# Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight .38 Special Revolver - Lightweight Defender **Brand:** Smith & Wesson **Category:** Single/Double Action Revolvers **Caliber:** .38 Special ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .38 Special - **Barrel Length:** 1.9" - **Capacity:** 5 rounds - **Finish:** Stainless - **Weight:** 14.6 oz - **Overall Length:** 6.31" - **UPC:** 022188630701 - **SKU:** UCODdESL ## Description The Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight is a double/single action J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special +P with a 1.875-inch barrel and 5-round capacity. The frame is aluminum alloy at 15.1 oz; the barrel and cylinder are stainless steel. Overall length is 6.31 inches. The enclosed hammer (shrouded, with the spur tip exposed) allows both double-action firing and single-action cocking for precision shots, while eliminating most of the snag risk during a concealed draw. The matte silver finish combines the aluminum frame with stainless components. Rated for continuous +P use. ### Key Specifications - **Model Name:** 638 Airweight - **Brand:** Smith & Wesson - **Caliber:** .38 Special +P - **Action Type:** Double / Single Action - **Capacity:** 5 rounds - **Barrel Length:** 1.875 inches - **Overall Length:** 6.31 inches - **Weight:** 15.1 oz - **Frame Material:** Aluminum Alloy - **Finish:** Matte Silver with Stainless Steel components ### Detailed Features The shrouded hammer is the key differentiating feature versus the 642 (fully internal hammer). The 638 exposes just the top of the hammer spur, allowing single-action fire for deliberate shots at longer range, while still reducing snag potential compared to a conventional exposed hammer. The stainless steel barrel and cylinder provide corrosion resistance. The aluminum frame keeps weight to 15.1 oz. +P rating means it handles higher-pressure defensive loads without concern. ### Target Audience Carry users who want the option to cock the hammer for single-action shooting, unlike the fully DAO 642. Suitable for both concealed carry and as a range training revolver where single-action capability is useful for marksmanship work. ### Usage Scenarios - **Concealed Carry:** The low weight and snag-reduced profile work well for pocket and IWB carry. - **Everyday Carry:** The DA/SA action offers more flexibility than a DAO revolver for shooters who practice precision shots. - **Range Training:** Single-action capability allows slower, deliberate practice for marksmanship development. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the Smith & Wesson 638?** A: The 638 is chambered in .38 Special +P. **Q: Who makes the Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight?** A: The 638 Airweight is made by Smith & Wesson. **Q: What type of firearm is the Smith & Wesson 638?** A: It is a double/single action J-frame revolver with a shrouded hammer. **Q: How many rounds does the Smith & Wesson 638 hold?** A: It has a 5-round capacity. **Q: What is the barrel length of the Smith & Wesson 638?** A: The barrel is 1.875 inches long. **Q: What is the difference between the 638 and the 642 hammer design?** A: The 638 has a shrouded hammer with the spur tip exposed, allowing single-action cocking for deliberate shots. The 642 uses a fully internal hammer with no exposed spur. **Q: What is the frame material of the Smith & Wesson 638?** A: The frame is aluminum alloy at 15.1 oz, while the barrel and cylinder are stainless steel. **Q: Where can I buy the Smith & Wesson 638?** A: Compare current vendor offers on this page. ## What Reviewers Say *Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.* > What's special about the 638 is not necessarily rounded snag free edges and curved body. > > — [GRITR](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocm0e5C-Usg&t=37s) > That's kind of an interest. I could live with that. I I prefer the Centennial, but this is pretty cool. > > — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCq7LJgbvCA&t=172s) > These six 42 and 442 carries slightly better in the pocket because they don't have this hump and they tend to draw in prints they tend to draw a little bit easier and print a little bit less. > > — [704 TACTICAL](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN2SNZ326W8&t=274s) > You can see that the trigger pull is crisp with a nice clean brake. > > — [TheFirearmGuy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9HESc0ItA&t=74s) > Not only can you fire this in double action mood but also has a hammer spur you can actuate with your thumb for those clear precise shots in single action mode. > > — [GRITR](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocm0e5C-Usg&t=45s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The S&W 638 Airweight draws largely positive feedback as a carry revolver, with discussions typically centered on the DA/SA action and its practical implications. The weight, 15.1 oz, earns consistent praise for all-day carry comfort. The shrouded hammer design is popular among users who want the option to shoot single-action without the full snag risk of a conventional exposed hammer; this is the 638's primary advantage over the all-internal-hammer 642. Reliability is a recurring positive, as J-frame revolvers in general have a track record for consistent function. The .38 Special +P rating and stainless components are appreciated for defensive use in varied conditions. The predictable criticisms: the lightweight frame amplifies felt recoil from +P loads, particularly during extended range work. Shooters who train primarily with hot defensive ammunition find that a heavier revolver or semi-auto is more comfortable for volume practice. The 5-round capacity invites comparison to higher-capacity semi-autos. The DA trigger, while usable, requires meaningful practice to shoot quickly and accurately, an honest limitation for buyers who won't invest range time. Factory sights are minimal and have drawn requests for aftermarket improvement from precision-minded users. ## Pricing **16 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Gunbuyer Com | $439.99 | | Brownells | $469.99 | | Grabagun Com | $499.99 | | Guns Com | $505.99 | | Ar 15 Discounts Com | $509.00 | | Gritrsports Com | $512.99 | | Impactguns Com | $519.00 | | Shootingsurplus Com | $519.00 | | Kygunco Com | $519.80 | | Palmettostatearmory Com | $519.99 | *...and 6 more offers* ## Reviews **Average Rating:** 5.0/5 (1 reviews) > **harper33** (5/5): The 638 Airweight is impressively easy to conceal, which is the quality that stands out most to me. Despite its light, compact form, the .38 Special still has plenty of punch. It combines discreet dim... ## Similar Products - [S&W Model 442 Centennial Airweight .38 Special DAO Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-model-442-centennial-airweight-38-special-dao-revolver/UCODdDmS) - [S&W Model 637 Lightweight .38 SPL +P Revolver - Compact Defense](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-model-637-lightweight-38-spl-p-revolver-compact-defense/UCODdEP9) - [Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight Lasergrip .38 Special +P Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-642-airweight-lasergrip-38-special-p-revolver/UCODdGNq) - [S&W Airweight Model 637 .38 Special Revolver with Lasergrip](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-airweight-model-637-38-special-revolver-with-lasergrip/UCODdEPX) - [Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight: Compact .38 SPL +P Defense Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-642-airweight-compact-38-spl-p-defense-revolver/UCODbA7k) - [Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight .38 SPL +P Concealed Carry Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-642-airweight-38-spl-p-concealed-carry-revolver/UCODdGNj) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*