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View Poll Results: Is a S&W .38 Special Snub Nose enough for concealed carry?
Yes 311 92.56%
No 25 7.44%
Voters: 336. You may not vote on this poll

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  #151  
Old 09-28-2018, 09:58 AM
jim lock jim lock is offline
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Before I vote------- WHAT IS REALISTIC SHOOTOUT?
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  #152  
Old 09-28-2018, 01:03 PM
getoff getoff is offline
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i am one of the people that don't think "A" J frame is enough... that's why i carry 2! i also carry 2, (gasp!) yes, 2 safariland comp 2 speed loaders. all stoked with critical defense in 110gr. i tested a bunch of it on lots of stuff, and it flat out works. so is a J frame enough? probably in all but the worst case, SHTF, type deals. i carried a 5" 1911 for years, then a hi-power, switched to a G17, then a G19... now, 2 442s are what i choose.
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Last edited by getoff; 09-28-2018 at 01:03 PM. Reason: quotes
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  #153  
Old 09-28-2018, 02:34 PM
Triggernosis Triggernosis is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Narragansett View Post
My heart is in revolvers, and yes IMO the 38sp is enough cartridge to get things handled. I do not carry anymore. RI is a difficult place to get a permit. I could do it, but in all the 30+ years that I did have concealed carry permits, I never carried a sidearm every day. That is just me I guess. However, if I were going to carry every day it would be my Glock 36. Why, it is light, reliable, and IMO fires the best all around pistol cartridge ever developed, the 45 acp. Carry one full clip in the gun, and 1 spare


Teehee.... He said "clip". LOL
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  #154  
Old 09-28-2018, 11:27 PM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
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I keep hearing that Rule Number One of gunfighting is "Have a gun."

I think that's wrong. "Have a gun" is Rule Number Two.

Rule Number One is "'Don't have a gunfight."

Situational awareness, choosing locations, and having an exit available can go a long way, and increase the likelihood that a .38 Special snubby is quite adequate.

My Rule One has worked for me so far, as I imagine it has for a large majority of those who voted on this poll.
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  #155  
Old 09-29-2018, 10:34 PM
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I read through most of the posts. It might be a good idea if the 2 inch 38 shooters shoot several rounds of the +P ammo through the gun. That may give you an idea of what it feels like. It isn't pleasant and will definitely get your attention. You do not want any surprises.
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  #156  
Old 09-29-2018, 10:48 PM
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Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shouldazagged View Post
Rule Number One is "'Don't have a gunfight."
Unfortunately, that's not something that the second party to the gunfight gets to decide . . .
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  #157  
Old 10-01-2018, 11:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jim lock View Post
Before I vote------- WHAT IS REALISTIC SHOOTOUT?
One where you use real ammo against a real adversary who shoots back at you? That'd be my first guess.

But since I imagine very few forum members have ever actually participated in a "real shootout", the votes are pretty much meaningless. So all we're left with are opinions, and you know what's said about those, right?
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  #158  
Old 10-01-2018, 11:55 AM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
Unfortunately, that's not something that the second party to the gunfight gets to decide . . .
My point was the importance of reducing the likelihood of a gunfight. Where you go, whom you are around, and how alert you are to your surroundings can certainly make a difference.
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  #159  
Old 10-02-2018, 08:07 PM
jensb jensb is offline
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Yes vote here,m60 in the pocket everyday,my work is mostly farm type so so gun gets dirty,don't think an small auto would be a good choice.
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  #160  
Old 10-02-2018, 10:48 PM
JFrames4ever JFrames4ever is offline
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Default For me yes

My system has evolved over the years and will probably continue. As it presently exists it is a S&W model 940-1 in a Bianchi 9R with Hornaday Critical Duty 135 grain flexloc. The steel frames weight tames the recoil for fast and accurate follow up shots, and the holster makes the extra weight easy to carry. Full moon clips make it easy to reload although my plan is shoot and retreat it I can. Probably lose to multiple assailants but weapon choice at that point is probably nil
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  #161  
Old 10-06-2018, 12:54 AM
viney266 viney266 is offline
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When I just carry my 642. I have a speedloader in the other pocket, and a speed strip in my watch pocket of my work pants. So, at 16 rounds, I feel a little better. At least I can reload it in a fight ( or more realistically AFTER a fight).
There are many days I carry the Glock 26 because I love the round count. I carry a G19 mag as a reload, but more often I always have the Jframe on me. It will do the job in all but a protracted gun fight.
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  #162  
Old 10-08-2018, 12:29 PM
white cloud white cloud is offline
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Some of you may have already watched this. I found it interesting.

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  #163  
Old 10-20-2018, 09:46 PM
Kframerbluvr Kframerbluvr is offline
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A J frame, for the average honest citizen, will take care of most incidents requiring deadly force if decent levels of self awareness are maintained and reasonable tactics are used. I voted yes for these reasons. For off duty carry as a LEO, I prefer a service size belt gun and dress accordingly. I do now have a 442 on the books for off duty carry for those times when a belt gun cannot be carried.
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  #164  
Old 10-21-2018, 03:52 PM
Mister X Mister X is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by white cloud View Post
Some of you may have already watched this. I found it interesting.

YouTube
Claude Werner does bring up many valid points, but ultimately he is pretty much relying on the assailant(s) fleeing or "breaking contact" at the sight of a gun or as soon as shots are fired. While that may happen in the majority of civilian self-defense incidents and pretty much any gun would suffice in those instances, I don't think it makes sense to completely rely on deterrence.

While relatively rare in civilian encounters, having to actually physically stop or incapacitate a determined attacker(s) does happen and is always a possibility. In that context, I want an adequate firearm and I view my J-frame stoked with quality .38 special +P ammunition as being such, whereas many of the guns Mr. Werner carries and advocates for(such as various .22's) are not IMO.
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  #165  
Old 07-21-2019, 07:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by white cloud View Post
Some of you may have already watched this. I found it interesting.

YouTube
This might be the most persuasive piece I have heard in favor of carrying smaller guns.
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  #166  
Old 01-14-2021, 11:19 PM
Runs With Gun Runs With Gun is offline
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Well I have since had to use my 638 in a defensive engagement. This happened almost a year after my reply to this thread.

No shots fired but the assailant's friends were certainly surprised/terrified their intended target was armed. (I drew immediately after pepper spraying the ring leader but that stuff was slow to act!)

After that event, I made some changes to my practices. I shot a heck of a lot and ended up switching from Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P to Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain. I also bought self-defense insurance and began carrying much more concentrated pepper spray.

Police responded and after interviewing the witness basically complimented me on my "following the Force Continuum." The ranking officer complimented me on my choice of weapons and how "he carried the same thing for backup."

Last edited by Runs With Gun; 01-14-2021 at 11:21 PM.
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  #167  
Old 01-14-2021, 11:23 PM
Triggernosis Triggernosis is offline
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Why did you switch to the 110 gr?
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  #168  
Old 01-15-2021, 12:37 AM
Runs With Gun Runs With Gun is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Triggernosis View Post
Why did you switch to the 110 gr?
I like the way the bullet looks. That red insert is just soooo cute!

Recoil reduction. Although Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P Short Barrel shot to point-of-aim in that revolver, I wanted something that was easier to keep on target.

From all that I have read and seen in gel, Critical Defense does well. It doesn't have the actual "street" cred of Gold Dot though.
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  #169  
Old 01-17-2021, 09:11 PM
Runs With Gun Runs With Gun is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by getoff View Post
i am one of the people that don't think "A" J frame is enough... that's why i carry 2! i also carry 2, (gasp!) yes, 2 safariland comp 2 speed loaders. all stoked with critical defense in 110gr. i tested a bunch of it on lots of stuff, and it flat out works. so is a J frame enough? probably in all but the worst case, SHTF, type deals. i carried a 5" 1911 for years, then a hi-power, switched to a G17, then a G19... now, 2 442s are what i choose.
Way to go man! When I worked front desk at a Stop & Rob (motel) I too carried two .38's.....a 638 and a 438. I had no room for a reload except for the New York Reload.

Also, with one on my ankle, draws while seated were much faster than from a pocket.

Nothing ever happened but working nights alone, I felt a lot better.

I love your choice of speed loader too....that's what I carry now. Safariland in an Andrews Leather "Slim Loader" pouch. Only one guy has asked what that was since I started wearing it in March. "Hey, is that a speed loader pouch?"

I replied "well yes it is." We then talked guns for the next 30 minutes.

Last edited by Runs With Gun; 01-17-2021 at 09:12 PM.
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  #170  
Old 01-30-2021, 08:45 PM
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August in town....S&W 442 in my shorts pocket
April in woods.....S & W 686 6 inch
Spring & Fall.......S & W Shield 9mm
Truck Gun..........Glock 19 with two spare mags
Sunday’s............Springfield TRP 45
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  #171  
Old 01-31-2021, 11:41 AM
rich5674 rich5674 is offline
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Default What’s your Sunday routine?

Why the Springfield on Sunday?
Do you keep the Glock in the truck?
It’s been said many times keeping a gun in the truck is a bad idea.
That’s not my opinion, just sayin
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  #172  
Old 01-31-2021, 01:10 PM
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Walking around in Florida for the Winter I’m carrying what I normally carry. Two J-Frames work well. A 442 in my off hand pocket and a bobbed 37 AIWB. Of course my belt and Cargo shorts have all the gear I may need for the day. No problems, T-Shirt is out and covering. I look like any other old guy snow bird walking around.
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  #173  
Old 01-31-2021, 09:22 PM
JWM JWM is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samuelrp View Post
August in town....S&W 442 in my shorts pocket
April in woods.....S & W 686 6 inch
Spring & Fall.......S & W Shield 9mm
Truck Gun..........Glock 19 with two spare mags
Sunday’s............Springfield TRP 45
April in woods.....S&W model 60, bobbed hammer.
Spring & Fall.......S&W model 60, bobbed hammer.
Truck Gun...........S&W model 60, bobbed hammer.
Sunday...............S&W model 60, bobbed hammer.

All season holster: Uncle Mike’s pocket holster.
Nice to have a gun for all seasons.
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