.38 Short Colt

[BSA1]

I know that these rounds will penetrate pressure treated 2" lumber, so I figure they can't be all bad.

Actually a 2 x 4 is only 1 ½” thick.

However, in my opinion at least, if all a person is comfortably able to use is a small caliber or light load, then that may be the best fit for that person.

You certainly are entitled to your opinion but it concerns me that you are recommending weak cartridges to other people for self-defense. Weak cartridges such as this give a false sense of confidence when the victim should be looking for other weapons or a way out of the situation.

True story the happened a while back;

A recent graduate of State Pen University spotted a 70 year old woman walking down the sidewalk with groceries. He followed her into her home with the intent to rape and rob her. What exactly happened next was never explained but when the Police arrived at the home they found a very unconscious rapist/robber laying on the kitchen floor with Granny standing over him holding a cast iron cooking skillet in one hand and a large kitchen knife in the other.

It was worth watching the news seeing our State Pen graduate appearing in Court wearing a neck brace and a black eye.

Any argument that Granny should have been armed with .22 or your weak .38 Colt fails. The cast iron skillet to the head is a 100% fight stopper along with breaking bones in the arm and other body parts whereas your loads may not even penetrate the chest cavity let alone reach a vital organ.

When I read posters bragging about how they only small caliber guns for self-defense it convinces me that they have not truly come to terms that they will be fighting for their life and will have to kill their attacker to survive.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Actually a 2 x 4 is only 1 ½” thick.



You certainly are entitled to your opinion but it concerns me that you are recommending weak cartridges to other people for self-defense. Weak cartridges such as this give a false sense of confidence when the victim should be looking for other weapons or a way out of the situation.

True story the happened a while back;

A recent graduate of State Pen University spotted a 70 year old woman walking down the sidewalk with groceries. He followed her into her home with the intent to rape and rob her. What exactly happened next was never explained but when the Police arrived at the home they found a very unconscious rapist/robber laying on the kitchen floor with Granny standing over him holding a cast iron cooking skillet in one hand and a large kitchen knife in the other.

It was worth watching the news seeing our State Pen graduate appearing in Court wearing a neck brace and a black eye.

Any argument that Granny should have been armed with .22 or your weak .38 Colt fails. The cast iron skillet to the head is a 100% fight stopper along with breaking bones in the arm and other body parts whereas your loads may not even penetrate the chest cavity let alone reach a vital organ.

When I read posters bragging about how they only small caliber guns for self-defense it convinces me that they have not truly come to terms that they will be fighting for their life and will have to kill their attacker to survive.

Well, I didn't exactly recommend these to anyone. I simply offered them as a stepping stone to get started. As to the old lady with the frying pan... I completely understand. My grandmother hunted with a single shot 12 gauge well into her 70s. She was one tough old lady. Not everyone is so inclined though.

I would like to reiterate that I am in no way endorsing use of small calibers as a primary self defense mechanism for anyone capable (both mentally and physically) of using something more powerful; nor am I trying to dissuade them from doing so. I talked at length with the lady I mentioned earlier, and explained that small calibers were not the best choice for self defense. She made the decision herself as to what to use. The last time I spoke with her, she was going to order a Charter .32 H&R magnum. Knowing her, she'll probably start with .32 S&W Longs, though.

 

[BSA1]

I think the 32 Magnum is a great choice. Alas it shows how fickle the gun market is.