both are aluminum framed stainless J frame 5 shot .38 special snubnose revolvers...the humpback 638 can be cocked for a single action shot for a longer distance shot if needed..the 642 is smoothbacked to keep out lint since it will be carried in a pocket holster

I ordered the 638

I personally prefer the Bodyguard (model 628). I like to keep my options open should I decide later for the need to cock.

My apologies, I meant the model 638.

638 is the aluminum framed stainless "Bodyguard"

The only "trick" is to remember to do what your mother did when you were a kid: turn your pants pockets inside out before you toss them in the washer. Getting rid of the lint is the best way to keep it out of the action of your pocket pistol.

That said, the only pocket carried revolver to come oput of my pocket in inoperable condition as an old mod. 38-7. My own fault for letting too much junkn into the same pocket as the revolver, but something had gotten into the frame opening...best guess is a bit of toothpick but it could have been any other bit of "pocket funk"..and wedged between the outside of the frame and the cylinder. Acted like a door stop, wedging tight as the cylinder tried to rotate. Same thing would have happened to ANY revolver.

I bought or made pocket holsters.

Funny story - in a gun shop one day and the owner was saying what a good gun a certain piece was, and accurate, and how he had shot it last weekend. Looked through the chamber into the barrel & it was full of lint. Guess the owner is full of something, too....

Where do I check-off for the Colt Magnum Carry?

;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

Where do I check-off for the Colt Magnum Carry?

;) ;) ;) ;) ;)


I'm not considering the Colt..

my vote would be for the 642.ive carried a m38(blue version) for five years now and tire of cleaning the lint. i mostly carry it on my vest(im a cop) and also have a problem with rust on the hammer from being basically under my arm. although i can understand the desire to cock it for those long shots, i just dont think it is practical for me.

I need more votes..

Do you want me to vote twice? ;)

yeah..that's the ticket

For a pure carry gun I'd go with the concealed hammer.

That said I carry a Taurus M85 most everywhere I go, but if I was to buy another similar revolver it would feature a concealed hammer.

The Para-Ordinance LDA autos are really starting to appeal more and more to me though. I shot one again today. The trigger pull is like a really smooth double action revolver, in a thin light pistol you can fit in your pocket, with the punch of a .45. Smooth corners with the option to have different sights on iit are really starting to sound better and better. The compact will fit in a pocket as easily as my snub 38. Easier to carry some extra shells if that is important also.

I still stick with the 638. I always carried mine in a holster so lint was never a problem. The 642 is ok if you will settle for a DAO. I just like to keep my options open. If lint is such a problem then maybe the pockets need to be cleaned out a little more often. I've never heard of anyone wearing out a gun from cleaning it too much.

I just picked up a 642 and I like it a lot. I have a Model 36 and I like the fact the 642 is snag free. For concealed carry the 642 is tuff to beat. Specially if you can get a good deal on it.

Added the 642 to my CCW today and was amazed how accrete the gun was.

I've been carrying a modified S&W Model 38 for 24 years. I use it more than all the other guns I own combined. It's flaws are very few yet I admit to preferring the 642 overall. My vote is for the 642.

I carry professionally and personally. If I expect trouble I bring along whatever I may need. But the Model 38 goes where I go and I don't leave home without it.

You will be more than satisfied with either. There is no bad choice.