38 Special vs. 9mm?
- Thread starter Jelly
- Start date
Personally I think it boils down to simple shot placement with regards to how quickly the target is incapacitated, regardless of handgun caliber.
Some of the smaller .22's - .32 will be deflected/stopped when hitting bone, but I dont think that's much of a problem with anything larger.
Of course that's not as much fun as arguing this vs that, but then again I dont see too many people asking; "what caliber was the bullet that just made scambled eggs out of my brain"?
Some of the smaller .22's - .32 will be deflected/stopped when hitting bone, but I dont think that's much of a problem with anything larger.
Of course that's not as much fun as arguing this vs that, but then again I dont see too many people asking; "what caliber was the bullet that just made scambled eggs out of my brain"?
The 9mm outperforms the .38 in the numbers game--regardless of what numbers you like to use. Does that actually mean it's a better stopper? Who knows...
There is one exception. The .38 can handle heavy bullet loads better than the 9 can. And, I suppose it's worth mentioning that revolver bullets can be optimized exclusively for terminal performance while autopistol bullets must also be designed to feed well.
There is one exception. The .38 can handle heavy bullet loads better than the 9 can. And, I suppose it's worth mentioning that revolver bullets can be optimized exclusively for terminal performance while autopistol bullets must also be designed to feed well.
Jelly, the 9mm 124 gr. JHP's are higher in kinetic energy than any 125 gr. load you will find in .38 Special and the the difference in diameter is only .002", Moot! The 9mm bullets are more reliable in performance as far as expansion, except maybe the .38 S. 125 gr. Remington Golden Saber +P.
If you have run across a Ruger SP-101 there is another advantage in 9mm. It uses full moon clips that I think you'll find easier and faster to use than a speedloader. The Smith 547 has no need for moon clips in 9mm because of the system Smith used to chamber 9mm, these are outstanding 6 shot K-frame revolvers. The Ruger Blackhawk X model has 9mm chambers machined into the cylinder and won't need clips either. Have you run across one of the 547's or SP101's? If so, Buy It!
If you have run across a Ruger SP-101 there is another advantage in 9mm. It uses full moon clips that I think you'll find easier and faster to use than a speedloader. The Smith 547 has no need for moon clips in 9mm because of the system Smith used to chamber 9mm, these are outstanding 6 shot K-frame revolvers. The Ruger Blackhawk X model has 9mm chambers machined into the cylinder and won't need clips either. Have you run across one of the 547's or SP101's? If so, Buy It!
Mike Irwin
Staff
I carry both.
I feel comfortable armed with both.
I feel comfortable armed with both.
Coltdriver
New member
If you just comparing which cartridge is better out of a snub nose the 9mm will win hands down.
However, the smaller revolvers that will handle 9mm are still in the 22 oz range.
So the advantage dimishes a bit because in the same weight range you can get a .357.
Then you can shoot +p .38 out of it or .357.
I used to have a 9mm revolver. Sold it and now have a real light .38 for easy carry and a .357 for other times.
One thing is reasonably certain. If you do get a 9mm revolver you should be able to get your money back out of it if you ever want to sell it. They do have a unique nitch in the revolver market.
However, the smaller revolvers that will handle 9mm are still in the 22 oz range.
So the advantage dimishes a bit because in the same weight range you can get a .357.
Then you can shoot +p .38 out of it or .357.
I used to have a 9mm revolver. Sold it and now have a real light .38 for easy carry and a .357 for other times.
One thing is reasonably certain. If you do get a 9mm revolver you should be able to get your money back out of it if you ever want to sell it. They do have a unique nitch in the revolver market.
On the receiving end, I see no noticeable difference between the .38sp and the 9mm. On the user end, it is the speed and convenience of using the 9mm in full moon clips that makes it an outstanding combination.
You really have to shoot a qualification course with each model to truly appreciate the difference it makes in a compact revolver. I sold off my revolvers that used rimmed cartridges, keeping only a 3 inch 9mm and a 4 inch .45 ACP for carry.
You really have to shoot a qualification course with each model to truly appreciate the difference it makes in a compact revolver. I sold off my revolvers that used rimmed cartridges, keeping only a 3 inch 9mm and a 4 inch .45 ACP for carry.
9mm and .38 Sp. are close
Jelly,
I view the .38 Sp and 9mm as very close in ballistics. Admittedly the 9mm is a tad more desireable as a self defense cartridge. They're both about the same diameter.
If you feel more comfortable and confidant shooting the .38 Sp as your defense caliber, consider a +P load(If your CCW gun'll take it) and practice and then practice some more. You'll have the advantage over most any common criminal if things ever turn violent.
I respect Jeff Cooper and Chuck Taylor for thier knowledge and experience, but I will never be as comfortable nor as confidant with a 1911 in the .45 ACP caliber as I am with the .38 Sp or 9mm. Good luck!
Respectfully,
Larry C.
Jelly,
I view the .38 Sp and 9mm as very close in ballistics. Admittedly the 9mm is a tad more desireable as a self defense cartridge. They're both about the same diameter.
If you feel more comfortable and confidant shooting the .38 Sp as your defense caliber, consider a +P load(If your CCW gun'll take it) and practice and then practice some more. You'll have the advantage over most any common criminal if things ever turn violent.
I respect Jeff Cooper and Chuck Taylor for thier knowledge and experience, but I will never be as comfortable nor as confidant with a 1911 in the .45 ACP caliber as I am with the .38 Sp or 9mm. Good luck!
Respectfully,
Larry C.