Is It Worth Getting a .38 Special

If you are SURE she won't shoot .357, then .38 Special might be a better choice.

1. If all you ever shoot are 38 loads, the gun seems easier to clean ( at least the cylinders seem to be ).

2. For most defensive purposes, I think .38 +P is fine in the right cartridge. (Make sure the gun is rated for it.)

Although my SO doesn't like shooting .357s out of a small gun, she likes the option of being able to use them in the odd situation that she might run upon a larger animal on a hike somewhere. (Or she might hand the gun to me and have ME shoot the .357 loads!)

If you can't decide, I'd probably opt for the .357. Well, I guess I've confused you enough now.

Logistar
 
RON in Pa - Thanks, I didn't know that about the velocity difference between .38's in a .357.

As for her liking shooting, we were out in the car the other weekend and I DIDN'T want to go shooting, but she INSISTED that we did.

It's all a little overwhelming, I need to lie down :eek:

Mike H
 
.38 Spl for self-defense:

Yes, there are more powerful handgun cartridges out there, but .38 Special has killed plenty of people deader'n Elvis over the course of many, many years. I don't worry at all with good 158gr +P LSWC-HP's in my .38 caliber defense guns.
 
Since when should a woman choose her own firearm...or anything else.

Don't let your wife push you around, get her what YOU think is best, especially if you earn more money than she does. Man, when I see all of the limp-wristed, weak-kneed responses above I fear for the future of masculinity in this country; how feminized it has become.

22lovr, I know exactly what you mean. It takes an act of congress to get my wife out to the range. In over 5 years of marriage, she's gone with me exactly once.

BTW, I was just playing the devil's advocate in the first paragraph (all of the responses were too similar). Get her what she wants and she'll be more likely to practice with it. Good luck.
DAL
 
Personally, I enjoy my .38 Special only revolvers.

Try a used Smith. I recommend an older Model 67, with a pinned barrel. The 67 is a gussied up model 10, stainless, with adjustable sights and a fancy topstrap. It's my personal favorite .38 revolver. A .357 is certainly more versatile, but that versatility is useless if you're going to limit your shooting to .38's.
 
Since a dedicated .38S gun need not handle .357M pressures, you should be able to get one that's lighter, smaller and comparably less expensive than the .357M-capable equivalent.

I shoot .38S out of my .357's all the time, and hope to buy a dedicated .38S gun someday when funding allows.
 
It's like other stuff I bought with features I never use-a waste of money even though they sound like a good idea at the time! I went with the 342PD over the 340 because I knew hardly anyone practices with .357 in such a light gun and I personally don't believe in carrying a round I rarely if ever practice with. I think I only saved about $50 but that works for me!
 
Is it worth getting a .38, I think so. Enough that I've bought two (I still have one).

My first gun was a Taurus 82. It was a good gun and a great first gun. Accurate, easy to handle, fairly light for the size. I got rid of it when I got my K-frame .357 (the S&W 65LS) but soon realized my mistake.

I finally addressed the mistake a few weeks ago when I picked up my Colt Police Positive Special. If you see one at a gunshow make sure to have her look it over (or PM me about meeting both of you at On Target to shoot mine). It is a 4" gun but it is basically on a small frame (it is like a 6 shot, 4", J-frame) so if your wife has small hands, like many women, this gun may fit her very well.

Anyway, why a .38?
1) For some people, and some guns, shooting .38s out of a .38 is more accurate than out of a .357.
2) A .38 is usually a little cheaper than a comprable .357. Why spend even $20 more for added capability if you won't use that capability?
3) There are so many good, and classic, used .38s out there.
4) A .38 is often a little lighter than a comprable .357.

However, after saying all that I must add that I absolutely love my 3" S&W 65LS and I shoot far more .38s and .38+Ps out of it than .357s (I use .38+P for HD). Again, if you want to have her try it PM me about the three of us meeting at On Target and I'd be happy to let her use it. If she likes the gun size and grips but still wants a 3" dedicated .38 then you can always get a used M10 or M64 and buy the LadySmith grips aftermarket from S&W (or similar grips from elsewhere) and have basically a .38 version of the gun.
 
Well If you want a really EASY to reload Caliber then YES!

Everyone needs a .38 Special like they need a .22 LR. ;)
 
Chaim

Thanks for the offer, she tried out the 3 inch SP101 that they have at On Target and liked it. She handled a new Model 10 in 4 inch and is now making noises in that direction.

As for meeting up, well, my own collection has expanded somewhat since we last met.

It includes a Keltec P32 which regrettably you, or anyone else in Maryland is denied the pleasure of owning, but perhaps not shooting ;)

Let me know if you're interested anytime.

Mike
 
I sent a PM.

Ummn, 4" S&W M10. I want one too, but one of the old tapered barreled ones. Though all are nice, and they are bona fide classics.

I'd love to experience the Kel Tec (I may be moving to PA before too long and if I do, it may end up being one of my first post-move purchases).
 
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