.38 Sp. for CCW?

L

Larry C.

New member
Howdy,

I'm a CCW holder in Louisiana. Most of the time I carry a revolver loaded with .38 Sp's. Occasionally a 1911, but I'm not familiar enough with it to feel comfortable yet. I've read what the popular gun writers say concerning caliber selection: Chuck Taylor and Jeff Cooper are proponants of the "Big Bore" while others feels smaller calibers are OK, if you are aware of the limitations of such rounds.
Things have changed recently. Now I've got a fairly profitable sideline "bidness": Gumball/Candy machines. (Hey, teaching in La. doesn't pay enough! LOL). I spend many afternoons/ evenings carrying lots of cash AND candy! Trust me, the latter is as much of a tempataion to potential criminals as the former, I know I'm a Sp. Ed. teacher!
So now, I have been rethinking my caliber choice (.357/.38) in favor of other calibers. By visiting this site I've learned that holsters are available for concealing just about any size handgun, and I'm a reasonably big guy (6'1 and 265 lbs. I'm a "full-figure" redneck! LOL).
So what are ya'll's thoughts about the .38 Sp. for CCW? Of course the potent .357 Magnum is as deadly as ever, it's LOUD as hell and overpenetration or outright missing the BG with that round would be of concern to me, liability-wise. I'm serioulsy contemplating shooting up several hundred rounds from my SA 1911 at the range for more familiarity. It's slim and fires the .45 ACP. I wish the trigger on my Charter Arms Bulldog (.44 Sp.) could be trusted! FWIW: I've got more experience with .357 revolvers than anything else; I love 'em!
Sorry for the long rant. Pleaes chime in with your thoughts/opinions on CCW calibers and thier effectiveness.
Respectfully,
Larry C.
 
I've got more experience with .357 revolvers than anything else; I love 'em!
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I think you answered your own question. The grass isnt always greener on the other side. I would put +P's in that revolver and call it a day. Thats what I carry.
 
Nothing wrong with the .38 Special cartridge for CCW. Many people opt for the .38 Special +P loads, especially in .357 Magnums snubbies.

Remember that 92% of the time just the mere sight of a gun is enough to deter a would-be assailant. But if you do have to shoot, the .38 Special has enough power. Especially when loaded with a cartridge your particular gun shoots accurately.

I'll carry a 649 bodyguard with 129gr Hydrashok .38 specials and two speed loaders full of Winchester Super-X 125gr JHP .357 Magnums.
 
A 158gr .38 Spl +P LSWC-HP will expand reliably and shoot purt' near through a man no matter what angle you hit him from. When it comes down to it, what more can you really ask of a round?
 
Well, this is the 'revolver' forum; if you're already happy with the revolver, there you go. Revolvers I like - the 38 is ok with good ammo that you can control. Apparently you're already carrying one successfully. Practice, practice!

I never could confidently conceal (on a regular basis) a mid size revolver. Some people can and do. For me, a flat auto carries and conceals better. With training and practice semi-auto pistols are a good choice for a lot of reasons. But if you don't feel ready for one then don't do it yet.

No doubt what Col. Cooper likes. As for Taylor, he likes lots of things! The best is what you have when it's needed.
 
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