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  #1  
Old 04-20-2017, 05:49 PM
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.38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC  
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Default .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC

Here's Paul Harrell, who is quite knowledgeable, on the subject.
He makes some excellent points.
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Old 04-20-2017, 06:40 PM
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Nothing new. Nothing is a 100% and everything is a trade off. However, for me, untill revolvers are made with big enough grips to comfortably hold and conceal they won't be a serious consideration for me. Just last week I did both semi auto and revolver side by side.

This is a condensed version

1) Gen 2 Glock 17. . Shooting Aguila ammo at 7 and 15 yards. First 5 shot group with one flyer. Second picture is from 15 yards.



2) G43 9mm. . Again, started at 7 The final target was at 12 yards. And a picture of the target at that distance. The last target picture is both boxes of ammo.



3) G23. Gen 4 First 5 rounds at 7 yards. Second 5 moved back to 10-12 yards. In the 3rd target I had moved all the way back and was trying to see where the POI/POA was..






4) 10-6 snub. shooting slow at 7 yards, in fact I never left the 7 yard line. Couldn't. Just look at the shot placements. Bummed and disgusted with that I moved to the 642.



5) 642. Not good either but not as bad as the 10.



6) The last one was the 13-2.





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Last edited by Arik; 04-20-2017 at 06:46 PM.
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Old 04-20-2017, 07:01 PM
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I do not think anyone would survive a couple of rounds on any target....just my thinking
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Old 04-20-2017, 07:21 PM
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Given that most self defence shootings happen inside 7 yards, and the difference in sight radius between the semi's and revolvers, I'd not want to be on the receiving end of any of those barrels.

As a member of an "unarmed" police force (we do not carry openly routinely but have access to firearms) back in the mid 90's Ioften carried a 4" Model 10 under my duty jacket at night.

And no-one ever noticed it!

These days we have Glock 17's and rarely get a second look when carrying.

Last edited by Kiwi cop; 04-20-2017 at 07:23 PM.
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Old 04-20-2017, 07:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiwi cop View Post
Given that most self defence shootings happen inside 7 yards, and the difference in sight radius between the semi's and revolvers, I'd not want to be on the receiving end of any of those barrels.

As a member of an "unarmed" police force (we do not carry openly routinely but have access to firearms) back in the mid 90's Ioften carried a 4" Model 10 under my duty jacket at night.

And no-one ever noticed it!

These days we have Glock 17's and rarely get a second look when carrying.
I know it's a whole different topic but I read about the way NZ cops carry and it's definitely different and interesting

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Old 04-22-2017, 05:55 AM
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I was generally a revolver guy, but gradually became a fan of the 9mm Parabellum. When I first was offered a Browning High Power some years ago, someone on this forum posted a picture for me of a High Power next to a three-inch barreled K-frame S&W. It was an interesting comparison. They are about the same weight, overall length and height, but the HP holds 13 rounds and has no cylinder bulge. Grips fit about any hand and the gun disappears inside a waistband. The barrel is long enough to get decent power out of the 9mm and most loads fall midway between .38 and .357 in power with low recoil and blast. Browning and Saive knew what they were doing. The only power advantage to the K-frame is with full .357 loads, which are rough on your ears and hands. The revolver is probably more mechanically accurate in SA fire, but most shooters will find the HP a better shooter in real-world scenarios. Some revolver shooters can run rings around the majority of auto shooters, but I believe most of us mortals will do better with an auto. I certainly wouldn't feel under-armed with any decent S&W revolver in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, but I think I'm better served with either my BHP or my Glock 17L for field use. The 17L, BTW, compares to a four-inch barreled revolver in the same way that the BHP compared to the three-incher, except that it weighs a lot less, and has the sight radius of a six-inch barreled wheelgun (and 17 rounds, to boot plus the performance advantage of a 9mm from a six-inch tube).
Just some food for thought, and your mileage may vary!
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Old 04-22-2017, 04:23 PM
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For me the issue is crystal clear. I prefer the snubby to any semi-auto for the obvious reason there are no failures to feed... ever.

Last edited by Backlighting; 04-22-2017 at 04:24 PM.
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Old 04-22-2017, 05:05 PM
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Reading the posts above it seems to have come down to a debate between 38 revolvers and 9MM semi autos. I am a revolver guy and I also like the 9MM so I compromised.

Five shot J frame 940-1

[IMG]http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a598/WCCPHD/IMG_3135_zpslunruw**.jpg[/IMG]



Six shot K frame 547



Seven shot L frame 986



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Old 04-22-2017, 07:36 PM
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.38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC .38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC  
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Pretty dang good comparison of revolvers vs semi auto. I may not agree with it 100%, but very good video. It did make me cringe watching him put loaded guns in pockets without a holster.

Of course, I carry 38 Super...

Last edited by Fred_G; 04-22-2017 at 07:38 PM.
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Old 04-22-2017, 08:38 PM
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Don't forget Charter Arm's Pitbull in 9mm: it's actually available & REA$ONABLE..

Then there's the 40 S&W version Pitbull as well!

Cheers!
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Old 04-25-2017, 07:13 AM
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I was told by a forum member on here that the cartridge that looks larger will always be more powerful and a better choice obviously in that theory 38 special should be at least 1.5x the power of 9

In all reality I will always choose 9mm over 38 unless I feel the need to put some mileage back on a revolver.

Federal HST puts 13-17" of penetration with amazing expansion in 9mm even with shorter barrels where 38 special seems to be a struggle to find a loading that has adequate penetration and consistent reliable expansion in a short barrel.

Don't get me wrong I am a fan of both
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Old 04-26-2017, 02:31 AM
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I was unfamiliar with this gentleman, but enjoyed what I thought was a Down-to-Earth and intelligent discussion of the subject. His conclusions are consistent with my own humble experience. I agree too with that part about the auto being flatter, and perhaps a bit more comfortable to carry for some of us. I know velocity and energy are not the whole story, but admit I've always been interested in such things. I have sure learned to not try to predict what the results might be before actually chronographing this or that ammo through this or that gun. Some of the Federal ammo seems to be highly regarded for duty/SD use, etc. So, I recently chronographed some 9MM Federal HST 124 grain +P, Federal Hydra-Shok 38 Spcl. 129 grain +P and a few other JHP loads I happened to have on hand in a few pistols and revolvers. The 38 +P hydra-shok averaged 763 FPS in a S&W 642 with 2" barrel, the 9MM HST averaged 1195 FPS in a S&W 940 with 2" barrel. The real surprise for me was the 9MM HST in a 3" Ruger SP-101 revolver. It averaged 1291 FPS. My 5" barreled Dan Wesson semi-auto only averaged 1236 FPS with the same 9mm HST+P ammo. See why I've learned that I cannot predict till I actually test? As I said, I know energy and velocity are not everything, but I know which load I would prefer to carry....ymmv

Attached a gratuitous photo of some of those little 9s and 38s I've been known to carry in my post workin' for a livin' years
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Old 04-26-2017, 07:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Backlighting View Post
For me the issue is crystal clear. I prefer the snubby to any semi-auto for the obvious reason there are no failures to feed... ever.
I now carry with a Ruger LC9S Pro and in well over 1000 rounds downrange I have not had one single failure of any description. About the only thing that might be considered a "defect" is that the sights are regulated for 147 grain bullets so it does shoot low with the typical 115 grain range fodder. BTW, my carry ammo is Federal's excellent 147 grain HST with 7 in the magazine and one in the chamber. So I have 8 round of excellent SD ammo ready for immediate need and another 7 in a magazine holder behind my cell phone holder.

I'll also note my previous carry choice was a 40 caliber Sig Sauer P239 and that particular pistol now has over 5000 rounds down range without one single failure.
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Old 04-26-2017, 08:29 AM
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High capacity auto loaders make sense for LEOs & military but for me,as a retiree, much too large & heavy for EDC. I'm headed out to the valor awards for my former agency and wearing a suit & tie means carrying my LCP w/a spare mag. For my daily mode of jeans & tee shirts, the M&P340 w/a spare speedstrip seems to work fine.
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Old 04-27-2017, 12:55 AM
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I prefer the 38 special between the two because my 38 special revolver is a 357 in a 686p. Now that I'm getting my CHL I'm going with a j frame for conceal carry. I like being able to exchange rounds between the two. Easier to stock ammo and I like the versatility. I like this video because it does a good job of demonstrating what I have found to be true for me with practice. I'm more accurate with the revolver after taking the time to get used to the platform, and I don't feel like I'm giving anything up to my semi autos for civilian self defense. I believe the revolver to be more reliable especially when considering the potential for muzzle contact that would jam an auto. Both are great choices, and simply a personal choice but I don't think that a revolver gives up anything to an auto for the everyday Joe.

Last edited by Blue357; 04-27-2017 at 01:03 AM.
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Old 04-27-2017, 06:03 AM
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The video is fundamentally flawed in that a 9mm snub revolver was not included AND the 7 yd distance, according to the articles I have read, is the result of FBI studies for -law enforcement- shootings not civilian.

The .38/.357 was developed over a hundred years ago as a black powder round BUT this cartridge has dispatched many many thousands of people who very much deserved to be done away with-it is after all called the great .38 or with regard to the .357, the 'cowboy cannon' BUT the 9mm snub is far more efficient. After all doesn't a shorter cartridge a longer barrel make?

Bottom line; either the great .38 or the fine 9 is all any civilian needs for concealed carry self defense-or as my wife will often say; 'semi's are for people who don't know how to shoot' and I think truer words have never been spoken-remember this is in the realm of the armed civilian.

But for those who feel the need to carry a blast master 4000-go for it and I support your decision (however misguided it is-insert winky face here)
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Old 04-27-2017, 07:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Backlighting View Post
For me the issue is crystal clear. I prefer the snubby to any semi-auto for the obvious reason there are no failures to feed... ever.
No failures to feed ever? Do you pay attention on this forum?

I see a lot of complaints of cylinder binding which is essentially the same thing
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Old 04-27-2017, 07:23 AM
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A comparison, I'll see how it xlates from Excel to postie:

Mfg Round Bullet Type Bullet Wt. Muzzle Vel Engery
Buffalo Bore .380 Standard 90 gr JHP 90 1025 210
Hornady .38 Spec 125 gr XTP 125 900 225
Remington .38 Spec 125 gr Golden Sabre 125 975 264
Buffalo Bore .380 +P 90 gr JHP 90 1200 288
Federal .38 Super 115 gr JHP 115 1130 326
Hornady 9mm Luger 124 gr XTP 124 1110 339
Remington 9mm Luger 124 gr Golden Sabre 124 1125 349
Federal 9mm Luger 115 gr JHP 115 1180 356
Hornady 357 Sig 115 gr FTX 115 1235 389
Remington .357 Magnum 125 gr Golden Sabre 125 1220 413
Remington .38 Super 130 gr FMC 130 1215 426
Buffalo Bore .38 Super +P 124 gr JHP 124 1350 502
Remington 357 Sig 125 gr Express JHP 125 1350 506
Federal 357 Sig 125 gr JHP 125 1350 506
Buffalo Bore .38 Super +P 115 gr JHP 115 1450 537
Federal .357 Magnum 125 gr JHP 125 1440 575
Hornady .357 Magnum 125 gr XTP 125 1500 624
Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum 125gr Barnes XPB 125 1650 755

We will see how it posts.
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Who hasn't tried this in a long while.

Sigh, the system pulled duplicate spaces blowing the alignments.

Last edited by Skeptic 9c; 04-27-2017 at 07:25 AM. Reason: Neatness
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Old 04-27-2017, 07:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeptic 9c View Post
A comparison, I'll see how it xlates from Excel to postie:

Mfg RoundBullet TypeBullet Wt.Muzzle VelEngery
Buffalo Bore .380 Standard90 gr JHP 901025210
Hornady .38 Spec125 gr XTP 125900225
Remington.38 Spec125 gr Golden Sabre 125975264
Buffalo Bore.380 +P90 gr JHP 901200288
Federal.38 Super115 gr JHP 1151130326
Hornady9mm Luger 124 gr XTP 1241110339
Remington9mm Luger 124 gr Golden Sabre1241125349
Federal9mm Luger 115 gr JHP 1151180356
Hornady357 Sig 115 gr FTX 1151235389
Remington.357 Magnum125 gr Golden Sabre1251220413
Remington.38 Super130 gr FMC 1301215426
Buffalo Bore.38 Super +P124 gr JHP1241350502
Remington357 Sig 125 gr Express JHP 1251350506
Federal357 Sig 125 gr JHP 1251350506
Buffalo Bore.38 Super +P115 gr JHP1151450537
Federal.357 Magnum125 gr JHP 1251440575
Hornady.357 Magnum125 gr XTP 1251500624
Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum125gr Barnes XPB1251650755

We will see how it posts.
Geoff
Who hasn't tried this in a long while.

Sigh, the system pulled duplicate spaces blowing the alignments.
Yeah I've tried posting like that with several things and it never aligns properly

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Old 04-29-2017, 11:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arik View Post
Nothing new. Nothing is a 100% and everything is a trade off. However, for me, untill revolvers are made with big enough grips to comfortably hold and conceal they won't be a serious consideration for me. Just last week I did both semi auto and revolver side by side.
I've been known to be blunt, so here goes. These comparisons are valuable for you, but meaningless for anyone else. This really is a test of your skill with each type of handgun, not a true comparison of .38 SPL vs. 9mm.
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Old 04-29-2017, 11:22 AM
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I've been known to be blunt, so here goes. These comparisons are valuable for you, but meaningless for anyone else. This really is a test of your skill with each type of handgun, not a true comparison of .38 SPL vs. 9mm.
Just like the comparisons for the guy in the video are only valuable to him. He can shoot 38 better. It's his skill with each type of handgun. In other words...it's meaningless to anyone else

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Old 04-29-2017, 04:28 PM
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[quote=scooter123;139570251]I now carry with a Ruger LC9S Pro and in well over 1000 rounds downrange I have not had one single failure of any description. About the only thing that might be considered a "defect" is that the sights are regulated for 147 grain bullets so it does shoot low with the typical 115 grain range fodder. BTW, my carry ammo is Federal's excellent 147 grain HST with 7 in the magazine and one in the chamber. So I have 8 round of excellent SD ammo ready for immediate need and another 7 in a magazine holder behind my cell phone holder.

I'll also note my previous carry choice was a 40 caliber Sig Sauer P239 and that particular pistol now has over 5000 rounds down range without one single failure.

Last edited by basbol130; 04-29-2017 at 04:29 PM.
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Old 06-09-2017, 09:44 AM
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Default Interesting video very relevant

I own a LC9s and a 360j. Almost excactly what was in the video. I think I shoot the LC9 better but the j frame good enough for 21 feet. What I use between the two guns depends mostly on how I'm carrying them and the ammo used.
I believe the host when he says most gunfights are settled in one or two rounds. Thats after the showing of a defensive arm doesnt stop the threat.
If I'm going into a gunfight, its going to be with the LC9 or a .45 with 8 rounds
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Old 06-09-2017, 10:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arik View Post
Nothing new. Nothing is a 100% and everything is a trade off. However, for me, untill revolvers are made with big enough grips to comfortably hold and conceal they won't be a serious consideration for me. Just last week I did both semi auto and revolver side by side.
I hope I don't offend you by being blunt, but your tests speak more to the skill of the shooter than they do to the capabilities of the guns. Short distance "accuracy tests" don't tell me much either.
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Old 06-09-2017, 11:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BE Mike View Post
I hope I don't offend you by being blunt, but your tests speak more to the skill of the shooter than they do to the capabilities of the guns. Short distance "accuracy tests" don't tell me much either.
Personally, he had me giggling at Aguila ammunition in an accuracy test. Clearly he has limited skill with a revolver and is getting away with a lot with the semiauto. I'll take that model 10 and eat that 43's lunch. Oh well they aren't my guns and it isn't my test. Praise God.
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Old 06-09-2017, 11:37 AM
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I decided to compromise also, I carry what the heck I want, and watch the experts heads explode.

I like to tell people I carry a 22lr just to watch the mental gymnastics.
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Old 06-09-2017, 11:41 AM
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Default Best of both Worlds ...

547 3" 9mm six shooter and 915 4" 17+1 capacity semi-auto:

Very close in size and weight the 547 and 915 are about the same to carry. Despite the three times the amount of ammo the 915 offers the 547 points and presents better and I favor that as first to fight, six rounds of 9mm +p's ought to be enough if accurately delivered.

9mm clearly puts more energy on target than .38's even +p's so I like it as a defensive round in a carry gun.


Of course the .357 trumps 9mm but muzzle blast and recoil make sustained fire much more difficult.



Firing .357 out of the AirLite PD was a one time affair for me as recoil made it both very painful and slow to sustain with any accuracy. The 340 Pro handles .357's better but I carry it with +p .38's.

Of course for me trying any revolver reload in a gunfight is a good way to get shot so anytime I carry a revolver I like a second gun for a NY reload. This is my usual choice for that:


The 3914DAO is small and light with an 8+1 9mm capacity. Makes a lot of sense as a carry gun whether back-up or primary. Just my opinion, as always YMMV.

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Old 06-09-2017, 11:43 AM
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I believe the revolver to be more reliable especially when considering the potential for muzzle contact that would jam an auto.
Valid point but.......in close quarters the bad guy could get a hand on your revolver at which point it would lock the cylinder rendering it useless. Try it sometime (with an unloaded gun of course). If you grab it at anywhere around the cylinder you can't pull it through and make the shot and it doesn't take a lot of grip strength to do. Knowing this in a reverse situation with a revolver in the bad guy's hand this could be to your advantage. With the semi you are more likely to at least get off 1 round.

Not advocating one is better than the other but just pointing out an often overlooked flaw of the revolver.
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Old 06-09-2017, 01:14 PM
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9mm clearly puts more energy on target than .38's even +p's so I like it as a defensive round in a carry gun.

Of course the .357 trumps 9mm but muzzle blast and recoil make sustained fire much more difficult.
I disagree. Special +P beats a 9mm. I like the recoil impulse of the .38 over the 9mm. So much softer. The R&D is being put into the 9mm, but I can load the Special hotter than a 9mm.

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Valid point but.......in close quarters the bad guy could get a hand on your revolver at which point it would lock the cylinder rendering it useless. Try it sometime (with an unloaded gun of course). If you grab it at anywhere around the cylinder you can't pull it through and make the shot and it doesn't take a lot of grip strength to do. Knowing this in a reverse situation with a revolver in the bad guy's hand this could be to your advantage. With the semi you are more likely to at least get off 1 round.

Not advocating one is better than the other but just pointing out an often overlooked flaw of the revolver.
The late Louis Auerbuck one stated that once a revolver has a malfunction, it will likely take it out of the fight. That's true. However, there is a lot higher chance of success with the revolver given a simpler manual of arms and less complexity.

Funny thing is that apparently 9mm Revolvers are one of the worst offenders for having kinetic bullet pulling, a potentially show stopping malfunction.
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Old 06-09-2017, 01:49 PM
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I knew a detective that carried factory 38/44 in his model 36. The performance when he used it was outstanding, and it was a soft lead round nose. 38 spl can be loaded past SAAMI, as long as it is not a constant diet. IIRC 38/44 was around 25K pressure. 9mm is at it's limit at 35K which is about standard +P loads. The 38/44 throws a heavier bullet at the same or greater velocity. But we are talking about paper stats. Truth is most calibers can stop the threat with proper bullet placement.
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Old 06-10-2017, 09:03 AM
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I am constantly amazed by how much energy goes into the caliber-revolver vs auto CCW debate. It seems to me that tactics, awareness and marksmanship are the most important things to get nailed down. Obsessing over equipment choices cuts down on the time one has to practice your draw or reloading skills. If I had a choice between the latest "whatever" and some more ammo to practice with, I would chose ammo. But then again I am old and probably getting soft in the head.
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Old 06-10-2017, 09:45 AM
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For me, it's less the caliber (9mm or 38 spl) than it is the platform. Have compact 9mms and revolvers that I am comfortable hitting where I aim. There are guns in either caliber that just don't work for me, given my carry style, adequate grips for my hands, and adequate sights for my eyes. If "man and machine" don't mate, then it's irrelevant what caliber it is.

I'm comfortable with either caliber for my self defense
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Old 06-10-2017, 10:24 AM
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For me the issue is crystal clear. I prefer the snubby to any semi-auto for the obvious reason there are no failures to feed... ever.


Look up "bullet jump", which was a factor in my 9mm revolver Ammo selection. One particular round was most of the way out of the case after 4 rounds fired. It could have easily pulled it right out.


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Old 06-10-2017, 10:27 AM
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I am constantly amazed by how much energy goes into the caliber-revolver vs auto CCW debate. It seems to me that tactics, awareness and marksmanship are the most important things to get nailed down. Obsessing over equipment choices cuts down on the time one has to practice your draw or reloading skills. If I had a choice between the latest "whatever" and some more ammo to practice with, I would chose ammo. But then again I am old and probably getting soft in the head.
Practice a smooth draw that allows you to get on the sights and trigger quickly for a first round hit. This doesn't take a hundred years of constant practice. I have a variety of carry guns that are all very similar. The holsters are also very similar. 9mm is a seasonal choice for me as is .38. Reloading is a very polished skill of mine as is malfunction clearing.
Basically it's a forum and folks like to talk about things. If they don't then it's boring. When I get tired of the same old story I go out back and shoot a little. Then I come back and post my results for the educational​ benefit of the curious.
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Old 06-10-2017, 10:31 AM
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Look up "bullet jump", which was a factor in my 9mm revolver Ammo selection. One particular round was most of the way out of the case after 4 rounds fired. It could have easily pulled it right out.


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To be fair, you're using a 9mm as an example. Not exactly a revolver cartridge. Valid information for the snubnosed shooters. I crimp the heck out of my 9mm in a revolver. Mine have to ride seven shots without pulling and i still get slight pulling in an N Frame 929.
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Old 06-10-2017, 10:39 AM
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To be fair, you're using a 9mm as an example. Not exactly a revolver cartridge. Valid information for the snubnosed shooters..

That's what the owner of the Ammo company said. He also said they glue the bullets in 357 Sig, IIRC. But they won't do it for 9mm for revolvers due to the low demand.


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Old 06-10-2017, 11:02 AM
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This has been written about in every gun magazine (not clip) for over 50 years or more....seems like in every other issue...

Use what you are competent with and move on!

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Old 06-10-2017, 12:25 PM
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That's what the owner of the Ammo company said. He also said they glue the bullets in 357 Sig, IIRC. But they won't do it for 9mm for revolvers due to the low demand.


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And NO. They don't glue them. The taper crimp them because in a magazine fed gun they are down much lower in the weapon, below the reciprocation and not subject to the same torque as in a revolver.
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Old 06-10-2017, 01:35 PM
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And NO. They don't glue them. The taper crimp them because....


How would you know this , not knowing the company and their process?
EDIT: I looked up the email. It was from Peter Pi, the president and CEO of Corbin/Glaser. Here is what he had to say, in response to my inquiry about bullet pull in a revolver-
"The 9mm cartridge is designed to head space on the case mouth. That means you cannot put a heavy crimp on the bullet to eliminate bullet pull. Actually the round is designed to eliminate bullet setback during feeding in an auto pistol. Revolver cartridges like the 38 Spec and 357 Mag headspace on the rim and you can put a heavy crimp on the case mouth to eliminate bullet pull. The only way this can be totally eliminated is to glue the bullet in place and we have to do this with the 357 Sig because it has a short neck and headspace on the case mouth and cannot use a crimp. As 9mm revolvers become more prevalent we may have to resort to glueing the bullets, but we are currently not doing it. "




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Old 06-10-2017, 02:30 PM
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You should be able to use a 38 S&W roll crimp die to put a roll crimp an any 9mm round. I have not had a problem .40 S&W in a CA Pitbull, not sure why there would be a difference between the 9mm, and the 40.
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Old 06-10-2017, 04:06 PM
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Sorry I didn't realize that you were talking about a boutique manufacturer. Maybe if you had told me I couldn't roll a semi auto case 80,000 rounds ago I'd believe it. I've run way too many 9/40/45's rolled to even care. As long as you don't cut the plating you're fine.
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Old 06-11-2017, 12:44 AM
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1. Dave shoots a M38 better than a G26, Earl shoots a G26 better than an M38. Adam can't hit the broadside of a barn with either. Steve hits all tens with both. So..... Dave should CCW the 38, Earl the 26, Steve should buy the one he likes most and Adam should pal around with Dave, Earl or David. Carl should try 'em all and decide for himself rather than watching youboob.
2. Cartridges should be roll crimped (especially if fired in revolvers) the crimp provides a gentle brake when the powder is ignited allowing for a consistent pressure to be reached before the bullet begins its journey down the barrel. If you have ever used a single stage reloading press you would have noticed the inconsistent amount of pressure required to seat bullets. If you have taper crimped ammunition you would also note the inconsistent amounts of pressure required on your lever to complete each round. A roll crimp into a groove or over the end of a wadcutter simply provides a consistent start. Obviously you cant roll crimp ammo you feed to any firearm that headspaces on the case mouth. But feeding taper or uncrimped ammo to a revolver (especially a light revolver, in a load with brisk recoil) is an invitation to an ammunition caused malfunction.
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Old 06-11-2017, 02:51 AM
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I thought this was a good video and enjoyed it. I have a Ruger SP101, shield 45 and LCP custom that gets carried depending on where I'm going and what I'm wearing. Used to have a M&P 9 Compact (wish I still had it). If it's the SP101 it is loaded with 38s.

In regards to the video, the power of the cartridge is really not a factor for me. I feel like the 38 or 9 will get the job done. On the accuracy, I feel comfortable shooting any of the guns mentioned above so that is not really a factor.

Regarding reliability of an autoloader vs a revolver. Revolver would be my choice. In the end though, the determining factor for me is capacity and reloading. So my choice is an autoloader most of the time. Although it is very unlikely that I will ever have to use my gun and even more unlikely that I'll need more than 5 rounds... with the way things are today in this world, I feel better with more rounds and a quicker reload...
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Old 06-11-2017, 07:59 AM
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what are you doing in you pocket that makes you afraid of a long double action 5-8 lbs trigger pull
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Old 06-11-2017, 09:12 AM
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what are you doing in you pocket that makes you afraid of a long double action 5-8 lbs trigger pull
When you're smiling...the whole world smiles with you...
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Old 06-12-2017, 08:23 PM
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For civilian self defense the revolver is the perfect gun and the 9mm is the perfect caliber however, ANY revolver in any caliber will have at least twice the amount of ammo anyone would ever need (you more than likely will need none) and any revolver will be deadly accurate at the usual distance which is roughly arms length.

The revolver is always ready, always reliable and can always be effectively and responsibly used by anyone, myself included.

For civilian self defense NOT law enforcement or military use/ gun battles the above cannot be intelligently disputed.

With regard to jump crimp in light 9mm revolvers-we have been unable to experience or even cause this phenomena in many many rounds of all makes-brass/steel or aluminum.

Not disputing anyone who says it happens its just that we cannot get it to, and by the way-if you will never need a full cylinder of any caliber what difference does it make anyway.
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Old 06-13-2017, 12:13 AM
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I've carried both, and .40. For some years now I've felt quite comfortable with .38 Special, the FBI load or its equivalent. I like revolvers.
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Old 06-13-2017, 01:21 AM
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Default Some things to factor in....

The chance of multiple attackers seems greater these days.

Often people are very wired on drugs.

Both revolvers and semis have a few great advantages over each other and more small ones.

Probably the two biggest differences is that a revolver is much more reliable and the semi has more capacity.

I think it somewhat depends on the situation you are likely to encounter in your environs.

Any gun is better than none.
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Old 06-13-2017, 02:21 PM
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For civilian self defense the revolver is the perfect gun and the 9mm is the perfect caliber however, ANY revolver in any caliber will have at least twice the amount of ammo anyone would ever need (you more than likely will need none) and any revolver will be deadly accurate at the usual distance which is roughly arms length.

The revolver is always ready, always reliable and can always be effectively and responsibly used by anyone, myself included.

For civilian self defense NOT law enforcement or military use/ gun battles the above cannot be intelligently disputed.

With regard to jump crimp in light 9mm revolvers-we have been unable to experience or even cause this phenomena in many many rounds of all makes-brass/steel or aluminum.

Not disputing anyone who says it happens its just that we cannot get it to, and by the way-if you will never need a full cylinder of any caliber what difference does it make anyway.
I agree with most of what you say. My question is how is 9mm (Parabellum I assume) perfect. Around here you can buy 9Para FMJ for cheap. But the quality stuff is about the same as 38 and 357. The bullet doesnt know if it was loaded in a .380, .38 (spl or super), 9mm, or .357 case...
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Old 06-13-2017, 08:49 PM
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Perfect in our opinion for a few reasons:

the 9 is shorter than the .38/.357-shorter, I think, means that the round develops all or nearly all of its energy inside rather than producing a spectacular flame ball with the .38 and a truly spectacular flame ball with the .357

we can buy about 1.5 9mm for the cost of a .38 and two 9mm for the cost of a .357-even more if I get the Buffalo Bore stuff.

9mm is still the most popular caliber on the planet-availability has been and should remain much better than all others.

I certainly could be in error with regard to caliber though what we see with .38/.357 that is not present with the 9mm makes me believe we are correct.

What I am certain of is that all 'we' need is a revolver, any caliber up to and including the fine 9- to be as protected as any civilian can be.
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