Concealed Carry: .38 Special vs .32 Magnum(s)

It may come down to:
The .38 is much easier to find ammunition for and possibly is less expensive as well.
The .32-.327 may offer an additional round in the same gun frame.
Great point.

When I was a cop I knew a few others who carried a .32 S&W snubby instead of the .38 S&W snubby for the extra round. I bought the Colt Detective Special and got an extra round of .38 Special.
 
I'm in that 100% agreement category with chief38. Not a fan of the designer calibers either. Inventing a solution for a problem that doesn't exist is what it comes down to.

Of course I'm biased in favor of .38 special because I've been carrying one for fifty years. While I won't be around I have to wonder about the longevity of the .32 magnums. .38 Spl. 125 years and still going strong.

Spot on Sarge!

I am in favor of the .38 Special too. I have been to plenty of shootings in Los Angeles and in snubnose revolver you want at least .38 Special.
 
If you could routinely and reliably find 327Mag defensive ammo, then I'd be all for a six-shot j-frame in that caliber. But you can't, so that decision largely makes itself.

I look at it differently. 32 S&W Long is one of the most popular international target rounds, and is easy to order in bulk (if you don't reload) for practice. You can buy a life time supply of 32H&R and 327 Federal for carry purpose since you won't be using much of it (and replenish at will if you reload.)
 
S&W has repeatedly shown they would rather piss down their own leg than respond to their customers. They spent time and money to develop the 30 SC to get a gun that has more capacity and less recoil. They build all manner of easy rack autos for older shooters. Please tell me that today re-releasing a 6 shot 32 j frame wouldn't be a hit. The ammo companies would respond just like they did with the 30 SC if the guns were available. R&D cost is zero since they already made the dang gun before. Instead they let Kimber eat their lunch with a true 6 shot lightweight revolver with decent sights. I can't find a K6XS to buy because they sell as fast as they hit the counter. Revolvers aren't dead, Colt has proven that, but selling the same rudimentary J frame for the past 50 years ain't helping. Retro is way.
 
Then you remember when Compton PD authorized .44 Magnum for on duty carry? Dirty Harry was based on one of their Detectives. In 1971 no one would watch a movie set in Compton but San Francisco, bingo! (SFPD did authorize the .41 Magnum)

A lot of the smaller Departments, Culver City, Torrance, Long Beach, Pomona and others have a long history of 1911s as duty pistols. Plus others who allow the off duty carry of 1911s. Eventually I carry a Colt Government off duty and eventually it was approved for on duty.
 
Instead they let Kimber eat their lunch with a true 6 shot lightweight revolver with decent sights. I can't find a K6XS to buy because they sell as fast as they hit the counter. Revolvers aren't dead …

Put a deposit down at your LGS for a K6XS. It's a $1200 snubby.

Revolvers are a niche. I like them because of the nostalgia but my children do not own a revolver or interested in any I have.
 
If you could routinely and reliably find 327Mag defensive ammo, then I'd be all for a six-shot j-frame in that caliber. But you can't, so that decision largely makes itself.

Spoken like someone rationalizing owning only one gun and/or caliber. Where is the fun in that.
 
Put a deposit down at your LGS for a K6XS. It's a $1200 snubby.

Revolvers are a niche. I like them because of the nostalgia but my children do not own a revolver or interested in any I have.

Lots of them on GB right now. Some at $659 at Buy Now.
 
K6XS

Put a deposit down at your LGS for a K6XS. It's a $1200 snubby.

Revolvers are a niche. I like them because of the nostalgia but my children do not own a revolver or interested in any I have.

Lots of them on GB right now. Some at $659 at Buy Now.
 
Put a deposit down at your LGS for a K6XS. It's a $1200 snubby.

Revolvers are a niche. I like them because of the nostalgia but my children do not own a revolver or interested in any I have.

Haven't shot one but have handled every variety of the Kimber. No love for the Kimber revolvers. And they're ugly.
 
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S&W has repeatedly shown they would rather piss down their own leg than respond to their customers. They spent time and money to develop the 30 SC to get a gun that has more capacity and less recoil. They build all manner of easy rack autos for older shooters. Please tell me that today re-releasing a 6 shot 32 j frame wouldn't be a hit. The ammo companies would respond just like they did with the 30 SC if the guns were available. R&D cost is zero since they already made the dang gun before. Instead they let Kimber eat their lunch with a true 6 shot lightweight revolver with decent sights. I can't find a K6XS to buy because they sell as fast as they hit the counter. Revolvers aren't dead, Colt has proven that, but selling the same rudimentary J frame for the past 50 years ain't helping. Retro is way.


Well said.

I spoke with S&W sales rep recently, and asked about the sales of the new 30 SC ... and he stated that sales are very much non-existent (nationally). Sad.

As for the .327 caliber Ruger LCR and LCRx the shops in my area can't keep them in stock, as well as the 9mm chambered models.

Kimber's sales do exceptionally well in my vicinity.

I agree that revolvers aren't dead, but it seems to me and like others have said, that the 9mm semi-auto is king of the hill. It's all about reduced size and capacity. Honestly, I think the Sig P365 is the catalyst for booming sales.

Now every gun manufacturer wants a piece of the pie. It feels to me that Smith wanted it too, but their approach was to develop a smaller diameter cartridge without having to re-engineeer a magazine and such. And the results are ... (the sounds of crickets).

All credit to Sig. They were aggressive in their marketing, and it very much changed the landscape of the small concealed handgun market. Yes, I did own P365, but I didn't care for the ergonomics. I prefer Glock hands down when it comes to the plastic semi-auto.

I wish that Smith will truly catch on and approach the J frame in the .32 caliber with the same level of prowess that Sig did with their p365. Interestingly, I wouldn't be surprised if Sig came out with their own revolver. Perhaps, they will collaborate with Manhurin. Well, that is food for thought and my day dream. Carry on.
 
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I'm too old to switch. I'll stick with my 38 Snubs and my 9mm semi autos. What I see is 38+P Gold Dot 135gr. Did the job just fine for the NYPD. 9mm. seams to be working for a lot of Departments. I'm not adding any more guns or calibers. Next summer it's off to The GunRunner on line auction. Time to slim the herd again.
 
The blast from a 327 Federal out of a 2 inch snub probably is really something... sort of like shooting a 30 carbine out of a handgun.
Think about your unprotected hearing if you choose to use it.
38 still loud but not as sharp.

158grainer is nothing to frown on.

Who was it that said "Ain't no need for a 32 magnum, we have the 32-20?"
32-20 case length is longer than the 327. Like a 357 necked down to 32. Nobody makes high powered 32-20 ammo or modern c carry revolver because someone will shoot that hot ammo out of a 100 year old gun.

You need to carry what you can hit with!

Some of these new revolvers are so light I don't see how most people can hit anything past 5 yards.. unless you are Dan Matthews on HIGHWAY PATROL, and can hit a moving car tire at 20 yards with a 38 snub.
 
Ah the caliber wars! the debate just goes on.. and on.. and on.. and on. :rolleyes:
First off, bear in mind that the vast majority of gun owners just ain't as "into it" as the members of this board. Many just own a rifle or shotgun for hunting. If they do have a handgun, its usually for home defense. And those that actually carry a gun do so with minimum knowledge or training. Most of what they know came from social media and the internet. :eek:
For many years the keyboard commandos have been screaming that "anything less than 9mm will just get you killed!". :rolleyes: And many gun owners believe that and just aren't interested in anything else, much less a puny little .32.
I, OTOH, believe its more about skill, shot placement and understanding the capabilities and limitations of what you carry.
I've told the story many times about my wife's arthritis and how it led her to a 2" Model 30-1 in .32 long. She shot that gun very well and had complete confidence in it. ;)
I, myself, have been known to carry nothing more than a tiny mouse gun in .25acp from time to time.
If you wanna carry a .32, more power to ya. I personally think that the .32acp and the guns made for it are seriously under rated.
It ain't about caliber. Its about knowing your gun and yourself. ;)
 
Ah the caliber wars! the debate just goes on.. and on.. and on.. and on. :rolleyes:
First off, bear in mind that the vast majority of gun owners just ain't as "into it" as the members of this board. Many just own a rifle or shotgun for hunting. If they do have a handgun, its usually for home defense. And those that actually carry a gun do so with minimum knowledge or training. Most of what they know came from social media and the internet. :eek:
For many years the keyboard commandos have been screaming that "anything less than 9mm will just get you killed!". :rolleyes: And many gun owners believe that and just aren't interested in anything else, much less a puny little .32.
I, OTOH, believe its more about skill, shot placement and understanding the capabilities and limitations of what you carry.
I've told the story many times about my wife's arthritis and how it led her to a 2" Model 30-1 in .32 long. She shot that gun very well and had complete confidence in it. ;)
I, myself, have been known to carry nothing more than a tiny mouse gun in .25acp from time to time.
If you wanna carry a .32, more power to ya. I personally think that the .32acp and the guns made for it are seriously under rated.
It ain't about caliber. Its about knowing your gun and yourself. ;)




It ain't about caliber. It's about knowing your gun and yourself. ;)

Well said! Your reply is very much appreciated.
 
Haven't shot one but have handled every variety of the Kimber. No love for the Kimber revolvers. And they're ugly.

Kimber revolvers are ugly to us, purists. But that is a modern revolver.

What S&W should have done was the "Goldilocks Principle". 2 inch K-frame is to big, 2 inch J-frame is too small. Make something in between, that was just right. When cops carried revolvers, I knew a few patrolmen who pocket carry a two inch Model 10 so they could use their primary revolver's speedloaders.
 
Kimber revolvers are ugly to us, purists. But that is a modern revolver.

What S&W should have done was the "Goldilocks Principle". 2 inch K-frame is to big, 2 inch J-frame is too small. Make something in between, that was just right. When cops carried revolvers, I knew a few patrolmen who pocket carry a two inch Model 10 so they could use their primary revolver's speedloaders.

They don't feel good in my hand either. But they do seem well made. But I think Colts has them beat there. I h as ve and like the 3" King Cobra. 28oz.

How about the return of a 2 1/2" Scandium K frame along the lines of the 315 NG. But with a titanium cylinder to reduce weight.

I have a 386 PD, a seven shot Scandium L frame 357 with a titanium cylinder that weighs 18oz. Carries well, but a bit big. I carry BB + P SWCHP-Gs in it. It carries easier than the 315NG just because of weight. 315NG 24oz.

With a Scandium K frame with a titanium cylinder you could practice with 2 1/2" Model 66, reserve the Scandium revolver for a few rounds at the end of a session.
 
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I have two K6S Kimbers. One 4" and one 2". I put a Crimson Trace grip on the 2" and can shoot it very good with 38+P. The 4 inch reminds me of my Model 19s and out of the box has a better trigger. Regular power 357s are not that bad on recoil. I already have enough guns or I'd jump on a K6XS that's on GB at $619, Buy Now, free shipping and no CC charge.
 
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