In a word, yes. I was a working cop for 30 years and had the misfortune to be drawn into three on duty shootings, each w/my issued thirty-eight. It dropped the bad guy and I made it to retirement, still carrying a J frame loaded w/Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P. Even though there are more modern weapons it's a platform I'm comfortable with in retirement. UPDATE: Went to the range today (8/9) w/my 340PD and ran a couple of cylinders of +P and as well as around 100 rounds of range fodder. Shot paper plates @ three, five, seven & ten yards. This little gun is amazing.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)