.38sp/200 in a snubby?

[John Sobieski]

David Arnold?

I wish I had a better memory, but I recall reading an article in the dim past by someone who fought rebels in Rhodesia decades ago. Seems his issue sidearm was an M&P Victory loaded with the standard British .38 S&W round boasting a 200 gr. bullet. He used it only once in combat, and the bullet was stopped by the heavy overcoat worn by the rebel he shot. Of course, that's only one account by one man, but it makes me pretty sure that I'd want as much velocity as I could get with such a bullet, and I don't know that I'd feel too comfortable with the results out of a short barrel.

The late David Arnold is probably the source of your story. However, I believe the incident may have been a negligent discharge, and that Dave Arnold wasn't the shooter. Unfortunately, I don't have an article or citation handy.