S&W 638

T

The Rattler

New member
Does anyone have experiences to share a out the J frame Smith & Wesson 638? I am considering buying it, if I can find one.
 
I rented one once at an indoor range to try. IMHO there is not much difference in actual shooting between the 638, 637, and 642. Just a matter of how the hammer is treated. The "nub" for cocking the 638 wasn't real handy for me, but it offered the option over the 642 if you really wanted it. I decided I didn't want the open access for debris to get in. There is less to catch on clothing than the 637 with it's hammer though. My preference would still be the 642.
 
I own a 1965 Model 38, basically the same revolver as the current 638.
I love it...it is very lightweight, and carries in the pocket easily.
Cocking the hammer works great for longer distance shots...I have shot at my clubs 40yd steel plates and hit them.
It is a great revolver.
 
I have carried a 638 almost daily for about 9 years. Sometimes it is my primary carry gun, usually a backup to a larger gun, but I am rarely without it.

It takes a while to get good with it. A j frame is not a beginner gun. However, if you practice regularly and pay very close attention to the sights, they are surprisingly accurate.
 
I carry a 638 every day. It did have to take a trip back to the factory. Broken sear I think. I chose the shrouded hammer because I like to shoot for accuracy even with my carry gun. If that isn't important to you then choose the 642. I have used the single action function but as time goes on I use it less and less. The internet rumer about lint getting into the hammer channel and causing a fail to fire has merit. Though in my case I had as much to do with the fail to fire as the lint. I had the action smoothed and 1 coil clipped by a S&W tech at. Promotioin at a local range. Donated to the troops and the tech did a trigger job. Great trigger for a J frame but I did have a fail to fire at a very inoppertune time. The rattle snake didn't make it but the gun did go click and then the next round went bang. Cleaned the gun and not a problem. And it probably wouldn't have been an issue if the main spring had all of its coils.

That said I really like the gun. I just clean it from time to time even if I don't shoot it. I have some 7000 round through it and I am thinking of replacing it.
 
I own a 637. Same gun except I have the hammer spur.

I'd say this family guns are fine examples of snub nose carry guns. They are reliable, well made and easy to carry. I'm fairly accurate and the gun isn't to bad to shoot despite its light weight.

If you can find one, you won't regret it.
 
I have a 638 and think its a great carry revolver. My fixed sights are perfect at 10 yards. Very accurate little revolver. I bought it specifically because it was ugly, and gives the option of a great pocket revolver, with the Single Action ability.

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Thanks for all of your comments. I will consider all of the factors y'all brought up.

I have not found a new 638 for sale yet, and its hard to evaluate without holding it. I am going to try to hold out until I can find a new one for sale (or one of its cousins that were mentioned in the replies).

Any ideas on where to find new ones for sale?

The Rattler
 
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