Another +1.stevie_d_64 wrote:I believe the .38 is probably one of the most unsung calibers out there these days...Just my opinion...
I have a nuanced disagreement with this.Excaliber wrote:With a huge variety of loadings to balance effectiveness with acceptable recoil and a very wide selection of easily concealed and easy to operate carry packages, this caliber is a "can't go wrong" starting point for someone just getting into CCW. It's a solution that is very concealable, comfortable to carry, and uses a cartridge that has performed reasonably well in countless incidents over many years.
The ammunition and firearm manufacturers sought to cater to growing numbers of concealed carry licensees by introducing lighter-weight, compact, easy-to-carry and easy-to-conceal revolvers as well as ammunition tailor-made for moderated recoil and improved terminal ballistics from these handguns’ shorter barrels. And revolvers are simple to operate and do not require much hand or upper body strength to accomplish the basic manual of arms.
However, the less useful sights (as they sometimes come from the factory), shorter sight radius, lack of recoil spring, and smaller grips, along with the light weight that makes carry easier, conspire against the casual user (not necessarily the same as “someone just getting into CCW�---but I reckon there is a fair amount of overlap) from becoming truly proficient with these types of handguns.
In addition, I am starting to believe that grip and hand strength may play more of a role in controlling revolvers during recoil than with semi-automatic pistols. The semi-automatic pistols frequently use higher-pressure cartridges and do not bleed pressure via a cylinder gap, yet they have recoil-absorbing springs and their frames allow the user to position his hands more effectively to control remaining recoil and muzzle flip. On the other hand, the irregular surfaces and other characteristics of revolvers require a user to place his hands further away from the bore axis, and the lack of recoil spring gives the user an unmitigated, sharper recoil experience.
Barrel length and composition may play a major role here. In my (limited) experience, shooting .357 Magnums from a 4� barreled, >35oz stainless-steel revolver was more comfortable than shooting .38 Special powder-puffs from a 2� barreled, 12oz alloy snubnose sold to the public as a great handgun for concealed carry. The 4� barreled .357 Magnum also enjoyed a disparity in muzzle blast and flash; if the bullet barely missed a malandro, then either the sound would prompt involuntary elimination from bladder and/or colon, or he would be set aflame. Understandably, some people may have difficulty getting over the blast and flash while pulling the trigger on such a weapon, or would find it difficult or uncomfortable to conceal such a handgun. However, I reckon a similarly dimensioned .38 Special would not have such overwhelming blast and flash, or may be slightly lighter and more comfortable to carry.
For these reasons, I do not believe a lightweight, snubnose .38 Special is a good starting point for someone beginning to CCW. A heavier, longer-barreled .38 Special revolver may work well if such a person can conceal it and is comfortable doing so.