Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight .38 Special
Model: 163070
Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight .38 Special
Model: 163070
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight sits between two more familiar J-frames: the hammerless S&W 642 and the spurred S&W 637. The 638 keeps the exposed hammer concept of the 637 but encloses it in a shrouded frame humpback, leaving a small cutout at the back so you can still cock the hammer with a thumb for a single-action shot. Specs are otherwise identical to the rest of the Airweight family — 1.88" barrel, 14.6 oz, 5-round cylinder, aluminum alloy frame, stainless cylinder, and the same internal lock.
The shroud is the entire reason to buy this gun instead of its siblings. Owners report it solves the snag problem that keeps many shooters from carrying the 637 in a pocket, while preserving the SA capability that the DAO 642 gives up. The trigger pull is the standard J-frame DA — community consensus puts it around 12 lb — so practice with .38 +P loads is fatiguing past 50 rounds, the same complaint that applies to every sub-15 oz snubnose. If a snag-free pocket draw matters AND you want the option to cock for a deliberate shot, the 638 is the only J-frame that gives you both.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The shrouded-hammer design is the only J-frame Airweight that gives you single-action capability without the pocket-snag risk that defines the exposed-hammer 637.
- At 14.6 oz, the 638 carries as easily as the hammerless 642 — the shroud adds almost no extra width to the frame profile.
- Same 5-round J-frame footprint means holster and grip aftermarket from the 642 and 637 mostly carries over, with the exception of grips that conflict with the rear hump.
- Thumb-cocking through the shroud cutout is slower and less natural than reaching a full hammer spur. Owners report it's possible but requires deliberate technique — if you'll rarely use SA, the DAO 642 is the cleaner choice.
- The same 12 lb DA pull as the rest of the Airweight family — heavy and tiring on extended range sessions, especially with +P ammunition.
Category Rankings
How the Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight .38 Special ranks among small .38 Special handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I've heard the shroud can actually still snag — is that true?
The risk is much lower than on the exposed-hammer 637 but not zero. The shroud cutout that lets you thumb-cock the hammer can catch on the inside of some pocket holsters or thick fabric like jeans pockets. Owners who pocket-carry the 638 typically use a dedicated J-frame pocket holster with a smooth interior — Galco, DeSantis, and Uncle Mike's all make options that work cleanly. From an IWB or ankle holster the cutout is a non-issue because the holster mouth covers the entire hammer area.
Is the shrouded hammer harder to clean than a fully enclosed action?
Slightly. The shroud cutout collects pocket lint and powder residue more than the sealed-action 642, and the rear hump geometry makes a bore brush less effective at reaching the firing pin channel. Most owners report that a periodic detail strip every few hundred rounds keeps the action smooth — no different from the 637 in this regard. A small dental pick and compressed air handle the buildup without disassembly.
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