What do you all think of the .38 special? I used to swear by it, but now other then using them for target practice, I can't see much else they are good for compared to the other choices(.357 mag, .40, .41 mag, 9mm) I am thinking of getting a .44 mag or special revolver to replace my .38 as my SD weapon. Any thoughts?
.38 special
- Thread starter mnero
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Crazy88Fingers
New member
It works. It's worked for over a hundred years, and will continue to work for at least a little while longer.
I carry a .44SPL and have a .38SPL next to my bed. Either one will do.
I carry a .44SPL and have a .38SPL next to my bed. Either one will do.
dpetreikis
New member
Good for practice, good for teaching. With proper loading, still effective for SD. I still have a small-frame lightweight revolver which I carry when the mood strikes me. I used to carry a K-frame S&W 38 - model 64 which I wish I could have kept when we switched to semi-autos. I'd load it with good +p ammo and use it for home defense.
Armscor M206
I own 2 of them, Armscor M206 Revolver's, 3 inch, one with a Bobbed hammer and the standered hammer. They're not a pistol that you hear about normally , but I've never had a problem with them. I carry one with snake shot when I go riding, and in the winter I toss on in my parka.
I own 2 of them, Armscor M206 Revolver's, 3 inch, one with a Bobbed hammer and the standered hammer. They're not a pistol that you hear about normally , but I've never had a problem with them. I carry one with snake shot when I go riding, and in the winter I toss on in my parka.
magnums are loved because those high pressure, high velocity jacketed hollow points can expand up to .70 inches and go deep.
the man back in the day armed with a 38 special revolver and the nyclad load could get the same expansion and penetration, but with less muzzle blast, less chamber pressure, and generally have a weapon that was easier to control.
seriously, whats more fun to you? a weapon that can make a hole a roll of quarters can slide through, but you need a minute to reorientate your senses to this universe in order to get back on target,
or do you want the weapon that makes the same hole, but gets back on target twice as fast ?
the man back in the day armed with a 38 special revolver and the nyclad load could get the same expansion and penetration, but with less muzzle blast, less chamber pressure, and generally have a weapon that was easier to control.
seriously, whats more fun to you? a weapon that can make a hole a roll of quarters can slide through, but you need a minute to reorientate your senses to this universe in order to get back on target,
or do you want the weapon that makes the same hole, but gets back on target twice as fast ?
Opinions vary. I think that it's min. for carry in Plus P. Good balance of power, controlability, and very accurate. A good stopper with a long record in the 158 grain LSWCHP in Plus P. Shoots to POI in older fixed sight guns.
Other new loads have improved it's effectiveness.
Other new loads have improved it's effectiveness.
NightSleeper
New member
.38 Special is here to stay in my book. As mentioned by another poster, it packs a good punch with less recoil than a magnum.
I don't have a lot of experience with revolvers but my dad just gave me his S&W .38 M&P special. I've only used it a couple of times at the range and I love it. I don't think it'll ever be my carry gun but it's a good piece for all the above reason and because it is just plain fun to shoot.
Mike Irwin
Staff
I've carried a .38 Special for years.
It's one of my favorite cartridges. Anyone who underestimates the .38 Special is doing themselves a grave disservice.
With the new bullet designs that are out these days, a simple .38 Special can also expand extremely well AND penetrate very deeply.
It's one of my favorite cartridges. Anyone who underestimates the .38 Special is doing themselves a grave disservice.
With the new bullet designs that are out these days, a simple .38 Special can also expand extremely well AND penetrate very deeply.
I've got a case full of pistols and revolvers ranging from the .357 to a couple 9mm to those super zippy 7.62x25 toks and up to the tried and true .45acp.
Of all the guns in my small collection, i gravitate toward the .38 special in the snub nose variety. I shoot it really well, I can afford to practice with it, and I just plain feel warm and fuzzy with a good concealed revolver on my person.
I like the .357 just fine, and guns chambered in it are remarkably versatile should you need it. I have great respect for the mighty .45 and all of its cousins. I certainly would never sneeze at the 9x19 as its put a lot of people in 6' holes.
....I just really LIKE my .38s. Easy to shoot, easy to buy, and plenty of bullet designs out there to fill the roles between powderpuff practice rounds all the way up to something that will put a hole in man through which light will visibly pass.
I think we're all a little guilty these days of getting caught up in internet armchair "facts" and figures. It would seem that on every other corner there is a rabid bear or armor plated PCP fueled meth head that requires superior firepower
For the day to day, a good .38 stocked with a good bullet design will probably get your home safely.
Of all the guns in my small collection, i gravitate toward the .38 special in the snub nose variety. I shoot it really well, I can afford to practice with it, and I just plain feel warm and fuzzy with a good concealed revolver on my person.
I like the .357 just fine, and guns chambered in it are remarkably versatile should you need it. I have great respect for the mighty .45 and all of its cousins. I certainly would never sneeze at the 9x19 as its put a lot of people in 6' holes.
....I just really LIKE my .38s. Easy to shoot, easy to buy, and plenty of bullet designs out there to fill the roles between powderpuff practice rounds all the way up to something that will put a hole in man through which light will visibly pass.
I think we're all a little guilty these days of getting caught up in internet armchair "facts" and figures. It would seem that on every other corner there is a rabid bear or armor plated PCP fueled meth head that requires superior firepower
For the day to day, a good .38 stocked with a good bullet design will probably get your home safely.Many of the calibers that are available out there serve some purpose and will continue to do so. And with advancements in ballistics and designs of balanced loads, the main reason for moving away from certain calibers really come down to the types of firearms being offered by the companies as well as demand of the consumers.
The decline of 38 special seems to be happening as the revolver market is not as popular among new shooters.
The decline of 38 special seems to be happening as the revolver market is not as popular among new shooters.
Precisely. There isn't a handgun on earth I shoot more naturally, comfortably, or accurately as a K-38 (unless you count the K-22).
If I'm carrying a gun, I'm trusting my life to it. Therefore, it would follow that I should carry the gun with which I'm most proficient.
The fact that there's a wealth of options in .38 loadings, and that it's one of the most affordable and easy-to-find service cartridges, makes it a good choice as well.
Amin Parker
New member
Nothing wrong with a 38. Been in love with the calibre for many many years.