Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 1989
Also known as: 638 Bodyguard, Bodyguard Airweight, Humpback, 638-1, 638-2, 638-3
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight is a five-shot, double-action/single-action J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special and rated for continuous +P use. The 638 is the stainless steel and aluminum alloy version of the classic Bodyguard design, featuring the distinctive shrouded hammer that is the hallmark of the Bodyguard series. The hammer shroud is an integral part of the frame that extends upward to enclose most of the hammer, leaving only a shortened cocking spur protruding through a slot in the top of the shroud. This design provides the best of both worlds: the hammer is shielded from snagging on clothing or pocket linings during the draw stroke, yet can still be manually thumb-cocked for single-action fire when precise shots are needed. At 14.6 ounces (414g) unloaded, the 638 matches the featherweight portability of its J-frame siblings. The 1.875-inch (48mm) barrel delivers typical .38 Special +P velocities of approximately 790 fps (240 m/s) with 130-grain loads. The double-action trigger pull is approximately 12 pounds (53 N), with a single-action pull of approximately 4-5 pounds (18-22 N). Fixed sights consist of an integral front ramp and a fixed rear notch.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 414 g (14.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 479 g (16.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Barrel Length | 48 mm (1.89") |
| Height | 109 mm (4.29") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Sight Radius | 90 mm (3.54") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 53 N (11.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 240 m/s (787 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 233 J (172 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Silver |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9.1x29mmR
- .38 Special +P — also known as .38 +P, .38 Spl +P, .38 Special Plus P
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block Safety, Internal Lock
- Features: J Frame, Shrouded Hammer, Hammer Spur For Single Action, Snag Resistant Design, Aluminum Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Cylinder, Stainless Steel Barrel, Integral Front Sight, Fixed Rear Sight, Synthetic Rubber Grip, Rated Continuous Plus P, Five Shot Cylinder, Snub Nose Barrel
Variants
- S&W Model 38 Bodyguard (Blued Steel) — Original Production
- S&W Model 49 Bodyguard (Steel, Blued) — Material Variant
- S&W Model 638-1 — Engineering Change
- S&W Model 638-2 — Engineering Change
- S&W Model 638-3 — Current Production
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Backup/Off-Duty) · as Authorized Backup Weapon
- Private Investigators & Security Professionals
Production
Production years: 1989-present
Continuous production since 1989; the Bodyguard series dates to 1955 with the original Model 38
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Carl Hellstrom
Notes
The Bodyguard concept originated with the Model 38 in 1955, designed by legendary Smith & Wesson engineer Carl Hellstrom. The shrouded hammer was a stroke of engineering genius that solved the snag problem of exposed-hammer revolvers without completely sacrificing single-action capability as the Centennial (hammerless) series did. The Model 638 designation was introduced in 1989 as the stainless/aluminum version of the original blued-steel Model 38. When Smith & Wesson introduced the polymer-framed M&P Bodyguard in 2014, the Model 638 became the last remaining link to the original Bodyguard lineage. The 638 occupies a unique niche between the fully exposed-hammer Model 637 and the fully enclosed-hammer Model 642: shooters who want snag-free pocket carry but also want the option of thumb-cocking for deliberate shots gravitate toward the 638. The extra 0.1 ounces over the Model 637 comes from the additional metal in the hammer shroud. The nickname 'Humpback Whale' refers to the distinctive raised profile of the hammer shroud. The loaded weight estimate includes five .38 Special +P cartridges at approximately 13g each. MSRP is approximately $469. The 638's rifling twist rate is 1:18.75 inches (476mm) with 5 grooves, right-hand twist.
Background
The Bodyguard design was born from a practical problem: plainclothes detectives and undercover officers needed a revolver that could be drawn quickly from a pocket without the hammer snagging on fabric, but they also wanted the ability to cock the hammer for an accurate single-action shot when circumstances allowed. Carl Hellstrom's shrouded hammer design was the elegant answer, creating a revolver category that has endured for over seven decades. The 638 carries the 'Bodyguard' name because it was literally designed to be a bodyguard's concealed weapon -- invisible until needed, then drawn and fired without impediment.