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N320AW
Senior MemberPosts: 648 Senior Member
380 ACP v. 38 Special For SD?
N320AW
Senior MemberPosts: 648 Senior Member
I love my 38 Special revolvers. They are maintenance free and dependable. In the past I have owned a couple of Walther PPK/s in 380. Nice little pistols, but I had both of them stove-pipe jam on occasion. Actually, I think it was caused because of my limp wristing these pistols. Maybe not. I don't know.
Anyway, what is your take on a Colt or S&W revolver in 38 Special as opposed to a 380 ACP semi-auto?
Let me clarify: I KNOW the revolver is more certain than the semi-auto as far as reliability is concerned. Obviously, in a SD situation, nothing less than 100% reliability will do. My question is, weighing the relative complicated mechanism of a semi-auto versus a revolver, which would you rather carry?
Thanks
Anyway, what is your take on a Colt or S&W revolver in 38 Special as opposed to a 380 ACP semi-auto?
Let me clarify: I KNOW the revolver is more certain than the semi-auto as far as reliability is concerned. Obviously, in a SD situation, nothing less than 100% reliability will do. My question is, weighing the relative complicated mechanism of a semi-auto versus a revolver, which would you rather carry?
Thanks
Replies
However, I don't think I would worry about the difference.
I very seldom use the .380 because I am a revolver guy and revolvers are easier for me to carry.
Luis
Thanks. I agree. I hand load all my rifle/pistol ammo and have found the 158 grain 38 semi-wad cutters work very well in my revolvers. I have also just starting to load 148 grain wad cutters for target practice and find them very accurate too.
If there is such a thing as an inherently accurate cartridge then a 38spl wadcutter is it's poster child, At least in my experience
Recoil is how you know primer ignition is complete.
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I do believe it's a 9 mm short. 9 mm Corto comes to mind.
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Neither have I.
I read the package on the "revolvers are more reliable than autos" Kool Aid and have many reasons for not drinking the stuff, but as we're comparing rounds, there really isn't a comparison. The .380 has a place in the anything-heavier-would-pull-my-running-shorts-down category. Outside of that, carry something more socially significant.
"Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
To each his own and all that byt I do not consider proper SD loads in 38 spl as substandard. In my view the currently available 38 spl SD stuff has come as far as the 9mm stuff. I wouldn't feel naked with either one but I'd still go with the 38. My latest NRA mag has an excellent article on the S&W model 38 44, meant to penetrate car doors and such like.
So a better question might be, "with what ammo".
I carry either of these when I want something small and concealable. If I feel the need then I have other choices.
Although I tend to favor semiautos over wheelguns, I do agree with your assessments. My longtime always fave is the .45acp (when you care enough to send the very best) but we've talked the variations of different self defense calibers to death, and the results tend to show this: any reasonably large caliber is just fine, so long as you've hit the target where it needs to be hit (center mass).
I however don't have reliability problems with my semis, and if I did, I would not have the gun.
Although yes, throughout "history" the revolver is more reliable, any modern and well engineered auto will be just as reliable as the revolver. I've carried a KelTec .380 for a number of years, have fired it often, and it's never failed to work just fine.
I do take a bit of pride that my guns are meticulously cared for, spotlessly clean and scrubbed, lubed properly with the best quality lubes, and I only use premium factory ammo. Add to that, of course, that the model of gun I have is nicely reliable to start with.
That being said, I've carried a snubby .357 too, and feel just fine about it, same as I do with my KelTec .380, and although the 357 is of course more powerful, the .380 will also work fine in a defense situation.
yep
Rank does not concur privileges. It imposes responsibility. Author unknow
D
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
I understand what you're saying, just disagree. My XD Tactical .45 has never, never had a single misfeed or misfunction. Not one.
It's my first reach weapon and I can deliver 13 rounds of +P .45 and for me, that's okay. I just don't think of my autos as prone to failure, period.
Given the choice between a .380 and a .38 I would take a .38.
D
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
I have yet to see a more accurate handgun round equal to the old out of print .38 special Musgrave wadcutter.
Remember how many people were killed in the C&B black powder daze by anemic .36 caliber round lead balls, sub par compared to the most anemic .380 acp rounds.
I prefer the .38 Spl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.380_ACP
"Other names for .380 ACP include .380 Auto, 9mm Browning, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short, 9×17mm and 9 mm Browning Court (which is the C.I.P. designation). It is not to be confused with .38 ACP, 9mm Ultra, 9mm Makarov or 9mm Luger (9mm Parabellum)."
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
However, these were grizzled veterans and were going for head shots mostly eye sockets at relatively close ranges, old-timers like Jim Cirillo and Gunner Erickson for instance.
Nothing is maintenance free, cleaning & oiling and maintenance is essential part of firearms use.
Revolvers granted may have fewer issues and a higher parts count, but they can fail.
A 1911 has. Fewer parts count, but depending on the version and condition and ammo used may cause conditions. Not conducive to proper function.
It is such a cute lil bit.
A pocket holster.