Smith & Wesson Model 638 Airweight .38 Special +P Revolver – 1.875 in Barrel, 5-Shot J-Frame
The Model 638 Airweight pairs Smith & Wesson’s proven J-frame layout with an aluminum-alloy frame and a stainless barrel and cylinder, creating a 14.6-ounce revolver rated for continuous .38 Special +P use. Its partially shrouded Bodyguard-style hammer offers snag-free carry while still allowing single-action fire, making this compact wheel-gun a practical choice for concealed carry fans and collectors alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Light signs of wear and handling are present, including a few surface scratches, scattered spotting in the finish, and minor marring on the back of the frame.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson factory blue molded hard case
- Revolver speed loader
Built on the small round-butt J-frame, the Model 638 Airweight holds five rounds in a stainless cylinder yet weighs under one pound empty. The aluminum-alloy frame keeps carry weight low without sacrificing strength, and the revolver is factory-rated for steady diets of +P ammunition.
A partially shrouded hammer protects the spur from snagging on clothing while still giving shooters the option of precise single-action trigger pulls. This hybrid Bodyguard profile broadens the gun’s utility beyond typical double-action-only snub-nosed revolvers.
The 1.875-inch stainless barrel combines quick draw capability with corrosion resistance. Fixed sights – a serrated ramp front and a rear notch milled into the top strap – provide a simple, durable sight picture well-suited to close-range defensive work.
An internal key lock sits above the cylinder latch, offering an additional factory safety feature without altering the revolver’s compact profile. Black synthetic boot-style grips round out the package, giving a secure purchase while minimizing bulk.
Marked with Smith & Wesson’s current part number 163070, this Airweight represents the latest iteration of the shrouded-hammer J-frame, manufactured in the USA.