Is a .38 snubby enough?
- Thread starter megatronrules
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haha, dragoon.. that's messed up lol..
he does point out something though.. but everything is based on price, how easy to carry it, yada yada yada..
besides, in a real life situation a .38 snubby is probably comparable to a .45 comming out a 3inch barrel.. both bullets will not generate enough velocity to compare to a full size 4-5 inch barrel
he does point out something though.. but everything is based on price, how easy to carry it, yada yada yada..
besides, in a real life situation a .38 snubby is probably comparable to a .45 comming out a 3inch barrel.. both bullets will not generate enough velocity to compare to a full size 4-5 inch barrel
AStone
Member
subtle nuances
Haven't even scratched the surface of this thread.
But if I get to quality posts like that in only #11, then I'm settling in for a while.
Love my 642, even though I'm not yet versed in her ... more subtle nuances yet.
But (hypothesis) with the help of this thread, I'll get closer to them here.
Nem
Oh, good to be here.Jeff White said:
Haven't even scratched the surface of this thread.
But if I get to quality posts like that in only #11, then I'm settling in for a while.
Love my 642, even though I'm not yet versed in her ... more subtle nuances yet.
But (hypothesis) with the help of this thread, I'll get closer to them here.
Nem
Last edited:
fiVe
Member
Hemicuda said:
Same here. I carry a 642. Revolvers rule!!
let me elaborate abit on my thought, it is not based on .45 is better than .38. it is more in line with the fact that most people can shoot a midsize\fullsize pistol with greater accuracy and speed than they can a snub nose .38. and most who realize this will still sacrifice that ability because of ease of carry of a smaller gun. carrying a midsize\fullsize pistol requires a commitment to dress around the gun. MOst people are not willing to make that kind of adjustment and that is their choice, but for me, if I am going to rely on something I chose the pistol I can shoot with the best speed and accuracy under stress for my primary carry gun, and that is why snub nose revolvers and sub compact auto pistols are strictly back up guns in my self defense armament.
DAVE RICHARDS
Member
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I'll just say this. A man I worked for in my youth was a retired Detroit police officer. He was hired right off the streets after returning from Viet Nam during the '67 riots. he was Marine Force Recon and a very capable individual. After he retired he opened his own jewelery business. He often carried attache cases full of diamonds. One day I got there early and he was getting ready to go and he was stuffing a S&W .38 J-frame in his pocket. I asked if it was a .357. He simply said no. It's a .38. But it's eough! He has more combat experience than anyone I know. So his opininon carries alot of weight. Would I rather have more? Yes! But is it enough? The fact it has been around and is still popular for close to 100years seems to testify that it is. People tend to hold onto things that work. As I said to me it's perfect function is as a BUG. But when you can't carry something bigger it beats the hell out of a .22, .25, .32, .380, or any of the other mouseguns.
DAVE RICHARDS
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p.s.
just for perspective when I was younger a friend of mine was shot through the heart by a .38. He dropped like a rock and died very shortly there after. An old girlfriends brother was shot in the neck by a .38 snubby and was DRT. So I know they work. Having had a least one first hand experience.
just for perspective when I was younger a friend of mine was shot through the heart by a .38. He dropped like a rock and died very shortly there after. An old girlfriends brother was shot in the neck by a .38 snubby and was DRT. So I know they work. Having had a least one first hand experience.
AStone
Member
Then, we got:
Where is Shakespeare when you need him?
(I'll bet he'd carry 9mm if he were alive today.
)
Nem
- Down right trounced
- Deed renounced today
- Delivery returned to (sender)
- Damn retired toast
Where is Shakespeare when you need him?
(I'll bet he'd carry 9mm if he were alive today.
)Nem
IllHunter
Member
.380 is enough!
I have a detective special but as I am not overly large, 6' 175# and wear tighter jeans etc. concealing is a challenge. I tried my Glock 17 and without an overcoat it sticks out like a snake that swallow an egg. The .38 is also a bit bulky but works in an ankle holster if the pants allow. The Walther is flater and fits in the belt in Unkle Mike's or in a belly band or the ankle job. I don't feel the need to dress for the gun but fortunately have the guns to dress with! (I know, my participle is dangling)
I have a detective special but as I am not overly large, 6' 175# and wear tighter jeans etc. concealing is a challenge. I tried my Glock 17 and without an overcoat it sticks out like a snake that swallow an egg. The .38 is also a bit bulky but works in an ankle holster if the pants allow. The Walther is flater and fits in the belt in Unkle Mike's or in a belly band or the ankle job. I don't feel the need to dress for the gun but fortunately have the guns to dress with! (I know, my participle is dangling)
orangeninja
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- Dec 4, 2003
- Messages
- 3,117
a new pair of undershorts will fix your participle from dangling so much
wheelgunslinger
Member
I think .38 is fine. I carry 38's in my 357 since I can do followup shots more quickly, and reload in the same amount of time.
Though I do wonder what kind of ammo Biker uses in his snubby .45 colt. I'm intrigued by the Taurus. May have to get me one of them.
Though I do wonder what kind of ammo Biker uses in his snubby .45 colt. I'm intrigued by the Taurus. May have to get me one of them.
Most of the year I carry Winchester 225gr Silvertips rated at 975 fps from a 4" barrel, which is probably more like 875 fps from a 2" barrel. In the winter and when hiking/camping, I carry 260gr LSWC handloads loaded to about 850 fps.
I find the gun and ammo combos somewhat comforting.
Biker
I find the gun and ammo combos somewhat comforting.
Biker
wheelgunslinger
Member
Thanks Biker!
That combo rocks. I gotta get me one of those.
That combo rocks. I gotta get me one of those.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Enough?
Is a .38 (snubby) enough? Well..there are three answers to that question.
Yes. No. Maybe.
There's been documentation of people taking multiple charges of 00 buck in the chest at 15 feet and still having to be physically subdued afterward...and cases of others dropping in their tracks after a hit in the shoulder with a .25 auto.
The .38 Special has filled its share of triage areas and graves. If you shoot well, you'll probably do okay. There's also an outside chance that you'll draw that one-in-a-thousand Superman who can absorb a chestful of .44 Magnums
and keep coming.
Is a .38 (snubby) enough? Well..there are three answers to that question.
Yes. No. Maybe.
There's been documentation of people taking multiple charges of 00 buck in the chest at 15 feet and still having to be physically subdued afterward...and cases of others dropping in their tracks after a hit in the shoulder with a .25 auto.
The .38 Special has filled its share of triage areas and graves. If you shoot well, you'll probably do okay. There's also an outside chance that you'll draw that one-in-a-thousand Superman who can absorb a chestful of .44 Magnums
and keep coming.
Rotorflyr
Member
Tuner,
Since you previously asked about a snubby .357 lightweight, here ya go:
Taurus 651SHC 17.3oz titanium 2" barrel 5 round capacity
There's also the Taurus 617SH2C (19.9oz 7shot) and the 605SH2 (16oz 5 shot) as well as the Smith and Wesson 340/340PD series (and Im sure there are others, just did a quick search
)
fastbolt
Member
What a unique and seldom asked question ...
I won't offer my usual responses to this question, since I've pretty much written it repeatedly in other threads of a similar topic ... but instead, I'll offer these thoughts this time ...
If bullets are flying in your general or specific direction, I doubt any gun is going to 'feel' like it's 'enough gun' ... unless it's large and sturdy enough to also be used as cover.
I think many folks may potentially risk being somewhat disillusioned, or perhaps are deluding themselves a bit (albeit intentionally or unintentially), if they 'feel comforted' by the mere presence of some defensive handgun, regardless of caliber/make/model/capacity/design ... unless they've acquired the necessary knowledge, experience, skills, shooting & handling techniques with their chosen defensive handgun, and spend a reasonable amount of time maintaining those perishable skills.
Then, there's the whole issue regarding learning about the lawful use of force issue, as well as understanding the maintenance requirements of the chosen firearm ... and understanding the mental/psychological issues of potentially using deadly force against another humna being ... and then there's the elevated awareness of your whole environment, as well as gaining an understanding of strategy/tactics which may be necessary to preserve your life, the lives of your loved ones, etc., etc..
With all of these things taken into due consideration, does a .38 Spl short-barreled, 5-shot revolver seem 'acceptable' for my anticipated needs in many circumstances? Yes ... but then, that's only me.
I see a lot of folks that are probably kidding themselves about being 'adequately armed' when they're carrying a full-size, high-capacity "fighting handgun" chambered in some respectable "combat caliber", too ...
If I have to go through some dangerous doorway somewhere ... (is there another kind, BTW?) ... I'm more concerned about the reliability of my personal weapon ... and the skills, abilities and experience of the partner beside/behind me. Give me the experienced veteran armed with a Model 10 .38 Spl, over the inexperienced, enthusiastic "I-just-came-back-from-advanced-street/combat-aggressive/mental-warrior-combat-dynamics-school", any day, even if carrying some legendary piece of firearms hardware worshipped in the gun magazines ... (Or, preferably, with both of us experienced folks armed with AR's and/or 870's ).
The venerable S&W J-frame .38 Spl snubnose has benefitted from some great improvements in both production and ammunition, but it's not the easiest handgun for many folks to use, either on a regular range, or under stress.
It's not for everybody, or perhaps not even for many folks ... although I still find it a useful choice for many off-duty circumstances and activities, unless a larger, more powerful .357 Magnum wheelgun, or a pistol chambered in 9mm/.40 S&W/.45 ACP, is potentially more appropriate. Just depends ...
I no longer offer argument or disagreement to those folks that subscribe to the "not comfortable, but comforting" thinking, as if it were some sort of mantra ... when it comes to selecting a lawfully concealed handgun. It's more of a yes, no or sometimes issue for me, not black and white and engraved in stone. My choice, anyway ...
The ability to have a sufficiently reliable, accurate and 'powerful' defensive handgun at hand when its needed is important, and a lot of folks sometimes seem willing to carry a 5-shot J-frame when they might otherwise go unarmed.
Risk assessment, informed decision and acceptable compromise, and all that ...
And, of course, training, training & more training ...
I'll never disagree that sometimes a bigger handgun is better idea, either. Just depends ...
That being said, I just ordered a new Airweight (M37), to add to my collection of a 649 (old style), 642-1 and a SP-101 DAO.
I won't offer my usual responses to this question, since I've pretty much written it repeatedly in other threads of a similar topic ... but instead, I'll offer these thoughts this time ...
If bullets are flying in your general or specific direction, I doubt any gun is going to 'feel' like it's 'enough gun' ... unless it's large and sturdy enough to also be used as cover.
I think many folks may potentially risk being somewhat disillusioned, or perhaps are deluding themselves a bit (albeit intentionally or unintentially), if they 'feel comforted' by the mere presence of some defensive handgun, regardless of caliber/make/model/capacity/design ... unless they've acquired the necessary knowledge, experience, skills, shooting & handling techniques with their chosen defensive handgun, and spend a reasonable amount of time maintaining those perishable skills.
Then, there's the whole issue regarding learning about the lawful use of force issue, as well as understanding the maintenance requirements of the chosen firearm ... and understanding the mental/psychological issues of potentially using deadly force against another humna being ... and then there's the elevated awareness of your whole environment, as well as gaining an understanding of strategy/tactics which may be necessary to preserve your life, the lives of your loved ones, etc., etc..
With all of these things taken into due consideration, does a .38 Spl short-barreled, 5-shot revolver seem 'acceptable' for my anticipated needs in many circumstances? Yes ... but then, that's only me.
I see a lot of folks that are probably kidding themselves about being 'adequately armed' when they're carrying a full-size, high-capacity "fighting handgun" chambered in some respectable "combat caliber", too ...
If I have to go through some dangerous doorway somewhere ... (is there another kind, BTW?) ... I'm more concerned about the reliability of my personal weapon ... and the skills, abilities and experience of the partner beside/behind me. Give me the experienced veteran armed with a Model 10 .38 Spl, over the inexperienced, enthusiastic "I-just-came-back-from-advanced-street/combat-aggressive/mental-warrior-combat-dynamics-school", any day, even if carrying some legendary piece of firearms hardware worshipped in the gun magazines ... (Or, preferably, with both of us experienced folks armed with AR's and/or 870's
).The venerable S&W J-frame .38 Spl snubnose has benefitted from some great improvements in both production and ammunition, but it's not the easiest handgun for many folks to use, either on a regular range, or under stress.
It's not for everybody, or perhaps not even for many folks ... although I still find it a useful choice for many off-duty circumstances and activities, unless a larger, more powerful .357 Magnum wheelgun, or a pistol chambered in 9mm/.40 S&W/.45 ACP, is potentially more appropriate. Just depends ...
I no longer offer argument or disagreement to those folks that subscribe to the "not comfortable, but comforting" thinking, as if it were some sort of mantra ... when it comes to selecting a lawfully concealed handgun. It's more of a yes, no or sometimes issue for me, not black and white and engraved in stone. My choice, anyway ...
The ability to have a sufficiently reliable, accurate and 'powerful' defensive handgun at hand when its needed is important, and a lot of folks sometimes seem willing to carry a 5-shot J-frame when they might otherwise go unarmed.
Risk assessment, informed decision and acceptable compromise, and all that ...
And, of course, training, training & more training ...
I'll never disagree that sometimes a bigger handgun is better idea, either. Just depends ...
That being said, I just ordered a new Airweight (M37), to add to my collection of a 649 (old style), 642-1 and a SP-101 DAO.
"If today is the day you have to defend your life with a firearm which one would you prefer to be doing it with? the .38 snub, or the .45?"
if we know today is the day, can't i bring something much bigger than a 45?
like a shot gun or an ak or better yet stay home. (with all of the above)
for every day cary I'll stick to my smith snubby
if we know today is the day, can't i bring something much bigger than a 45?
like a shot gun or an ak or better yet stay home. (with all of the above)
for every day cary I'll stick to my smith snubby
HighVelocity
Member
I like this thread, excellent comments
I get to say this twice in one week, "My Middle Name is J-Frame".
A snubby wheelgun is almost always with me. Sometimes as primary but more often as a bug.
When it's all I have though, I feel just the same as when I'm carrying a 5" 1911 or my G29. When I pull the trigger it's going to go bang and the bullets are going where I aim. Period.
At one time I did wonder if the snubby was enough gun considering a recent rise in area violent crime but I got over it.
The gun isn't the only tool in the bag. I can run like hell, yell like an angry bear and I know how to use the gas pedal.
Hopefully, I'll never have to fire a gun to defend myself or a loved one but the tool is there if I need it and if that tool happens to be a 38 snub it'll do just fine.
I get to say this twice in one week, "My Middle Name is J-Frame".
A snubby wheelgun is almost always with me. Sometimes as primary but more often as a bug.
When it's all I have though, I feel just the same as when I'm carrying a 5" 1911 or my G29. When I pull the trigger it's going to go bang and the bullets are going where I aim. Period.
At one time I did wonder if the snubby was enough gun considering a recent rise in area violent crime but I got over it.
The gun isn't the only tool in the bag. I can run like hell, yell like an angry bear and I know how to use the gas pedal.
Hopefully, I'll never have to fire a gun to defend myself or a loved one but the tool is there if I need it and if that tool happens to be a 38 snub it'll do just fine.
fastbolt
Member
Interesting that this thread popped up as active again today ...
I took a new Airweight to the range today to check it out and qualify with it.
Another one of our guys happened to have brought his new Airlite to the range for the same reason.
Yet another fellow took an interest in my Airweight. He's a firearms-savvy fellow, you could say, and he's been involved in a couple of shooting situations. FWIW, he was carrying a different caliber semiauto pistol in each situation, both of which were 'more powerful' than a .38 Spl. He's a revolver enthusiast, and has been known to carry them off-duty, including a steel-framed 640. After handling and trying my newest Airweight he's decided to pick one up for himself.
Tomorrow I'll be back working with a fellow who carries a 442 as an approved back-up weapon ... and which he also uses as an off-duty weapon. It replaced a couple of compact semiautos serving in that capacity ... one in 9mm and one in .40 S&W. He's another fellow who enjoys shooting, and is serious about training. Spends some of his off weekends participating in IDPA. Spent some extra range sessions training and practicing with his new Airweight. Good shooter.
Each time I look around me I see more and more folks carrying J-frames, and mostly chambered in .38 Spl ... and a significant number of them are guys I'd consider pretty decently skilled handgunners, and who have a selection of other 'more powerful' handguns from which to choose when it comes to carrying defensive weapons off-duty.
Lately I've been thinking I might like to add a 638 to my working collection of J-frames ... for those increasingly frequent days on which I don't feel like carrying one of my 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP's. Just depends.
I took a new Airweight to the range today to check it out and qualify with it.
Another one of our guys happened to have brought his new Airlite to the range for the same reason.
Yet another fellow took an interest in my Airweight. He's a firearms-savvy fellow, you could say, and he's been involved in a couple of shooting situations. FWIW, he was carrying a different caliber semiauto pistol in each situation, both of which were 'more powerful' than a .38 Spl. He's a revolver enthusiast, and has been known to carry them off-duty, including a steel-framed 640. After handling and trying my newest Airweight he's decided to pick one up for himself.
Tomorrow I'll be back working with a fellow who carries a 442 as an approved back-up weapon ... and which he also uses as an off-duty weapon. It replaced a couple of compact semiautos serving in that capacity ... one in 9mm and one in .40 S&W. He's another fellow who enjoys shooting, and is serious about training. Spends some of his off weekends participating in IDPA. Spent some extra range sessions training and practicing with his new Airweight. Good shooter.
Each time I look around me I see more and more folks carrying J-frames, and mostly chambered in .38 Spl ... and a significant number of them are guys I'd consider pretty decently skilled handgunners, and who have a selection of other 'more powerful' handguns from which to choose when it comes to carrying defensive weapons off-duty.
Lately I've been thinking I might like to add a 638 to my working collection of J-frames ... for those increasingly frequent days on which I don't feel like carrying one of my 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP's.
Just depends.- Status
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