Posted: 5/10/2005 4:19:32 PM EDT
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How would you rate the .38 as a defensive round? How would you rate the .38 when comapred to the 9mm? |
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From a 4" or longer barrel, with good ammo, I would rate it as very acceptable. Not "great" but "acceptable". Lots of bad guys have fallen to the standard 158gr, RNL .38 round and more to the various +P and +P+ loadings or the NYPD load of the 158gr. SWC (solid) at standard pressures. The key is, and always will be, bullet placement. This is more necessary with rounds such as the 9mm and .38 Spl than others, but not grossly so, since a .44 Magnum in the foot is much less likely to do the job than a 9mm ball or .38 RNL through the heart. My personal opinion is that earlier .38+P and +P+ loads were a bit more effective than 9mm rounds, but that the gap has closed a great deal today with better bullet design. I would pick a good 9mm JHP currently over any .38, but that assumes it is me doing the operation of the gun. If it was my 80+ year old mother, then the revolver is the better platform I think. JMO |