I am a very big fan of the J-frame series, especially the 642/Centennial series. Especially at 1/3 cost of the Kimber (And I love Kimber Pistols).

 

A S&W Model 640 is more of a direct comparison to the K6 IMHO, since they're both DAO and 357 rated. You can also replace the front sight on the 640.

The 357 version of the 638 is the Model 649. I have one (649) and it's a great little revolver.
That said, I carry my 638 and 438 much more. It's a weight thing, and 38spl+P is plenty out of those short barrels. You add about half a pound in weight with the 640 or K6 over a 638. That adds up in your pocket IME.

The extra round is a selling point for sure, but not sure it's worth 2x the cost of the 638 to me. It may be to you though.
Another thing is that personally I prefer having the option of SA, I don't think you can do that with the Kimber. So point to the 638 for me.

The Kimber is a good looking pistol. Really boils down to a 'what do you want' thing more than features. I doubt you'd go wrong with either.

 

A S&W Model 640 is more of a direct comparison to the K6 IMHO, since they're both DAO and 357 rated. You can also replace the front sight on the 640.

The 357 version of the 638 is the Model 649. I have one (649) and it's a great little revolver.

Actually the 649 is the all stainless steel version of a 638, as the 49 is the all steel version of the model 38. They 649's been made in .38 and in more recent years .357.



.

 

I have dozens of J frames, there's a 442 within arms reach as I type this.

I have a beater nickled model 38 that I like a lot as well as a 649 in .357

Smith has offerings that can duplicate each and every feature except the 6th round, and I wouldn't want them fatter.


But: firearms are durable tools, guess which one you'll be able to buy a spring for in 20 years?

Also: Smith's offer .22 versions to practice wi th.

 

I like my model 60 S&W. I put the largest set of Pachmayr grips I could get on it, other wise I had to stick my left thumb along the back strap in order to shoot it well. I can hold it in my hands even with the large grips, prayer style and its nearly invisible.

Shooting my loads (honest 38 Special, 3 gr Bullseye 158 gr SWC) in single action mode, 1 gallon milk jugs at 100 yards common enough. Many 1000's of rounds to get that good - pistol is still nice and tight. I slicked it up when I bought it new back 40 years ago.

My Sis has a Lady Smith in 357 with a 3" tube. I don't enjoy shooting that thing with 357's.

I advise people to find a load for their weapon they can shoot well and shoot that at everything. One trajectory to learn is much easier. I do have one cast bullet load for my rifles for cheap trigger time or to harvest small game at shorter ranges.

With fixed sights in my experience, you have to learn how to 'hold' the pistol so it will shoot point of aim at normal distances. Longer ranges require feeding front in the picture. My 29's with 10 5/8 barrels have 4 position easily adjustable front sights. I gallon milk jugs at 200 yards.

 

sp 101 here and a lady smith 357 both shoot and carry well for me.i like 357 for sd.

 

That 638 with a target wadcutter in it will do everything you need a small defense revolver to do, and it will carry far better.

 

Taurus 605, same quality as the current Smith and Wessons at half the price.

 

Yea, no.


Even if that were so you are not restricted to CURRENT production S&W's.

 

I had a 640 Smith Centennial that was an absolute delight to carry but chewed the hell out of my trigger finger shooting it and couldn’t shoot it worth a darn no matter how hard I tried. Got rid of it for a Ruger SP that shot great but was too darn big & heavy for pocket carry. Thought the Ruger LCR was the a cheap ugly gun for a long time until a co-worker singing it’s praises convinced me to check one out. Love those guns to death, other than the stock House grips, too big and the blued ramp front sight, too hard to see. Excellent DAO trigger, the compact Crimson Trace grips offered from the factory fit my hand great and I shoot it very well with or without the aid of the CT laser with an easily installed tritium front sight. I got the .357 version KLCR for a bit more weight & durability but just shoot +p .38 ammo, find it a wonderful balance of power and portability. My ideal pocket gun.

 

LOL, so little love for Taurus! (Taurii?) God knows they have some history to overcome, but they have new management now and new equipment and have instituted new practices, and are now producing some decent products for a lot less money than others.

I picked up an all steel 605 a month ago at my local LGS for $250. Previous owner shot 5 rounds through it and sold it. Some people have no patience and won't put in the time to learn something new. As of last Monday I have 650 rounds through it, even split between .38/.357, and it is accurate, easy to shoot, no issues. Bearing in mind it is a snubbie, if I pay attention to what I am doing it all goes well at ten yards. I did put a little white paint on the front sight. Easy to carry in a Nemesis or an 1791 IWB. If I have my 686 with me I can do a New York reload.

 

LOL, so little love for Taurus! (Taurii?) God knows they have some history to overcome, but they have new management now and new equipment and have instituted new practices, and are now producing some decent products for a lot less money than others.
.

Buddy of.mines shop got one of those high cap Taurus .22's to use as a suppressor host.

Ran great.
Started keyholing at 2k rounds from a shot out barrel.

Still the same taurus.

Friends don't let friends buy taurus.

 

Taurus has, in the past made some good firearms. Whether it was a **** lucky sample of a generally bad line or perhaps some particularly good line. I'm a black and white kind of guy.
I'll never own a Taurus unless someone gives it to me and then it will only be a range toy.

 

A S&W 638-2(no lock) is my EDC 95% of the time. I looked at a K6 and felt the weight, cost and newness to the market were not worth the extra round.

I hear they are getting a decent reputation after several years but am very happy with my 638. I have a three inch Model 65 if I want magnums and a 6th round.

 

A side note...

I have owned several Taurus revolvers and have had mixed luck with them. Some of that luck was just plain bad. The last was a .44 magnum with a Red Ramp front sight. The revolver worked well enough but the insert was long gone before I got hold of it from my Brother in Law. Taurus was completely unable to get it fixed. In fact they had a new style of front sight for their .44's that was incompatible with my older revolver.

I have a deputy friend who is a rangemaster for a Major Sheriff's office and he swears by his back-up 605. I personally will not take a chance on a Taurus for personal defense with so many other options out there with better reputations.