pmcimagazine.comSMITH AND WESSON 638 AIRWEIGHTstarted shooting the pistol in single action mode. The hammerfeatures a small stud on the top that rides slightly above theframe during its full range of motion. There are four smallgrooves cut into the stud horizontally to provide just enoughgrip surface for my thumb to pull back the hammer. I noticedthis to be relatively difficult with the stiff factory hammerspring. Every four out of five attempts would be successful butbefore carrying any pistol for self-defense, I require everythingto work every time if I may need to depend on it. One quickcall to my friend, Paul Erhardt at Apex Tactical and a J-Frameperformance spring kit as they call their Carry / Duty kit was onthe way.Once the kit arrived, it only took 20 mins to install thenew trigger return spring, hammer spring, firing pin and firingpin spring. As I dry fired the 638 in my work shop, I couldimmediately feel a difference. In both single and double actiondry firing, the trigger and hammer seemed much smootherand gone was that annoying “hitch” feeling. I headed over tothe range and proceeded to run an assortment of ammunitionthrough the gun to test function under rapid fire. Overall, I couldnot have been more pleased with the gun. It ran smooth as silkwith zero function issues.With more confidence in the pistol, I began to carry itdaily inside the waist band or on my left ankle. A bit of dryfire mixed with “bar room speed” practice on the range reallyshowed off how easy the model 638 could be drawn and putinto action. Everything about the pistol’s design is meant tobe completely snag free upon quick retrieval prior to sendinglead down range. When feasible, I would even carry the S&Win addition to my SIG P365. This combo would offer me notonly 16 total rounds of firepower but also an additional firearmin the extreme case of mechanical failure with the other. Atno point did I feel uncomfortable with the Cheata Tactical orSafariland holster during carry.FINAL THOUGHTSOverall, I really enjoyed the model 638 Air Weight revolver.Its practical application is timeless due to its reliability andsimplistic operation as with any revolver compared to semiautos.If the hammer drops and the cartridge fails to fire, ratherthan going through a complex system of tap, rack, fire, dropmagazines, rack, load, rack and fire again, the end user simplypulls the trigger once again and first another round. Wherethe model 638 really shines unto its own is the lightweightcarry and clean lines that resist snagging on clothing during thedraw. As I found with both the Safariland holster and Gun Sox,all day carry and quick, efficient movements to put the pistolinto action are easily accomplished without issue.If you need to run to the store at night once you havealready gotten home, out of your work clothes and into yourfavorite sweat pants, this would be good choice as well. Ratherthan needing to change into jeans and belt with your dailycarry holster, you can simply drop the model 638 in a jacketpocket and head out. Its advantage over a small semi-autopistol comes in the event you must shoot from concealment.If it were a semi-auto, the first shot would fire and then theslide would more than likely become stuck or catch inside yourpocket. The 638’s action revolves the cylinder inside its frameand can offer continuous fire from inside the close quarters ofthe newly ventilated jacket pocket.The model 638 is offered from S&W with a few customoptions such as pink rubber grips instead of the standard blackas well as a laser grip module from their partnership withCrimson Trace. In low light, across the room distances, the lasergrip may be your best option. In any case, just remember, thissmall gun does take a lot of dedicated practice to shoot well.Some have wrote calling it the “expert’s” gun, but I would notgo that far. I have seen many shooters devote time practicingwith the pistol and quickly become very efficient with it.If you are a professional who carries an issued gun full timeand you’re looking for a solid back-up option, I would suggestlooking into the model 638 for yourself to see the reasons whyit has stood the test of time. For those simply looking for a solidgun for the car, specifically lightweight carry pistol or even aback-up to your “go-to” gun when it all goes south, you can’tbeat the reliability of a revolver. My suggestion is to make itroutine to also carry a reload option in either aspeed strip or speed loader in addition to a qualityknife. With only five rounds and slow reloads,you may want to consider other options as youwork through your force continuum. For moreinformation, visit www.smith-wesson.com to findthe S&W firearm that best fits your needs.40
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