.38 Spl. vs 9mm for CC

gsn · #51 06-13-2017, 08:54 PM

I can't help but to wonder how different the recent events would have turned out if only one person had been armed and had the resolve to act.

TomkinsSP · #52 06-13-2017, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsn

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.

I am totally on-board with a 5 shot, 2 inch revolver with a .357" bore. And if you love the 9. Cool, I have a 940, love it. But not any more than my 640. If the price of commercial ammo is lower enough to justify the higher cost of the lower sales volume firearm, then that makes economic sense for you. Since I reload, I can tell you there is no difference in cost of reloading .38 or 9mm. The amount of powder used to achive the maximum possible performance in 2" bores in either is virtually the same. The amount of fast burning powder doesn't come near filling Georg's case. Doesn't come near filling the 9 Kurtz (.380) either. Since I am not going to put them in one of those fad auto-loading-pistols, I roll crimp all 3. I do have a Taurus 380, its cylinder is considerably shorter making it lighter and more compact. I load 75 and 100 grain with the same quantity of BE as the same projectiles in 38 or Parabellum. And get the same results from 2 inch barrels. There is one thing you can do with the .38 spl or .357 cases you can't do with 9. Use a bulky powder like TB or 2400. But I just see 'em as pretty much the same. (But better than .311 .400 or .421.);-)

ISCS Yoda · #53 06-15-2017, 05:02 PM

An endless debate. Always fun, especially if someone waxes emotional.

I do think I could shoot one of my snubby .38s as well, if not better, than any 9mm I own of similar size. But I don't compare the two; I prefer revolvers but, presently, with some back and hip issues, I switched to a flat gun.

As a matter of fact, I was in a hurry the other day so the first gun I grabbed was a Walther P-22. It fits nicely in the Bianchi #100 holster designed for my CS-45. Ten rounds, and I wasn't worried about being under gunned.

When I had time I got my recently acquired CS-9 out. Seven plus one so I can't argue that it doesn't beat my K frame snubbie in the firepower department. But when I feel better the 2" wheelgun will be back on my hip.

38 Special versus 9mm doesn't really cause me to think much one way or the other.

TomkinsSP · #54 06-15-2017, 07:09 PM

Having 8 rounds (1911) or 14 (P35) or 13 (G26) is an advantage over having 5 (J) or 6, only if you miss a lot. Unless you get jumped by BOTH the Jets and Sharks.

forrestinmathews · #55 06-15-2017, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomkinsSP

Having 8 rounds (1911) or 14 (P35) or 13 (G26) is an advantage over having 5 (J) or 6, only if you miss a lot. Unless you get jumped by BOTH the Jets and Sharks.

I hear snapping in the distance and it's getting closer.

johnnyappleseed · #56 06-16-2017, 10:06 PM

Since I don't own a 9mm but do own a 38+p snubbie it's the snubbie for me. In reality I carry a palm sized 22 magnum revolver more than anything because of comfort and ease of concealment. If I figure I need more power I can go with a 357 magnum.