Hello everyone. My parents and my brother and I are about to take a CCW course in Ohio. My brother and I both have a .45 auto. Our mother just bought a Ruger .38 special revoler tonight so she had something to take the test with, since she wants a CCW also. It is a Ruger .38 special+P. I think it is a good buy for her. Is this pistol a nice one without many problems? She got a pretty good deal on it since it had night sights already installed on it. Also I just wondered where is it legal for someone to carry with an Ohio CCW liscence outside of Ohio? Also my dad is looking for a pistol to carry, he has a .22 but is looking for a more powerful caliber, my brother and I are suggesting a 9 mm bc he does not like the .45 recoil and we thought a 9 mm would be powerful and efective. Would a .40 caliber be better or not? I appreciate everyone's responses. Thank you!
.38 special or larger???
- Thread starter savage22
- Start date
- Status
There is nothing wrong with a .38 Special revolver in general, or with Ruger revolvers in particular.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean that this particular .38 Special Ruger revolver is the best choice for this particular person (your Mom).
She really won't know what works best for her until she's tried different guns. While revolvers have a simple manual of arms (open cylinder, load rounds, close cylinder) they do have their disadvantages as well. The double action trigger takes more work to master then most semi-auto triggers. The revolver holds fewer shots than most semi-auto's, and revolver reloads take longer then semi-auto reloads.
The ultra light weight revolvers (S&W J frame, etc) are especially difficult for new shooters to shoot well. The light weight, short barrel, and heavy DA trigger all add difficulty.
Ruger makes several types of .38 revolvers so I can't comment on the suitablility of the one she picked without knowing which model it was and more about her abilities.
As to where you can carry outside of Ohio with an Ohio permit, you have to check the laws of the other states you plan to travel. For example, Michigan recognizes Ohio permits, but you have to follow Michigan laws as to "no carry zones", etc, while you are in Michigan. Illinois doesn't allow any carry. Every state is different, so you have to do your homework.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean that this particular .38 Special Ruger revolver is the best choice for this particular person (your Mom).
She really won't know what works best for her until she's tried different guns. While revolvers have a simple manual of arms (open cylinder, load rounds, close cylinder) they do have their disadvantages as well. The double action trigger takes more work to master then most semi-auto triggers. The revolver holds fewer shots than most semi-auto's, and revolver reloads take longer then semi-auto reloads.
The ultra light weight revolvers (S&W J frame, etc) are especially difficult for new shooters to shoot well. The light weight, short barrel, and heavy DA trigger all add difficulty.
Ruger makes several types of .38 revolvers so I can't comment on the suitablility of the one she picked without knowing which model it was and more about her abilities.
As to where you can carry outside of Ohio with an Ohio permit, you have to check the laws of the other states you plan to travel. For example, Michigan recognizes Ohio permits, but you have to follow Michigan laws as to "no carry zones", etc, while you are in Michigan. Illinois doesn't allow any carry. Every state is different, so you have to do your homework.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
State reciprocity has grown over the past Decade. I get information on which states honor my Penn license on the PA State's Attorney General site. I'm sure the same information is on the Ohio State's Attorney General site too. Here is another site that can be trusted for accurate information. http://www.handgunlaw.us/
NEVER trust what you hear on the NET when it comes to what's legal or not. Always check for yourself!!
Unfortunately, Ohio doesn't honor my PA permit.
As far as pistol calibers go, service pistol calibers, 9mm, .40, and .45 are all in a sweet spot where they deliver as much performance as can reasonably be expected whithout generating a ton of recoil in acceptable platforms. 9mm is great, .40 was always my favorite caliber but I love the 9mm for the platforms it comes in and it's general efficiency at its task. And it is the cheapest centerfire caliber out there.
Which Ruger did your mom get? They are good, Ruger has a reputation with all of their (originally designed guns) for reliability, it'll definitely last her forever unless she leaves it in a saltwater bath.
klutchless
Member
You seem to be on the right track when you take your course you can ask for one of the cards that have all the states that except a Ohio ccw.I have one in every car and in my wallet.If you plan on traveling call what ever state you pass through or stop at for formal laws as they differ widely from state to state. good luck on getting your permit.
Ruger revolvers are all nice and reliable, in my opinion, but if it's the lightweight LCR model (probably, since it's not a .357 Magnum, but you tell us
), then it will be more difficult to control than a heavier steel-framed model.Generally, if somebody finds .45 ACP recoil excessive, then they probably won't like .40 S&W any better. 9mm is a good fit for many people in the same boat, so to speak, although I'd suggest that your dad try one out to make sure. Everybody is different, after all. For example, I don't feel a significant difference between 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, but a lot of people I know feel a huge difference.
Cosmoline
Member
Sounds like an LCR. It's not a beginner's revolver by any means. There's considerable recoil in a small frame with a very small sight radius. If she's not very experienced I'd suggest loading with .38 Special full wadcutters. That minimizes recoil.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Not.
If he doesn't like .45 ACP recoil, he for sure won't like the comparable recoil and much sharper muzzle blast of a .40 S&W.
I have several .45 1911's, and one .40 S&W Glock 23.
Both my sons will shoot my 45's all day, as long as I provide free ammo for them.
Neither one will shoot the .40 for more then a mag or two.
One son ended up buying is own 9mm XD-C and loves it, and the other doesn't shoot that much unless I provide the free ammo.
rc
Nushif
Member
I once read somewhere on this board a nifty little quip:
"The only place a .38 special doesn't work is the internet."
If you guys feel comfortable with it, adopt the old workhorse. It's been proven to work over and over again.
"The only place a .38 special doesn't work is the internet."
If you guys feel comfortable with it, adopt the old workhorse. It's been proven to work over and over again.
Cop Bob
Member
Don't Fret of the 38
Is the 38 Special a good carry round?... YES... are there better? Is there something better for your Mom? maybe... but let her try the one she has.. Find her some wadcutters, a Mid-Range Match loading for the CCW Course... Mildest recoil, low to no muzzle flash.. Or maybe the range where you take your course will have some 158 gr Semi-Wads that are not loaded too hot....make it as comfortable as you can on her.
Goo luck to you all....
As far as States with a Reciprocity Agreement with Ohio.. Here ya Go...
Straight from http://www.nraila.org/recmap/recguide.pdf
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
County Sheriff
Permits not granted.
Right-To-Carry Law Type: Shall Issue
http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/enforcement/concealed-carry/reciprocity-agreements
$55 new and renewal. $24 background check 5 years
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
Ohio Highway Patrol
P O Box 182074
Columbus, Ohio 43232
http://www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol
1(877) 772-8765
Attorney General
30 E. Broad Street 17th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3428
Phone: (614) 466-4320
Fax: (614) 466-5057
Is the 38 Special a good carry round?... YES... are there better? Is there something better for your Mom? maybe... but let her try the one she has.. Find her some wadcutters, a Mid-Range Match loading for the CCW Course... Mildest recoil, low to no muzzle flash.. Or maybe the range where you take your course will have some 158 gr Semi-Wads that are not loaded too hot....make it as comfortable as you can on her.
Goo luck to you all....
As far as States with a Reciprocity Agreement with Ohio.. Here ya Go...
Straight from http://www.nraila.org/recmap/recguide.pdf
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
County Sheriff
Permits not granted.
Right-To-Carry Law Type: Shall Issue
http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/enforcement/concealed-carry/reciprocity-agreements
$55 new and renewal. $24 background check 5 years
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
Ohio Highway Patrol
P O Box 182074
Columbus, Ohio 43232
http://www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol
1(877) 772-8765
Attorney General
30 E. Broad Street 17th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3428
Phone: (614) 466-4320
Fax: (614) 466-5057
Sorry everyone about not specifying the specific Ruger model. She bought a Ruger LCR. We just went to the range today for her to shoot it and she did exceptionally well for not shooting much. With her first five shots, 4 of them were within the 8 inch target at 15-20 feet. I was pretty impressed.
jad0110
Member
.38 works just fine if you can place your shots well with it. Some people do great with the little snubs from the get-go. My sister's first outing with her S&W Bodygaurd .38 resulted in a 3" or so 5 shot group at 7 yards (3 of the 5 holes were touching). But everyone is different. I've never had any problem with DA revolver triggers, nor has my sister. My wife is the opposite, as she only does well with 1911s.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I don't know why everyone assumes a .38 Special won't do a good job. Sure the 158gr LRN bullet was called the "Widow Maker" and with good reason but current SD ammo with all the newly designed bullets make the .38 Special more than minimal protection. Heck, the new bullets even elevate the .380 to SD status.
ironhead7544
Member
For the 38 Special the Buffalo Bore loads would be my choice. The standard pressure 158 gr SWCHPGC is a soft bullet that goes fast enough IMHO.
38 spl can definately get the job done, but the lightweight J frames have some real kick. I love my S&W 642, but its got a lot of recoil and it's hard to keep a good hold on the small grip. I also suggest starting with wadcutters then move to standard velocity loads.
PedalBiker
Member
I think the Ruger LCR is a great choice. I carry .38 most of the time. If she's ok with the LCR recoil I'd say stick with it. Federal makes some 110g hollow point standard pressure rounds that don't kick much.
If she's up for the recoil, I really like the Speer, Gold Dot Short Barrel +p 135g. I don't find them too bad and I have a S&W airweight that's comparable to the LCR, but it has the hard plastic Laser Grips that offer no padding.
I gave up on the 158g SWCHP +p loads due to the exposed lead.
If she's up for the recoil, I really like the Speer, Gold Dot Short Barrel +p 135g. I don't find them too bad and I have a S&W airweight that's comparable to the LCR, but it has the hard plastic Laser Grips that offer no padding.
I gave up on the 158g SWCHP +p loads due to the exposed lead.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Don't let mom out-shoot you guy's with her wheel gun ~! LOL
oldbear
Member
The Ruger LCR, should be a great all around S/D revolver for your Mom or anyone else. It's light weight, easy to use no external safety's to worry about. As others have suggested have Mom use light target loads for her CCW class and Most of her practice sessions. When she is ready she can step up to an improved +P round.
txhoghunter
Member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2010
- Messages
- 663
doubt it...
I personally would rather shoot a .45 ACP than a .40 S&W, the .40 is just too snappy. If your father doesn't like a .45, I wouldn't hand him a .40. Stick with a 9mm, but some rental range time may be in order
I personally would rather shoot a .45 ACP than a .40 S&W, the .40 is just too snappy. If your father doesn't like a .45, I wouldn't hand him a .40. Stick with a 9mm, but some rental range time may be in order
The Ruger LCR in .357 that I have,I can shoot .38 standard loads,.38 +ps,and .357 magnum loads. See,with the LCR in .357,it is a tad heavier compared to the 2 .38s that Ruger has in the LCR. the weights are 13.0,for the lightest one,13.5 for the next on in .38 and,17.1 ounces for the .357. The .357 has a steel frame with the polymer grip frame.So,with the .357 frame,your mom should not have any troubles shooting the .38 rounds in the .357 LCR. I enjoy mine shooting the .357. Yes,kinda alittle snappy but with the Houge Tammer Grips,you will not have any problems. Just show her how to grip tighter.
- Status
