Hello, I’m new to the forums and pistols in general.

I inherited my dad’s 38 special several years ago and haven’t had the need to buy ammunition until now. There seems to be a shortage in the marketplace. Any recommendations on what and where to buy cartridges will be greatly appreciated.

Home and family protection are my main goals. Edit: deleted bullets and inserted cartridges instead.😉

The problem is the nation is in the throes of multiple crisis right now. When ever there is social or political upheaval gun and ammo sales go up and supplies go down. Bad timing to be shopping right now.

Call every dealer in your area and look for ammo sellers online (if legal for you). Expect to pay jacked up prices but if you need it now you need it now. Get enough to get you by and when things get better stock up for next time.

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Thanks for the quick reply, Art Doc! My revolver was built in the 50’s, as far as I can tell. I’ll post a picture of it as soon as I figure out how. Like I said, I’m new to the forum 😊

Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore seems to have a couple brands in stock.

Two other outlets I checked only had PMC full metal jacket for $1 a round 300 minimum. What a rip off.

I feel for anyone who wasn't prepared for this.

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No life story has happy end.

I don't know where you live, but you might have more luck finding ammunition in more rural areas or smaller towns - maybe. Many of us on this forum are reloaders and are not as affected by the current disruptive ammunition supply situation as those who don't reload. I assume you don't have any friends who are shooters who might be able to supply you with some .38 Special ammunition?

Some feel this is a temporary condition and normalcy will return in the near future. I am not so sure about that, especially due to doubts about the November elections outcome. If you happen to find any ammunition at a price you can afford, it would be a good idea to buy more than you otherwise would.

Welcome from Illinois,, Chicken Man. You may find some .38 home defense ammo, but, practice ammo will be tough for a while! hang in there....

The good news is that if you're new to pistols, you won't notice how inflated the prices are now. If it's from the '50s the general recommendation is to avoid +p ammo, but if that's all you can find and you need it, it's probably not a big deal.

BTW, like the average member of the public, you seem to confuse cartridges with " bullets."

Don't order bullets unless you're a reloader, which you aren't. You need loaded ammunition, live cartridges.

Look up the difference. Or someone tell him.

Post pics of the gun and we can help more.

Be sure the gun is labeled for .38 S&W Special, not just .38 S&W. Different cartridges,.

And learn the justifiable homicide laws where you live. And don't bluff or threaten with a gun.

Being a retired Airman, you certainly know the difference between a gun and a revolver. I was USMC and to call a pistol a gun, got your head cracked. Semper Fi, and thanks for your service. Big Larry

A few weeks ago, the local gun store had two brands of 158 grain 38 special for $21 and $22 a box, which I was glad to pay.

I live in Charlotte North Carolina and do have a friend that’s an avid shooter but I wouldn’t ask him to part with any ammunition.

I pretty much agree with you on the instability of election outcome, there’s no telling what’ll happen, and that’s part of my motivation to stock up on ammunition. If all else fails I do have my trusty S&W pump shotgun .😉

You don't give the model, barrel length or age of the Revolver. That said, it's hard to go wrong with Speer +P 135 grain Gold Dot HP assuming your Revolver is capable of handling them (if post 1957 it should be fine). For target practice, standard velocity 158 grain lead round nose or flat points should be accurate and easy on the hand. Good luck!

Now that you know what...... I have no idea to WHERE you can get anything now days!

"This is my Weapon, this is my Gun. This for killing, this is......."