Is .38 Special Enough For Self Defense?

[QuakertownRich]

Strange how this thread got revisited 6 mos after last post. But, I'll chime in. 38spl is enough for self defense. Some ppl want more, whether they need it or not, but that's on them to find a way not to get disoriented once a 44mag goes off inside a house.

[Jailkeeper]

Strange how this thread got revisited 6 mos after last post.

You think that's strange? Obviouly you haven't read many threads here. LOL! (sarcasm)

I agree with your thinking. .38 IS enough IMO.

I do not participate in CAS (Cowboy Action Shooting) but I have watched a lot of videos on Youtube. It is incredible watching how fast they can get follow-up shots off. While .45 Long Colt is more traditional a lot of the top shooters are using .38's for faster recovery & follow-up shots.

I realize that is totally off topic, but it may relate to this thread. if you PRACTICE with a 38 and can quickly put 2 or 3 shots on target you are well armed. (again IMO)

[tobor]

I believe you have to consider something else, and that is the amount of time it takes to recover and get a second shot off with a large caliber.

Makes sense. So I'll modify my post and say I'd carry the largest caliber that I can shoot a quick and accurate followup round. Also, I would say not the largest caliber, but perhaps at least as large as i generally considered a potent manstopper. Would that be a .38 +P in a wheel gun, and a .40 S&W in a semi-auto?

Sig:
Don't take my posts too seriously, I'm just a newb...

[Mtbkski]

shot placement and follow up shots are the most important thing [/B]

SHOT PLACEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!

But suppose there's two of the bad guys, both armed? When you're plugging the first guy with the second round, the other guy's pulling his trigger.

That scenario is why I've convinced myself to carry a large caliber. I'd rather have 5 large caliber rounds than 8 small. I might not have the luxury of taking second shots on a thug.

Go here and read this article. I thought it was very well thought out and will make you think at least.
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/pistols-4...g-handgun.html

I opt for having more ammo to send down range if I need too. If I am firing at more than one guy, I want to have a lot of ammo to fall back on, since most statistics show that you will probably miss more than you hit. Course, if your only hitting him once and on first try, maybe it should be with a bigger bullet. Again, read the article above about CALIBER. Is there really that much difference.

Buddy of mine equated bullet size to getting paid. Here is what he asked me and my response.

"Wouldn't you rather have an 11% pay increase or keep the same pay". He asked me when comparing 9mm to a 45.

I told him, "I would keep my same pay, My reasons are 1) One person, can have more pay over and over again, till they can't take it no more, since I have more pay to pass out. 2) Cause I would to be able to give it to all that deserve it at least once.(Mutiple attackers) I can give way more people a portion of something (One round each). Even if it is a bit smaller. 3) Since I have more to give, those that need it are allowed to have more than one. And I can keep giving it over and over again long after his pay is gone if I need too.

[Mtbkski]

Strange how this thread got revisited 6 mos after last post. :rolleyes:

Hey guys are always telling the new guys to use the search engine. And to do that, you will revive old threads. Like a long lost dog finding its way home.

Good Boy Lassie. Now, go find Timmy.

[Jailkeeper]

Would that be a .38 +P in a wheel gun, and a .40 S&W in a semi-auto?

Sig:
Don't take my posts too seriously, I'm just a newb...

Tobor ~ I'm a newb too. I'll always be a newb.

I'm a newb every time I come here because I visit this site looking for information and an education in all aspects of firearms and carrying.

I reckon what you consider to be the best caliber is a personal choice. I find my G30 in .45 easier to handle than my G27 in .40. Faster follow up shots. But that's just me.

As I have stated many times I think the best caliber for anyone is whatever they feel comfortable carrying. Not letting it in their vehicle or at home.

On a hot summer day when sitting in the local pub I would rather have my LCP in my pocket than my Glock .45 in my pickup. Just my opinion.

[Jailkeeper]

Good Boy Lassie. Now, go find Timmy.

Dang it Mtbkski! That's 3 keyboards this week!!!

[Mtbkski]

Tobor ~ I'm a newb too. I'll always be a newb.

We were all Noobs once. So just keep on pluggin in your two cents.

Well, except for the guy who is the CLIP POLICE. I think he was born that way.

[Michele]

We were all Noobs once. So just keep on pluggin in your two cents.

Well, except for the guy who is the CLIP POLICE. I think he was born that way.

Or the slide police

[Jailkeeper]

Well, except for the guy who is the CLIP POLICE. I think he was born that way.

You're not really like a normal person, are you Mtbkski?