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Smith & Wesson 638: An In-Depth Guide to This Classic Revolver

The Smith & Wesson 638 is a popular choice for concealed carry, offering a blend of reliability, compact size, and manageable recoil. But is it the right choice for you? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the S&W 638, exploring its features, benefits, potential drawbacks, and how it stacks up against the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first-time gun owner, this article provides the information you need to make an informed decision.

The Enduring Appeal of the Smith & Wesson 638

The Smith & Wesson 638 isn’t just another revolver; it’s a carefully engineered firearm designed for a specific purpose: personal defense. Its lightweight alloy frame makes it comfortable for all-day carry, while the shrouded hammer allows for snag-free draws from concealment. This combination of features has made it a favorite among law enforcement officers as a backup gun and responsible citizens seeking a reliable everyday carry option.

At its core, the S&W 638 is a J-frame revolver, known for its compact size and five-round capacity. This makes it easily concealable, even in warmer climates where heavier clothing is impractical. The ‘Airweight’ designation signifies the use of a lightweight alloy in the frame construction, significantly reducing the overall weight of the firearm. This is a critical factor for comfortable concealed carry, as a heavier gun can become burdensome and uncomfortable over extended periods.

The shrouded hammer, or ‘hammerless’ design, is another key feature that sets the 638 apart. Unlike revolvers with exposed hammers, the shrouded hammer is partially enclosed, preventing it from snagging on clothing during a draw. This is particularly important in high-stress situations where a smooth, unobstructed draw can be the difference between life and death. The 638 offers the option of single-action fire, for a lighter trigger pull, by manually manipulating the hammer.

The 638 is chambered in .38 Special, a cartridge known for its manageable recoil and effectiveness in close-quarters defensive situations. While not as powerful as some other handgun cartridges, the .38 Special offers a good balance of stopping power and recoil control, making it easier to shoot accurately, especially in a lightweight revolver like the 638.

Understanding the Role of a Concealed Carry Revolver

The Smith & Wesson 638 excels in its role as a concealed carry firearm. It is designed to be easily concealed, reliably operated, and chambered in a cartridge that provides adequate stopping power for self-defense. To fully appreciate the 638, it’s essential to understand the context of concealed carry and the specific needs it addresses.

Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a handgun in a manner that is not readily visible to others. The primary purpose of concealed carry is self-defense. A concealed handgun can provide a means of protection against violent crime. The Smith & Wesson 638 is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its compact size, lightweight construction, and reliable operation.

Key Features of the Smith & Wesson 638: A Closer Look

Let’s delve into the specific features that contribute to the Smith & Wesson 638’s popularity:

Lightweight Alloy Frame: The aluminum alloy frame significantly reduces the overall weight, making it comfortable for all-day concealed carry. This is particularly important for those who carry their firearm regularly, as a heavier gun can become tiresome and uncomfortable.
Shrouded Hammer: The partially enclosed hammer design prevents snags on clothing during a draw, ensuring a smooth and reliable presentation in a self-defense situation.
.38 Special Chambering: The .38 Special cartridge offers a good balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately, especially in a lightweight revolver. This allows for quicker follow-up shots and increased accuracy under stress.
Five-Round Capacity: While the capacity is limited to five rounds, it is a compromise made for the sake of concealability. Many argue that five well-aimed shots are sufficient for most self-defense scenarios.
Fixed Sights: The fixed sights are simple and robust, offering reliable accuracy without the complexity of adjustable sights. While not as precise as adjustable sights, fixed sights are less prone to damage and require less maintenance.
Small J-Frame Size: The compact J-frame size allows for easy concealment in a variety of carry positions, including inside-the-waistband (IWB), pocket carry, and ankle carry.
Double-Action/Single-Action Trigger: The ability to fire in both double-action (DA) and single-action (SA) modes provides versatility. The DA trigger pull is heavier, requiring more force to pull the trigger, while the SA trigger pull is lighter and crisper, allowing for more precise shots.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value

The Smith & Wesson 638 offers several significant advantages for concealed carry:

Comfortable Concealed Carry: The lightweight alloy frame and compact size make it easy and comfortable to carry concealed throughout the day, without causing excessive fatigue or discomfort.
Reliable Operation: Revolvers are generally known for their reliability, and the 638 is no exception. It has fewer moving parts than semi-automatic pistols, making it less prone to malfunctions.
Snag-Free Draw: The shrouded hammer design ensures a smooth and unobstructed draw from concealment, which is critical in a self-defense situation.
Manageable Recoil: The .38 Special cartridge offers manageable recoil, even in a lightweight revolver, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and increased accuracy.
Ease of Use: Revolvers are generally simpler to operate than semi-automatic pistols, making them a good choice for those who are new to firearms or prefer a less complex operating system.

Users consistently report that the Smith & Wesson 638 is a reliable and comfortable option for everyday carry. The combination of lightweight construction, snag-free design, and manageable recoil makes it a practical choice for self-defense. Our analysis reveals that the 638 is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize concealability and ease of use.

A Critical Review of the Smith & Wesson 638

The Smith & Wesson 638 is a well-regarded revolver, but it’s important to consider its pros and cons before making a purchase. This review provides a balanced perspective, highlighting both the advantages and limitations of this popular concealed carry firearm.

From a user experience standpoint, the 638 is relatively easy to handle and operate. The lightweight frame makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods, and the shrouded hammer prevents snags during drawing. The double-action trigger pull is heavier than some other revolvers, but it becomes manageable with practice. The fixed sights are adequate for close-range self-defense, but may not be ideal for longer-distance shooting.

In terms of performance, the 638 delivers consistent accuracy at typical self-defense distances (3-7 yards). The .38 Special cartridge provides sufficient stopping power for most defensive scenarios, and the manageable recoil allows for quick follow-up shots. However, the limited capacity of five rounds may be a concern for some users.

Pros:

Excellent Concealability: The compact size and lightweight frame make it easy to conceal in a variety of carry positions.
High Reliability: Revolvers are known for their reliability, and the 638 is no exception.
Snag-Free Design: The shrouded hammer prevents snags during drawing, ensuring a smooth and reliable presentation.
Manageable Recoil: The .38 Special cartridge offers manageable recoil, even in a lightweight revolver.
Simple Operation: Revolvers are generally simpler to operate than semi-automatic pistols.

Cons:

Limited Capacity: The five-round capacity may be a concern for some users.
Heavy Double-Action Trigger Pull: The double-action trigger pull can be heavy and require some getting used to.
Fixed Sights: The fixed sights are not as precise as adjustable sights, limiting its effectiveness at longer distances.
.38 Special Cartridge Power: The .38 Special cartridge has less power than some other handgun cartridges.

The Smith & Wesson 638 is ideally suited for individuals who prioritize concealability, reliability, and ease of use. It is a good choice for those who are new to firearms or prefer a less complex operating system. It may not be the best choice for those who require a high-capacity firearm or prefer a lighter trigger pull.

Alternatives to the Smith & Wesson 638 include the Ruger LCR and the Smith & Wesson 442. The Ruger LCR offers a lighter trigger pull and a more ergonomic grip, while the Smith & Wesson 442 is a similar J-frame revolver with a fully enclosed hammer.

Overall Verdict: The Smith & Wesson 638 is a solid choice for concealed carry, offering a good balance of reliability, concealability, and manageable recoil. While it has some limitations, its advantages make it a popular option for self-defense. We recommend it for those who value simplicity and reliability in a compact package.

Understanding the Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight Designation

The term “Airweight” is often associated with the Smith & Wesson 638. This designation refers to the use of a lightweight alloy, typically aluminum, in the frame construction of the revolver. This significantly reduces the overall weight of the firearm, making it more comfortable for concealed carry. The Airweight designation is a key feature that distinguishes the 638 from other J-frame revolvers with steel frames.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Choice for Personal Defense

The Smith & Wesson 638 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the J-frame revolver. Its lightweight design, snag-free hammer, and reliable performance make it a practical and effective choice for concealed carry. While it may not be the perfect firearm for everyone, its strengths make it a compelling option for those seeking a simple, reliable, and easily concealable self-defense weapon. Share your experiences with the Smith & Wesson 638 in the comments below.