Can 38+p do the job in a 2-in barrel j-frame?

[Cujohunter]

As a private citizen and bodyguard I've always carried a j frame as a primary (off post) or as a BUG (on post). I have one incident to date where I actually shot a BG with my j frame when my XD9 decided to malfunction. I was getting of my post when an armed robber ran out of a c-store with a canvas bag full money leaving a dead clerk behind the counter. I pull up to fill my tank when this happened........................

I get out of my car,BG runs out of store as he frantically looked for his car. I drew my XD and ordered him to stop and drop his weapon. He then proceeded to fire 7 shots out of his stolen G17 and I returned fire with 2 shots,one hitting him in the leg...then my XD double fed. He continued running and fired 3 more times at me as I drew my 438 j frame and returned fire,hitting him twice in the chest with standard pressure Hornady Critical Defense NON +P LOADS. He expired within minutes from a blown out right ventrical and bled out on the ground. This was done at 12 YARDS.

Yeah,it does work...just takes lots of practice to control an airweight j frame to keep in center mass from outside 15 feet.

I was held for questioning at the scene but after reviewing video,I was released. My 438 was held for investigation and was released to me after a week.

 

[bennettfam]

gun in the hand worth two in the car

You should just ask Lee Harvey Oswald or Jack Ruby if a .38 will do the job.

Then there was the guy in the New York subway who engaged four miscreants with his 5-shot .38 taking them all down. Hope I never have to find out for myself, but I believe the .38 snubbie can do the job.

 

[rickyboy]

For use against people 38+p is all you should need.Even from a 2inch barrel.

 

[Revolver King]

Any gun is better then none

Any gun that you will carry with you is better then the one at home in the night stand. If it is only a 22cal. No body wants to be shot. I carry a LCP 100% of the time with Criticle Defense ammo. May not be the best choice but it is always there with me. Hope I never need it. And as stated many times that 2" snubby will do the job if you do your part.

 

[Combat]

.38+p will do the job

I hope this is not to OT, but I was at a gunshow Sat. looking for some deals when I came across a talkative old man. He asked what I was looking for to which I replied "S&W's".He then proceeded to tell me to be sure and NEVER shoot +p's in a J frame. They will BLOW UP and take your hand off.Then he said if I wanted to shoot +p's in a small frame gun I would have to get a Colt, because they're the only small guns that could handle the pressure. WELL, I was speechless for a moment. My mind racing to come up with a reply for such ignorance.BUT, I thought better of it and decided it wouldn't be worth the effort to correct him. I just thanked him for his "lifesaving" info and moved on.I didn't even roll my eyes or nothing.I guess the more people that believe that kind of stuff just means there will be more J frames for sale to us.

 

[Gamecock]

Yes, it will do the job, especially in hollow point. I have prosecuted 2 murders where shots from 38. We also prosecuted someone this year who killed a 6'4" 280 lbs victim with 2 shots of 38+p hollow point. Not head or direct heart shots either.

Being a good murder weapon doesn't make it a good self
defense weapon. The objective is to stop the threat;
whether they die or not isn't relevant.

Joe

 

[Gamecock]

That is what I carry at work, I am a c-store clerk and if ever involved in a shoot it will be at very close range 10 ft or closer very small store, I carry a 442 with Winchester PDX 130 gr bonded hollow point +P in my 442, love that little gun I have 100% faith that it will do the job

As a civilian, if I ever have to shoot someone, it will be at
close range. Very close, as in your situation. And very quick.

I read other posts here, people talking about chasing someone. That's for cops or the military, not me. Shot placement makes no sense to me, either. Someone 3 feet
from me with murderous intent is no going to just stand
there and let me aim. In those circumstances, I will be
pointing, not aiming, my 642 at center mass. Indeed, I may
have it pressed against their chest when I fire.

I carry hardcast 148 gr double-ended wadcutters in it.

Joe

 

[feralmerril]

I find it interesting that many people on this site love a K frame 2 1/2" and "wonder" about a 2" J frame. Just how much velocity do you think you lose in a 1/2"? On another thread there is a big discussion going on as what ammo to use in a .357 snubbie. Most if not all answers were that they mostly liked .38 special P+P in them. Like most of us here I have a variety of guns. In the area we are discussing, I own a s&w model 40, a 3" model 36, a lew horton special 3" ported s&w 66-3, and a colt python in 2 1/2".
I do like the 40 to just easily put in my front pocket. But of the other 3 that require a holster, I am more and more carrying my 36 3". Here is why: 1st, its a lot lighter to pack than the 66-3 and python. 2nd, it actualy has a longer barrel than the python and just as long as the 66-3. 3rd, I will be shooting the exact same ammo in it that I would put in the other two most the time!
What I have here with the above thinking, is with the 36 3", I have a lot lighter gun that makes it noticably a lot easier to pack, I am getting at least as much power as the heavier two in .357 due to the barrel length, and with just as much sight length. Whats not to like?

P.S. To anwer my own question, I am giveing up one shot, adjustable sights and heavier weight. I can live with that!

 

[Triggernosis]

Well said, Merril. I chose a 3" Model 37 for even lighter weight.......just wish I could shoot +P in it.