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Smith & Wesson 638: An In-Depth Review of This Classic Revolver

Looking for a reliable and concealable revolver? The Smith & Wesson 638 is a popular choice for self-defense, offering a blend of classic design and modern features. This comprehensive review dives deep into the S&W 638, exploring its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall suitability for concealed carry and personal protection. We aim to provide you with the most thorough and trustworthy information available, drawing upon expert insights and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Smith & Wesson 638: A Comprehensive Overview

The Smith & Wesson 638 is a small-frame, hammerless revolver chambered in .38 Special +P. It belongs to S&W’s J-frame family, known for its compact size and lightweight construction, making it ideal for concealed carry. What sets the 638 apart is its shrouded hammer design, which allows for both single-action and double-action firing. This provides a balance between the snag-free convenience of a hammerless revolver and the option for a lighter, more precise single-action trigger pull.

The history of the J-frame revolvers dates back to the 1950s, with the Model 36 Chief’s Special being the original. The Model 638 evolved as a variation of this design, incorporating an aluminum alloy frame to reduce weight and the aforementioned shrouded hammer. Over the years, the 638 has become a staple in the concealed carry market, appreciated for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. Its enduring popularity speaks to its effectiveness as a personal defense firearm.

The S&W 638 is especially valued for its balance of size, weight, and firepower. It’s small enough to be easily concealed, yet chambered in a cartridge with sufficient stopping power for self-defense situations. The availability of +P ammunition further enhances its effectiveness. Its all-metal construction also contributes to its durability and reliability, ensuring it can withstand regular use and harsh conditions.

The Airweight Advantage: Lightweight Design for Everyday Carry

The “Airweight” designation in the Smith & Wesson 638 refers to its lightweight alloy frame. This is a crucial feature that significantly enhances its suitability for concealed carry. The use of an aluminum alloy frame reduces the overall weight of the revolver, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods. This is particularly important for individuals who carry a firearm daily, as a heavier gun can become burdensome and uncomfortable.

The Airweight design doesn’t compromise durability. While the frame is made of a lightweight alloy, the cylinder and barrel are still constructed from stainless steel, ensuring strength and resistance to wear and tear. This combination of materials provides a balance between weight reduction and long-term reliability.

Compared to all-steel revolvers, the Airweight design makes a noticeable difference in carry comfort. The reduced weight minimizes printing (the visible outline of the firearm through clothing) and makes it easier to draw the gun quickly and efficiently. This can be a critical advantage in a self-defense situation where every second counts.

Key Features of the Smith & Wesson 638

The Smith & Wesson 638 boasts several features that contribute to its popularity and effectiveness as a concealed carry firearm:

Shrouded Hammer: This design allows for both single-action and double-action firing. The shrouded hammer protects the hammer from snagging on clothing during the draw, while still allowing the user to manually cock the hammer for a lighter single-action trigger pull.
Aluminum Alloy Frame: The lightweight frame reduces the overall weight of the revolver, making it more comfortable for everyday carry.
Stainless Steel Cylinder and Barrel: These components provide strength and durability, ensuring the revolver can withstand regular use and harsh conditions.
Fixed Sights: The fixed sights are simple and robust, minimizing the risk of damage or misalignment. They are also easy to acquire quickly in a self-defense situation.
Compact Size: The J-frame size makes the 638 easy to conceal and comfortable to carry, even for individuals with smaller frames.
.38 Special +P Chambering: This cartridge offers a good balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it suitable for self-defense purposes.
Five-Round Capacity: While not as high as some semi-automatic pistols, the five-round capacity is sufficient for many self-defense scenarios.

Delving Deeper: The Shrouded Hammer Explained

The shrouded hammer of the Smith & Wesson 638 is a design element that deserves special attention. It offers a unique combination of features that are not found in traditional hammerless or exposed-hammer revolvers. The shroud partially covers the hammer, protecting it from accidental snags on clothing or other objects. This is a significant advantage for concealed carry, as it ensures a smooth and reliable draw.

Despite being shrouded, the hammer is still accessible, allowing the user to manually cock it for single-action firing. This provides a lighter and more precise trigger pull, which can be beneficial for accuracy, especially at longer distances. The single-action capability also allows the user to practice precise shooting techniques.

The shrouded hammer design of the 638 strikes a balance between safety, convenience, and accuracy. It offers the snag-free benefit of a hammerless revolver, while still retaining the option for a lighter single-action trigger pull when desired.

Advantages of Choosing the Smith & Wesson 638 for Self-Defense

The Smith & Wesson 638 offers several key advantages that make it a popular choice for self-defense:

Concealability: Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to conceal, even under light clothing.
Reliability: Revolvers are known for their reliability, and the 638 is no exception. It is less prone to malfunctions than many semi-automatic pistols.
Simplicity: The 638 is easy to operate, with no complicated controls or procedures to learn. This is especially important in a high-stress self-defense situation.
Stopping Power: The .38 Special +P cartridge offers sufficient stopping power for self-defense purposes.
Versatility: The shrouded hammer allows for both single-action and double-action firing, providing flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
Ease of Maintenance: Revolvers are relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal cleaning and lubrication.
Proven Track Record: The J-frame revolvers have been a popular choice for law enforcement and civilian self-defense for decades, with a proven track record of reliability and effectiveness.

Users consistently report that the 638’s lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry all day, while its simple operation provides peace of mind in a self-defense situation. Our analysis reveals that the 638 strikes an excellent balance between concealability, reliability, and stopping power, making it a viable option for responsible citizens.

Smith & Wesson 638 Review: A Balanced Perspective

The Smith & Wesson 638 is a well-regarded revolver, but it’s essential to consider its strengths and weaknesses before making a purchase. This review offers a balanced perspective, highlighting both the pros and cons of this popular firearm.

User Experience and Usability

The S&W 638 is known for its user-friendly design. The grip is comfortable and provides a secure hold, even for individuals with larger hands. The trigger pull is relatively smooth, although it can be heavy in double-action mode. The fixed sights are easy to acquire quickly, even in low-light conditions. Overall, the 638 is a simple and intuitive firearm to operate, making it suitable for both experienced shooters and beginners.

Performance and Effectiveness

The Smith & Wesson 638 delivers reliable performance in a self-defense scenario. The .38 Special +P cartridge provides sufficient stopping power, and the revolver is accurate enough for close-range engagements. The shrouded hammer design ensures a smooth and snag-free draw, which is critical in a high-stress situation. While the five-round capacity is lower than some semi-automatic pistols, it is often sufficient for civilian self-defense needs.

Pros:

Excellent Concealability: The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to conceal and carry comfortably.
High Reliability: Revolvers are known for their reliability, and the 638 is no exception.
Simple Operation: The 638 is easy to operate, with no complicated controls or procedures to learn.
Shrouded Hammer Versatility: The shrouded hammer allows for both single-action and double-action firing.
Proven Design: The J-frame revolvers have a long and successful history of use in law enforcement and civilian self-defense.

Cons/Limitations:

Limited Capacity: The five-round capacity is lower than some semi-automatic pistols.
Heavy Double-Action Trigger Pull: The double-action trigger pull can be heavy, which can affect accuracy for some shooters.
Fixed Sights: The fixed sights are not adjustable, which may limit accuracy for some shooters.
Recoil: The lightweight design can result in increased felt recoil, especially when using +P ammunition.

Ideal User Profile

The Smith & Wesson 638 is best suited for individuals who prioritize concealability, reliability, and simplicity in a self-defense firearm. It is a good choice for those who are new to firearms or who prefer the ease of use of a revolver. It is also well-suited for individuals who carry a firearm daily and need a lightweight and comfortable option.

Key Alternatives

Alternatives to the S&W 638 include the Ruger LCR and the Smith & Wesson 442. The Ruger LCR offers a similar size and weight but features a polymer frame and a different trigger mechanism. The S&W 442 is another J-frame revolver with a completely enclosed hammer, offering even greater snag-free carry but without the single-action capability.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

The Smith & Wesson 638 is a reliable and concealable revolver that is well-suited for self-defense. Its lightweight design, simple operation, and shrouded hammer make it a popular choice for concealed carry. While it has some limitations, such as its limited capacity and heavy trigger pull, its advantages outweigh its drawbacks for many users. We recommend the S&W 638 to anyone looking for a dependable and easy-to-use revolver for personal protection.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Option for Personal Defense

The Smith & Wesson 638 remains a relevant and effective option for personal defense in today’s market. Its proven design, reliable performance, and ease of use make it a popular choice for concealed carry. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to firearms, the 638 offers a balance of features and benefits that are hard to ignore. Share your experiences with the Smith & Wesson 638 in the comments below and let us know what you think about this iconic revolver.