Why .38?
- Thread starter Bandit01
- Start date
- Status
That's a good question. Unfortunately, I don't have a good answer except:
I kind of like older revolvers and have wound up with several .38s because of that. At one time, I had a nice first model M&P model of 1899 and currently have a pre wwII M&P and a 37 year old airweight chief. Then, there's nothing like an original K 38 for putting the bullets close together.
I kind of like older revolvers and have wound up with several .38s because of that. At one time, I had a nice first model M&P model of 1899 and currently have a pre wwII M&P and a 37 year old airweight chief. Then, there's nothing like an original K 38 for putting the bullets close together.
pauli
Member
as you get into lightweight snubbies, shooting 357's becomes more and more absurd.
there's just as much energy going towards you as away from you when you shoot... gotta have enough mass to dampen that.
there's just as much energy going towards you as away from you when you shoot... gotta have enough mass to dampen that.
Nick1911
Member
Because the S&W 642 is in .38 
popbang
Member
I have three 38's I had no intentions of shooting 357 magnums, so purchased these for 38. It comes down to why buy a 9mm when there are 40 s&w out there. Each of us chooses what we want and what we will buy. I have no need for 357 magnums maybe.
I have a snub nose .357, that I use as my daily pistol. I am a reloader and I'll admit, I don't use the same rounds in that pistol as I do in my S&W 686 due to the recoil but the rounds that I shoot out of that are still considered "hot". Outside of older revolvers and maybe snub nose's, I still don't see the point.
As for the person that made the compasion btwn 9mm and .40, I personally hate both of those calibers. My first pistol was a Walther P99 (9mm), I sold it after 6 months. I don't like those caibers, rather, I like to shoot 10mm.
Buying a .38 now a days is like buying a VCR.
As for the person that made the compasion btwn 9mm and .40, I personally hate both of those calibers. My first pistol was a Walther P99 (9mm), I sold it after 6 months. I don't like those caibers, rather, I like to shoot 10mm.
Buying a .38 now a days is like buying a VCR.
for one thing, the ones for 38's tend to be smaller and lighter. Go to most decent sized gun stores and you'll find a bunch of those little scandium framed 357's that somebody got, fired about twice and sold when they realized how unpleasant they were going to be to shoot. Even plus P 38's can be pretty snappy in a light enough gun. 38's and snubbie's just go together. The 38 is a classic, and has accounted for one hell of alot of dead badguys over the years. Nothing against the 357--I have one of those too most of the time. But I've got several 38's...
38 snubbies and 1911's in 45...can't have too many
38 snubbies and 1911's in 45...can't have too many
MICHAEL T
Member
Well I like old cars ,VCR's ,reel to reel tapes and real records. Oh I like 38 spl also. and 1911A1.. I also have rabbit ears on all my tv's and none larger than a 21"
Sharps Shooter
Member
"Buying a .38 now a days is like buying a VCR."
That's for sure. I can't figure out why they even build .357 snubbies, much less why anyone buys them.
That's for sure. I can't figure out why they even build .357 snubbies, much less why anyone buys them.
Sistema1927
Member
Few guns feel better in the hand than a K-Frame S&W in .38.
Both the older Model 10 and Model 64 with a pencil barrel are simply elegant and extremely accurate as well. Why the .38? It is a personal thing.
Both the older Model 10 and Model 64 with a pencil barrel are simply elegant and extremely accurate as well. Why the .38? It is a personal thing.
The .38 Special gets a bad rap. Heck, I contributed to it. But with the right load, the round is a gem because of the platforms one can find to launch it.
Then again, I am madly in love with my Detective Special and would be even if had come in 9mm.
Size, elegance, customization opportunities. . .the question in my mind is why does anyone use pocket pistols when they can get a snub?
Then again, I am madly in love with my Detective Special and would be even if had come in 9mm.
Size, elegance, customization opportunities. . .the question in my mind is why does anyone use pocket pistols when they can get a snub?
fiVe
Member
I would like to second what Jim Keenan, Nick1911, WT, thowell, scubie02, grimjaw, SharpsShooter, and Sistema1927 said.
I have determined that .38 caliber revolvers are what feels right for me. My S&W 642 is the perfect fit for how, when, & where I carry. And I think it is almost impossible to dispute the tactical positives (.38spl +P/lightweight/hammerless) of this snub nose.
Just my thoughts.
R/fiVe
I have determined that .38 caliber revolvers are what feels right for me. My S&W 642 is the perfect fit for how, when, & where I carry. And I think it is almost impossible to dispute the tactical positives (.38spl +P/lightweight/hammerless) of this snub nose.
Just my thoughts.
R/fiVe
I think gistar went away, for I cannot find him anywhere now to debate.
This does, however, save room on my ignore list.
I find .38 Special to be a useful and less expensive target round for my .357 revolver, but sometimes I don't want the bulk of a .357 revolver. Some very attractive (IMO) revolvers are chambered for .38 Special, but this doesn't detract from their usefulness as a self-defense weapon.
I haven't been won over to the S&W 642 crowd yet, but it's mainly because I can't find one to rent or try out first!
jmm
This does, however, save room on my ignore list.
I find .38 Special to be a useful and less expensive target round for my .357 revolver, but sometimes I don't want the bulk of a .357 revolver. Some very attractive (IMO) revolvers are chambered for .38 Special, but this doesn't detract from their usefulness as a self-defense weapon.
I haven't been won over to the S&W 642 crowd yet, but it's mainly because I can't find one to rent or try out first!
jmm
fiVe
Member
grimjaw: Take the plunge, you won't be disappointed.
LeonCarr
Member
Because it is a pain in the butt to remove the lead rings from a .357 cylinder after shooting .38s.
By the way, I have a S&W Model 64 .38 for sale in the classifieds.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
By the way, I have a S&W Model 64 .38 for sale in the classifieds
.Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Ridge
Member
I agree that many a bad guy has fallen due to the good old 38. Special.
I wouldn't go anywhere without my trusty Model 10.
I wouldn't go anywhere without my trusty Model 10.
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
When I carried .357s, I always loaded them with .38 +P stuff anyway...faster shot recovery, less recoil, and still more than adequate ballistics.
Then I started asking myself why I pay a premium for Magnum K frames when all I use in them is .38 Special anyway, so now I carry a Model 10.
The K frame and the .38 Special are a perfect match. I can shoot anything from powderpuff traget wadcutters to +P+ defense loads without stressing the gun or my wrist. Also, .38 Special is very accurate (more so out of dedicated .38s than out of .357s), it's a low-pressure cartridge that's easy on ears and gun, and it's been getting the job done just fine for over a hundred years.
Then I started asking myself why I pay a premium for Magnum K frames when all I use in them is .38 Special anyway, so now I carry a Model 10.
The K frame and the .38 Special are a perfect match. I can shoot anything from powderpuff traget wadcutters to +P+ defense loads without stressing the gun or my wrist. Also, .38 Special is very accurate (more so out of dedicated .38s than out of .357s), it's a low-pressure cartridge that's easy on ears and gun, and it's been getting the job done just fine for over a hundred years.
nero45acp
Member
+1 Majic!!!
nero
nero
If you don't have any intention of ever shooting .357 out of a gun then it makes perfect sense. Some shooters are recoil sensitive. Why pay more for a "feature" that you will never use?
Also, there are just some guns that you pick up and they bond with you. As soon as you shoulder it you know that you "need" it. If someone picks up an old .38 and they get that feeling, then I say it is their duty as an American to buy that handgun.
Also, there are just some guns that you pick up and they bond with you. As soon as you shoulder it you know that you "need" it. If someone picks up an old .38 and they get that feeling, then I say it is their duty as an American to buy that handgun.
- Status
