{"id":123363,"date":"2020-02-29T22:45:05","date_gmt":"2020-03-01T03:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=123363"},"modified":"2020-02-29T22:45:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T13:00:33","slug":"sw-model-638-bodyguard-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/","title":{"rendered":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"S&W<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The venerable Smith & Wesson J-frame may well be the\nmost prolific revolver ever made. The original J-frame was introduced at the\nInternational Association of Chiefs of Police conference in 1950. At the\nconference, the Smith & Wesson representatives asked the chiefs to vote to\nname the new little wheelgun. Based on the votes, Smith christened the new\nrevolver as the Chiefs Special. From that simple beginning, the J-frame line\nhas been expanded to over 31 models in four different calibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"S&W
The current production 638 Bodyguard features an alloy frame with a stainless cylinder and barrel. <\/strong>Smith & Wesson Model 638<\/strong><\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Model 638-3<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I recently requested a new production Model 638 for\nevaluation. While I have several older Bodyguards in my collection, this was my\nfirst opportunity to evaluate a new production Bodyguard. I was not\ndisappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our test pistol was a Model 638-3 that features an alloy frame that has a satin finish with a clear, protective, coating. The barrel, cylinder, and latch are a matte stainless that closely matches the frame. The overall fit and finish on our pistol were clean and void of blemishes or machine marks. The internal parts of the Model 638 are a combination of steel, allow, and MIM parts. The Model 638 is distinguished from the discontinued Model 38 by the raised rib on the left side of the frame. This is the stouter magnum frame design that allows the 638 to be rated for .38+P ammunition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"S&W
The 638-3, like all current .38 Special J-frames, is rated for +P ammunition. <\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"S&W
The internal design of the current 638-3 has changed very little since it was introduced in 1955.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Since 1989, the new J-frames have featured a wider, 1\/8\u201d front sight blade. This is a significant improvement over the earlier 1\/10\u201d blade. The rear sight aperture is a square notch. The double-action averaged 11 lbs. 9 oz. while the single action broke cleanly at 3 lbs. 6 oz. I found the double-action to be smooth with no grit or creep. The 638 comes standard with a set of synthetic \u201cboot\u201d style stocks that fill the gap behind the trigger guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"S&W
The 1\/8\u201d front sight blade is a ramped design to prevent snagging. The author blacked out the ramp with a Sharpie to improve the sight picture.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"S&W
Several years ago, Smith & Wesson redesigned the thumb latch to help prevent \u201cthumb bite.\u201d  All current 638s feature the key lock.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Range Time<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For over 40 years, 38 of those years in law enforcement, I carried some model of J-frame as a back-up. I have yet to meet a J-frame I didn\u2019t like and the 638 is no exception. The first thing I did was chronograph three of the most popular personal defense loads. The newest load is Federal\u2019s +P 130 gr. Micro HST. This load is specifically designed for short barrel revolvers and features a uniquely designed, wadcutter like, projectile. The Micro HST averaged 798 fps and was very consistent with an extreme spread of 33 fps. I also tested Speer\u2019s time-proven +P 135 gr. Gold Dot Short barrel load. The Speer load averaged 846 fps with an extreme spread of 55 fps. The final load was Hornady\u2019s +P 110 gr. Critical Defense. This load features the FTX projectile with a polymer tip that prevents the hollow point from being clogged by clothing and other barriers. The Critical Defense averaged 855 fps with an extreme spread of 55 fps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"S&W
The smooth and contoured trigger improved the shooting experience.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"S&W
The author\u2019s target after firing his 5X5X5X2 drill.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For my range and accuracy testing, I swapped out the factory\ngrips for a set of old Pachmayr Compacts. Most of my shooting was done from 10\nyards and in. The point of impact with Federal and Speer was to the point of\naim. The lighter, and faster, Hornady load printed approximately 7\u201d high at\nseven yards. I ran several speed drills and shot a couple of Dot Torture\ntargets from 3 and 5 yards. The 638 was well mannered, even with the +P loads.\nFrom 7 yards, most of my groups were around 2\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of my favorite drills is a modification of Ken Hackathorn\u2019s 10-10-10 drill. Designed for semiautos, the drill consists of 10 rounds, shot from 10 yards, in 10 seconds. I modified the drill for J-frames where I shoot 5 rounds, front 5 yards, in 5 seconds. This is repeated twice for a total of 10 rounds. Only double-action is used. While the drill is normally shot on an NRA bullseye target, I used a reduced size \u201cgangster\u201d target from the I\u2019m With Roscoe organization. As the photo shows on the target, I shot five rounds center of mass and five rounds to the cranial vault. Both strings were with the 5 second time limit. The 638 proved to be a tack driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick note about I’m with Roscoe<\/a>. The organization is \u201cnoir-themed snub nose revolver association created to bring together; shooters, researchers, writers, and associated business, in order to enhance and extend the sport of short barrel revolver shooting.\u201d The organization has over 1,000 paid members as well as an IWR Facebook group. Members receive regular newsletters and are entitled to group discounts from companies such as Super Vel, Galco, and other friends in the industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will point out that the sights on the Bodyguard are probably the most difficult to use of any of the J-frames. The contour of the \u201chump\u201d flows to the top strap with no delineation behind the rear sight. By contrast, on the 442\/642, that gives a much clearer presentation of the rear sight aperture. In addition, the front sight ramp, being the same color as the rest of the gun, is difficult to see. Two minutes with a Sharpie, or fingernail polish, solves the front sight issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daily Carry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The little 638 became part of my daily carry. I replaced the factory grips with a set of VZ 320 G-10 stocks. The 320 is very similar to Spegel Boot Grips and fills the gap behind the trigger guard and has a slight palm swell. The single finger groove assists in obtaining a positive purchase on the little J-frame. The 320s are ideal for pocket carry where rubber-type stocks can cause issues. They also work well with either speed strips or speed loaders. In addition, the 320s are available in 10 colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"S&W
The author selected VZ 320 stocks for daily carry. Their shape is comfortable and functional.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"S&W
The VZ 320s fill the space behind the trigger guard and offer a slight palm swell. <\/strong>VZ 320 Grips<\/strong><\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For belt carry, I used Galco\u2019s Hornet scabbard. The Hornet is an open-top design that is made from premium steer hide. The combination of a tunnel belt loop and a trailing belt loop pulls the pistol into the body. While designed for cross draw carry, the Hornet worked well for strong side and appendix carry. For pocket carry, I used Blue Force Gear\u2019s UlTRAcomp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"S&W
The Galco Hornet is a very functional holster that works as a cross draw or a strong side carry rig. <\/strong>Galco Hornet<\/strong><\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"S&W
The Barranti Boot holster is a well-executed and versatile design. <\/strong>Barranti Boot<\/strong><\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I also obtained one of Doc Barranti\u2019s Boot holsters. The Boot is a square-shaped rig, rough out design, that is molded and stitched for the J-frame. The Boot can be clipped inside a boot, a pocket, or used as a tuckable IWB rig. It is also ideal for bag carry. It is a great design that I will be using in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It has been 65 years since the Bodyguard was introduced. The fact that it is still in production is a credit to a design that has proven timeless. I have always had an affinity for the little J-frames and the 638 has found a home in my daily lifestyle. With an MSRP of $477.00 and a street price that is significantly less, it may be worth buying two! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information\u00a0visit Smith & Wesson <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Specifications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

SKU: 163070<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Model: Model\n638<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caliber: 38\nS&W SPECIAL +P<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capacity: 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barrel\nLength: 1.875″ \/ 4.8 cm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall\nLength: 6.3″<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Front\nSight: Integral<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rear\nSight: Fixed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Action: Single\/Double\nAction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grip: Synthetic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight: 14.6\noz \/ 413.9g<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cylinder\nMaterial: Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barrel\nMaterial: Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frame\nMaterial: Aluminum Alloy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frame\nFinish: Matte Silver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MSRP:\n$477.00<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: The historical information contained in this article came from History of Smith & Wesson<\/strong> by Roy Jinks and Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson<\/strong> by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[track-link url=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/\" campaign=\"BuySellGA_Register\" target=\"_blank\"]Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It has been 65 years since the Bodyguard was introduced. The fact that it is still in production is a credit to a design that has proven timeless. I have always had an affinity for the little J-frames and the 638 has found a home in my daily lifestyle. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":123364,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[694,859,42,711],"tags":[132,102,1032,985,611],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-123363","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gun-reviews","8":"category-gun-reviews-handguns","9":"category-revolvers","10":"category-rob-garrett","11":"tag-buzz","12":"tag-feature-articles","13":"tag-gun-review","14":"tag-handguns","15":"tag-revolvers"},"yoast_head":"\nS&W Model 638 Bodyguard<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard - Rob Garrett\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It has been 65 years since the Bodyguard was introduced. The fact that it is still in production is a credit to a design that has proven timeless. I have always had an affinity for the little J-frames and the 638 has found a home in my daily lifestyle.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rob.garrett.9\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-03-01T03:45:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-06T13:00:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1163\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rob Garrett\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rob Garrett\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rob Garrett\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84\"},\"headline\":\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-03-01T03:45:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T13:00:33+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1620,\"commentCount\":16,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/Lead-Photo.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Buzz\",\"Feature Articles\",\"Gun Review\",\"Handguns\",\"Revolvers\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Gun Reviews\",\"Handguns\",\"Revolvers\",\"Rob Garrett\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/\",\"name\":\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/Lead-Photo.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-03-01T03:45:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T13:00:33+00:00\",\"description\":\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard - Rob Garrett\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/Lead-Photo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/Lead-Photo.jpg\",\"width\":1163,\"height\":1200,\"caption\":\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\\\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America's premier destination for buying and selling firearms.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"GunsAmerica\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"width\":286,\"height\":156,\"caption\":\"GunsAmerica\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/gunsamerica_official\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/GunsAmerica\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84\",\"name\":\"Rob Garrett\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Rob Garrett\"},\"description\":\"Rob has been writing for the firearms industry for over 40 years as well as 38 years of law enforcement experience. With over 1,000 published article, he enjoys bringing a historical perspective to many of his articles. An ardent revolver enthusiast, Rob understands the practical application of the \\\"art of the revolver.\\\" In many articles, Rob includes ballistic testing data of many of the popular personal defense loads. When not at the range, or pounding the keyboard, Rob enjoys spending time with his family, is active in his local church, and networking with an ever expanding group of like minded shooters. Experience 40+ Years writing for the firearm's industry Retired Lieutenant with a large Georgia law enforcement agency Avid shooter and daily practitioner Consultant in the firearm's space\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/rob.garrett.9\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/cpd221\\\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/robgarrett\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard","description":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard - Rob Garrett","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard","og_description":"It has been 65 years since the Bodyguard was introduced. The fact that it is still in production is a credit to a design that has proven timeless. I have always had an affinity for the little J-frames and the 638 has found a home in my daily lifestyle.","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rob.garrett.9","article_published_time":"2020-03-01T03:45:05+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-09-06T13:00:33+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1163,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Rob Garrett","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gunsamerica","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Rob Garrett","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/"},"author":{"name":"Rob Garrett","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84"},"headline":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard","datePublished":"2020-03-01T03:45:05+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-06T13:00:33+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/"},"wordCount":1620,"commentCount":16,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo.jpg","keywords":["Buzz","Feature Articles","Gun Review","Handguns","Revolvers"],"articleSection":["Gun Reviews","Handguns","Revolvers","Rob Garrett"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/","name":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo.jpg","datePublished":"2020-03-01T03:45:05+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-06T13:00:33+00:00","description":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard - Rob Garrett","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo.jpg","width":1163,"height":1200,"caption":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-model-638-bodyguard-review\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"S&W Model 638 Bodyguard"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","description":"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America's premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84","name":"Rob Garrett","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Rob Garrett"},"description":"Rob has been writing for the firearms industry for over 40 years as well as 38 years of law enforcement experience. With over 1,000 published article, he enjoys bringing a historical perspective to many of his articles. An ardent revolver enthusiast, Rob understands the practical application of the \"art of the revolver.\" In many articles, Rob includes ballistic testing data of many of the popular personal defense loads. When not at the range, or pounding the keyboard, Rob enjoys spending time with his family, is active in his local church, and networking with an ever expanding group of like minded shooters. Experience 40+ Years writing for the firearm's industry Retired Lieutenant with a large Georgia law enforcement agency Avid shooter and daily practitioner Consultant in the firearm's space","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rob.garrett.9","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cpd221\/"],"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/robgarrett\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Lead-Photo-145x150.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=123363"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":186319,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123363\/revisions\/186319"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/123364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=123363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=123363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=123363"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=123363"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=123363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}