SMITH & WESSON Revolver – Mod. 638 -1 7/8′ Bodyguard – .38 spec. ‘AirWeight’
The Ultimate Concealed Carry Revolver | Shrouded Hammer | AirWeight Alloy Frame | Snag-Free Draw | Smith & Wesson 638 Bodyguard
Overview – The Best of Both Worlds
The Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard combines the sleek, snag-free profile of an enclosed-hammer revolver with the crisp single-action accuracy of an exposed hammer . For over sixty years, the Bodyguard series has protected countless owners. This AirWeight variant takes that legacy and updates it with a lightweight alloy frame that weighs just 15 ounces unloaded.
For this reason, whether you need a personal defense weapon for deep concealment, a reliable handgun for backup duty, or a simple revolvert for home protection, the S&W 638 Bodyguard delivers proven performance in a package that disappears under clothing. Consequently, when you revolver kaufen this model from sportwaffenshop.com, you are acquiring a featherlight carry revolver that offers both double-action reliability and single-action precision.
Fact: The Bodyguard design dates back to 1955, when Smith & Wesson introduced the “Centennial” line. The Model 638 improves on that concept by adding a shrouded hammer that allows single-action cocking while maintaining a snag-free profile . For this reason, it is the ideal choice for shooters who want both safety and precision in a carry revolver .
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Model | 638 Bodyguard |
| Caliber | .38 S&W Special +P |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 1 7/8 inches (1.875″) |
| Overall Length | 6.3 inches |
| Height | 4.2 inches |
| Width | 1.2 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 15.0 oz / 425 g |
| Action | DA/SA (Double Action / Single Action) |
| Frame Material | AirWeight Alloy (Aluminum) |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Sights | Fixed front, fixed rear (frame groove) |
| Hammer | Shrouded (Bodyguard style) |
| Grips | Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Black (frame) / Stainless (cylinder & barrel) |
| Safety | Transfer bar (internal lock on select models) |
| Origin | USA |
Key Features – The Bodyguard Advantage
The Shrouded Hammer – Snag-Free with Single-Action Capability
The shrouded hammer serves as the defining feature of the Bodyguard series .
To begin with, the hammer is covered at the rear of the frame, with only the top portion exposed. Therefore, there is no spur to catch on clothing or holsters during the draw. Consequently, you can carry this revolver in a pocket, purse, or ankle holster without hesitation.
However, unlike fully enclosed “Centennial” revolvers, you can still manually cock the hammer for single-action shooting . As a result, you get the best of both worlds – a snag-free draw for defensive use and a crisp single-action trigger for precision shots at the range .
For shooters who also carry a sig sauer p365 or glock pistolen, the Bodyguard offers a revolver alternative with a unique manual of arms. Notably, the ability to fire single-action at the range makes it a joy to practice with.
AirWeight Alloy Frame – Lightweight, Durable, Corrosion-Resistant
The AirWeight construction utilizes an aluminum alloy frame.
First, the aluminum frame weighs significantly less than all-steel revolvers. Therefore, the 638 weighs only 15 ounces unloaded – light enough for comfortable all-day carry in lightweight clothing.
In addition, the stainless steel cylinder and barrel provide durability where it matters most. Consequently, the revolver resists corrosion from sweat and humidity.
Furthermore, the combination of lightweight frame and robust cylinder makes this revolver rated for .38 Special +P ammunition . As a result, you can carry modern high-performance defensive loads without worry.
DA/SA Action – Versatility for Any Situation
The 638 Bodyguard incorporates a DA/SA trigger system.
Double Action (DA): For defensive use, simply draw and pull the trigger. The long, smooth pull remains safe and intuitive, requiring no manual safety manipulation. Even under stress, the operation stays simple .
Single Action (SA): For precision shots or range practice, manually cock the hammer. The single-action trigger pull is crisp and light, enabling accurate shot placement at distance .
For shooters who also train with a cz shadow 2 target for competition, the Bodyguard’s single-action capability allows for similar precision practice in a carry-friendly package.
Who Is This Revolver For?
For Concealed Carry / Personal Defense Weapon
The S&W 638 Bodyguard serves as the quintessential pocket revolver.
For pocket carry: At 15 ounces, this revolver will not weigh down your pocket. The snag-free profile slides in and out of a pocket holster easily. Meanwhile, the shrouded hammer prevents clothing from catching.
For ankle carry: Thanks to the lightweight construction, ankle carry remains comfortable for extended periods.
For purse / bag carry: The smooth contours and enclosed hammer design mean the revolver will not snag on other items.
For shooters who rely on tierabwehrspray as a non-lethal option, the Bodyguard offers a powerful lethal companion when the spray is no longer sufficient. Together, they form a complete personal protection system.
For Off-Duty Law Enforcement / Backup
Plainclothes officers and detectives need a backup gun that is easy to conceal yet reliable. The 638 Bodyguard meets this need perfectly.
For those who also carry a glock 19 or sig sauer p365 as a primary, the 638 serves as an ideal backup revolver. Even when your primary pistol remains inaccessible, this revolver is always there.
For Home Defense / Nightstand Gun
The Bodyguard makes an excellent choice for home defense, especially for those who prefer revolvers over semi-automatics .
For shooters who also own a rem 700 for hunting or a benelli m4 for home defense, the 638 serves as a simple, reliable backup that any family member can operate.
For New Shooters / Training
The DA/SA action makes the 638 an excellent training revolver.
For new shooters, the double-action pull teaches proper trigger control without the intimidation of a light single-action trigger. Once fundamentals are mastered, the single-action mode allows for precision practice.
For families that also own a m870 remington for hunting, the 638 remains a manageable handgun for smaller-framed family members.
For Collectors
The 638 Bodyguard has been in continuous production since 1989. As a member of the famous Bodyguard family (which began in 1955), it represents an important chapter in revolver history.
In a collection alongside classics such as colt python, colt m1911s, or colt navy, the 638 Bodyguard represents the practical evolution of the carry revolver. For those who appreciate harrington and richardson or k98 mauser firearms from earlier eras, the 638 shows how far lightweight materials have advanced.
The .38 Special Cartridge – A Century of Proven Performance
The .38 Special has served as a standard defensive caliber for over 120 years.
First, the cartridge offers a perfect balance of power, controllability, and capacity for small-framed revolvers. Therefore, it remains one of the most popular defensive calibers in the world.
Second, modern .38 Special +P ammunition using premium hollow points approaches the performance of standard pressure 9mm . Consequently, you get adequate stopping power in a lightweight, concealable package.
Third, ammunition remains widely available and affordable. For this reason, you can practice frequently without breaking the bank.
For hunters who also own a rem 700 in .308 Win or a 70 winchester lever action, the .38 Special shares ammunition commonality with many .357 Mag revolvers and lever-action rifles.
Ammunition Recommendations
The S&W 638 Bodyguard is rated for continuous use with .38 Special +P ammunition.
For practice / training:
-
.38 Special target wadcutters or FMJ – affordable, low recoil
-
.38 Special standard pressure – moderate recoil, good for transition training
For defense / carry:
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.38 Special +P hollow points (e.g., Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel, Hornady Critical Defense) – optimal performance from short barrels
For hunters / outdoor defense:
-
.38 Special +P hard-cast loads – deeper penetration for larger animals
For shooters who also own a k98 kaufen (purchased a K98 Mauser) for collection or hunting, the 638 provides a lightweight backup option that is easy to carry in the field.
How to Buy – Transactional Process
To begin, browse sportwaffenshop.com. Then add this Smith & Wesson 638 Bodyguard to your cart.
Next, upload your valid WBK (German Weapons Ownership Card). We accept documents via our gun apps to buy guns for iOS and Android.
After that, we verify your documents. Then we process your waffe kaufen transaction within 48 hours.
Finally, we ship to your chosen waffenladen (e.g., Triebel Berlin). Alternatively, we can ship to any licensed firearms dealer in Germany or across Europe.
Note: This revolver requires a WBK slot. This is conventional firearms retail.
Why Choose sportwaffenshop.com?
First and foremost, we specialize in high-quality handguns, glock pistolen, revolvert, and sporting firearms. In addition to Smith & Wesson, we carry everything a discerning shooter desires:
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Hunting rifles – from rem 700 to k98 mauser to sauer 505
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Sport pistols – cz shadow 2 target, sig sauer p365, and more
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Shotguns – benelli m4, m870 remington
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Classics – colt python, colt m1911s, harrington and richardson, colt navy
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Historical collector pieces – tommy gun, m1 garand, k98 kaufen
We are not just a shop for weapons – we are a partner for demanding shooters, law enforcement officers, and collectors. Our gun apps to buy guns make WBK upload simple. Moreover, we are licensed, transparent, and reliable.
For those who rely on tierabwehrspray for non-lethal defense, we offer the perfect combination of spray and a lightweight, reliable revolver for complete personal protection.
Ready for the Smith & Wesson 638 Bodyguard?
Add this revolvert to your cart today at sportwaffenshop.com. You will receive the legendary Bodyguard revolver – weighing only 15 ounces, chambered in .38 Special +P, featuring the unique shrouded hammer for snag-free draw with single-action capability.
Whether you are a plainclothes officer needing a backup, a civilian desiring deep concealment, or a collector adding a classic Bodyguard to a collection featuring colt python, k98 mauser, or m1 garand, the Smith & Wesson 638 Bodyguard delivers over sixty years of proven reliability in a lightweight package.
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