The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Small .380 semi-auto VS small .38 Special revolver

Mosin44az · December 13, 2010, 12:32 AM

Some thoughts....

If someone is not going to be scared by ANY gun, you have to make sure you can shoot them quickly and accurately. So pick a gun you know you can shoot well. From the reviews I've read, the laser makes a big difference in longer shots, but maybe not up close.

Reliability is key in any defense gun. They are both new designs. I have read of teething issues on the .380, so be careful there.

5 shots is supposed to be enough unless you're a SWAT cop. I don't worry about it in Phoenix. Not sure if Cincinnati is a scarier place, maybe it is.

Given that pocket revolvers are likely to be more reliable than pocket pistols, and that 158-grain .38s hit pretty hard, I would go with the .38.

December 13, 2010, 12:32 AM	#2
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Some thoughts.... If someone is not going to be scared by ANY gun, you have to make sure you can shoot them quickly and accurately. So pick a gun you know you can shoot well. From the reviews I've read, the laser makes a big difference in longer shots, but maybe not up close. Reliability is key in any defense gun. They are both new designs. I have read of teething issues on the .380, so be careful there. 5 shots is supposed to be enough unless you're a SWAT cop. I don't worry about it in Phoenix. Not sure if Cincinnati is a scarier place, maybe it is. Given that pocket revolvers are likely to be more reliable than pocket pistols, and that 158-grain .38s hit pretty hard, I would go with the .38.