.38 SPL vs. 9mm

[DeepSouth]

So I got to thinking... why is it that if you visit the revolver thread, most there will agree that a 5-round J-frame in .38 is "good enough" for CCW/self defense, but if you visit the autoloader section, many folks scoff at a 9mm loaded with double the amount of rounds?

Most people (including myself) seem to 'defend' what ever caliber they use/like the most. For instance I would tell you neither is sufficient, get a .45acp or a 44spl.

The most common CC Revolver is a 38spl, so when you go to the revolver forum most people there will tell you a 38 is fine, of course that is what you'll hear that is what most of them carry.

Then you go to the auto forum where there are "many folks" that wouldn't carry a 9mm because a .45 or a .40 is superior.(IMO) So they tell you what they think...IE a 9mm is entirely to small, regardless of round count.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I have to agree that folks tend to boast the caliber/gun that they carry. Imagine if you said "I carry a _____ in ___ caliber, but I really don't recommend it." It makes sense to carry what you like, and what meets your needs. I just thought it was interesting how very different the revolver folks are from the auto folks.

Gotta admit... I like em both for very different reasons.

 

[tprice]

I think it's an argument over what you can fit in the package and fire comfortably.

Most J-frame revolvers that can fire 357 are just as not capable of rapid-fire with accuracy with the full-house magnum load when compared to the same gun loaded with a 38, or a 38 +p.

In the auto world, there are many models that offer 9mm, 40 cal, or 357 cal chamberings in the exact same frame and size, like Glock and Springfield. In my experience, shooting a 9, 40 or 357 in a Glock small-frame does increase the recoil a bit, but is more manageable to do faster follow-ups than if I tried the same in a 357 loaded j-frame. I've tried it, and it does take a bit longer for me to get the front sight on the revolver back on target when compared to the same shot with a subcompact 40 cal.

That said, I think there is minimal difference in the FMJ version of the 9mm or the 38 cal if bullet weight is the same. When you think that you can put different shapped bullets in the 38 (like the aforementioned LSWCHP) you do seem to get an advantage at energy expenditure at point of impact.

In the end, I carry a Colt Agent loaded with 38 cal wadcutters and feel well armed as a non-LEO citizen. I also carry a Sig in 9mm from time to time, and a steel L-frame 357 magnum. But I feel prepared with any of those three for social situations.

Off the pavement, though...the 357 does have the advantage by far.