OLDSTER
Member
My 1947 M&P loaded with 158gr round nosed lead rests handy in my bedside drawer. I sleep well knowing it's there.
Will an old S&W 38 special revolver do for home defense?
- Thread starter Hello86
- Start date
DWalt
Member
Even a .22 will be adequate if you know how to use it.
look around your home tactically,
start in your bedroom... how far can you shine a flashlight... that is your maximum range... a "vintage 4" K frame 38 special" will work perfectly at that distance... Practice then practice some more... sleep well
start in your bedroom... how far can you shine a flashlight... that is your maximum range... a "vintage 4" K frame 38 special" will work perfectly at that distance... Practice then practice some more... sleep well
I carried one for years as a condition of employment.
Never felt it to be inferior. They will do the job.
Never felt it to be inferior. They will do the job.
Thanks, sound good.
But am I missing a point regarding the magnum 357? If 38 special is more than adequate for home defense, why do civilians use 357 magnum, despite its disadvantages?
AJ
US Veteran
Of course a .38 Special with do for home defense.
The .38 Super was developed for car bodies in Autos - The cartridge was designed for use in the M1911 pistol and was capable of penetrating automobile bodies of the late 1920s.[2] When the .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935, this advantage of the .38 Super was no longer enough to lure police departments and officers from the traditional double-action revolver. - Then the .357 Magnum took over in revolvers.
Cars in the late 20's and early 30's were real steel!
The .38 Super was developed for car bodies in Autos - The cartridge was designed for use in the M1911 pistol and was capable of penetrating automobile bodies of the late 1920s.[2] When the .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935, this advantage of the .38 Super was no longer enough to lure police departments and officers from the traditional double-action revolver. - Then the .357 Magnum took over in revolvers.
Cars in the late 20's and early 30's were real steel!
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AJ
US Veteran
They think bigger is better!?! Also because they can.........
No, not at all adequate. These days, anything less than a phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range is completely useless.*
* phased plasma rifle, see this video:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6YbMKda68[/ame]
In all seriousness, 38 Special is a good self-defense round. Why do so many prefer 357 Magnum? I can think of some reasons. 357 Magnums will chamber and fire any 38 Special and 38 Special +P ammo. 357 Magnum ammo provides more energy than 38 Special, this does make the 357 a better stopper and also extends its usefulness as a handgun that is good against 4-legged animals in the woods. When I carry my J-frame 357, it is usually loaded with Speer 38 Special +P 135 grain JHP ammo, but I have to option for using 357 Magnum ammo. I find 357 revolvers to be quite versatile.
* phased plasma rifle, see this video:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6YbMKda68[/ame]
In all seriousness, 38 Special is a good self-defense round. Why do so many prefer 357 Magnum? I can think of some reasons. 357 Magnums will chamber and fire any 38 Special and 38 Special +P ammo. 357 Magnum ammo provides more energy than 38 Special, this does make the 357 a better stopper and also extends its usefulness as a handgun that is good against 4-legged animals in the woods. When I carry my J-frame 357, it is usually loaded with Speer 38 Special +P 135 grain JHP ammo, but I have to option for using 357 Magnum ammo. I find 357 revolvers to be quite versatile.
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This thread reminds me of what a friend told someone who poo-pooed his 9mm. The other guy thought only a .45 would do.
His response: When I put two into your forehead, you won't know the difference.
That could be said for any caliber.
His response: When I put two into your forehead, you won't know the difference.
That could be said for any caliber.
Thank you all, for the answers och tips.
A few more follow-up questions.
About the ammunition. A similar question, like the 38 special vs 357. Regular 38 special ammo vs 38 +p. As I understand it, the police used to not use +p in their 38 special revolvers, but still seem to have gotten the job done. So do you really need +p? I don't know in which thread now, but read that someone said +p ammo was mostly for marketing and not really necessary?
About 38 special hollow point ammunition, it would be more damage to the perpetrator + less risk of overpenetration, right?
One of the arguments I read somewhere, for a more powerful ammunition like 357 magnum, is that under stressful situations, even if one have practiced a lot, it is difficult to shoot accurate shot placement on vital organs such as the heart, when the target is moving quickly in different directions and angles, and that therefore it can be good with more powerful ammunition, because it does a lot of damage and more damage than 38 special even if one don't hit vital organs, and therefore can stop the danger more easily. What do you think of that argument?
A few more follow-up questions.
About the ammunition. A similar question, like the 38 special vs 357. Regular 38 special ammo vs 38 +p. As I understand it, the police used to not use +p in their 38 special revolvers, but still seem to have gotten the job done. So do you really need +p? I don't know in which thread now, but read that someone said +p ammo was mostly for marketing and not really necessary?
About 38 special hollow point ammunition, it would be more damage to the perpetrator + less risk of overpenetration, right?
One of the arguments I read somewhere, for a more powerful ammunition like 357 magnum, is that under stressful situations, even if one have practiced a lot, it is difficult to shoot accurate shot placement on vital organs such as the heart, when the target is moving quickly in different directions and angles, and that therefore it can be good with more powerful ammunition, because it does a lot of damage and more damage than 38 special even if one don't hit vital organs, and therefore can stop the danger more easily. What do you think of that argument?
Sorry to hear that you both found yourself in a threatening situation which required you to use your firearms.
May I ask what type of ammunition you used to stop the threat? Was it regular type 38 special ammo or +p ammo or similar?
Marshal Tom
Member
Yup, works just fine for that application, probably better than a lot of other possible choices. Many good ammo choices available. Probably one of the best choices for people who have not received a lot of training, don't have the time or desire to and like simplicity. Statistically speaking, a revolver having 5-6 rds will solve most civilian issues one way or another. I own many of them and love them but in todays world with carjackings, home invasions on the rise etc. with sometimes multiple assailants, I prefer something with larger capacity. That being said, I have my M&P 340 on me as I write this today, being around the house and doing yard work. The .38sp with the proper loading is probably in most cases a much better choice than a .357 for reasons stated in above postings.
As you write that, I now remember reading somewhere, that the 357 magnum was actually first manufactured as a hunting ammo. That explains a lot I believe.
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AJ
US Veteran
Didn't need to shoot, the presence of the gun was enough, but it was filled with 6 +P hollow points.
Standard ammo is plenty adequate.
My accuracy with a handgun has gone way down over the years due to tremors. That's why I need a Thompson M1A1 or an M-3 grease gun for home defense. Now if I can find something like that at the gun shows or the local pawn shops. 
Pretty much bull hockey, sir.
AJ
US Veteran
Older revolver may be damaged by extended use of .38 Special +P. The same as .38 Super will damage a .38 ACP pistol.
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