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Smith & Wesson Model 638 Airweight

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RevolverGuy

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 03:35 PM

Well, I had two pieces of good news yesterday. One, I survived a large layoff at work. The other, I received my bonus check. Kind of feel bad about getting a bonus when so many other's lost their job. I'd rather they keep my bonus and let someone keep their job. But it is what it is.

Anyway, I felt it called for a limited celebration....in other words, a trip to the gun store. I'm not sure my wife's feelings on the matter parallel my own. I've been thinking about replacing my Taurus M85, for several reasons. This feeling has been enhanced recently by my recent displeasure with Taurus over my PT1911.

So I was shopping around today. I saw that the dealer had an LCR, but I hadn't heard much about Ruger's new semi-polymer revolver. Then I saw that they had a Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight for one a few dollars more. Based on Smith & Wesson's reputation, I bought the Smith.

I love everything about this gun. The fit and finish are exceptional, and the action is superb. But what I really like is how it fits my hand. I also like that fact that, unlike the fully enclosed hammer of the LCR, the hammer on the Smith is shrouded and not fully enclosed. This makes for a hang up free shape, while still allowing the option to cock the gun and fire single action, if I so choose.

Of course the real test will come when I actually get the opportunity to fire it. I'll report further when that takes place.

Joined:
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Feb 11th 10
MO US

cohenj87

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 04:57 PM

congrats on welcoming home the new member of the family. hopefully it gets along well with its siblings.

Joined:
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Apr 19th 09
MN US

Recoil

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 09:00 PM

That's a fine looking piece RG. I have one question...does it use those stinking moon clips Smith and Wesson is so infamous for?

I've been carrying a Ruger LCP (blued) in my pocket for almost 2 years now. It looks stainless in certain areas from pocket wear, so I know your pain.

Nice score. Let us know how it holds a pattern.

Joined:
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Dec 27th 07
AL US

RevolverGuy

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 09:26 PM

No. Not this gun anyway. According to the manual, those moon clips are only needed for guns that chamber rimless ammo.

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Feb 11th 10
MO US

Recoil

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 09:30 PM

That's cool! I like it already!!!

I had a .45 caliber Smith and Wesson, Model of 1988 (predecessor of the model 625) that used them. That's why I got rid of the damned thing. I loved the pistol, hated the moon clips. They were a pain in the ass and required a friggin' pair of needlenose pliers to remove the expended brass from the clips.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_625

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Dec 27th 07
AL US

RevolverGuy

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 10:56 PM

Yeah, any revolver which chambers rimless cartridges has the problem of how to seat the cartridge at the correct depth without a rim to seat against the cylinder openings. Smith chose to go with those moon clips that are universally hated. I used to have a Ruger revolver, don't remember the model, which chambered 9mm. Instead of using moon clips, it depended on a lip in each cylinder bore which the neck of cartridge would seat against. But it depended on the length of the case being exactly to specs. This was a particular problem with reloads if the loader didn't use care to trim the case precisely. But I also had problems with some commercial loads. Point in case, I have two 45 acp cartridges right here in front of me. One Remington. One CCI. The case of the CCI is just a fraction longer than the Remington. If the case is just a little too long, the cartridge won't seat deep enough, and the cylinder can jam up. If the case is too short, it seats too deeply and prevents the firing pin from fully contacting the primer. Lot's of duds when pulling the trigger. Got rid of that gun. Just too much trouble. I prefer a Bic Pen gun....goes bang, first time, every time, no matter what ammo I put in it.

Joined:
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Feb 11th 10
MO US

Recoil

Posted: Feb 20th 2010, 11:43 PM

Thanks for schooling me, it all makes sense. I appreciate the lesson.

Joined:
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Dec 27th 07
AL US

InstructorPyro

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 12:52 AM

Wow, I want a revolver! Okay, so I have a 44 and a 357 but damn it man! I want a Single Action! Like old skool 45 LC! Oh yeah, and a lever action to match.

Joined:
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May 22nd 08
CA US

Recoil

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 07:01 AM

IP, I had a simple Ruger Blackhawk .357, SAO. It was old, the wheel was giving me some problems (timing) and I ended up giving it away. Now that the guy I gave it to has it fixed, I miss that puppie. I like the LC's too.

Joined:
Location:

Dec 27th 07
AL US

RevolverGuy

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 08:52 AM

Yep, my favorite shooter is my Uberti Cattleman. Uberti's Model 1873 Single Action Army in 45 Colt. The old 'peacemaker'. Little practical use. It's just for fun. But it is that.

Joined:
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Feb 11th 10
MO US

InstructorPyro

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 09:06 AM

We've got a lot of old school ranchers up here. Believe it or not, we've got several people with single action 'peace makers' on their CCWs.

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May 22nd 08
CA US

RevolverGuy

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 01:10 PM

I know people who carry SAA's. Many would say, being single action, they are slow. But I draw a 'rapid fire warning' periodically when shooting mine at the state range. With practice, cocking becomes automatic and a natural part of bringing the gun down to reacquire the target. Besides, with a 255 grain solid lead slug, it only takes one to put the stop on someone. It's not how many, its where you put them.

Joined:
Location:

Feb 11th 10
MO US

Tac56

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 02:43 PM

***** Hi-Jack***** Sorry.....

I.P. / Revolverguy... I have a slew of 'Cowboy guns' from my cowboy action shooting days... I used to compete pretty heavy in that sport a couple of years ago, but my schedule hasn't allowed me to make a match in some time now.

Don't dismiss a comptetant shooter with a SAA.... I have seen some folks who can empty two of them on multiple targets faster than you can say 'The Lone Range and his partner Tonto'...

I also know a couple who carry them as thier CCW.... I wouldn't take them on with an auto...

At last count I had 17 firearms in .45 Colt caliber... between my revolvers, rifles and one derringer...

Here are a couple of them:

Here are a couple pics of me putting them to good use...

-Tac

Joined:
Location:

Jul 21st 09
AZ US

Recoil

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 09:12 PM

Nice pics Tac. Thanks for the jihack.

Joined:
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Dec 27th 07
AL US

RevolverGuy

Posted: Feb 21st 2010, 10:33 PM

Great pics Tac. There's a local cowboy action group not for from me and I've been giving thought to checking them out.

Joined:
Location:

Feb 11th 10
MO US

Mad_Max

Posted: Mar 21st 2010, 10:35 AM

Nice 638 !!!........This style of revolver is my favorite pocket gun, Mine is a very old Mod 38 Air Weight with Flat Latch and firing pin on the hammer, The Barrel and Cylinder almost look like 'Black Chrome'.......Still locks up like it was new but my understanding is it was possibly made in the 50's and to not be shooting Plus P's in it.

On those .45 acp Revolvers I had a hankering for one and you don't see them often unless they're new and expensive......Guy had a Model of 1989 like Recoil mentioned but the price wasn't right.......I think the Moon Clips are cool if you've got a few loaded up and in your pocket - But as mentioned they can be a pain and you need a pick to unload them.......A few companies were making 'Rimmed' 45 acp brass especially for these revolvers so you don't need the clips.

Joined:
Location:

May 31st 09
FL US

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