The "Powerful" .38 Special (Not A Caliber War)

[BigG]

Thain - I read the Browning 1910 used in the Archduke's assassination was in 9mm Kurz.

 

[Longbow]

There was an incident a few years ago (1999?), were some wako shot up two security guards in the capitol. He was using a .38 spl (model 10?). Both guards was using 9mm beretta. One guard died, the wako lived, even after being hit multiple times by the guards.

 

[cookekdjr]

I've wondered before if the idea of what constitutes "powerful" is different in modern times because the average person is bigger today than they were 60 years ago.

Well, the average person today is certainly fatter. Probably alot weaker, through. The average person 60 years ago did alot more manual labor, and was probably stronger. So the person holding the gun was more likely to have a firm grip, and the person shot was probably in better shape.
I think the reason the .38 was called "powerful" is that it is so effective. Folks who decry the 9mm usually say, if you have to use it, go with the 147gr loads...which are more like the .38 158gr +p loads than the run-of-the-mill 115-124gr 9mm loads.
I cannot recall a shooting I've prosecuted where the person was shot with a .38...and lived. Keep in mind, I have not had many cases with .38's, just a handful. Hundreds of 9mm/.40/.45/.357 etc, but very little .38.
Effective every time, though.
-David

 

[Dr.Rob]

.38 Special and .38/44 loads available for the SW heavy duty and Colt New Service were indeed by all accounts, 'powerful' and a 38 Special was a lot more gun than a .32 SW Long.

 

[MDG1976]

If you carry +p in you .38 snubbie, relax. If the bullet fails to stop the bad guy, the muzzle blast & flash will certainly scare him to death.