2damnold4this
New member
I usually have a .38 or 9mm available for home defense. I think if I need anything more potent, I probably should get a long gun out of the safe.
.38 Special vs. .357 Magnum for Home Defense
- Thread starter Model12Win
- Start date
'If more is better then too much must be just right.'
I guess I'd take the .357 with 158 grain hollow points in a medium sized or large size revolver...large enough to tame the recoil and a 6" barrel would be fine too for the same reason...I think (personal preference) I point a 6" better than I point a 4".
But heck, I wouldn't loose any sleep if I was given a .38 mouse gun either-it would do the job too.
I guess I'd take the .357 with 158 grain hollow points in a medium sized or large size revolver...large enough to tame the recoil and a 6" barrel would be fine too for the same reason...I think (personal preference) I point a 6" better than I point a 4".
But heck, I wouldn't loose any sleep if I was given a .38 mouse gun either-it would do the job too.
Nothing anemic about the 38 Special. At close range, dim light, half awake, no glasses, rather have something with less recoil, blast, flash, lets me get back on target quicker. I have often wonder why Ye Olde Favorite 38 Special load of a WC over 2.7 grains of Bullseye doesn't get more respect.
Bob Wright
New member
Well, my first thought was "Both!" A .357 Magnum Model 19 S&W loaded with .38 Special 158 gr. SWC HP would be my choice.
I prefer the heavier bullet loaded to about 900 ~ 1000 fps for defensive situations.
Bob Wright
I prefer the heavier bullet loaded to about 900 ~ 1000 fps for defensive situations.
Bob Wright
Remember, there's no rule that you have to use full blown .357 loads. In fact the .357 may be better if you want reduced flash, since the .357 can hold more powder and take higher pressures, you can load it up with a 'low flash' powder which may reduce velocity, but the extra case capacity and higher SAAMI pressure specs would allow a stronger charge to compensate. I'd rather the larger case with a milder load, than the smaller case being pushed to it's limits.
I'll take the .357... heavier gun helps control recoil, and you can still shoot .38's if you wish. But honestly a revolver would not be my first choice for 'home defense' I can imagine, at night, even a lowly .38spl will have a rather impressive flash from the cylinder/barrel gap. I'd rather not have what amounts to the equivalent of a flashbang going off, <2 feet from my face, every time I pull the trigger. Revolvers are cool, I love them, respect them. I just don't see them as a good choice for 'fighting' especially in modern times.
I'd be using a rifle classified as a pistol, in a rifle caliber like .300Blackout, or a semi auto pistol, personally but since that's not what this thread is about I'll take the .357 with some specialized loads. Either is adequate, neither would be my first choice.
BTW, I think a member on this forum had a negligent/accidental discharge of their .38 in their home. The bullet went into a leather jacked folded over a chair. Apparently, the bullet neither expanded nor did it exit the coat...
I'll take the .357... heavier gun helps control recoil, and you can still shoot .38's if you wish. But honestly a revolver would not be my first choice for 'home defense' I can imagine, at night, even a lowly .38spl will have a rather impressive flash from the cylinder/barrel gap. I'd rather not have what amounts to the equivalent of a flashbang going off, <2 feet from my face, every time I pull the trigger. Revolvers are cool, I love them, respect them. I just don't see them as a good choice for 'fighting' especially in modern times.
I'd be using a rifle classified as a pistol, in a rifle caliber like .300Blackout, or a semi auto pistol, personally but since that's not what this thread is about I'll take the .357 with some specialized loads. Either is adequate, neither would be my first choice.
BTW, I think a member on this forum had a negligent/accidental discharge of their .38 in their home. The bullet went into a leather jacked folded over a chair. Apparently, the bullet neither expanded nor did it exit the coat...
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bedbugbilly
New member
That's kine of a "loaded" question . . . no pun intended. There are a lot of factors that play in to the answer.
I primarily reload an shoot 38 Spl. but I'll play along . . .
Where I am in MI, I'm out int he country so if I were to have both 38 and 357 - the I'll say 357. If I had to fire at someone in my house, chances are that a stray round, if it exited the house through the wall, wouldn't hit anything. Where I am in AZ, our houses are very close together. I wouldn't dream of shooting a 357 and have the chance of a stray going through the wall and possibly hitting someone.
That was the first thing hammered in to me in all classes I've taken over the year . . . be aware of what is in line with your target.
As a result of houses being close together . . . some may be surprised to learn that I often keep 38 Colt Shorts that I've reloaded in my nightstand gun - they'll do the job if needed and they are less likely to go through exterior walls and hurting some innocent bystander or neighbor. "To each their own" as they say.
If the 38 Colt Shorts won't do it - that's what they make a shotgun with buckshot for . . . but even then I would worry about possible exit of buckshot through windows, doors or other weak portions of exterior walls.
I primarily reload an shoot 38 Spl. but I'll play along . . .
Where I am in MI, I'm out int he country so if I were to have both 38 and 357 - the I'll say 357. If I had to fire at someone in my house, chances are that a stray round, if it exited the house through the wall, wouldn't hit anything. Where I am in AZ, our houses are very close together. I wouldn't dream of shooting a 357 and have the chance of a stray going through the wall and possibly hitting someone.
That was the first thing hammered in to me in all classes I've taken over the year . . . be aware of what is in line with your target.
As a result of houses being close together . . . some may be surprised to learn that I often keep 38 Colt Shorts that I've reloaded in my nightstand gun - they'll do the job if needed and they are less likely to go through exterior walls and hurting some innocent bystander or neighbor. "To each their own" as they say.
If the 38 Colt Shorts won't do it - that's what they make a shotgun with buckshot for . . . but even then I would worry about possible exit of buckshot through windows, doors or other weak portions of exterior walls.
Sheikyourbootie
New member
Since we are talking about using a big ass full size revolver, make mine a .357 with 140 grain Buffalo Bore Barnes @ 1550fps, or the full power 125 grain SJHP, since my sights are set such that they and the 140 grain BB have the same point of impact.
Bill DeShivs
New member
I can't believe some of the remarks about the "anemic" .38 spl "mouse gun" that won't penetrate a leather jacket! 
Every cop in the country was armed with a .38 special for about 30 years. The .38 special is entirely adequate for defense-especially out of a 4+" barrel.
Even the mid range target wadcutter round is good for home defense.
You guys have apparently never shot anything but targets on a range.
Every cop in the country was armed with a .38 special for about 30 years. The .38 special is entirely adequate for defense-especially out of a 4+" barrel.
Even the mid range target wadcutter round is good for home defense.
You guys have apparently never shot anything but targets on a range.
Andy Blozinski
New member
I have a 4" barreled Chiappa Rhino, so .38s don't offer much advantage. I have it loaded with .357 magnum.
Wheelie_Fan
New member
.38 SPL (or +P)is perfectly fine... And so is a pump action 12 Ga.
Just saying.....
Not always a pistol caliber.that is best for the job..... That said, as noted above, I have no problem with .38 Spl. at all.
Just saying.....
Not always a pistol caliber.that is best for the job..... That said, as noted above, I have no problem with .38 Spl. at all.
Just to be clear, I didn't claim the .38spl "wont penetrate a leather jacket", only that I have second hand knowledge of a .38spl load (from a carry gun) being fired into a leather jacket folded over a chair (which makes it thicker) not fully penetrating. Even the poster said that they were going to reconsider their SD load, after experiencing that.
Remember, non +P .38spl loads, are relatively slow compared to most common pistol cartridge loads, especially in snubby barrels. A low velocity can definitely limit penetration in some cases, especially where harder materials are concerned. I'm well aware the .38 is capable and has killed and injured many people. I just don't think it's the most ideal choice, personally. Especially, when +P loads are often needed. Personally, i'd rather use the .357 mag case and load it down, to .38spl +P if I was intending to use loads like that.
Microgunner
New member
An acquaintance of mine shot a home invader once in the chest with a standard pressure. 38spl from a 2" mod 36. The invader turned and dropped dead on the spot. Hardly even bled.
It's capable, just not my first choice.
It's capable, just not my first choice.
Colorado Redneck
New member
The 38 Special +p is my choice. 4" barrel Smith 66. As deaf as I am and as loud as I snore, chances are neither me or the wife will wake up, and the burglar will get away with a TV and lap top.
LockedBreech
New member
My living room gun is a .357 Magnum Colt Python 4" - if I'm out there I'm probably awake and the Colt is swift to handle and easy to shoot. Speed Gold Dot 125-grain. I am supremely confident in the round.
However, my nightstand gun and easy HD preference is my 92FS with 17+1 124-grain Gold Dots.
.38 Special would likely be just fine too. Jerry Mikulek with a .38 beats me with an AK-47. Just practice lots.
However, my nightstand gun and easy HD preference is my 92FS with 17+1 124-grain Gold Dots.
.38 Special would likely be just fine too. Jerry Mikulek with a .38 beats me with an AK-47. Just practice lots.
Malcolm Reynolds
New member
Hard to argue with a .357
For this purpose, I'd say .357. Since we're talking about a big revolver that could sit on a night stand or something, why not?
I like the .38 and I plan to get my first snubby in .38 soon. For CC I don't see much reason to get the .357. But for toting something large in the woods or for home defense, I think you should have the big boy available. Everyone talks about follow-up shots and I get that. But that first shot matters most, right?
Anyway, if you have a .357 you also have a .38 so... yeah.
For this purpose, I'd say .357. Since we're talking about a big revolver that could sit on a night stand or something, why not?
I like the .38 and I plan to get my first snubby in .38 soon. For CC I don't see much reason to get the .357. But for toting something large in the woods or for home defense, I think you should have the big boy available. Everyone talks about follow-up shots and I get that. But that first shot matters most, right?
Anyway, if you have a .357 you also have a .38 so... yeah.