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Posted: 12/28/2021 4:46:26 PM EDT
[#1]
We can be friends!
I shoot the 32ACP Beretta like a laser beam  Yeah, the more I think about it, I don't want a snubnose. It will have to be a 3" barrel and steel, minimum.. I've wanted an SP101 for years but now they are stupid expensive |
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Posted: 12/28/2021 5:38:16 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: We can be friends! I shoot the 32ACP Beretta like a laser beam https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/4C18ADED-B85D-4A0C-A530-2C412E7DAA8D-1087959.jpg Yeah, the more I think about it, I don't want a snubnose. It will have to be a 3" barrel and steel, minimum.. I've wanted an SP101 for years but now they are stupid expensive Buy that steel Smith @ your LGS, that's a great price. Have someone put a 3" bbl on it for you. Lots of fun shooting through pockets. Get some target wadcutters & plink away. |
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Posted: 12/28/2021 7:02:12 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: Buy that steel Smith @ your LGS, that's a great price. Have someone put a 3" bbl on it for you. Lots of fun shooting through pockets. Get some target wadcutters & plink away. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: Originally Posted By MRW: We can be friends! I shoot the 32ACP Beretta like a laser beam https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/4C18ADED-B85D-4A0C-A530-2C412E7DAA8D-1087959.jpg Yeah, the more I think about it, I don't want a snubnose. It will have to be a 3" barrel and steel, minimum.. I've wanted an SP101 for years but now they are stupid expensive Buy that steel Smith @ your LGS, that's a great price. Have someone put a 3" bbl on it for you. Lots of fun shooting through pockets. Get some target wadcutters & plink away. This is also my advice. Smiths aren’t getting any cheaper. Try it gir yourself. If it doesn’t work for you, stuff it in the safe. Here’s my rake on accuracy if snubs: fir oriole used to shooting semis, particularly SA or striker, a DA revolver is a different animal. Without practice, you can be drilling out the center of a target with your striker semi, then pick up a DA revolver and shoot shotgun patterns on the same target. This was my experience. After sone dry fire practice and range practice, I can shoot a K frame sized revolver with a 2.75” barrel very accurately in DA only. DA revolver is different from semis, and small revolvers with short barrels are very unforgiving. So I can understand why there is the impression these are “inaccurate” guns, but in reality I think they are simply difficult guns to shoot with skill. They have advantages in certain areas/scenarios but gir the shooter who won’t/can’t put in the practice, probably not a good choice for a carry gun. |
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Posted: 12/28/2021 7:08:29 PM EDT
[#4]
I still think I'll pass on the snub Smith, and the reason why goes back to the original question. I have a 380 Glock 42 which conceals much better than a revolver. If I have an under 2 inch barrel, what does 38 Spl offer that the Glock in 380 can't compete with?
I want a longer barrel to get the advantages 38 can offer. |
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Posted: 12/28/2021 7:14:56 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: I still think I'll pass on the snub Smith, and the reason why goes back to the original question. I have a 380 Glock 42 which conceals much better than a revolver. If I have an under 2 inch barrel, what does 38 Spl offer that the Glock in 380 can't compete with? I want a longer barrel to get the advantages 38 can offer. I carry a G42 daily, so no argument from me it’s a great deep concealment pistol. Snubs make great winter coat carry guns for shooting through a ciat pocket  Honestly, if you’re not interested in a snub revolver, then you can fill the “easily concealable” niche in 2021 with a reliable semi auto. |
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Posted: 12/28/2021 7:19:40 PM EDT
[#6]
Yes, I'm in Orlando. It was in the 80's here today, end of December. No need for a hammerless coat gun. Down here we have "gym shorts" carry, and I have a P32 for that.
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Posted: 12/28/2021 8:03:24 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: I still think I'll pass on the snub Smith, and the reason why goes back to the original question. I have a 380 Glock 42 which conceals much better than a revolver. If I have an under 2 inch barrel, what does 38 Spl offer that the Glock in 380 can't compete with? I want a longer barrel to get the advantages 38 can offer. Even a 2" .38 with wadcutters or swc will do more damage than .380 fmj while still penetrating deep enough. No .380 jhp will penetrate reliably enough for me to trust. Ymmv. |
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Posted: 12/28/2021 8:19:50 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: I still think I'll pass on the snub Smith, and the reason why goes back to the original question. I have a 380 Glock 42 which conceals much better than a revolver. If I have an under 2 inch barrel, what does 38 Spl offer that the Glock in 380 can't compete with? I want a longer barrel to get the advantages 38 can offer. At least post the name of the shop so your LGS can get 87 phone calls. Living in Florida does rather reduce the need for coat pocket carry, which is where revolvers still shine. I'm just barely in revolver season at the moment, but it's always bathrobe season! I have a P32 for the back pocket and less-permissive environments as well. |
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Posted: 12/30/2021 12:04:03 AM EDT
[#9]
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful, but maybe because I bought this today at Rural King.
Rock Island made in the Philippines copy of a Colt, $250. It was the easiest way to get into a K-frame sized 4" 38. The trigger is actually very good, for what I know  Several people have given me grief over not divulging the name of the shop that has the S&W 36. I haven't because the shop does not do many internet sales and CAN'T sell the gun until January 15 due to a local LEO waiting period on selling used take-ins. It would be harassment for you minions to bombard them. But good grief, used Smiths are now all gold plated, so it seems. I remember the days of AIM selling LEO guns, and I scrolled right by... |
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Posted: 1/3/2022 11:02:12 PM EDT
[#10]
well, okay, now you tell me that there's little to no 38 special ammo available!
anyone have a lead on 158 grain FMJ flat point, or should I look for something else to get started? |
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Posted: 1/4/2022 12:09:37 AM EDT
[Last Edit: backbencher]
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: well, okay, now you tell me that there's little to no 38 special ammo available! anyone have a lead on 158 grain FMJ flat point, or should I look for something else to get started? You'll probably have to get some 125 grn FMJ. Didn't I suggest a 9x19mm revolver on page 1? ETA: Oh, wait. Yes I did. |
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Posted: 1/4/2022 12:18:39 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: well, okay, now you tell me that there's little to no 38 special ammo available!  |
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Posted: 1/4/2022 6:52:11 AM EDT
[#13]
that's funny because I've had 38 Sp dies for years and never had a gun for them
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Posted: 1/4/2022 4:49:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mini14jac]
[#14]
I've asked the same question many times over the years, and usually end up getting rid of my .38 revolvers.
I've had over a dozen. Airweights, Airlights, steel, aluminum, Scandium in .38 and .357 (I'm a slow learner.  )
Don't have one right now. Someone stated that you get reliable expansion, but I'm not so sure about that. To get reliable expansion, you need heavy +P bullets which are very difficult to shoot well in a Airweight revolver. You are limited to 5 rounds. Comparing fmj penetration from both .38 and .380, most of the gel tests I've seen have the .380 doing as well or better than the .38. For size and weight, a loaded Ruger LCP with a +1 mag gets you 8 rounds at the weight of a empty 642. (14 oz. for 8 rounds in the LCP, vs. 17 oz. for a loaded 642 with 5 rounds) With less bulk in your pocket. For me, I would take a revolver to the range and have to shoot 20 or 30 rounds before I was hitting where I needed to. Since I mainly shoot autos, I would pull the LCP and get accurate groups whether I had shot it recently or not. So for me, the .380 does many things better than the .38 revolver. But I wouldn't be surprised if I buy another one some day. 
I am currently breaking in a S&W 351C, which gives me 7 rounds of .22 WMR but is much easier to shoot than a 14 ounce Airweight .38 revolver. Bottom line, if you think you would like a .38 revolver, buy one. 
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Posted: 1/4/2022 10:19:43 PM EDT
[#15]
I can load 38 special for about $0.25-$0.30 per round right now.
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Posted: 1/4/2022 10:38:00 PM EDT
[#16]
I just bought 100 rounds of Blazer 130gr FMJ online for $66.
FML I gotta have something to test fire the new revolver...  |
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Posted: 1/5/2022 1:57:46 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: well, okay, now you tell me that there's little to no 38 special ammo available! anyone have a lead on 158 grain FMJ flat point, or should I look for something else to get started? Buffalo Bore or Double Tap. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 1/9/2022 9:15:09 PM EDT
[#18]
Revolvers have longer bullets that pistols, so there's more gun powder.
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Posted: 1/9/2022 9:22:45 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GunRookie: Revolvers have longer bullets that pistols, so there's more gun powder. correct me if I'm wrong, but I see little advantage in a 38 snub nose revolver over a pocket 380, and certainly not over a small "full" gun like a 380 Glock 42 I think 3" will need to be my minimum barrel length to get an advantage from the 38 Special |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 9:28:29 PM EDT
[#20]
By the way, I went and inspected every revolver at my local shop. Holy smokes, the new Colt Cobra was tight and had the best trigger of anything in the shop, including a ridiculous $1800 "custom" S&W with ports and Pic rails.
If I had money for the Cobra, I would have bought it on the spot |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 9:38:41 PM EDT
[#21]
Anyone up for a 7 shot J Frame in .30 Super Carry?
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Posted: 1/9/2022 9:46:13 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: Anyone up for a 7 shot J Frame in .30 Super Carry? We already have a rimmed .30 cal magnum. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 1/9/2022 10:01:35 PM EDT
[#23]
Revolvers have more recoil and a longer trigger pull, so they're harder to shoot than pistols. But revolvers are more reliable cause they don't jam like a pistol.
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Posted: 1/9/2022 10:57:38 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HeavyMetal: We already have a rimmed .30 cal magnum. I know - it came too late. But .30 Super Carry runs on clips.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:08:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: giantpune]
[#25]
I shoot 158gr 38special. Factory ammo, FMJ and hollow points. They're subsonic and sound like a mouse farting.
Oh, and I guess they dont make a lever gun that shoots 380ACP. That, and I dont actually own any 380 or 38 special handguns. I own 357mag and being able to run 38 special is a freebie. |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:36:26 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GunRookie: Revolvers have more recoil and a longer trigger pull, so they're harder to shoot than pistols. But revolvers are more reliable cause they don't jam like a pistol. that is absolute bullshit, and I'm a novice with revolvers. But I've been to many matches where a revolver jammed or otherwise locked up. I Seen IT |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:37:38 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: I shoot 158gr 38special. Factory ammo, FMJ and hollow points. They're subsonic and sound like a mouse farting. Oh, and I guess they dont make a lever gun that shoots 380ACP. That, and I dont actually own any 380 or 38 special handguns. I own 357mag and being able to run 38 special is a freebie. I guess that's relevant |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:52:28 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Oh, and I guess they dont make a lever gun that shoots 380ACP. No, they don't make lever guns that shoot .380 ACP:  And one other .380 for your consideration, OP: 
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:58:52 PM EDT
[#29]
LOL, yes, I saw the 380 Taurus REVOLVER
although I have looked hard at the 3" 38 SPL Taurus 856 Defender... |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 1/10/2022 3:04:17 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: Just to be clear, you shoot them out of a 16" long gun, not a handgun? I guess that's relevant I shoot them out of all my 357s besides the desert eagle cause they wouldn't cycle it. 4" GP100, SP101, and henry lever gun. The henry is the all weather model with 20" barrel. |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 3:31:34 PM EDT
[#31]
6 shot 327 Fed Mag Ruger LCR for the win!
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Posted: 1/13/2022 3:40:16 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GunRookie: Revolvers have longer bullets that pistols, so there's more gun powder. This is a tech forum, not GD 
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2022 2:33:23 PM EDT
[#33]
I think I mentioned it before but what is nice about a revolver is that it isn’t dependent on a narrow pressure / velocity range in ammo for the gun to function like an auto.
At close contact distance when something ( assailant hand/body, your under stress sub optimal grip, your body, clothing ,objects in your environment ) comes in contact with a revolver it still goes bang while that may not be the case with an auto. Also at the risk of repeating myself with reloading the range of suitable bullets in 38 special goes from about 90 grains to 200, with loads ranging from powder puff to pretty stout Even multi ball and shot loads. Yes revolvers can and do malfunction but under the above noted circumstances they do have advantages over the small 380. The revolver versus auto debate will never end I guess. Both tools in the tools box that gives us all options. Options are good but with so many good choices now it gets confusing I have and use both. As a less than scientific experiment I took my mouse guns to the range and intentionally tried them to choke weak grip unlocked wrist and elbow etc. they all ran perfectly |
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Posted: 1/15/2022 11:39:46 PM EDT
[#34]
finally found some decent ammo at an almost decent price. Norma 158 FMJ for $23/50
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Posted: 1/16/2022 12:22:07 AM EDT
[Last Edit: shadawick]
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: finally found some decent ammo at an almost decent price. Norma 158 FMJ for $23/50 Anytime I leave the house I stick my Smith 638 in by back pocket. We have venomous snakes as well as coyotes, possible rabid animals and even a few bears. I keep the first two rounds CCI/Speer shot loads followed by 3 of those Norma FMJ's. Believe me when I say they are rather stout in the light revolver. However I believe they represent my best all around load to have a chance against none snake encounters! I also keep a couple of speed strips of them for rather quick (if you practice) reloads. |
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Posted: 1/17/2022 4:23:48 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MRW]
[#36]
Update:
I was in the shop that had the model 36 and I talked them down to $300, so here it is. Word is that it came in from a widow that did not know her husband had a gun, and was not happy about it. She said she had discovered it in a holster that was placed in a loose sock in a drawer. It has a small bit of pitting on the left side of the barrel and on one spot of the cylinder as seen in the photo- contact points with the holster over 30 years. I also have the box, papers, and the original price tag of $129.95 from 1976. I think it has a very low round count.  I will have to shoot the snubbie 38 and the 380 G42 side by side now. We'll see if the 38 lives up to the hype. If I can't be Crockett, maybe I can be Tubbs |
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Posted: 1/17/2022 4:36:06 PM EDT
[#37]
Yeah, I'd have happily paid $300 for that as well.
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Posted: 1/17/2022 6:36:59 PM EDT
[#38]
Well bought. I would have snapped that right up.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 1/17/2022 7:47:45 PM EDT
[#39]
The all steel 36 makes a huge difference in shoot ability compared to the air weights for what I feel ( all my j frames have been steel) is a very minimal effect on carry comfort
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USA
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Posted: 1/18/2022 10:42:27 AM EDT
[#40]
Nice. I would have happily paid $350 for that 36. At $300, I would have sprained my wrist reaching for me wallet so fast.
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Posted: 1/18/2022 10:48:35 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: Update: I was in the shop that had the model 36 and I talked them down to $300, so here it is. Word is that it came in from a widow that did not know her husband had a gun, and was not happy about it. She said she had discovered it in a holster that was placed in a loose sock in a drawer. It has a small bit of pitting on the left side of the barrel and on one spot of the cylinder as seen in the photo- contact points with the holster over 30 years. I also have the box, papers, and the original price tag of $129.95 from 1976. I think it has a very low round count. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/EF45620A-4C2F-4369-BBFC-14844B20318B-2243904.jpg I will have to shoot the snubbie 38 and the 380 G42 side by side now. We'll see if the 38 lives up to the hype. If I can't be Crockett, maybe I can be Tubbs I’m glad you came to your senses and grabbed that Model 36. I’d absolutely buy that for $300. Sone CLP and brass wool to remove what I could from the pitting then just keep it lightly oiled (and stored not in a leather holster) to prevent further corrosion. |
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Posted: 1/18/2022 10:48:40 AM EDT
[#42]
Not leave incriminating evidence lying around?
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Posted: 1/18/2022 12:35:22 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: Don't hate me because I'm beautiful, but maybe because I bought this today at Rural King. Rock Island made in the Philippines copy of a Colt, $250. It was the easiest way to get into a K-frame sized 4" 38. The trigger is actually very good, for what I know https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/1915E365-72CB-46C8-8719-9C799FC8A0CE-2221496.jpg Several people have given me grief over not divulging the name of the shop that has the S&W 36. I haven't because the shop does not do many internet sales and CAN'T sell the gun until January 15 due to a local LEO waiting period on selling used take-ins. It would be harassment for you minions to bombard them. But good grief, used Smiths are now all gold plated, so it seems. I remember the days of AIM selling LEO guns, and I scrolled right by... I guess I'll keep my md 65 for a while longer then. |
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Posted: 1/18/2022 12:38:39 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AlvinYork]
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: Update: I was in the shop that had the model 36 and I talked them down to $300, so here it is. Word is that it came in from a widow that did not know her husband had a gun, and was not happy about it. She said she had discovered it in a holster that was placed in a loose sock in a drawer. It has a small bit of pitting on the left side of the barrel and on one spot of the cylinder as seen in the photo- contact points with the holster over 30 years. I also have the box, papers, and the original price tag of $129.95 from 1976. I think it has a very low round count. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/EF45620A-4C2F-4369-BBFC-14844B20318B-2243904.jpg I will have to shoot the snubbie 38 and the 380 G42 side by side now. We'll see if the 38 lives up to the hype. If I can't be Crockett, maybe I can be Tubbs Excellent find and purchase. Congrats. even with the pitting worth more than you have in it. |
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Posted: 1/19/2022 8:34:37 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: I still think I'll pass on the snub Smith, and the reason why goes back to the original question. I have a 380 Glock 42 which conceals much better than a revolver. If I have an under 2 inch barrel, what does 38 Spl offer that the Glock in 380 can't compete with? I want a longer barrel to get the advantages 38 can offer. Even a two inch 38 has much more penetration and expansion than a 380, if you choose your ammo wisely. 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel and some others. Take the Lucky Gunner tests and back of penetration 10-20%. |
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Posted: 1/19/2022 5:37:01 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JPK: Even a two inch 38 has much more penetration and expansion than a 380, if you choose your ammo wisely. 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel and some others. Take the Lucky Gunner tests and back of penetration 10-20%. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JPK: Originally Posted By MRW: I still think I'll pass on the snub Smith, and the reason why goes back to the original question. I have a 380 Glock 42 which conceals much better than a revolver. If I have an under 2 inch barrel, what does 38 Spl offer that the Glock in 380 can't compete with? I want a longer barrel to get the advantages 38 can offer. Even a two inch 38 has much more penetration and expansion than a 380, if you choose your ammo wisely. 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel and some others. Take the Lucky Gunner tests and back of penetration 10-20%. Hell, I'm pretty happy with a 158gr swc or swc-hp @950 fps vs any 9mm let alone.380. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 1/19/2022 8:12:57 PM EDT
[#47]
Pistols have small little short puny bullets.
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USA
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Posted: 1/19/2022 9:00:36 PM EDT
[#48]
Others have already mentioned valid reasons for owning a revolver. Both pistols and revolvers have their place, but assuming one is buying a modern pistol for self-defense, and not a collectible that rarely gets fired, then they'd be much better served with a 9mm pistol, as opposed to a .380acp. In addition to being more powerful, 9X19 ammo is usually a lot cheaper, there's a much greater variety of 9mm ammo, and generally speaking there are a lot more accessories such as magazines, sights, holsters, etc. for 9mm pistols because they sell more here in the US.
I like all sorts of firearms, old and new, from single-shot .22LRs to auto-loading 7.62X51s; they all have their pros and cons, and many have niche applications as well. Between the two in the subject line, if I were to have just one, it would be a double action 3"-4" .38Spl revolver; preferably older S&W, newer Ruger, an older Colt, and lastly older Taurus. Modern .380acps don't excite me, but I do have a few Cold War era European models which I consider the cream of the crop in terms of 9X17. Cheers |
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Posted: 1/19/2022 9:51:03 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 03RN: Hell, I'm pretty happy with a 158gr swc or swc-hp @950 fps vs any 9mm let alone.380. Me too, and this thread could just as aptly be titled "What does 38 Special do that 9mm does not?" When you get to bullets 150 gr. and up, the .38 has far more capability, and at much lower pressures. |
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Posted: 1/19/2022 9:58:04 PM EDT
[#50]
Yes, but I didn't start the thread to discuss 38 v 9mm. I wanted to know how a snub 38 compared against the Glock 42 in 380. Y'all talked me into 38, and now I own two.
but I bathe in 9mm, so that's a different conversation |
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