38 special for self defense - Page 2

vytoland · January 16, 2014, 10:47 PM

my preferred SD round .....38 special DEWC...

Buzzcook · January 16, 2014, 11:45 PM

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274665

This discussion happens on a fairly regular basis.

The consensus always seems to be that .38 special is good enough.

Bezoar · January 17, 2014, 01:16 AM

well it seems that since the general public became aware of the followign fact, that any cartridge under a certain muzzle energy or velocity was considered wimpy...

the fact being that various legal and illegal medicines like opiates, meth, etc can make a 98 pound "barney fife" type person as hard to stop in a fist fight as a 260 pound "otis" type individual.

also note, that the holly "minimume" of self defence the .380 and 9mm were until the 50 considered to be for women and petite men. But the real man carried a .38 special or bigger

DannyB1954 · January 17, 2014, 02:57 AM

Quote:

I'm just looking at bullets themselves, and seeing what is obvious to me

The 38Spl does have heavier options in bullet weight than the 9mm. 158gn is real common, 147 is about as high as 9mm goes.

I just loaded some 38 and 9mm. For the 38 I used 125 HDY XTP. For the 9mm I used 124 HDY XTP In those particular bullets they are about physically the same.

**Mike Irwin** · January 17, 2014, 09:31 AM

If I didn't think that the .38 was good for self defense I wouldn't have carried one for the last 30 years.

Billy Shears · January 17, 2014, 03:14 PM

The concensus is that a .38 is perfectly viable self defense round. I agree with that.

I would only like to add that you will be much better prepared to use it as such if you make the investment in ammo and training to become proficient with it.

.38 snubbies are great little guns, but only if you can use them well. Buy yourself a thousand rounds of ammo and shoot it. When it's gone you'll be a better shooter and you'll know for certain whether your revolver is up to the task and worth carrying.

Then buy more ammo and keep practicing.

Good luck.

SIGSHR · January 17, 2014, 03:23 PM

Ye Olde 38WC Target load is a good self defense round. What it lacks in velocity it makes up for with accuracy, low recoil and the shape of its bullet.

franco45 · January 17, 2014, 08:40 PM

I agree with all the above positive statements about the 38 special.

jolly roger · January 17, 2014, 11:00 PM

Funny thing in my career..all 45ACP shootings guy lived...stopped quickly and lived. The 38 +P lead hollow point...stopped forever. I have carried a 38 snub for years off duty and retired and it beats the pants off of the CCW du jour of LCPs and other tiny autos. Some might say the snub is as big as a G26 and you may as well carry a baby Glock. That's true in a holster but try stuffing one loaded in your pants...I'd rather not myself. 638 and two speed strips of 158 +P LHP for me.

DannyB1954 · January 18, 2014, 01:09 AM

I think people have a tendency to try to justify their choice of caliber with facts. But the facts are all over the place, so if you pick and choose you can get the backing you desire.

Compared to rifles and shotguns, hand guns all fall into the minor leagues. Except in movies, all popular SD calibers, (38spl,9mm,40S&W, 45acp), are close to each other in performance. Whatever you shoot the best is what you should carry. When you get into the magnum rounds like 357, 41 or 44, you should be aware of over penetration. If your bullet goes through your target and hits something or someone else, you may have serious problems. On the streets I carry 38 SPL +p, 9mm or 40S&W. In the woods 357, or 44 mag. If I could only have one gun, it would be a 357 mag with 38spl+p for the streets, and 357 for the woods.

OkieCruffler · January 18, 2014, 06:52 AM

I carry a compact .45, I like it. My wife carries a 357 snubby loaded hot, she likes it. But from time to time, especially if we're taking out new shooters, I'll load up a batch of warm 125gr 38 sp rounds. I have to say, we both can make two very accurate shots to center-center mass very quickly. Easy to shoot and more than enough snap on the serious end. I've been tempted to change from time to time.

22-rimfire · January 18, 2014, 10:29 AM

I am just fine with either 38spl or 38spl +P factory ammo for self defense. I guess it's always possible you might run into superman some day and wish you have a 44 mag snubbie or feel you need 15 rounds of 9mm. Frankly I am comfortable with a 22LR revolver simply because I suspect I'll never fire a defensive shot in my entire life and the only use for the gun is to carry around and make you feel good and punch a few holes in tin cans and targets.

Webleymkv · January 18, 2014, 11:16 AM

The .38 Special got a bad reputation for stopping fights due to the insistence of many police departments on loading them with 158gr standard pressure LRN bullets. These loadings are really only good for range work as their shape and construction causes them to create narrow "ice pick" through-and-through wounds. When loaded with a good expanding bullet like Speer 135gr +P Short Barrel Gold Dot or Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP, a .38 Special is a fine defensive cartridge which compares favorably to a standard pressure 9mm loaded with quality JHP's.

SteelChickenShooter · January 18, 2014, 11:39 AM

I think a +P 38 is adequate in most cases, but weak in others. In my case, in a cold northern climate, extra layers of clothing and heavy coats are worn. I prefer a magnum 357 or 44 during winters.
In the summer, during shorts & tee-shirt season, I'd carry a snubbie with a +P 38 ok.

MikeNice81 · January 18, 2014, 12:30 PM

I carry a Glock 26 because it has more than double the capacity. (+2 mag extensions) However, I carried a 3" .38spl for a while and felt protected. I carried a variety of rounds.

One of my favorite standard pressure rounds.
Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWC-HC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvVNt...D5B236&index=2

One of my favorite +p loads.
Remington Golden Saber 125gr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRe6BzIqu6U

MR.G · January 18, 2014, 01:40 PM

Have shot a lot of .38 special over the last forty years and have never considered it to be a weak round. I trust it for self defense.

Bill DeShivs · January 18, 2014, 03:04 PM

+P ammunition is not necessary in a .38 Special. Heavy clothing is a non-issue in 99% of circumstances.

Garycw · January 18, 2014, 03:54 PM

I prefer 45acp for a defensive round, but I've carried a 22 before too. So I think I'd feel confident with 38spl for SD. The three I have are too large for CCW though

Seven High · January 18, 2014, 08:35 PM

I like the 38 special cartridge and have carried it for SD in the past. These days I prefer my SD weapon to have more cartridges available. I carry a Glock 26.

Noreaster · January 18, 2014, 09:02 PM

I keep a 38 spl in the safe on the nightstand. The same people who say a 38spl isn't enough gun are the ones that say a 30/30 won't kill a deer. The 30/30 has been taking whitetail deer for many years.

hgmeyer · January 19, 2014, 02:50 AM

I bet my life on a "souped up" 3" 649 S&W (custom mods) it is chambered in .357... My SD load is created to hit POA at 50'. 925-950 fps (.38spl velocities) 158 gr 1/2 jacket SWC (Keith) bullet. And, I have the T-shirt, trophy and ring that proves it works.

Realistically... .380- .45 acp all work about equal as SD loads. About 40-50 % lethal and about the same as "one-shot" stops.

My pistol of choice for open carry is a 5" 1911 45 but it is just not convenient all the time. So, my 649 is my next on the list.

I am very old school (and old) so set in my ways. And, a .45 acp and a .357/.38 make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

FilthyHarry · January 19, 2014, 09:16 AM

This thing feels so good in the hand, has a very comfortable recoil and quick re-acquisition of target. I think I could get six in a bad guy quicker and more accurately than with my 357.

bushrat1 · January 19, 2014, 09:31 AM

Quote: "I may have missed it, but when did people become so tough that nothing less than .50 BMG will so for self defense? It seems to me that a lot of the "caliber X is worthless and you need..." stuff is coming from range heroes who just like making a lot of noise."

Well said, JamesK.

Colt46 · January 19, 2014, 12:16 PM

Choose your bullet carefully and you won't be undergunned . You could say that for every caliber out there.
For lightweight guns the .38 is easier to train and master than the .357

skoro · January 19, 2014, 02:11 PM

Seems to me that some guys tend to overthink this "which caliber/load/bullet is best" issue. The 38spl is a fine choice for defensive purposes and will serve well if employed properly.

Remember, Dirty Harry is just a movie.

January 17, 2014, 09:31 AM	#30
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	If I didn't think that the .38 was good for self defense I wouldn't have carried one for the last 30 years. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 18, 2014, 01:09 AM	#35
DannyB1954 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2013 Location: Pahrump Nv USA Posts: 480	I think people have a tendency to try to justify their choice of caliber with facts. But the facts are all over the place, so if you pick and choose you can get the backing you desire. Compared to rifles and shotguns, hand guns all fall into the minor leagues. Except in movies, all popular SD calibers, (38spl,9mm,40S&W, 45acp), are close to each other in performance. Whatever you shoot the best is what you should carry. When you get into the magnum rounds like 357, 41 or 44, you should be aware of over penetration. If your bullet goes through your target and hits something or someone else, you may have serious problems. On the streets I carry 38 SPL +p, 9mm or 40S&W. In the woods 357, or 44 mag. If I could only have one gun, it would be a 357 mag with 38spl+p for the streets, and 357 for the woods. Last edited by DannyB1954; January 18, 2014 at 01:24 AM.

January 18, 2014, 06:52 AM	#36
OkieCruffler Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Denison Texas on the banks of Texhoma Posts: 1,556	I carry a compact .45, I like it. My wife carries a 357 snubby loaded hot, she likes it. But from time to time, especially if we're taking out new shooters, I'll load up a batch of warm 125gr 38 sp rounds. I have to say, we both can make two very accurate shots to center-center mass very quickly. Easy to shoot and more than enough snap on the serious end. I've been tempted to change from time to time. __________________ John A. Monroe, Never Forgive, Never Forget, Blood Pays Blood

January 18, 2014, 12:30 PM	#40
MikeNice81 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2010 Posts: 579	I carry a Glock 26 because it has more than double the capacity. (+2 mag extensions) However, I carried a 3" .38spl for a while and felt protected. I carried a variety of rounds. One of my favorite standard pressure rounds. Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWC-HC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvVNt...D5B236&index=2 One of my favorite +p loads. Remington Golden Saber 125gr http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRe6BzIqu6U __________________ Here's my credo: There are no good guns, There are no bad guns. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a bad thing. Any gun in the hands of a good man is no threat to anyone, except bad people. Charlton Heston Last edited by MikeNice81; January 18, 2014 at 12:44 PM.

January 18, 2014, 03:04 PM	#42
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	+P ammunition is not necessary in a .38 Special. Heavy clothing is a non-issue in 99% of circumstances. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 16, 2014, 10:47 PM	#26
vytoland Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 614	my preferred SD round .....38 special DEWC...

January 16, 2014, 11:45 PM	#27
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274665 This discussion happens on a fairly regular basis. The consensus always seems to be that .38 special is good enough.

January 17, 2014, 01:16 AM	#28
Bezoar Junior member Join Date: October 19, 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 578	well it seems that since the general public became aware of the followign fact, that any cartridge under a certain muzzle energy or velocity was considered wimpy... the fact being that various legal and illegal medicines like opiates, meth, etc can make a 98 pound "barney fife" type person as hard to stop in a fist fight as a 260 pound "otis" type individual. also note, that the holly "minimume" of self defence the .380 and 9mm were until the 50 considered to be for women and petite men. But the real man carried a .38 special or bigger

January 17, 2014, 03:14 PM	#31
Billy Shears Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Posts: 606	The concensus is that a .38 is perfectly viable self defense round. I agree with that. I would only like to add that you will be much better prepared to use it as such if you make the investment in ammo and training to become proficient with it. .38 snubbies are great little guns, but only if you can use them well. Buy yourself a thousand rounds of ammo and shoot it. When it's gone you'll be a better shooter and you'll know for certain whether your revolver is up to the task and worth carrying. Then buy more ammo and keep practicing. Good luck.

January 17, 2014, 03:23 PM	#32
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Ye Olde 38WC Target load is a good self defense round. What it lacks in velocity it makes up for with accuracy, low recoil and the shape of its bullet.

January 17, 2014, 08:40 PM	#33
franco45 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: Toledo Ohio Posts: 474	I agree with all the above positive statements about the 38 special.

January 17, 2014, 11:00 PM	#34
jolly roger Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 179	Funny thing in my career..all 45ACP shootings guy lived...stopped quickly and lived. The 38 +P lead hollow point...stopped forever. I have carried a 38 snub for years off duty and retired and it beats the pants off of the CCW du jour of LCPs and other tiny autos. Some might say the snub is as big as a G26 and you may as well carry a baby Glock. That's true in a holster but try stuffing one loaded in your pants...I'd rather not myself. 638 and two speed strips of 158 +P LHP for me.

January 18, 2014, 10:29 AM	#37
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	I am just fine with either 38spl or 38spl +P factory ammo for self defense. I guess it's always possible you might run into superman some day and wish you have a 44 mag snubbie or feel you need 15 rounds of 9mm. Frankly I am comfortable with a 22LR revolver simply because I suspect I'll never fire a defensive shot in my entire life and the only use for the gun is to carry around and make you feel good and punch a few holes in tin cans and targets.

January 18, 2014, 11:16 AM	#38
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	The .38 Special got a bad reputation for stopping fights due to the insistence of many police departments on loading them with 158gr standard pressure LRN bullets. These loadings are really only good for range work as their shape and construction causes them to create narrow "ice pick" through-and-through wounds. When loaded with a good expanding bullet like Speer 135gr +P Short Barrel Gold Dot or Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP, a .38 Special is a fine defensive cartridge which compares favorably to a standard pressure 9mm loaded with quality JHP's.

January 18, 2014, 11:39 AM	#39
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	I think a +P 38 is adequate in most cases, but weak in others. In my case, in a cold northern climate, extra layers of clothing and heavy coats are worn. I prefer a magnum 357 or 44 during winters. In the summer, during shorts & tee-shirt season, I'd carry a snubbie with a +P 38 ok.

January 18, 2014, 01:40 PM	#41
MR.G Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2001 Posts: 641	Have shot a lot of .38 special over the last forty years and have never considered it to be a weak round. I trust it for self defense.

January 18, 2014, 03:54 PM	#43
Garycw Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida Posts: 1,221	I prefer 45acp for a defensive round, but I've carried a 22 before too. So I think I'd feel confident with 38spl for SD. The three I have are too large for CCW though

January 18, 2014, 08:35 PM	#44
Seven High Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Posts: 650	I like the 38 special cartridge and have carried it for SD in the past. These days I prefer my SD weapon to have more cartridges available. I carry a Glock 26.

January 18, 2014, 09:02 PM	#45
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	I keep a 38 spl in the safe on the nightstand. The same people who say a 38spl isn't enough gun are the ones that say a 30/30 won't kill a deer. The 30/30 has been taking whitetail deer for many years.

January 19, 2014, 02:50 AM	#46
hgmeyer Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: Elgin, IL Posts: 147	I bet my life on a "souped up" 3" 649 S&W (custom mods) it is chambered in .357... My SD load is created to hit POA at 50'. 925-950 fps (.38spl velocities) 158 gr 1/2 jacket SWC (Keith) bullet. And, I have the T-shirt, trophy and ring that proves it works. Realistically... .380- .45 acp all work about equal as SD loads. About 40-50 % lethal and about the same as "one-shot" stops. My pistol of choice for open carry is a 5" 1911 45 but it is just not convenient all the time. So, my 649 is my next on the list. I am very old school (and old) so set in my ways. And, a .45 acp and a .357/.38 make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

January 19, 2014, 09:31 AM	#48
bushrat1 Member Join Date: June 16, 2013 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 46	Quote: "I may have missed it, but when did people become so tough that nothing less than .50 BMG will so for self defense? It seems to me that a lot of the "caliber X is worthless and you need..." stuff is coming from range heroes who just like making a lot of noise." Well said, JamesK.

January 19, 2014, 12:16 PM	#49
Colt46 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: Campbell Ca Posts: 1,090	The .38 might be more dependent on premium ammo than most Choose your bullet carefully and you won't be undergunned . You could say that for every caliber out there. For lightweight guns the .38 is easier to train and master than the .357

January 19, 2014, 02:11 PM	#50
skoro Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,952	38 special for self defense Seems to me that some guys tend to overthink this "which caliber/load/bullet is best" issue. The 38spl is a fine choice for defensive purposes and will serve well if employed properly. Remember, Dirty Harry is just a movie.