SW M638 and M438 Revolvers. Any opinions?

[MadRussian]

I saw a SW M638 at 4Seasons today. I've been looking for a small gun to carry when my others are too big and been thinking about a revolver. I don't really like the idea if a DA only so this one seems pretty good. I would like to see it in a scandium version.

Any one own or have any experience with these?

M638 (silver)

M438 (black)

 

[yanici]

Nice pocket guns. I got the 642, even though it's DA only. Thing is that in a defensive situation the odds are that you'll be shooting even the 638 or 438 in DA. You won't be trying to thumb the hammer back.

The advantage of the 642 and 442 is that it doesn't have that opening near the hammer, like the guns you looked at have, that can attract lint and debris into it.

 

[saltydude]

One thing for sure is the scandium is going to be alot lighter. Especially if it has the titanium cylinder. Can't tell without looking it up. This of coarse means more felt recoil.
It's also going to be alot more expensive than the aluminum.
Personally, I like the exposed hammer like on my 337PD. Just in the slim chance I've got to make a precise single action shot, but that's just my personall preference. This also prevents me from pocket carry due to hammer snag.

Edit- Didn't realize it had the SA option. Think it might be time for glasses! Nice guns, I'd like one.

 

[eisenhow]

Nice pocket guns. I got the 642, even though it's DA only. Thing is that in a defensive situation the odds are that you'll be shooting even the 638 or 438 in DA. You won't be trying to thumb the hammer back.

The advantage of the 642 and 442 is that it doesn't have that opening near the hammer, like the guns you looked at have, that can attract lint and debris into it.

+1

 

[MadRussian]

I know that in a SHTF situation I'll be shooting it DA. I'm looking for a pocket revolver that won't snag and that lets me shoot DA and SA when I want to. I though about the opening and dirt when I first picked it up, but a basic look over and a q-tip should keep the problem to a minimum.

 

[Jbarila]

I got a 642 and love it! The DAO is not a problem and the no snag feature is excellent for a pair of jeans.
I have shot about 100 rounds with it, it does take a little practice to shoot well. Remember hold any of these airweights as high as possible.

 

[vellnueve]

The advantage of the 642 and 442 is that it doesn't have that opening near the hammer, like the guns you looked at have, that can attract lint and debris into it.

I really don't think that impedes reliability, especially since it's a CCW gun and is thus kept isolated from most of the elements that would get into the action and foul it.

I have a 638, although I don't carry. It's a nice gun, and is capable of stunning accuracy (like any other J-frame) when used properly.

 

[Pilgrim]

I've got the original..the Model 38 in blued aluminum. It's in my pocket whenever I don't have my 1911 with me.

The 38 series is very sought after.

 

[jar]

I really don't think that impedes reliability, especially since it's a CCW gun and is thus kept isolated from most of the elements that would get into the action and foul it.

Try carrying something in your pocket for a while and report back. I often carry a spare mag in my pocket and I have to clean pocket lint out of it regularly.

I see no use at all to shoot a pocket gun SA. In a defensive situation you should only be shooting DA, so why would you want to practice anything else?

 

[TheRoland]

Try carrying something in your pocket for a while and report back. I often carry a spare mag in my pocket and I have to clean pocket lint out of it regularly.

I see no use at all to shoot a pocket gun SA. In a defensive situation you should only be shooting DA, so why would you want to practice anything else?

Options are always good; it gives you more flexibility.

That said, I'm with you. My 642 has only two options: bang or no bang.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Can't go wrong with pocket carry of a SW 642

 

[Flork]

The Smith J Frame guns are pretty sweet little pieces.

the triggers are horrible...so horrible that most people don't bother to train with their B.U.G. because of how uncomfortable they are to shoot.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We've been working on a drop in kit for the J-Frame that will drop the trigger pull by nearly 3 lbs and smooth out the trigger pull. All the while, maintaining reliability for defensive purposes. The kit will be released within the next couple of months and I think you guys will really like the results.

Scott

 

[TheRoland]

It might be worth it to save some extra money, and put it towards a crimson trace grip. Frankly, a laser should be the primary sighting system on these snubbies. The original sights are worthless when you're in a hurry.

The Smith J Frame guns are pretty sweet little pieces.

the triggers are horrible...so horrible that most people don't bother to train with their B.U.G. because of how uncomfortable they are to shoot.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We've been working on a drop in kit for the J-Frame that will drop the trigger pull by nearly 3 lbs and smooth out the trigger pull. All the while, maintaining reliability for defensive purposes. The kit will be released within the next couple of months and I think you guys will really like the results.

Scott

Looking for a tester? Totally sold.

 

[Flork]

We've got a couple tester guns that we're working with right now, we're just making sure everything is lined out and figured out before we put them out to the general public.

Thank you for the offer though.

Scott