Why .38?

[Bandit01]

I know that .357 can also shoot .38's but why would anyone purchase a .38 when they can purchase a .357.

[mec]

That's a good question. Unfortunately, I don't have a good answer except:
I kind of like older revolvers and have wound up with several .38s because of that. At one time, I had a nice first model M&P model of 1899 and currently have a pre wwII M&P and a 37 year old airweight chief. Then, there's nothing like an original K 38 for putting the bullets close together.

[Jim Keenan]

Well, here's one good reason. I just bought an S&W 642. I could have bought a 640 in .357, but IMHO anyone who would fire a .357 out of a gun that size and weight would have a weak brain and a sore hand.

Jim

[pauli]

as you get into lightweight snubbies, shooting 357's becomes more and more absurd.

there's just as much energy going towards you as away from you when you shoot... gotta have enough mass to dampen that.

[Nick1911]

Because the S&W 642 is in .38 :D

[WT]

Nick - leave it to a boilermaker to come up with the right answer!

[popbang]

I have three 38's I had no intentions of shooting 357 magnums, so purchased these for 38. It comes down to why buy a 9mm when there are 40 s&w out there. Each of us chooses what we want and what we will buy. I have no need for 357 magnums maybe.

[thowell]

Because the S&W 642 is in .38

So is the Colt Detective Special. :D

[Bandit01]

I have a snub nose .357, that I use as my daily pistol. I am a reloader and I'll admit, I don't use the same rounds in that pistol as I do in my S&W 686 due to the recoil but the rounds that I shoot out of that are still considered "hot". Outside of older revolvers and maybe snub nose's, I still don't see the point.

As for the person that made the compasion btwn 9mm and .40, I personally hate both of those calibers. My first pistol was a Walther P99 (9mm), I sold it after 6 months. I don't like those caibers, rather, I like to shoot 10mm.

Buying a .38 now a days is like buying a VCR.

[scubie02]

for one thing, the ones for 38's tend to be smaller and lighter. Go to most decent sized gun stores and you'll find a bunch of those little scandium framed 357's that somebody got, fired about twice and sold when they realized how unpleasant they were going to be to shoot. Even plus P 38's can be pretty snappy in a light enough gun. 38's and snubbie's just go together. The 38 is a classic, and has accounted for one hell of alot of dead badguys over the years. Nothing against the 357--I have one of those too most of the time. But I've got several 38's...

38 snubbies and 1911's in 45...can't have too many

[MICHAEL T]

Well I like old cars ,VCR's ,reel to reel tapes and real records. Oh I like 38 spl also. and 1911A1.. I also have rabbit ears on all my tv's and none larger than a 21"

[grimjaw]

revolvers went obsolete in the 60's, period

gistar, so you were critiquing the revolver design in the thread about Jim Miculek and not Miculek himself. Thanks for clarifying.

jmm

[Sharps Shooter]

"Buying a .38 now a days is like buying a VCR."

That's for sure. I can't figure out why they even build .357 snubbies, much less why anyone buys them. :confused:

[Sistema1927]

Few guns feel better in the hand than a K-Frame S&W in .38.

Both the older Model 10 and Model 64 with a pencil barrel are simply elegant and extremely accurate as well. Why the .38? It is a personal thing.

[Boats]

The .38 Special gets a bad rap. Heck, I contributed to it. But with the right load, the round is a gem because of the platforms one can find to launch it.

Then again, I am madly in love with my Detective Special and would be even if had come in 9mm. :what:

Size, elegance, customization opportunities. . .the question in my mind is why does anyone use pocket pistols when they can get a snub?

[fiVe]

I would like to second what Jim Keenan, Nick1911, WT, thowell, scubie02, grimjaw, SharpsShooter, and Sistema1927 said.

I have determined that .38 caliber revolvers are what feels right for me. My S&W 642 is the perfect fit for how, when, & where I carry. And I think it is almost impossible to dispute the tactical positives (.38spl +P/lightweight/hammerless) of this snub nose.

Just my thoughts.

R/fiVe

[grimjaw]

I think gistar went away, for I cannot find him anywhere now to debate.

This does, however, save room on my ignore list.

I find .38 Special to be a useful and less expensive target round for my .357 revolver, but sometimes I don't want the bulk of a .357 revolver. Some very attractive (IMO) revolvers are chambered for .38 Special, but this doesn't detract from their usefulness as a self-defense weapon.

I haven't been won over to the S&W 642 crowd yet, but it's mainly because I can't find one to rent or try out first! :cuss:

jmm

[fiVe]

grimjaw: Take the plunge, you won't be disappointed. ;)

[JERRY]

because a used model 10 can be had for a lot less than a used model 65.

[LeonCarr]

Because it is a pain in the butt to remove the lead rings from a .357 cylinder after shooting .38s.

By the way, I have a S&W Model 64 .38 for sale in the classifieds :).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[Ridge]

I agree that many a bad guy has fallen due to the good old 38. Special.

I wouldn't go anywhere without my trusty Model 10.

[Marko Kloos]

When I carried .357s, I always loaded them with .38 +P stuff anyway...faster shot recovery, less recoil, and still more than adequate ballistics.

Then I started asking myself why I pay a premium for Magnum K frames when all I use in them is .38 Special anyway, so now I carry a Model 10.

The K frame and the .38 Special are a perfect match. I can shoot anything from powderpuff traget wadcutters to +P+ defense loads without stressing the gun or my wrist. Also, .38 Special is very accurate (more so out of dedicated .38s than out of .357s), it's a low-pressure cartridge that's easy on ears and gun, and it's been getting the job done just fine for over a hundred years.

[Majic]

That's like asking the semi-auto shooters why buy a .40 when you could have bought a 10mm.
Sometimes all that power isn't needed or wanted.

[nero45acp]

+1 Majic!!!


nero

[goon]

If you don't have any intention of ever shooting .357 out of a gun then it makes perfect sense. Some shooters are recoil sensitive. Why pay more for a "feature" that you will never use?
Also, there are just some guns that you pick up and they bond with you. As soon as you shoulder it you know that you "need" it. If someone picks up an old .38 and they get that feeling, then I say it is their duty as an American to buy that handgun.

[Standing Wolf]

The .38 special is a wonderful target cartridge.

[jc2]

It's also a decent LE/defence round, small game round and an outstanding plinking round.

[pauli]

because a used model 10 can be had for a lot less than a used model 65.

yeah, but so can a model 13 ;)

[nitesite]

My wife has tried my 1911s, 4" Model 28 .357, Model 686 .357, 9mm's, my Mini-14, a Moss 590, a 442 snubbie, et.al. on and on...

What she feels most comfortable with is our 6" Model 14-6 loaded with .38 +Ps and TT~TH.

I shoot target and hunt with this sidearm. She protects our family and home with this revolver when I'm gone, chambered for the timeless .38-Special S&W Ctg.

That's all that I need to know about .38's to claim that guns specifically chambered for this cartridge are very much worth keeping.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/Model14-6onrackweb.jpg

[Sharps Shooter]

Nitesite Wow! That is one gorgeous revolver. :)

[JJpdxpinkpistols]

.38 taurus blued CIA

I have always loved revos since I was a kid. My first revo was a 22 "farmhand" H&R 622 in 4". believe it or not, that thing is dead accurate. Then I started coming on here, and reading more and more...

When I went to the store, I was looking at 357 revos as a carry piece and something that was fun to plink with. I hefted the 357's they had around and since I was familiar with carrying stuff on my belt, got to thinking that the extra coupla ounces and extra 3/8" width would be a bit annoying.

Then I found the .38 taurus'. they just *fit* right in my hand. they felt like a natural extension of my hand (and one that spits lead!!!--cool!)

I have never regretting buying that thing. It sits on my waist all day long with narry a thought, and is ALWAYS reliable. Out of the thousand rounds (about 2/3 of that +P) I have shot, I have had one dud--winchester, if memory serves.

I find the round to be very accurate out of a snub, very reliable, and very easy to control. the amount I have to recover and reaquire target from a 38 to a 357 is very noticeable. I would rather not bet my life on longer recovery time, given that one shot of *anything* out of a handgun might not be the end all.

Just my 2 cents...

Oh, and I am now looking at getting the GI 45. Looked like a lot of fun to shoot for a history nut like me. I took a pass of the 45 revos out there. they looked a bit large for carry.

[Boss Spearman]

I echo Nick1911s on the 642.
Also for me, I only shoot .38s, even in my .357. I find .357s too much of a pain to clean out after shooting .38s. I don't like the extra work I have to do on the cylinders. I've found sticking to a .38 revolver for .38 shooting to be much quicker and easier to clean afterward.

[TonyB]

1).38's are wicked fun
2)old used .38's are cheap
3)the .38 snubbie is THE ultimate CCW(IMHO)
that being said,I own 3 .357's and no .38's.......I need to go to the gun store today :uhoh:

[fiVe]

If someone picks up an old .38 and they get that feeling, then I say it is their duty as an American to buy that handgun.
Well said, goon.






nitesite: Great picture. Thanks for posting.







I find .357s too much of a pain to clean out after shooting .38s. I don't like the extra work I have to do on the cylinders. I've found sticking to a .38 revolver for .38 shooting to be much quicker and easier to clean afterward.
Good point, BossSpearman

[Velocity229]

The 38 special dedicated revolvers are more accurate than shooting 38's out of a 357 revolver.

When it comes to snubs, the 38 SPL snubs are lighter than 357 snubs.

[jc2]

And slightly smaller--compare an vintage M60 to the current monster.

[MoeMentum]

Why should I buy a .357 to shoot .38's , when I can get a .38 and shoot .38's..

[chaim]

Why .38 revolvers when a .357 can shoot .38?

I think everything has already been pretty much said, but here are my reasons to like .38 revolvers:

-In a J-frame sized gun .357mag is a bit much. The gun is just too small and light for the round. It isn't comfortable to shoot, and shot recovery times in a small snub with .357mag are much worse than with .38 or .38+P. Also, the magnum guns are a tad heavier than the .38spl so why get the magnum if you'll be shooting .38s?

-In some medium frame revolvers you may save an oz or so over the magnum.

-A revolver in .357mag will be about 10-25% more money than essentially the same revolver in .38spl.

-For range and woods defense I like a magnum, but I'd prefer to go larger than .357mag for woods defense. For self-defense I load my .357s with .38+P anyway (faster follow-up shots).

-Because of the last two reasons above, I see no reason to not buy a .38spl revolver if it is for self-defense (especially if it is a 2.5-3" K-frame).

-I really like 3" K-frames. There aren't a ton on the used market. Many were sold, but it wasn't the most popular configuration (for the general public), and those that own them are usually fans of the configuration, so they are rare on the used market. Given that for self-defense I load up .38+P anyway why wouldn't I grab up a nice 3" .38spl M10 or M64 if I ran into one instead of holding out for a 3" .357mag M13 or M65?

-Cleaning the lead rings out of the chambers of a magnum after shooting .38s can be a pain.

-Also (not one of my reasons), some people think .38spl is more accurate out of a .38 than a magnum (though I would bet that is more the difference in individual guns than the .38 v. .357).

For someone who will only own one revolver the .357mag makes a lot of sense due to the versatility. Even if they don't think they'll use it to shoot magnums they may always change their minds.

Once a person adds a second revolver there is no reason not to own a dedicated .38spl.

[RGO]

Price. A good, used .38 can be found for not much over $100. It would be a perfectly fine defensive handgun for those on a budget or those who aren't really gun people.

[klover]

I've a feeling to buy every model 10 that comes my way (as new ones) just because they are sooo beautiful. That's why. :)

[bearmgc]

Its all been said but I'll say it again. An ultralight in .38, using +P ammo, works for me, when I need something really small and concealable. I'll leave the 1911 and the .357 at home then.

[45R]

Variety

[Moonclip]

One reason I didn't see mentioned is if a gun is fired primarily with 38spl and not 357 mag, firing a 38 from a 357 chamber causes a slight loss in velocity I've heard, like 40-50 fps.

[Mark8252]

The 357 requires a larger cylinder and frame mass. Therefore the 38 makes a smaller easier to conceal firearm.

[Checkman]

there are times whne a .38 is more then enough. Most of the time my CCW is a 38 snubbie. A couple weeks ago I purchased a Model 10 3". Nice wheelgun. :)

The 38 will do the job - especially if you're talking CCW. The average bad guy dosen't expect his potential victims to be armed and dosen't have the same mindset of the criminal who has decided to enter into a gunbattle with the police. A couple well placed .38 hollow points will probably allow you to get the heck away from him/her and might even end the fight. Heck just showing your trusty .38 might do the job.

As I get older I've come to realize that that the 38 has gotten an unfair rap and one dosen't need the most powerful,, biggest, magnum round on the face of the Earth to get the job done. The .38 works and works well.

[Gary A]

I believe that quite a number of years ago Smith and Wesson stopped using different length cylinders for .38 and .357 to save on manufacturing costs. I know that is true for Ruger also, but don't know about Taurus. If that is the case then I don't see any significant size or weight savings for most newer .38s over the same size revolver chambered in .357. Also, I can't see why there should be any significant velocity loss in the newer guns since the jump from the cylinder, across the gap, and into the forcing cone would be the same distance in either case. Would the less than 1/8" gap from case mouth to shoulder in a .38 fired in a .357 cylinder cause that kind of velocity loss? I can see how this would be a factor in older revolvers.

[fiVe]

I believe that quite a number of years ago Smith and Wesson stopped using different length cylinders for .38 and .357 to save on manufacturing costs. I know that is true for Ruger also

I have a problem understanding this. I know for a fact that while .357 rounds will fit the cylinder on my 642, it is absolutely impossible for the cylinder to close because the rounds are too long. If what you say is true, then a .357 mag. revolver will shoot .38spcl and a .38spcl revolver will shoot .357 mag, and I don't think that is correct.

Regards,

fiVe

[jc2]

He's talking about the overall cylinder length being the same.

To try to keep it simple: Look inside the cylinder of your 642 (from the back), and you will see a distinct line around toward the front of the chamber (chamber changes diameter)--the case mouth of the .357 Magnum hits that and doesn't seat all the way. In the case of the a .357 Magnum chamber, the case mouth of a .38 Special stops slightly short allowing it to fit in a .357 Magnum chamber.

It is possible to lengthen the chamber on .38 Special cylinder so a .357 Magnum case will fit--it is NOT recommended, however.

[Majic]

Ruger never made a dedicated .38 spl revolver except the SP-101 and it was overbuilt as they chambered the .357mag with no changes. They did have some .357mag models chambered for .38 spl though so their cylinders were the same size. As for S&W when they added the .357mag to the J-frames and created the J-Magnum frame then all the cylinders became the same length, but I think the K-frames never changed. All the non-magnum K-frames had shorter cylinders than the magnum versions.

[StrikeEagle]

Ruger never made a dedicated .38 spl revolver except the SP-101

Gosh, sure they did... remember the Speed Six?

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=6805048

StrikeEagle

[Majic]

Wasn't the Speed Six originally chambered in .357 magnum?

[StrikeEagle]

Wasn't the Speed Six originally chambered in .357 magnum?

Naw... always .38 Spl, I'm pretty sure. I heard that it as for police dept's that spec'd a .38 revolver for duty.

There were 3 'Six' models...

1) Speed Six - .38 Spl
2) Service Six - .357 with fixed sights
3) Security Six - .357 with adjustable sights. (This particular gun is a real sweetheart and the pick of the litter, IMO!)

Any of these are wonderful revolvers! :)

StrikeEagle

[Majic]

I'm pretty sure it was also chambered in .357 magnum and 9mm. The Service Six was the model specifically for the LEOs and it also was chambered in .38 spl for the departments that used the .38 spl cartridge. In fact I think it's whole name was the "Police Service Six".

[StrikeEagle]

You may be right... I do remember that there was a 9mm version. Seemed very odd to me at the time, but now I wouldn't mind having one. :)

BTW... though I have the Security Six (a 4" and a 6") I shoot .38's in it almost exclusively. I shoot a couple thousand rounds a year of .38 and honestly don't remember the last time I put a .357 round through mine.

StrikeEagle

[Sistema1927]

There are more .357 Speed-Six revolvers than there are are .38 only. The difference between the "Speed" and the "Service" is round butt versus square butt.

[355sigfan]

I have a snub nose .357, that I use as my daily pistol. I am a reloader and I'll admit, I don't use the same rounds in that pistol as I do in my S&W 686 due to the recoil but the rounds that I shoot out of that are still considered "hot". Outside of older revolvers and maybe snub nose's, I still don't see the point.

As for the person that made the compasion btwn 9mm and .40, I personally hate both of those calibers. My first pistol was a Walther P99 (9mm), I sold it after 6 months. I don't like those caibers, rather, I like to shoot 10mm.

Buying a .38 now a days is like buying a VCR.
END QUOTE

The 38 makes sence in small light weight revolvers where the 357 mag is far too powerfull (recoil) As for the 10mm talk about being on deaths door like the VCR. In a few years I doubt you will be able to buy factory 10mm ammo.
Pat

[Brian Williams]

Quote:
because a used model 10 can be had for a lot less than a used model 65.



yeah, but so can a model 13

Since when is a 13 cheaper than a 65....?

[Pointblank]

Because not only can you carry a hammerless Airweight .38 in a jacket pocket, but you can shoot it from there too!
http://firearms.smith-wesson.com/userimages/163810_large.jpg

[Gunsnrovers]

At first, I got funny looks because I like .38's.

Then I went and bought a .44spl instead of a .44 Magnum... :D