Reason to buy 38 special?

**Ron3** · 06-28-20, 09:21

If you want "good" penetration (not just 12-14 inches in test gelatin) and expansion from a two-inch barrel your going to need at least a mild .357 load. (Or .327)

If your willing to give up some penetration or the expansion .38 special can do that with less recoil and blast. (And so can .32 magnum, and you get an extra shot, too)

I've tested many .32's, .38's, and .357's from a snub over my chronograph.

**1986s4** · 06-28-20, 10:06

Originally Posted by RHINOWSO

Pocket carry - the fact you can have your hand on the snub, almost have it gripped, aimed on target (if carrying in a jacket) and the ability to fire multiple shots while concealed / without drawing, while a semi of any type would likely malfunction on clothing or cases. And from a pocket, a hammerless J-frame is the smoothest draw around, with nothing to snag like the backend of a slide or rear sight.

It's definitely a niche' firearm and if I can carry a weapon on the belt, it's a 9MM semiauto. But for pocket / ankle carry, a J-frame is still very valid.

You will set your coat on fire but it will work. Another quality of a revo is the ability to push it into an attacker , this would push the slide out of battery in a semi-auto

**kirkland** · 07-02-20, 13:55

Much easier and fast follow up shots with .38 spl. especially out of a lightweight compact.

**RHINOWSO** · 07-02-20, 17:04

Originally Posted by 1986s4

You will set your coat on fire but it will work. Another quality of a revo is the ability to push it into an attacker , this would push the slide out of battery in a semi-auto

Really? On fire???

Another old wives tale? 3:00 min for the shot.

Several other videos fail to show "coat on fire"...

**artoter** · 07-02-20, 18:06

Originally Posted by gunnerblue

Pocket carry. I find that my 640 Pro prints significantly less than my Glock 43 (more of lump than a squared-off handgun look). The 640 is heavier than my 442, but has night sights which regulate to the 135 gr. Speer Gold Dot Short barrel and reduced recoil load.

That is one thing a lot of people who carry, overlook. Even with a pocket holster, a slide gun in the pocket, has "the look". Some people will mistake it for a wallet, but not with a snubbie. If someone does notice the "lump" in your pocket, they will have a hard time making it out for what it is.

**T2C** · 07-02-20, 21:56

Originally Posted by RHINOWSO

Really? On fire???

Another old wives tale? 3:00 min for the shot.

Several other videos fail to show "coat on fire"...

I tried shooting from the pocket with a Model 60, a wool coat and a cotton winter coat. Both coats caught on fire.

**RHINOWSO** · 07-03-20, 07:50

Another advantage a shrouded hammer J-frame revolver has is ease of draw when compared to the rear of the slide from a smaller semi-auto & sights, which can snag far easier on the pocket.