SMITH AND WESSON 638 AIRWEIGHT

In both civilian and law enforcement circles, the Smith and Wesson double action J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special has long been a favorite since its introduction in the 1950s. For the senior officers in Trampas’ department, the 2” barrel (often referred to as a snub nose) 5 shot revolver was a favorite “unofficial” carry pistol.

When I started my law enforcement career at the turn of this century, I was blessed to be surrounded by old war horses in the form of Sergeants and Lieutenants serving their last years on the job awaiting retirement. Most of these seasoned officers started their careers after coming home from serving in the military during Vietnam.

These experiences from overseas brought along a lot of lessons learned about human nature, the cunningness of man, and violence of gun fighting from firsthand experiences. These hardened men had stories that were both entertaining and exciting, with each teaching a hard lesson to those who could understand. So, when it came to notice a common firearm kept close for discreet protection by many of these grey warriors, I took notes. This small Smith and Wesson double action J-frame wheel gun would have the duty of being backup to their department side arm, a hideout gun stuffed in a desk drawer or brief case for emergencies and an off-duty gun carried in a jacket pocket or stuffed inside a boot. As my good friend and awardwinning gun writer, Roger Eckstein once wrote, “The object of lightweight snubbies is to afford an effective level of firepower in a package that is reliable, simple to operate, and easy to carry.” Not only did experienced Law Enforcement officers carry them but many in the Military Special Operations community I have had the honor of meeting over the years did so as well.

To the modern nay-sayers sitting in gun shops, who complain these little revolvers can’t be shot accurately, this is where their ignorance truly shows. I have personally seen these gentlemen with aging eyes peer through coke bottle glasses and burn down center mass hits one after another before walking off with the only perfect qualification scores. Is it easy to shoot these little wheel guns accurately? Hell NO, but it can be done?