Jack Ryan
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If I believed that I'd just carry a picture of one in my pocket.
why are guns in .38 Special still being made & offered as much as they are?
- Thread starter borrowedtime69
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Mosin77
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There are a lot of guys who have never shot either cartridge, who assume .357 is the obvious or only real choice. “Versatility.” “Magnum power.” “Best man-stopping round ever” etc.
Those who have shot both realize that the .38spl will do about everything you need unless you have a habit of shooting through the steel door panels of stoutly built 1930s-60s American automobiles, and will do so more cheaply, with less blast, less recoil, and in guns that are lighter.
So, put another way, if you’re going to shoot .38s out of your .357 almost exclusively, why not just buy a .38? And the .38 can be handloaded to nearly .357 levels if one is so inclined, since the revolvers are generally made identically. The only reason for the new chambering was to prevent one of these hot new .38s from blowing up an old gun made at the turn of the century which would not have the necessary metallurgy or heat treatment to withstand the higher pressures of a hot rodded .38spl.
Those who have shot both realize that the .38spl will do about everything you need unless you have a habit of shooting through the steel door panels of stoutly built 1930s-60s American automobiles, and will do so more cheaply, with less blast, less recoil, and in guns that are lighter.
So, put another way, if you’re going to shoot .38s out of your .357 almost exclusively, why not just buy a .38? And the .38 can be handloaded to nearly .357 levels if one is so inclined, since the revolvers are generally made identically. The only reason for the new chambering was to prevent one of these hot new .38s from blowing up an old gun made at the turn of the century which would not have the necessary metallurgy or heat treatment to withstand the higher pressures of a hot rodded .38spl.
chickasaw_hunter
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I've read this whole thread and there is a lot of reasoned and thoughtful comments. (first half of a butt sandwich)
But...some of us just Want to shoot a .38 spl because it makes us feel warm and fuzzy.
Baskin/Robbins figured it out a long time ago.
But...some of us just Want to shoot a .38 spl because it makes us feel warm and fuzzy.
Baskin/Robbins figured it out a long time ago.
borrowedtime69
Member
Great read from all! Thank you, my curiosity is sated and as always, I keep learning (at 52).
There's not much more pleasant than shooting mid range wadcutters from a 6" model 14.
jag1954
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tws3b2
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I don't know about anyone else. But for just me. I don't like shooting 357. Just don't.
As a matter of fact I've given up on anything magnum or +P And anything over 2 3/4 for shotgun. For me, I find no advantage, no reason for the extra expense. Even in 22. I look for subsonic.
Just me.
As a matter of fact I've given up on anything magnum or +P And anything over 2 3/4 for shotgun. For me, I find no advantage, no reason for the extra expense. Even in 22. I look for subsonic.
Just me.
JCooperfan1911
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People today seem to think the .38 is pitifully anemic and laughably weak.
Not so.
The FBI load was well though of as a very good stopper, and more modern loads like the Gold Dot proved their effectiveness in the waning days of revolver use with small departments like the NYPD.
Hundreds of thousands of policemen carried them as their primary duty sidearm, not just in backup guns, up until the 90s and the later +P hollow point loads were well thought of overall. Some earlier loads perhaps not as much, but then again the same can be said for 9mm ball vs hollow points.
It’s a controllable, highly effective round as long as proper rounds are chosen and at least a 4” barrel is used. Or if using a snub, certain loads like the Gold Dot short barrel and HSTs.
I sleep with a .38 on the nightstand. Nice to know it’s there.
Not so.
The FBI load was well though of as a very good stopper, and more modern loads like the Gold Dot proved their effectiveness in the waning days of revolver use with small departments like the NYPD.
Hundreds of thousands of policemen carried them as their primary duty sidearm, not just in backup guns, up until the 90s and the later +P hollow point loads were well thought of overall. Some earlier loads perhaps not as much, but then again the same can be said for 9mm ball vs hollow points.
It’s a controllable, highly effective round as long as proper rounds are chosen and at least a 4” barrel is used. Or if using a snub, certain loads like the Gold Dot short barrel and HSTs.
I sleep with a .38 on the nightstand. Nice to know it’s there.
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