Snub nose revolver for self defense 9mm or 38sp

[rakall69]

Hello there,
A question for you good people. What do you think about this,
which caliber for a snub nose, 9mm or 38sp? I was carrying a 22lr revolver for a while, but the ammo was totally unreliable. And I used the "good" stuff CCI, Federal Punch and so on. So I need a center fire for EDC.
What's your opinion?

Thank You!

 

[Smoke]

It depends do you have another 9mm handgun or a. 38 Special handgun? If so get the Snubby in that caliber

 

[326MOD10]

Only you can make a decision on what suits you best. With that said some things to consider.

I have both and have .38s that can also fire 9mm, so have tried options.

The 9mm has some drawbacks that you pay for a little bit more performance.

Number 1 is recoil. I found the 9mm is a bit more punishing. Next issue is limited choices in the 9mm realm and many times they are heavier so something to consider if pocket carry is your go to.

Crimp jump due to the recoil and/or sticky extraction of spent cartridges have both been issues.

Carrying a reload can be an issue as moonclips can be fragile and bend easy. They are also bulky unlike a flat speed strip.

I went all in on the 9mm snubby. Own a 940, had a 360J and a Model 60 cylinder converted to fire 9mm. Put cylinder in a 649 and it was a formidable package.

In the end went back to 442PC as it is just more versatile without the baggage.

Still has a bite to it so you need to put in the work.

When I was done carrying a backup I moved to a Glock 43 or Sig 365. Easy to shoot compared to snubby and very reliable. It can be carried in pocket or on belt and Glock is fairly light.

Main thing to remember is whatever you go with accuracy is key so get out there and practice and get some training.

 

[rockquarry]

Snub nose J-frames are difficult to shoot well and require much practice to master. Being able to shoot them well is far more important than the difference between 9mm and .38 Special, a very secondary factor.

 

[heeter3]

I like my .38 snubs ,all 7 of them.They carry well ,I shoot them very often and my speedloaders make them quick to reload.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Ammo cost and availability seem to be a big deal now. At least in my neck of the woods it is more difficult and more expensive to get .38 Special than it is to get 9mm (non +P both). As noted by several above you will need to practice more than a little bit to develop real skill with the platform. It's easy for me as I roll my own. If you don't this could be a real issue.

 

[pasound]

I have several .38 J's, and like them all. But to carry, if needed, it's a 365XL.

 

[erikpolcrack]

Have both, like both. Also have a couple of 32 H&R Mags in the mix. Also think about 5, 6, or 7 shots. Speed loaders vs speed strips vs moon clips for reload options.

 

[rakall69]

WOW lots of replies thank you all!!!. Over the years I had several revolvers in those two calibers. Now I'm down to one my Equalizer. Even though they call it a micro compact, it's uncomfortable to carry at least for me. Reading all the replies I think I'll get myself another 38 snub nose.
Thank you again for all your replies.

 

[VaTom]

WOW lots of replies thank you all!!!. Over the years I had several revolvers in those two calibers. Now I'm down to one my Equalizer. Even though they call it a micro compact, it's uncomfortable to carry at least for me. Reading all the replies I think I'll get myself another 38 snub nose.
Thank you again for all your replies.

Look at a snub nose K frame with round butt. A good one would be a 2” Model 64. Preferred it over a Model 60 during my career carrying concealed.

 

[alwslate]

9mm std pressure is much higher than .38 spl so easily out performs it in the same barrel length. But...9mm might require an all steel J frame while .38 spl can be had in lighter alloy frame revolvers. Your decision.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I find airweight J frame Smiths hard to shoot but with a grip that fits your hand a steel or stainless J frame much easier to shoot well. I had a 442 and have had two model 37’s and found them uncomfortable and difficult to shoot accurately. My 640 no dash is much easier to shoot and shoot more accurately as mass absorbs recoil and dampens motion that makes holding on a target more difficult than a steel / stainless frame. The trade off is a few extra ounces but life is a compromise.

When I carry a revolver I carry my 640 or a new Colt Cobra 38 2” which is very slightly larger than a J frame and marginally heavier. The advantage is 6 shots and very easy to hold and shoot, very easy. When carrying an auto it’s a 1st gen LCP Ruger. I carried a Smith M&P 2.0 9mm for a while but realized I liked a revolver better.

If you want something a little larger that really sucks up recoil and is a dream to shoot look at a model 10 or M&P 38 K frame. They are available uses only but you can find them easily and they were made in round butt and square butt.

 

[Frailer]

The biggest downside to 9mm revolvers for me—and the main reason I don’t own one—is the moon clips. They’re a pain to carry, and a slightly bent clip can tie up the gun. I stick with revolver cartridges for revolvers.

 

[DukeSoprano]

I have seen too many factory 9mm bullets creep out to ever consider a 9mm revolver

 

[max503]

I think the OP brings up a very good question; The ammo for his 22 was unreliable. With the price/unavailability of 38 ammo, I'd be taking a close look at a 9mm snubbie if I was just getting into the game.

 

[haywood]

I like the 38 Snubs. I tried the 9 many years ago. The recoil was sharp and I hated the clips. Loading them was a pain and they were to flimsy.

 

[Cal44]

I have several 38 special snubs.

I carried one for years.

But I'm moving to 32 H&R magnum

6 shots and less recoil than 38 special.

I have a 431pd, a 331ti, and an LCR327.

The LCR also shoot 327 Federal which puts you into 357 mag territory in both power and recoil.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Although I own 5 S&W J frame revolvers I now carry an Sig Sauer P365 9mm. It pocket carries better and has more capacity than the 5 shot 38 revolver.

 

[diyj98]

Although I own 5 S&W J frame revolvers I now carry an Sig Sauer P365 9mm. It pocket carries better and has more capacity than the 5 shot 38 revolver.

I guess it depends upon your pockets. I love my p365, but for me the j frames conceal better in most of my pockets. The rounded shape doesn’t seem to stand out as much. I use pocket holsters for both. The j frames also seem a bit easier to draw as well.

 

[gwpercle]

I prefer 38 Special in both J and K frame revolvers .

The rimmed cartridge gives proper headspace/ ignition and you don't have to fool with pesky moon clips .

Historically more types of ammo will be offered in 38 special ...
you can get lead wadcutter , SWC , jacketed solid point and hollow point ... bullet weights from 110 grs. to 158 grs. are common ...
and then you get into 38Special +P ammo ... there is just so much more variety of ammo ...

When you get into a gun fight and your life depends on it ...
the cost of ammo never enters your mind ...Trust me on that !
Gary