Is .38 Special Enough For Self Defense?

[synergy]

Originally Posted by CommonHighrise

Am I positive itll work every time? Hell no. Never been in a close range firefight, so not sure just how Ill be interpreting the world around me. However I think of it as a simple backup to counting my shots.

Most of the door kickers I know, who train for a living, can only manage their magazines into about 1/4's. They'll know if they've fired half or 3/4's...etc. If your in the habit of shooting until a threat drops...you're not gonna be counting rounds.

[ccphilly1984]

Originally Posted by OneChambered

ccphilly1984: Thanks for your insight regarding HydraShok ammo...I'll be sure to remember it the next time I'm threatened by a gel tank...having witnessed, however, the effects of HydraShoks on actual flesh and bone, I think I'll continue to depend on them...to each his own.

it depends on the caliber. hydroshocks are awesome in 40 or 45 cal, as i have seen. balistic geletin is supposed to be like human flesh ansd when you penetrate it, you can see the expansion. in 38 special, due to the powder charge or some other factor (maybe it was barrel length) Hydroshocks suck... corbon solid copper hollowpoints are better carry ammo in snubnose 38 specials because they actually expand upon impact on balistic gelatin. human flesh, ect... were the hydroshocks used in .38 special caliber? every carry ammo performs different depending on caliber, grain, barrel length. after doing balistic gelatin tests, i keep hydroshocks in my SW MP 40 cal, but i changed to corbon solid copper hp's for my 38 carry ammo.

[synergy]

There are loads that perform admirably on jello, that have yielded mixed results on the streets. Silvertips were hyped up for not over penetrating...quite true...only went in about 4" into living tissue, quite a few failure to stops because of this.

There are so many factors that effect bullet performance...bare tissue or a heavy leather jacket...shooting through intermediate barriers or at contact distance...barrel length that the round in being launched from...etc. Pick a proven round (Hydrashok, SXT, HST, Golden Sabre, DPX, Pow'r'Ball) and practice.

[aryfrosty]

Originally Posted by dragonofpa

I am looking at getting a .38 Special 7 shot revolver (rated +P) and want to know if you think it's a solid choice for self defense in most situations?

I carry a 442 Smith and it is stoked with Winchester 147gr +P subsonic ammo. I am completely comfortable with the caliber and the load and carry 2 HKS speedloaders..."just in case".