Medium-Bore Match-Up: .38 Special vs 9mm

[Annihilator]

Interesting read on the .38 special vs the 9mm. Both are great choices for defense and there are many great guns for both of these cartridges.

Medium-Bore Match-Up: .38 Special vs 9mm

Is there much to the .38 Special vs 9mm debate? Yeah, but the talking points for each cartridge aren't what you'd think.

gundigest.com

 

[KillerFord1977]

Still sucks to be shot with either one

 

[835mag]

I’ll take my Hellcat over my LCR in a gunfight anytime.

 

[Sld1959]

Have both , use both, but when push comes to shove I am a big believer in the revolver... and if I could only have one, it would be the .357/38 revolver

 

[Oaktree45]

Both are very capable rounds but for me it's not about those two cartridges, it's about capacity. I'll take the high round capacity of something like the 9mm Hellcat versus a 5 or 6 round 38 Special revolver.

 

[KillerFord1977]

1911’s, most .380’s, and some 9mm have the 7 round (ish) capacity . Especially in restricted 10 rd states for 9mm.
Averages out the capacity issue.
Makes revolver as appealing, especially if you can chamber the .357 in the .38 rig

 

[Annihilator]

To me, round placement is more important then round count, just me, I have felt very safe when I carried my Bulldog .44 special with only 5 rounds. I always practice shot placement when I do go out and practice

 

[Sld1959]

To me, round placement is more important then round count, just me, I have felt very safe when I carried my Bulldog .44 special with only 5 rounds. I always practice shot placement when I do go out and practice

Yes, also include bad breath belly gun range reliability and I feel comfortable with a .38 or 357 jframe.

 

[javbike]

Thanks anni good read I have both my smith and Wesson 640 is pretty reliable but so are my 9s

 

[somorris]

Thanks for the link, Anni. I guess we will just have to carry both!

 

[wmg1299]

Thanks for the link, Anni. I guess we will just have to carry both!

That's my preferred solution. Especially in cold weather. That's when I go with a J-frame in an outer jacket pocket and my 9mm EDC in my waistband.

 

[KillerFord1977]

To me, round placement is more important then round count, just me, I have felt very safe when I carried my Bulldog .44 special with only 5 rounds. I always practice shot placement when I do go out and practice

 

[HansGruber]

So…

I’m just not that guy who worries about capacity (or caliber). When you look at the data…you begin to realize that capacity & caliber are pretty much a “schwanz” measuring contest, because in the vast majority of armed encounters...they’re irrelevant.

I start to look at actual use scenarios.

And the fact is…I can run (because I’ve practiced it) a revolver inside a pocket, without drawing it…which will jam an auto. And I can see more real-world situations where this capability wil give me a much greater advantage than a bunch of bullets that I likely won’t need ever will.

So; gimme the .38, in a J-frame, any day.

 

[javbike]

So…

I’m just not that guy who worries about capacity (or caliber). When you look at the data…you begin to realize that capacity & caliber are pretty much a “schwanz” measuring contest, because in the vast majority of armed encounters...they’re irrelevant.

I start to look at actual use scenarios.

And the fact is…I can run (because I’ve practiced it) a revolver inside a pocket, without drawing it…which will jam an auto. And I can see more real-world situations where this capability wil give me a much greater advantage than a bunch of bullets that I likely won’t need ever will.

So; gimme the .38, in a J-frame, any day.

You know Hans is the two springs in the j frame Hard to change out ?

 

[HansGruber]

You know Hans is the two springs in the j frame Hard to change out ?

No, not if you take your time.

 

[somorris]

I know about concealeed carry, but had never thought much about concealed "shootie" until reading Hans' post.

 

[HansGruber]

I know about concealeed carry, but had never thought much about concealed "shootie" until reading Hans' post.

It’s not a tactic you want to use without practice; you are completely point shooting.

It’s also a great way to learn what it’s like to be on fire (pro tip: don’t use a cheap synthetic lined windbreaker when practicing).

But…it also allows you to be in a possible conflict situation with your hand already on your weapon, and pointed at your potential assailant(s) without them knowing it…which will put you WAY ahead of the curve.

 

[Sld1959]

It’s not a tactic you want to use without practice; you are completely point shooting.

It’s also a great way to learn what it’s like to be on fire (pro tip: don’t use a cheap synthetic lined windbreaker when practicing).

But…it also allows you to be in a possible conflict situation with your hand already on your weapon, and pointed at your potential assailant(s) without them knowing it…which will put you WAY ahead of the curve.

Lol, it is an interesting feeling knowing you just purposefully set your own clothing on fire. Polar fleece melts real well too. But you are quite correct, it has be practiced.