The .38 pocket gun

[David]

I've been thinking my next purchase will probably be a .38spl for the purposes of carrying in a pocket. I've been looking at this ( http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... s_id/26498 ) S&W 642 as the "golden standard" when it comes to pocket revolvers. Is there any reason to look at anything else? Does anyone who owns this gun miss having an exposed hammer? Can the trigger be lightened and still remain reliable? I'd go for the 638 and get the best of both worlds but it's just so darn ugly I can't get past the looks.

[simulatedjim]

Don't get a hammer gun for your pocket might snag. The cylinder is the widest part of the revolver and it is too wide for me to be comfortable in the pocket. Slim is your friend for a pocket gun.

[JohnnyG]

I carry the S&W Model 638, the Bodyguard. It's a snub .38, airweight 15oz., and has a shrouded hammer. They make a couple different models. The one I have, 638, has a shrouded hammer that can be cocked for single action if desired. In actual practice though, it's very difficult to do as it only protrudes a tiny bit.

I love this gun and carry it without a holster in my pocket. I have ordered a pocket holster to use with it. I have a cheaper one I bought but I'm not happy with it. I ordered a custom one but in the meantime I'll just put it in my pocket. It seems to work fine that way,

[Roadkill Bill]

Another vote for the 638. The 642 is an excellent gun, but I like the ability to cock it and fire it single action if I want to. Ugly? Sure is, but so am I, so we get along just fine.

[David]

I ended up going with the 642. I just need to find a way to lighten up the trigger a little bit.

[Malifax]

Lube it up and shoot it. That will ease the hammer. The trigger will lighten up with time no need to get a trigger job.

[Roadkill Bill]

You can get a trigger job, but the S&W triggers aren't really that bad. This is not a target gun anyway. In a SHTF situation you won't notice the trigger, the noise, how many times you fired, or if you wet your pants. You'll just be glad to be alive and wonder why you're shaking.

[David]

You can get a trigger job, but the S&W triggers aren't really that bad. This is not a target gun anyway. In a SHTF situation you won't notice the trigger, the noise, how many times you fired, or if you wet your pants. You'll just be glad to be alive and wonder why you're shaking.

I'd like the trigger to not put a blister on my finger every trip to the range. If the gun had a better trigger I would shoot it more often and be much more comfortable/accurate with it. That is my logic in any case.

[Malifax]

I am always concerned that the trigger isn't stiff enough on my old reliable .38. I wouldn't want to get excited pulling out of my pocket and shoot myself in the foot. But if your having trouble getting the thing to act the way you want it then a trigger job may just do the trick.

[paul kersey]

david, i was just wondering how the trigger job on the 642 went, or if you have had it done yet. i'm headin to buds this comeing saturday to get the 642 for my wife, an was just wondering about what the pull was an what it is after the trigger job. thanks for any an all info...pk