweight, though, it makes sense to me to add the Airweight version of the Bodyguard model to my working collection.
Someday, any way.
In the mean time I now have a couple of 642-1's. I picked up a second one when S&W serial numbered their old stock of 642-1 frames and released them to RSR as new production guns. I have one of those 37-2's from the previously canceled overseas order, and also I picked up one of the M&P 340 Centennials when they were first released.
As you can tell I tend to favor the lightweight models, but not too light. I don't personally care for titanium cylinders, so I don't own any of the Airlites.
Also, even though the M&P 340 is chambered in .357 Magnum, I only use Magnum ammunition when I train and qualify with it, in addition to .38 Spl ... but carry .38 Spl +P ammunition in it.
I have to agree with
ArchAngelCD on this point. I see no need to decrease my controllability by using Magnum loads in the lightweight 5-shot guns. I like the recoil management, fast follow-up and accuracy I can wring from the Airweights when using +P ammunition ... so that's what I use for my daily activities.
If I want to carry a Magnum 5-shot revolver I'll take the SP-101 DAO out of the safe and carry it. Although is sees range training & practice, I don't often carry it because it's just heavy enough for me to need to consider it a belt gun, instead of a pocket carry gun. It's been handy for those times I've been off the beaten path and still wanted to carry a heavier bullet weight Magnum load for backwoods carry, though. Lighter and easier to carry than my Ruger Service-Six Heavy Barrel. Still just a short-barreled, medium-bore handgun, but that's generally fine for my perceived needs where I wander off the asphalt ...
Back to the J-frames, though.
I've had the inclination to pick up one of the new M40's, probably in nickel, in recent months. That might happen before I look for a 638. I wouldn't mind adding another all-steel J-frame to my collection. After doing a lot of training & practicing with any Airweight, shooting an all-steel model seems even more controllable.
Luck to you with your new 638.
I'd offer the thought that the diminutive, lightweight, short-barreled revolvers generally require more of the user than a standard size revolver, though. Not everyone has the foundation of DA revolver skills to use them to best advantage, or to their own satisfaction, for that matter.
