Smith 638 Airlight : Alternative to .380's

[Shooter6br]

After much thought. I bought a new Smith 638 in 38 +P revolver. 15 oz empty. Has boobed hammer for single action . Near 100% reliable with cast. Bit pricy but "buy the best you can affort and cry only once"110701

[EMC45]

You've done well.

[HATCH]

Its a real pleasure to shoot +p 38s out of it..... NOT.
Best I could do was 15 shots of +p rated rounds.

For me its good enough as after 5 shots, someone is gonna be dead.

[Scharfschuetze]

And don't forget the versatility of shooting light target loads through +P loads and even shot loads for vermin. As it's manually operated, you're not dependent on a set level of recoil impulse for reliable function.

[Outpost75]

And these days .38 Special ammo is easier to find than .380 and you won't have to chase brass!

[Shooter6br]

You guys think the way i do LOL

[bones37]

I bought one circa 2009, and since then it has been carried EVERY single day since, and the finish(or lack thereof) is proof of such carry. I like it so much that I am going to buy another in case it were to fail for some reason or other. I also like the option of being able to cock the hammer single action, especially when out in the woods or fields, where vermin are occasionally encountered. You did well, enjoy. Bones.
After much thought. I bought a new Smith 638 in 38 +P revolver. 15 oz empty. Has boobed hammer for single action . Near 100% reliable with cast. Bit pricy but "buy the best you can affort and cry only once"110701

[Loudenboomer]

Bought my wife an Airweight J last year. She's not much of a handgunner. Still prefers to carry Ruger brand Mace. I really like the gun and I've been putting some miles on it. Yer Gonna Love It!

[Larry in MT]

You made a great choice.

This is my Airweight 38 --- bought in 1992 (IIRC). I carry it more than anything else. I've settled on 135 grain Gold Dots for carry. To me, there is little difference in +P and non +P recoil. In fact, I've got some old (Non +P) Blazer 148 grainers that recoil harder than the +P Gold Dots. I practice mostly with 158 grain lead that I load with Red Dot.

My Model 38 has killed a Coyote and dispatched a hit Deer on the highway. I enjoy the single action option, also.

http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab176/larrykay47/7df01d0a.jpg

[KCSO]

I have had either a M38 or a 638 for a backup since 1970 and wouldn't be without one. You done good.

[Lefty Red]

Yep, great weapon!
I have a 642 and really thinking of retiring it for a 638. I do miss the SA option. Not for training, just for practical reasons.
Jerry

[FergusonTO35]

My hat is off to you guys who can shoot a snub well. I've owned four different ones and could never even come close to my (modest) abilities with a small auto.

[Mtnfolk75]

This 1983 Vintage Model 38 has been my constant companion since I gained possession in April 2004. It has ridden mostly in a Mika Pocket Holster that I had made in 2006, but occasionally rides along in a Belly Band. I try and shoot the Old Girl at least once a month, with 148 Grain Target Wadcutters. About a year ago I went from the FBI Load to the Wadcutters for carry to kinda ease the Old Girl's & my pain ..... :razz:

I do still carry a Speed Strip with Remington 158 Grain SWCHP's as a reload though ......:bigsmyl2:

I did finish off a wounded 300 lb Black Bear with it in June 2010, it was a 9 p.m. " Depredation Kill " of a problem bear & it had been shot twice with a .308 Winchester by a handicapped neighbor. He called me and I went out in shorts and sandals to find it in the dark ..... :shock:, not the brightest thing I've ever done. After a short blood train I found it in the woods between our cabins. It was leaning against a tree and looked really, really sick, a 158 Grain SWCHP to the side of the head from about 15' put it's lights out for good.

CA DFG wouldn't let us keep it or put a knife to it, I was kinda curious about the Boolit performance and wanted to cut it out for inspection .... :redneck: 110858

[Lefty Red]

My hat is off to you guys who can shoot a snub well. I've owned four different ones and could never even come close to my (modest) abilities with a small auto.

It does take allot more practice than a small frame auto. Not saying you don't practice! :)
It took me about 1000 rounds to get back into the DA trigger and smooth it out. One reason I cast and reload! :)

Jerry

[harley45]

I'm also a fan of the single action option, I carry mine a lot as a backup and use it to finish off car hit game, works perfect for that plus it's more reliable than a small auto after running thru a muddy field!