It came in the mail

Congrats on your new permit. Remember that the easiest way to spot most carriers is by them being nervous. Just try to act the same way you always have.

Between the two, yes the P3AT will ride easier in your pocket but I'd trust the 638 to do a better job stopping the attacker. A revolver will work pressed up against something/someone where as most auto's won't.

I think that your 638 should be a nice first carry gun. I wouldn't worry about using it for belt carry though, pocket carry is what is built for (not that it won't work, its just that you might as well have something easier to shoot and/or more powerful on your belt).

A P3AT would be a nice addition but I'd recommend it as a second gun for those hot sticky days. The 638 in one pocket and the P3AT in the other. Remember that you might have one hand occupied either carrying something or attempting to fend off your attacker. If your only gun is in your right pocket and your right hand is occupied you have a bit of a problem. Also, some find the recoil harsh.

One of the main advantages to pocket carry is that you can have a firing grip on your gun and no one is the wiser as its still in your pocket. That can be real comforting as you attempt to avoid the confrontation.

I would recommend something larger for a belt gun, probably a 357 as you already have the 38. A medium framed 3-4" barrel should work nicely. The main reason I recommend the revolver is that you already have one, its easier to only keep one caliber of ammo around. Yes, in case you didn't know, you can shoot 38 Specials through a 357 Magnum gun. The 357 started life as a slightly stretched (and much more powerful) 38. Plus you don't have to use the full power magnum loads. There is getting to be more medium loads out there. When I had my last 357 (it was a vehicle gun, securely stored) I loaded it with Win. 110gr JHP's as they were a medium velocity load and I was out of practice with the full power stuff. It would still out perform a 38 +P if I would have had to use it.

Now, if you wanted to go to a semi-auto for a belt gun I wouldn't argue.

Steelheart

Well, I won't say that it'll conceal any better, but it might be more comfortable. I use a 642 as my go-to gun when it's hot and I just can't bear having anything more than a t-shirt on. My daily carry is a 686, which is a large L-frame revolver (with a 2.5 barrel). With the right IWB or OWB holster, carrying can be much more comfortable. I have just received notice that my pocket holster has been mailed. Up until now I have just been putting the 642 in my front jeans or shorts pocket. The pocket holster I ordered is a Robert Mika holster, and I hear good things. But, I have also heard that the Uncle Mike's isn't bad either.

The "zipper is unzipped" feeling will go away with time. I still have that syndrom sometimes, but I'm starting to get over it. Mostly I find myself checking my shirt to make sure it isn't bundled up around my gun. The idea is to:
1) conceal it
2) check it
3) LEAVE IT ALONE!

Todd

Congrats on the newly issued license. Now as to a better than an Uncle Mikes pocket holster. Well it does two things well, Number one it does not print like the bare pistol does, as it smooths out the outline, and then with the "grippy" texture on the exterior, it holds the pistol upright and ready to draw, rather than possibly being upside down and hard to rapidly get a hold of. I use one for a Kel Tec P3AT, and so far, it has been perfect, doing everything I expected it to do. A buddy of mine uses one for a small frame 5 shot revolver, with equal satisfaction, and lets face it, they are relative inexpensive. I know some of the new super finishes for firearms have helped this problem, but leather tanning solutions usually are not exactly healthy for firearm finishes, and add some body perspiration, to these acids, and you may have some not desirable finish issues. Being from the old school where all holsters were of leather, I fought using them for years, but now do not even look at leather when searching for a new holster, as the man made fabrics are so superior. Most of the better ones have some sort of membrane or coating to prevent body perspiration from getting to the firearm, and this is great.