The awesome .38 SPL
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I have introduced many a new handgun shooter to handgun shooting with a 38 special. 5 years ago, police positive specials, official polices and plain Smith K frames were obtainable for $200, now add 100 to 150 to that fugure. Brass was almost give away. With a cast bullet reload, ammo costs about .05 per round. At least one 38 goes to the range when I am shooting pistols no matter what the flavor is that day.
CajunBass
Member
I like the 38 also. Easy and cheap to load I generally shoot 148 gr wadcutters, or 158 gr RNFP.
One of my favorites. 1955, 5 screw, M&P.
One of my favorites. 1955, 5 screw, M&P.
wlewisiii
Member
I sold my last model 10 for a Mauser C96. That was a mistake. That M&P was a 1000 times the firearm that broom-handle was. I will get another nice blue steel, preferably pencil barrel, Model 10 and I will never let go of it.
Arkansas Paul
Member
I'm a new convert, but the .38 Spl is becoming a fast favorite. It's easy to load for. I cast for it to, so I'm shooting it for darn near free. Got a Taurus 82 and like it a lot. The double action trigger is so-so but the single action is very very sweet.
Panzerschwein
member
I have a S&W M37 airweight and let me tell you it is sweet as cherry pie. I love classic snub nose revolvers, and have my eyes peeled for a later model Colt detective special.
Nothing but love for the .38 special here. I own more guns in this caliber than any other and more often than not it is what I take to the range while my high capacity bottom feeders stay home. I reload .38 special throughout the year and agree with an earlier post that the caliber is capable of 95% of what I use a handgun for. My own EDC is a S&W 642 and my spouse has a 442.
dhcustomwork
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The .38 is also quickly becoming my favorite. Such a versatile round. I shoot it it seems almost exclusively in my .357 single actions and absolutely love my old Colt Police Positive. Find myself now always searching for my next one and my wife even wants her own to learn with and carry. Gotta love that!
Here's my '21 PP:
Here's my '21 PP:
rodinal220
Member
You cant beat a .38 spl. I learned on wheel guns first,I'm glad I did.Trying to properly control a DA trigger pull can be daunting for most. I love using my vintage Austin Behlert customized PPC/Bianchi Model 10 to smoke some of the semi-auto pistoleros on local matches. A very versatile reloaders cartridge and extremely accurate,it can do so much.
Spade5
Member
I am so happy to see this posting. I have an early 92F Beretta 9mm that takes care of any high capacity needs I might have but as far as I am concerned, you can forget it as a carry gun. When I first got it years ago an old guy who was about my current age looked at the Beretta and said this must be for people who miss a lot. Right he was.
I have a S&W model 64-2 and a 686-4 in 357 and normally shoot 38spl out of both. The trigger isn't nearly as smooth on the 686 so I usually shoot single action but the 64 goes both ways.
Every time I open up the safe, I pick up the 64. It just seems so right in my hand. Simple to operate, well balanced and will still be functioning long after I am gone. I put it back and take the Beretta to the range.
I have been really thinking about a new auto loader with the double action triggers in 9mm but cannot decide between the Glock 26 or Springfield Armory XD sub compact. Why these two guns? I am really trying to get as close to the simplicity and size of the model 64 but with more rounds in the gun.
I think I am going to pick up a couple of speed loaders for the 64 and maybe change the factory wood grips and then practice loading with the speed loader just in case. Then I am going to go to the range and probably fall in love with the 64 all over again.
The only downside I can see besides less capacity is possible lead discharge from where the cylinder meets the barrel. I think this area is called the cone. I guess if you shot enough on an inside range, lead could be an issue.
I sure am glad I saw this thread. Now I don't have to fork over $600-700 for a new gun.
I have a S&W model 64-2 and a 686-4 in 357 and normally shoot 38spl out of both. The trigger isn't nearly as smooth on the 686 so I usually shoot single action but the 64 goes both ways.
Every time I open up the safe, I pick up the 64. It just seems so right in my hand. Simple to operate, well balanced and will still be functioning long after I am gone. I put it back and take the Beretta to the range.
I have been really thinking about a new auto loader with the double action triggers in 9mm but cannot decide between the Glock 26 or Springfield Armory XD sub compact. Why these two guns? I am really trying to get as close to the simplicity and size of the model 64 but with more rounds in the gun.
I think I am going to pick up a couple of speed loaders for the 64 and maybe change the factory wood grips and then practice loading with the speed loader just in case. Then I am going to go to the range and probably fall in love with the 64 all over again.
The only downside I can see besides less capacity is possible lead discharge from where the cylinder meets the barrel. I think this area is called the cone. I guess if you shot enough on an inside range, lead could be an issue.
I sure am glad I saw this thread. Now I don't have to fork over $600-700 for a new gun.
tubeshooter
Contributing Member
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- 2,142
For me, most of the downside regarding the old .38 Special are rooted in its popularity and long history.
The round is so successful and popular that it is among the first to get scarce when ammo starts drying up. Also, with all the old guns out there, many factory loads are on the light side.
That's about it...
To me, that's a testament to the round's high regard. It is a victim of its own success.
The round is so successful and popular that it is among the first to get scarce when ammo starts drying up. Also, with all the old guns out there, many factory loads are on the light side.
That's about it...
To me, that's a testament to the round's high regard. It is a victim of its own success.
gmh1013
Member
Im a huge fan of the .38! One of the best all purpose rounds ever along with 9mm and .45.
Ive carried a .38 Ruger and Colt Diamondback for years.
Summer is LCR and winter is Colt time.
The Colt is getting so valuable I really dont want to carry anymore and look for a Smith Model 19 2.5 or Browning BDA
Ive carried a .38 Ruger and Colt Diamondback for years.
Summer is LCR and winter is Colt time.
The Colt is getting so valuable I really dont want to carry anymore and look for a Smith Model 19 2.5 or Browning BDA
Zaydok Allen
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- Feb 12, 2011
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- 13,274
Yep!!! the .38 is a fantastic round! Love shooting it, and I carry it regularly.
Carry a .38 daily. Also find it an enjoyable round generally to shoot. I've fired this caliber outdoors without hearing protection on an occasion just once and found the noise "tolerable". with its moderate recoil and with today's loadings it's a fine choice for a civilian a conceal carry round. Most of my revolvers are 357 magnum chambered but most rounds fired are .38's.
I was always a .357 Mag. fan until I picked up a couple revolvers in 38spl. the other year.
I started all this with the idea to get a self defense pistol for my Mom, found these guys for $230 a pop and figured "Well, if Mom doesn't like it she can let the GrandKids shoot it when they get a little older. Ya know what, Sis. could use one too and Wife doesn't like shooting the GP100 soo much.... awe heck, give me three of 'em!"
One went to my Mom, one to my Sister, and my Wife got the last one.
It took me just one afternoon to fall in love with the S&W Model 64.
Just as a little FYI; Speer Gold Dot 135 grain Short Barrel 38spl+P averaged 1002 fps over 6 shots out of one of these revolvers.
I started all this with the idea to get a self defense pistol for my Mom, found these guys for $230 a pop and figured "Well, if Mom doesn't like it she can let the GrandKids shoot it when they get a little older. Ya know what, Sis. could use one too and Wife doesn't like shooting the GP100 soo much.... awe heck, give me three of 'em!"
One went to my Mom, one to my Sister, and my Wife got the last one.
It took me just one afternoon to fall in love with the S&W Model 64.
Just as a little FYI; Speer Gold Dot 135 grain Short Barrel 38spl+P averaged 1002 fps over 6 shots out of one of these revolvers.
Well, I'll be the first to disagree. 
I have 17 revolvers and not a single one is a 38 Special. I do shoot 38s out of some of my 357s. Especially when I take new shooters to the range. The model 66 shooting 38s is a great gun to start people out with. Guess I never saw the point of getting a 38 though since a 357 can do everything the 38 can plus a lot more.
I have 17 revolvers and not a single one is a 38 Special. I do shoot 38s out of some of my 357s. Especially when I take new shooters to the range. The model 66 shooting 38s is a great gun to start people out with. Guess I never saw the point of getting a 38 though since a 357 can do everything the 38 can plus a lot more.
loose noose
Member
I do agree, nothing quite as versatile as .38 Special, as I've got 5 of them, 3 are 38 Special and 2 are 357 Magnum.
U-235
Member
The gun I most frequently carry is a 642 in my front pocket. I own a .380, 9mm, .357, various .40's and a .45. I almost always reach for the .38 Special when I am heading out.
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