need help with first snub-nose revolver

[gunflask]

I'm looking to get a revolver so I can use it as a back-up and/or for quick trips to the store. I'm thinking of getting a revolver in a .38 special caliber or .357 magnum. I know the .357 is definitely an excellent or the ultimate caliber in self-defense. I have a glock 19 and officer size 1911 .45acp. I'm confident in a 9mm luger and the .45 acp as a self-defense round, but is the
.38 special a good self-defense round? thanks

 

[rcmodel]

As good as the 9mm with the right ammo.

Try Speer Gold-Dot 135 grain Short-Barrel.

rcmodel

 

[glockman19]

is the .38 special a good self-defense round?

? of course it is. I carry both S&W 442/642 with either Speer Gold Dot's or Federal Hysra Shok's.

 

[Dismantler]

One of the nicer things about .38 ammo is that it comes in all power levels from target wadcutters to the hottest +P's. And there are all kinds of bullet choices from round nosed lead to the most advanced hollow points. You can certainly find something for your individual wants and needs.

 

[Bacchus]

One thing to keep is mind is that if you get a 357, you can use it for 38s, too. Snubs in 357 hold their value a little more than those in 38.

 

[tblt]

get a hammerless smith or taurus and shoot hydra-shok's or speer and you will be good.I have a taurus model 85 and ground my hammer off.I think smith is a better gun but there aluminum frame is about the same as the taurus aluminum frame. IMO

 

[ScratchnDent]

I use a lightweight .38 snub for the same purposes you mentioned, gunflask. I spent lots of money on all the different premium defensive ammo and shot it into phone books and water jugs in my back yard. Not exactly scientific, but it did seem to indicate that snubby .38's don't really generate the necessary velocity for reliable expansion. I switched to carrying 158 gr LSWC handloaded to max standard pressures, and I don't feel undergunned at all now.

 

[tblt]

SCRATCHNDENT
Did you ever shoot federal hydra-shok 110gr or speer 135gr +p when you did your tests??

 

[Dismantler]

There was a test done by Combat Handguns magazine a few issues back. I did not buy it, so I cannot quote. They ran a whole bunch of different +P's out of some snubbies, and they did not expand at all. Not enough velocity.

I carry wadcutters. I like the modest recoil in my 442, and I am not concerned about overpenetration. I like the flat bullet face, too.