THINK .38 SPECIAL (NOT .357)

[Offhand McFlan]

I dont know where you live but in my neck of the woods 40 is still predominant. Very likely states which kiss federal ass are the ones switching.

 

[Kleanbore]

I honestly think most P.D.'s would be better off with 9mm's these days too. In today's street wars with today's firearms, more ammo is the paradigm. They have to follow suit.

What do you think has changed in "today's street wars" that you believe has affected what is necessary to stop an attacker?

This has nothing to do with my believing a single 357 is bit more likely to put someone down than a single 9mm.

Where, except in screen fiction and in some people's imaginations, would that be a meaningful comparison?

 

[Offhand McFlan]

In today's street wars people are reliably able to fling a hell of a lot of bullets without having to reload. You seem very confused about some of my posts. Nowhere did I ever say that it takes any more or less to shut down a human body than it did 40 years ago. I fail to understand why you are so fixated on interpreting what I say in this way.

Both good guys and bad guys have transitioned into crazy mag-dumping as opposed to taking more careful shots. Cops do it and bad guys often do it alike, regardless of training. This becomes extremely suppressive and the only way you're going realistically compete unless you're VERY good or VERY lucky...is by following suit and shooting back much in the same way.

Given my druthers I sure wouldn't venture through gang territory with a 38 snubby over a Glock (even though I dont really like Glocks). Standing at a vacant bus stop at 11pm, parking my car at a park and ride, checking out a thump by my shed, going to the ATM... I might prefer the 357. Real people make similar choices every day for practical reasons. For me, those reasons are the simplicity of the gun, the effectiveness of the round, and the environment I'll potentially defend myself in. Those are real parameters, not a movie.

In movies they shoot 17 bad guys with 17 rounds and they all die instantly.

 

[UncleEd]

"Street wars"

I can't recall any news reports of street gangs
and a bunch of cops trading shots like it's
a well-known war zone such as Syria today
or sometimes Afghanistan. Not even huge race
riots of the distant past featured such shootouts.

In the last 30 or more years only two "classic" shootouts
come to mind, the North Hollywood one (1997) involving
two gunmen and before that the Miami FBI fight (mid 1980s)
against two killers.

 

[Offhand McFlan]

I don't know what level of grandeur you could possibly be attempting to take my words, places like Vegas, Chicago and L.A. have gangs who are at "war" with each other for territory or new recruits...and frequently shoot at each other. Sometimes cops are brought into the middle of it. All you need is 5 or 6 people, regardless of affiliation, shooting at each other for a few minutes with high-capacity handguns and well over 50 rounds could easily be exchanged with fluidity. The only reason the "classic" shootouts you mentioned became so documented is because they had game-changing significance to LE. Every week in the U.S. there are shootouts between gangs and gangs, or bad guys and cops where quite a few bullets are fired. You're unlikely to see them all make national news unless there is a socio-political reason for it.

 

[Kleanbore]

Both good guys and bad guys have transitioned into crazy mag-dumping as opposed to taking more careful shots. Cops do it and bad guys often do it alike, regardless of training. This becomes extremely suppressive and the only way you're going realistically compete unless you're VERY good or VERY lucky...is by following suit and shooting back much in the same way.

Can you cite recent actual examples of police officers "crazy magdumping as apposed to taking more careful shred for shots" and engaging in suppressive rife without being disciplined or charged or indicted for recklessness?

Can you explain how doing so would enable them to "realistically compete"?

 

[Kleanbore]

Back to the topic--if one concludes that six shots will serve, my non-expert opinion is that a double action .38 special revolver with something other than a snub barrel, loaded with premium defensive ammunition, makes a fine carry piece.

I wouldn't go out of my way to choose on that will chamber the .357--or one that will not. I wouldn't use the Magnum load.

Revolvers do have their advantages, but I prefer higher capacity. If I really wanted to carry a .38, I would probably go for a New York reload.

 

[ontarget]

It does seem to be one of the few fault around this forum. It has a tendency to turn almost any thread into a life or death decision thread. Some times a 38 Special is just a 38 Special...

And I do love my 38 Specials.

 

[Kleanbore]

And I do love my 38 Specials.

My favorite revolver cartridge.

 

[cfullgraf]

And I do love my 38 Specials.

Me too.

 

[Toolmaker460]

I'll never buy a 38 special when I can buy a 357 and have two calibers in one firearm. Also the 357 will most likely be a stronger build and have a better resale value.