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| Science & Technology |
| Review: S&W Model 638 Bodyguard |
| 2020-03-16 |
| [Guns America] The venerable Smith & Wesson J-frame may well be the most prolific revolver ever made. The original J-frame was introduced at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in 1950. At the conference, the Smith & Wesson representatives asked the chiefs to vote to name the new little wheelgun. Based on the votes, Smith christened the new revolver as the Chiefs Special. From that simple beginning, the J-frame line has been expanded to over 31 models in four different calibers. The Chiefs Special, later renamed the Model 36, was a traditional double-action revolver with an exposed hammer. In 1952, Smith introduced the Centennial model that featured a concealed hammer and a grip safety. The Centennial was a double-action only pistol that was ideal for pocket carry, a method that was very popular in the 1950s. Then, in 1955, Smith introduced the Bodyguard. The Bodyguard featured a distinctive humpback that shrouded the hammer spur. The design allowed the Bodyguard to be cocked for single-action fire while still being suitable for pocket carry. To some, it was the best of both worlds. Interestingly the first model of the Bodyguard series featured an alloy frame. In 1959, based on a request from the Massachusetts State Police, Smith introduced the all-steel Model 49. The appearance of the humpback Bodyguard was never as sexy as the Centennial or as classic as the Model 36 Chiefs Special. In recent years, the 442/642 series of Centennials has become the star of the line. However, the Bodyguard still has a loyal following. While the Model 38 was discontinued in 1999, production of the Bodyguard continued with the Model 638 and the Model 649 that is now chambered in .357 Magnum. We recently received Model 638 for evaluation. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #1 Model 29 is my game. I have three. All my friends wetting their pants over the Colt Python reissue, I feel for them, I do. |
| Posted by: M. Murcek 2020-03-16 11:38 |