AJ
US Veteran
May have been a good shotgun during it's time. But compared to the 870, if you blinked your eye you missed it. 7 years for the M-3000 (1979 - 1986) compared to 70 years for the M870 (1950 to date).
Will an old S&W 38 special revolver do for home defense?
- Thread starter Hello86
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May have been a good shotgun during it's time. But compared to the 870, if you blinked your eye you missed it. 7 years for the M-3000 (1979 - 1986) compared to 70 years for the M870 (1950 to date).
rogerwnuss
Member
Well, to be honest, my bedside gun is a Colt Metropolitan mkIII,Hihi
Yes good advice, thanks. What model do you have?
and my downstairs gun is a Smith 27-2.........but the Colt fits the bill as a ( more or less) Smith model 10 38 service size revolver.......the N frame isn't one I'd want to carry on my belt, but in the house size/weight isn't a factor.
Good to know, thanks.
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Cool, sounds like good choice. Thanks for sharing.
AJ
US Veteran
Would never feel out gunned with my 27-2 3.5 inch.
rogerwnuss
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smithra_66
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A quality 38 (like any S&W), in the hands of someone who is skilled and well-practiced in its use, is a VERY formidable self defense tool.
686-380
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My perspective is a little different
First of all, yes.
Second, I recommend trying out different ammunition that fits YOU.
Third, nobody in their right mind wants to be shot. I am not particularly concerned with lethality. I'm prepared for that eventuality but getting an intruder out is my primary goal.
Last, the discharge of your weapon may blind any intruder and/or yourself. You may be deaf for a little while too.
First of all, yes.
Second, I recommend trying out different ammunition that fits YOU.
Third, nobody in their right mind wants to be shot. I am not particularly concerned with lethality. I'm prepared for that eventuality but getting an intruder out is my primary goal.
Last, the discharge of your weapon may blind any intruder and/or yourself. You may be deaf for a little while too.
Not to be overlooked are the Colt Official Police in 38 special just as solid a shooter as the S&W Model 10/M&P.
Really???? A shot shell?
SWFan27
Member
Here is a readily available 38 Special +P load that is both affordable and highly effective. I just got some for 54 cents a round. It is hard to beat Remington ammo for reliability and price.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc_knpttYwU&t=281s[/ame]
wrkerr
Member
To the OP's question; yes, without doubt a good 38 revolver is a very fine weapon to protect one's home.
I started as an LEO in '77 and carried a 38 with confidence. In the mid to late '80's we had the option to carry a Sig 45 but I opted to keep the 38. We practiced a lot back then; marksmanship meant more money and prestige. We were good! I have maintained my skill-level over the years and a 38 still protects my home. I have never doubted my choice.
I started as an LEO in '77 and carried a 38 with confidence. In the mid to late '80's we had the option to carry a Sig 45 but I opted to keep the 38. We practiced a lot back then; marksmanship meant more money and prestige. We were good! I have maintained my skill-level over the years and a 38 still protects my home. I have never doubted my choice.
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Papa32129
Member
I don't have one, can you spare one?
Guess I need one.
I have a 19-3 though, does that count?
Like the idea of a revolver for HD.
I guess I need a Model 10.
Thanks
Glad you convinced me. I love this forum.
Papa
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hkcavalier
US Veteran
I don't have a model marked Model 10. Thinking of getting a 64 or 65 for my oldest for when she's ready to leave the nest, a bit more forgiving of poor maintenance and a humid climate.
Doug M.
Member
With my eyes, the fixed sight revolvers are not as good for me as the models with adjustable sights. If the fixed sights work for you, there is a lot to be said for a 3" RB 10/13/64/65. Better than a snubby in ballistics and ejection, easier to carry than a 4". Load it with .38 SWC and you have an effective, controllable, and reasonably priced all purpose platform. Not perfect, but adequate for most purposes.
Excessive penetration can be a problem in some conditions, but it is not even close to the problem of missing. If you hit your target, much of the energy if not all will be used for the intended purposes, and there is much less risk of over penetration. The comparative risks/problems are not even close to the same.
Excessive penetration can be a problem in some conditions, but it is not even close to the problem of missing. If you hit your target, much of the energy if not all will be used for the intended purposes, and there is much less risk of over penetration. The comparative risks/problems are not even close to the same.
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AJ
US Veteran
For in the house home defense fixed or adjustable sights are not of consequence. Probably it will be dark and things happening fast, no real time to think. Just point and shoot the assailant. If you hear them have a safe place picked out (the far side of the bed in the master bedroom will give cover). Get spouse/partner on the same side with a cell phone calling 911. Cover the door with you firearm (only have to worry about a 3' X 7' opening ) Then fort up until the cavalry arrives.
charlie sherrill
Member
If I'm in my bedroom my Ithaca long tube riot gun is my go to gun. I have a couple of .38 special revolvers in other parts of the house and they are loaded with Federal HST+P 130 grain JHP. These are similar to a reverse wadcutter but usually more powerful, depending on how the wadcutters are loaded. My bias on a reverse wadcutter comes from a fellow officer who cut down a perp with one shot who was trying to kill me back in 1971. He later gave me the S&W model 38 that the fatal shot was fired from. I still have it and occasionally stick it in my pocket just for old times sake. If any of you are going to be in Tulsa in a few days I can bring it if you want to see it. Naturally it's NFS. My Glock 17 9mm is loaded with critical defense and the rail flashlight might come in handy. It is usually close by. Some may think me paranoid, but a former officer near here was attacked by a former perp several years after he sent him to prison. For that reason I do not step out of my house unarmed. I have a few of those running around here and if one of them wants to get stupid I want to give him a warm welcome. The answer to the original question is: I think a .38 special with the right ammo is a good home defense weapon. You don't have to worry about shooting through cars in your house. Just make sure you know where your family is.
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