The first time I saw this type of gun in the ‘70s was when I saw a family friend who was a doctor draw the gun because somebody had broken into an uncle’s house. My first word when I saw the gun was “ugly” 😂😂😂 the doctor’s reply was, “Ugly is the hole it makes when hitting the target” 😂😂😂. I bought one to replace my backup gun. It was a Browning BDA .380, which I still carry occasionally. I had dreams that I had to shoot my BDA, and it would not fire. I sent my BDA to a gunsmith, and he told me that although it was in good shape, it needed an overhaul, which I got. (always listen to that little voice inside you). Hey, my duty weapon in the US Marshals Service was a Ruger GP100 in 1997, which I replaced once I got to the office with my S&W 65 3” in violation of the service’s policy (the 65 did not have the transfer safety bar that the Ruger had). After a few months, I got my Baretta .40 until we were forced to carry the Glock 22. For 21 years in the USMS, I carried all sorts of handguns short of a .44 magnum. Nowadays (I retired on December 31, 2017, over 30 years of military and federal law enforcement ), I carry my Glock 43, 43X, S&W 638, a Colt Detective special, and a Colt Cobra. BTW, did I say I love my 638? 😂😂😂😂 Stay safe, stay alert, stay alive.
iirc, this was the CIA's choice over the Browning Hi-Power, back in the early days. Also, Taurus did have a ' model 38', called 851CIA. Their '42' was called the '850CIA'.
This is my first pistol. I was 22 and I never shot a gun before. I remember the old guy that sold it to me said, “This is a gun you can pass down to your grandchildren”. I’m now 35 and I still own this little guy. To this day it’s still my most carried. So comfortable, the rounded back is perfect for IWB carry. I can walk around all day in the hot sun in FL working in the yard, fishing, bike rides, skateboarding, etc and it doesn’t bother me at all. Completely disappears. I added the crimson trace grip. Perfect edc gun. My only complaint is the clear coat finish wears off. Doesn’t affect the performance. One day I will take it to a professional to blue! Great gun!
that finish wear your experiencing is probably the anodizing (aluminum gets anodized for protection) Bluing is a controlled rusting process, so it can't be done to your gun. You CAN however get it ceracoated, or finished with some other kind of durable coating that wont wear and scratch like anodizing does.
I love my blued 1970s model 49 bodyguard. It is typically My EDC along with a case trapper pocket knife and one speed loader and a small led flashlight. The the older s&w all blued models I think are much better looking than the current plus P capable aluminum monsters.
I've always liked the humpback looks. Prefer the blued like Charlie's Angels back in the day. Pragmatic design. I don't think they make the black Airweight anymore
I just bought two of these. From the factory, they are just terrible. I polished parts, shimmed the hammers and triggers to center them, resprung them. Oh man they’re slick as all heck now! The cool thing is that you can use single action and shoot a four inch group at 50 yards. People think they’re only for close contact. Not true at all. Again, if you get one, work it over. You’ll love it to death.
I hear that, most of the Airweights can be slicked up VERY nicely but someone who knows that they are doing, I sadly do not know what I'm doing :) At some point though I may have this one worked over. Thanks for watching!!
I am a complete fan of these models with fairing dogs SW49, 38, 638, 649!!! the perfect compromise 😍 for a civilian edc or a professional back up 🧐 thank you for this video 👍🏻 greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
I disagree, she's a beauty to me. I guess it's in the eyes of the beholder. I love the duel functions. If you need it one way or the other way looks won't matter then. Love this model!
I've grown to like the 638, may add a 642 to the rotation at some point, ots one of those timeless desighns that just works forever, in production sence the 50's hard to hate it.
MY UNDERWOOD 150GR WADCUTTERS ITEM732 HAVE A BLACK TIP, NOT RED...SINCE THEY HAVE THE SAME ITEM AND RATED FOR 1000FPS, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?.......THANK YOU
Also great that you can do a safe cylinder rotation check after loading it by pulling back the hammer slightly rather than pulling the trigger back slightly with the DAO Centennial models. It also allows you to put your thumb on the top of the hammer as you holster it so you can feel it coming back if the trigger snags on something. Prefer the heavier steel frame 649 for IWB carry as it's easier to feel it as you walk so you are not constantly patting it to see if it's still there (not a good feeling to think it might have fallen out of its holster or been left in a gas station toilet), while it feels more robust, handles +P ammo better, has less recoil, is easier to shoot well, and makes a better impact weapon.
I’ve had the all steel model (No keyhole) since the early eighties. I think plus-P ammunition is wasted in a two inch barrel. Regular ammunition=less recoil. Regular practice=five rounds are enough.
Good Video. I just Purchased one online. It's not arrived yet. But Wanted too learn a little about the thing. If it still conceals good and works that all it really need. As well as draws okay. I'll practice that part.
Its really the best of both worlds, draws and conceals easily but yet gives you single action capability should you require a more accurate shot. Thanks for watching!!
I used to carry a S&W model 38. Same as this one only blued. Handy little pocket companion as I remember. An LCR goes out the door with me often now. Another fine little companion.
I had a BEAUTIFUL model 38 from the early 1980s....traded it for a Randall knife. I miss that model 38 though. Agreed 100% on the LCRs, much better trigger than most Airweight Smiths. Thanks for watching!!
It's not an ugly gun. I carried the "blue" airweight model 38 for years on and off duty. Unfortunately I sold it, which I regret but will be replacing it with this. 5/3/24 Replaced & smiling 😊
I carried a Model 38 as a back up to my Model 15 duty gun, but foolishly traded it away & have been looking for one ever since. Also, I don’t think these are ugly.
Massad Ayoob was saying he'd go with the 642 over this because "you can really drive your hands up on the back of it," basically to mitigate recoil. But I've never shot it this way with live rounds, but I've choked up on the grip like that, and it seems to function just fine. I already made my purchase on the 638. So you know where I stand.
(SA) "Why would you need it?" To stop your truck, get out and shoot the head off a partridge to take home for supper. Put down a car hit deer, or any other precision shot. Why would you use your CCW to shoot game? Because it is the one you had on you when the opportunity presents itself.
On just about all the newer (non-rimfire) revolvers the manufacturer will tell you it's safe to dry fire. With that said, I personally always use snap caps if I'm doing 'extended' dry fire sessions. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for watching!!
I love the rubber grips. This gun fits my hand so well. It was love at first sight. Mated with the FBI load 158gr remington SWHP +p's. The single action trigger on this gun is great.
@@HillbillyMusings i did finish my poverty pony project its an am15 lower with alg milspec plus trigger has a bear creek side charger 556 carbine upper an aimpoint or close knock off on it fab defense backups and a feyachi light i won mounted to mlok it all in was 450 with one pmag
Best .38 ccw ever, single and double action , snag free for pocket carry to boot.
Thanks for watching!!
Totally 👍
the 638 is my favorite j frame its a work of art
Thanks for watching!
Same here. I don't know why people call it ugly. Afaik it looks a lot better than a 642 or comparable DAO snub noses
Been carrying a m38/m638 since the late ‘80s. I have always thought they were really cool looking. Nothing else looks like one.
Thanks for watching!!
It’s not ugly that’s a beautiful piece of American steel
It'll grow on yah :) Thanks for watching!!
It's aluminum actually
Iconic conceal carry piece and NOT ugly
Thanks for watching!!
I totally agree. I have the original model 649 stainless steel version and I love it. To me, the new revolvers are the ugly ones.
@@MarkWYoung-ky4uc LOVE my older 649 . have it with me now. need the 638 though.
The first time I saw this type of gun in the ‘70s was when I saw a family friend who was a doctor draw the gun because somebody had broken into an uncle’s house. My first word when I saw the gun was “ugly” 😂😂😂 the doctor’s reply was, “Ugly is the hole it makes when hitting the target” 😂😂😂. I bought one to replace my backup gun. It was a Browning BDA .380, which I still carry occasionally. I had dreams that I had to shoot my BDA, and it would not fire. I sent my BDA to a gunsmith, and he told me that although it was in good shape, it needed an overhaul, which I got. (always listen to that little voice inside you). Hey, my duty weapon in the US Marshals Service was a Ruger GP100 in 1997, which I replaced once I got to the office with my S&W 65 3” in violation of the service’s policy (the 65 did not have the transfer safety bar that the Ruger had). After a few months, I got my Baretta .40 until we were forced to carry the Glock 22. For 21 years in the USMS, I carried all sorts of handguns short of a .44 magnum. Nowadays (I retired on December 31, 2017, over 30 years of military and federal law enforcement ), I carry my Glock 43, 43X, S&W 638, a Colt Detective special, and a Colt Cobra. BTW, did I say I love my 638? 😂😂😂😂 Stay safe, stay alert, stay alive.
Thanks for your service and the nice history! Thanks for watching!!
My 638 is like my wife she is ugly but dependable.
Lol! Thanks for watching!
😂👍🏻👍🏻
Sounds like she could be sister to mine 🙃
iirc, this was the CIA's choice over the Browning Hi-Power, back in the early days.
Also, Taurus did have a ' model 38', called 851CIA. Their '42' was called the '850CIA'.
Thanks for watching!!
Not ugly. Brilliantly designed. Sweet firearm.
Thanks for watching!!
This is my first pistol. I was 22 and I never shot a gun before. I remember the old guy that sold it to me said, “This is a gun you can pass down to your grandchildren”. I’m now 35 and I still own this little guy. To this day it’s still my most carried. So comfortable, the rounded back is perfect for IWB carry. I can walk around all day in the hot sun in FL working in the yard, fishing, bike rides, skateboarding, etc and it doesn’t bother me at all. Completely disappears. I added the crimson trace grip. Perfect edc gun. My only complaint is the clear coat finish wears off. Doesn’t affect the performance. One day I will take it to a professional to blue! Great gun!
Yeah sadly the modern Airweight line is known for not having the most durable finish. We still love them though! Thanks for watching!!
I don’t think you can blue aluminum
that finish wear your experiencing is probably the anodizing (aluminum gets anodized for protection)
Bluing is a controlled rusting process, so it can't be done to your gun.
You CAN however get it ceracoated, or finished with some other kind of durable coating that wont wear and scratch like anodizing does.
I love my blued 1970s model 49 bodyguard. It is typically My EDC along with a case trapper pocket knife and one speed loader and a small led flashlight.
The the older s&w all blued models I think are much better looking than the current plus P capable aluminum monsters.
Thanks for watching
It isn't ugly... it's functional
Thanks for watching!
I've always liked the humpback looks. Prefer the blued like Charlie's Angels back in the day. Pragmatic design. I don't think they make the black Airweight anymore
I totally forgot about the Charlie’s Angel appearance! Thanks for watching!
I just bought two of these. From the factory, they are just terrible. I polished parts, shimmed the hammers and triggers to center them, resprung them. Oh man they’re slick as all heck now! The cool thing is that you can use single action and shoot a four inch group at 50 yards. People think they’re only for close contact. Not true at all. Again, if you get one, work it over. You’ll love it to death.
I hear that, most of the Airweights can be slicked up VERY nicely but someone who knows that they are doing, I sadly do not know what I'm doing :) At some point though I may have this one worked over. Thanks for watching!!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Thats the same thing my momma used to tell me !! Thanks for watching!!
The Saigon Police Chief during Tet seemed satisfied with its looks…as did Bernie Goetz a few years later.
I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for watching!!
I am a complete fan of these models with fairing dogs SW49, 38, 638, 649!!! the perfect compromise 😍 for a civilian edc or a professional back up 🧐 thank you for this video 👍🏻 greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
Thanks for watching from Switzerland!!
The aesthetics of the model added to its appeal imo.
Love the hump back!
Thanks for watching!!
Not as ugly as an LCR.
Thanks for watching!
I disagree, she's a beauty to me. I guess it's in the eyes of the beholder. I love the duel functions. If you need it one way or the other way looks won't matter then. Love this model!
Love is blind! Thanks for watching!!
Your very welcome
I've grown to like the 638, may add a 642 to the rotation at some point, ots one of those timeless desighns that just works forever, in production sence the 50's hard to hate it.
Thanks for watching!!
MY UNDERWOOD 150GR WADCUTTERS ITEM732 HAVE A BLACK TIP, NOT RED...SINCE THEY HAVE THE SAME ITEM AND RATED FOR 1000FPS, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?.......THANK YOU
Not sure if there is a difference, I've only ever seen red, but then again I haven't bought any in quite a few years. Thank for watching!!
Also great that you can do a safe cylinder rotation check after loading it by pulling back the hammer slightly rather than pulling the trigger back slightly with the DAO Centennial models. It also allows you to put your thumb on the top of the hammer as you holster it so you can feel it coming back if the trigger snags on something. Prefer the heavier steel frame 649 for IWB carry as it's easier to feel it as you walk so you are not constantly patting it to see if it's still there (not a good feeling to think it might have fallen out of its holster or been left in a gas station toilet), while it feels more robust, handles +P ammo better, has less recoil, is easier to shoot well, and makes a better impact weapon.
Very good thoughts on the 649 being heavier, DEFINITELY know it's there easier and much much nicer at the range. Thanks for watching!!
Ugly? Who sees it and who are you trying to impress? I’ve carried this for 30 years.
Well if you've carried it for 30 years, the days of worrying if she's ugly or not are long gone :) Thanks for watching!!
I’ve had the all steel model (No keyhole) since the early eighties. I think plus-P ammunition is wasted in a two inch barrel. Regular ammunition=less recoil. Regular practice=five rounds are enough.
Thanks for watching!!
no it is NOT an ugly gun. I have the older all stainless version. think I need one of these. the BODYGUARD is one of my favorite snubbies.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Thanks for watching!!
and I also love wadcutters.
Good Video. I just Purchased one online. It's not arrived yet. But Wanted too learn a little about the thing. If it still conceals good and works that all it really need. As well as draws okay. I'll practice that part.
Its really the best of both worlds, draws and conceals easily but yet gives you single action capability should you require a more accurate shot. Thanks for watching!!
I used to carry a S&W model 38. Same as this one only blued. Handy little pocket companion as I remember. An LCR goes out the door with me often now. Another fine little companion.
I had a BEAUTIFUL model 38 from the early 1980s....traded it for a Randall knife. I miss that model 38 though. Agreed 100% on the LCRs, much better trigger than most Airweight Smiths. Thanks for watching!!
Looking for 628 or 642. Yeah, the 638 is a hump back. Still may get it. It's not for pretty, it's for utility.
Thanks for watching!!
I wanna buy me a model 638. This gun was used by Claire In resident evil 2 remake but it’s funny they call it the body guard
Thanks for watching!!
@@HillbillyMusings I wanna buy a model 638
I bought just because of that too lol, I finished my Samurai edge and when I saw this gun on RE 2 remake my thoughts was, I need that gun.
Functionally beautiful. Get VZ grips and cerekote it , sniper grey, leave the cylinder shiny
Thanks for watching!!
I get that it's practical but idk if I want my gun to look like the side profile of ET's head...
LOL.... thats a good comparison :) Thanks for watching!!
Ugly? Camels are not ugly , their humps are functional … there is beauty in functionality
All things have a purpose! Thanks for watching!!
I have the 637 PC and 442 but would love to have the 638. It's best of both worlds
Thanks for watching!!
Recommend the onesies, better trigger and cut for moon clips ( not required bit makes for fast reloads )
Thanks for watching!!
Hell with all the times you say Ugly, count the number of times you use the vocal pause “um”.
Um. Thanks for watching! Um. 😅
um um um um um 😁
“In case there’s any snowflakes watching…” get out of here dude.
Thanks for watching!!
I always thought that this was cute. The Centennial was less appealing to me. 😉
Thanks for watching!!
I think the Colt Detective Special came out in 1927!
thats correct! Thanks for watching!!
It's not an ugly gun. I carried the "blue" airweight model 38 for years on and off duty. Unfortunately I sold it, which I regret but will be replacing it with this. 5/3/24 Replaced & smiling 😊
Thanks for watching!!
I carried a Model 38 as a back up to my Model 15 duty gun, but foolishly traded it away & have been looking for one ever since. Also, I don’t think these are ugly.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!!
Thanks for showing the difference bet 638 and 642, was helpful.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!!
so young people don't know, there no reverting anything..
Thanks for watching!!
It is definitely extremely ugly but very effective, love my 442!
Thanks for watching!!
I d think, she's not ugly..purpose tool....The young man..was confused as mentioned as body guard..moment to school the young man..had fun...On 632..
Thanks for watching!!
Single action gives more tacital flexibility in a myriad of situations. Nice video.
Thanks for watching!!
So ugly i bought one
Thanks for watching!!
Not just ugly but concealed hammer frames make the gun larger.
well noted! Thanks for watching!!
What’s the clip feature for ?
Clip feature? Not sure what you mean? But thanks for watching!
Gotta agree about how Ugly. And that I absolutely love mine! Ol humpback
Thanks for watching!!
This is my fifth pew pew and I absolutely love it!
Thanks for watching!!
My dad carried an old Model 38 for 30 years!
Thanks for watching!! Can't go wrong with a Model 38. I have a video that needs to be edited on mine.
She is a cutie. Love mine
Thanks for watching!!
Pretty is as pretty does. These are great!
Thanks for watching!!
Massad Ayoob was saying he'd go with the 642 over this because "you can really drive your hands up on the back of it," basically to mitigate recoil. But I've never shot it this way with live rounds, but I've choked up on the grip like that, and it seems to function just fine. I already made my purchase on the 638. So you know where I stand.
Thanks for watching!!
Always wanted one just something about the thing I don't know what. They are pretty cool 😎
Thanks for watching!!
I used to think that the hump was ugly until I got the 649 with high polished steel and now I kind of like it.
It'll grow on yah, Thanks for watching!!
I like the 442 best❤
Thanks for watching!!
I really like this gun.
Thanks for watching!!
I bought this ugly gun today. Something didn’t look quite right.
Thanks for watching!!
(SA) "Why would you need it?" To stop your truck, get out and shoot the head off a partridge to take home for supper. Put down a car hit deer, or any other precision shot. Why would you use your CCW to shoot game? Because it is the one you had on you when the opportunity presents itself.
True...the tool you're most often to use is the one that's on you. Thanks for watching!!
"snowflakes"?? My feelings.. .. they're hurt.. 🤒
lol jk
Thanks for watching!!
I like the s&w 642. The 638 is ugly, in my opinion.
yep it's ugly! Thanks for watching!!
It’s beautiful
Thanks for watching!!
How safe is dry firing these newer revolvers?
On just about all the newer (non-rimfire) revolvers the manufacturer will tell you it's safe to dry fire. With that said, I personally always use snap caps if I'm doing 'extended' dry fire sessions. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for watching!!
I love the rubber grips. This gun fits my hand so well. It was love at first sight. Mated with the FBI load 158gr remington SWHP +p's. The single action trigger on this gun is great.
Thanks for watching!!
That was advanced hardware in the time they were new but they are serviceable still with good skills and speed loaders
Thanks for watching Joe!
@@HillbillyMusings i did finish my poverty pony project its an am15 lower with alg milspec plus trigger has a bear creek side charger 556 carbine upper an aimpoint or close knock off on it fab defense backups and a feyachi light i won mounted to mlok it all in was 450 with one pmag