Concealed Carry with .38 Special

[@gregb6469]

The average citizen will likely never encounter a situation that a .38 snubbie won't be able to effectively handle.

[@gunmonkey6545]

Yup, and it’s worked for a long time and it’s still working today.

[@calripson]

The average citizen will never encounter a situation requiring the defensive use of a gun. Using your logic, the gun control crowd is correct.

[@gregb6469]

@@calripson -- No because I am not saying that, because a 6-round revolver will likely be sufficient, all handguns that hold more than 6 rounds should be banned. I am merely reacting to the know-it-alls who say that a snubbie is never good enough.

[@gunmonkey6545]

Perhaps you mean something different from the rest of the world when you say, “logic.” What a person chooses to carry based on their assessment of their situation has absolutely nothing to do with the 2A, and gun control has nothing to do with safety. It’s gun CONTROL, and that’s what it’s about, not someone’s personal carry preference. Nice try though.

[@oldcop18]

Gun control is about control and has little to do w/what kind of handgun someone carries.

[@oldcop18]

I carried the .38 for the first 20 yrs of my career & was forced to use it three times. Twice w/standard pressure and once w/+P and it put the suspect down every time. Some knock the round as being ineffective but you couldn’t prove it by me.

[@DanTheWolfman]

Hey OldCop what were the rounds used? Wadcutters or SJHP or what? Thanks

[@oldcop18]

@@DanTheWolfman(1) The old 158 grain round nose lead standard pressure (2) The 158 grain round nose high velocity & (3) The 158 grain +P hollow point, the old FBI round.

[@DanTheWolfman]

@oldcop18 Glad they served you and really good shot placement trumps all but that fbi load fat better then RNL. Did you ever find out hit location then trajectory through the wound path? I did 3 ballistics tests this weekend and on one I got two really low bullet path diversions after going through my double MDF Ribs or sternum stimulant

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

you shot three midgets

[@SG-hh9lu]

In the NYPD Stakeout Squad we used S&W model 10's with semi wadcutters and plenty of criminals were put down

[@waynedavis7245]

On the way to the range with a buddy of mine, who always teased me about carrying a revolver. I have a couple of semi auto. At the range I started pointing out people who were having feeding issues with their auto's . Not 5 minutes later he had two jams . I fired 200 rounds out of a 35 year old 38 with no problems. My friend doesn't tease me anymore.

[@bottomfeeder12]

This is the way.

[@NoName-ge6wc]

Ageee. I edc a 45 mag colt annaconda. Always goes boom.

[@mkshffr4936]

I would hate to be on the receiving end of a 38 caliber wad cutter. The beauty of the WC is that you don't need super duper velocity to be effective.

[@markgoostree6334]

I carried a .38 special from '73 to 1980. I must say, it does not matter what you carry if you never have to use it. You said it right when you pointed out.... shot placement is KING. In '80 I changed to a .45 acp. In 2018 I shifted to a 9mm. I still have never had to defend myself... so it's still not a subject I have real world experience on. I found your video to be a well thought out discussion. Thank you.

[@AmmoMart]

Thanks for viewing Mark. That is my goal.....giving our viewers some other points to consider. I really enjoy hearing from people who have been carrying since 1973! That is really cool to me and good on you for still doing it. Next week we shoot the .38 into some ballistic gel, stay tuned for that and thanks for commenting.

[@rodrodriguez460]

The first shot is the most critical.

[@m.w.nauroth1282]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😅

[@GavinGlenn-e6z]

I was thinking about getting a 642UC, but I have a 360sc, bought it used , banged up finish but shoots very well, been shooting since I was 12 yrs old now I'm 67, there is no replacement for a solid shooting, J frame sized revolver, best EDC gun in this old man's opinion...

[@CharlesHuse]

.38spl was the standard for police officers and detectives for decades. The caliber and the revolvers used have more than proven themselves. I believe that it is still a very relevant cartridge today. It is a good alternative option vs. 9mm.

[@AmmoMart]

No question the special is a relevant cartridge! It just works and works with out all the negative aspects of a magnum cartridge. I shoot it into some gel for next weeks video and I think you will find that to be an interesting video as well. Thanks for watching and be safe.

[@comanchedase]

I wouldn't place too much emphasis on the "proven history of the round" argument , because these calibers were pretty much what they had...and if there's one thing about law enforcement is that they learn by elimination and making mistakes for a long time... plus there's cost for the department and all that... So my argument would be: how long, after getting sprayed 3x in the torso will a 180pounds man take to drop? Anywhere between 1.5s to 3s right? Maybe more? What if takes 1 minute? These are long time in a gunfight... So the conclusion is, as far as handguns are concerned, you either carry a cannon with 5 to 7 rounds, or anything else, because it won't make that much of a difference (apart from capacity). The absolutely effective weapon is a long one.

[@gunsmoke9388]

@@comanchedasesound like a straight fool. Aint no telling what will happen when someone is shot! Doesnt matter what kind of round.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

@@gunsmoke9388 Straight foolish is definitely a good way to describe his comment. Only a fool would disregard decades of proven history of 357/38 in order to jump aboard the 9mm trend. Funny enough, in most of the police videos I watch nowadays the police (which almost always use 9mm) have to mag dump their entire mag into the suspect in order to finally stop them. That's definitely not a selling point for the 9mm cartridge.

[@jeffjones8285]

Former law enforcement 13yrs, i have a Glock 23in 40s&w,a 365,a Shield 2.0 and 2 S&W 442&642,and the 38's are what I carry everyday.

[@alaneastman9920]

640 Smith is great open carry gun.

[@southsidepatrol66]

Very well done , retired LEO here. I have plenty high capacity handguns , but I carry a 78 model 36 daily. I've seen real world shootings, and plenty of them, trust me the little snubbie works like a charm

[@halfluckhalffate571]

A S&w Chief Special works

[@TheHillbilly1979]

My wife carries a S&W 642 internal hammer only in .38spl , she likes the simplicity of it over a magazine fed gun ,she’s not very gun savvy and only feels confident with this gun and I feel much better about her having a pretty much guaranteed 5 shots over a potential limp wrist malfunction with a higher capacity magazine fed gun… I personally love revolvers and I enjoy shooting them but prefer to carry with magazine fed semi auto’s .380, 9mm, or 40… Thank you for another good video btw

[@AmmoMart]

No problem, and thanks for commenting. Congratulations on getting her comfortable enough to carrry, no small feat sometimes for sure. I cannot tell you how many women have told me that they wouldn't carry a semi-auto, but regularly carry a revolver, and I say if you are safe and proficient, more power to them all. They are still making revolvers for the most valid reason I can think of.....people still want them and use them. Thanks again and be safe.

[@LA_Commander]

What is the best ccw gun? The one you have on you at all times! This is why I love the 642. It's extremely light, doesn't print, and I can draw and get first shot off in a measured 1.5 seconds. I also carry a speedloader for an additional 5 rounds in the very rare case I might need them. Better to hit your target with a 38 than miss with a 357 or jam with a 9mm. This is a great short range gun. And if I get involved in a physical struggle with a perp I can still fire with my weak hand and can fire this gun even if the perp grabs it. Can't do that with a semi auto. Revolvers are king for close quarters combat.

[@tomcook5813]

I carry a Taurus Mod. 66, I’m disabled and cannot slide a 9mm or clear one, but I can function a revolver.

[@rodneyhancock7541]

I EDC a Taurus 85... I keep my 66 for the the home. The 85 is so comfy, I even home carry it.

[@tomcook5813]

@@rodneyhancock7541 I thought I was weird, good to know I’m not the only revolver guy 😊

[@rodneyhancock7541]

@@tomcook5813 yeah man, my first time firing a weapon was in 87,88... 38 police special, Smith and Wesson. I was in 7th, 8th grade.

[@jonathanvaughan453]

Great to see an instructor spell out the benefits of this great cartridge. The accuracy, deadliness, and shoot-ability combined, make for the greatest cartridge ever, in my opinion. Try a lightweight snubby with +P at the range - it will out hair on one’s chest.

[@gud2go50]

The snubby is only a get-off-me gun and should be used at 3 to 7 Yards. However, did you see Hickok 45 hit the gong at 80 Yards with the S&W 642 snubby? Have a watch. It can be done!

[@johnochicago8457]

I think he can hit anything. He handles that 642 with the precision of a rifle. That proves you can use that airweight at more than 7 yards. Nice to know but I hope I never have to.

[@tywatts7834]

His arm are a couple yards

[@d.lindsey5583]

I have a S&W 638 2 inch barrel J frame with a shrouded hammer. Why a shrouded hammer, you ask? 1 it doesn't snag on clothes and can be fired from Inside a jacket pocket. 2 it is there if you need it. Inside 15 yards, you don't. It is a good double action, the best they say for self-defense, shoot Right Now situations, and most of my practice is for that. However, things don't always work as they say. So by thumb cocking the hammer, the single action trigger pull extends my accuracy out to 25 yards with the snub nose revolver.

[@jeffreywilkey935]

Hickock for president

[@shepleonard8695]

Not even correct. .38 Special +P 158gr HPWC from a 2" snubby is beating a 4" 9mm. .38 is easy to hit 75-80yd shots. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp_EiIuQdtiUf7ssi=WZqlqJ3tsKnAC2CK

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

Ill take 7 rounds of .357 over 15 rounds of 9mm any day. This isn't just rhetoric, my daily carry has been the S&W 686+ for 9 years.

[@taasch2505]

DAMN that's a ton of heft. Hats off to you. I live in the desert in a very blue area. I cant afford to print and I also cant afford to die in 110 degree weather wearing heavy clothing. So for me I just carry 2 lighter J frames.

[@onedaycloser2death224]

How many inches you packin?

[@jasonashley4579]

Model 19 carry comp here.💪

[@johnochicago8457]

@@xtreme4stringbass I have that one also.

[@johnochicago8457]

I have the 4" model 686+ and it's heavy so I usually carry the 640. I use the 686 as a bedside gun.

[@889976889]

Well said Rodney I’m not dudes why so many gun owners are obsessed with the mall shooting tactics. 40 yards is unrealistic in 99% of self defense shootings plus it would be hard to justify in court. I saw more and more people shoot at those distances right after the shooting happened 🤦‍♂️

[@ronaldbak2092]

Great video and I carry a S&W 640 Pro with 38+P and I practice weekly at my local range, I feel fine carrying a 5 shot revolver. I see so many folks carrying these high capacity 9mm semi autos and they don’t practice and are not proficient with their firearms and I don’t care how many rounds you have, if your not proficient using your firearm and god forbid you ever have to use it in a life threatening situation, your dead, simple as that wether you have 5 or 18 rounds.

[@johnochicago8457]

What ammo in plus p are you using? I also carry a Model 640 and the more I read the less I know about what round is optimal in a 640. Thanks in advance!!

[@johnlipski3995]

OMG...What a fantastic video this is. No BS. Facts and more facts. One of the best Firearms Videos I have ever watched. Thank you so much for your information. Very much appreciated.

[@fanman8102]

‘Commitment to training and proficiency.’ Thank you! I was just talking about the LEO involved in a shooting and lost his life. He shot 18 times hitting his target twice. When he went to slide lock he never reloaded even though he was carrying three magazines (51 rounds) on his belt. Tragic but the lesson learned is obvious.

[@richardkluesek4301]

In Rockland County New York State around 1981 there was a firefight involving armored car company couriers and local cops versus better armed political extremists, one of whom is still a fugitive harbored in Cuba. The good guys with service revolvers fared badly. One of them was discovered with empty .38 cases clutched in his fist, and the primers of those in his service revolver had been struck several times. It was theorized that from the habit of catching empty brass to toss into a receptcle can while range training that he was recharging with the same spent instead of new live rounds off the duty belt and thus lost the fight and his life. Following that, in the gun club at the police range I attended at the time the policy was changed to dump empties on the ground and it was forbidden to catch them neatly for disposal or pivot revolvers over the trash cans to eject brass. Easier to sweep up spent casings from the floor than carry a colleague's coffin.

[@Wacbot]

@@richardkluesek4301 that's sad. I'm gonna share this story with a buddy. We do not need that being a part of any other stories.

[@mitchsalawine5420]

I agree with everything this man said. Absolutely. If I were making a video about the same subject I would have come to exactly the same conclusions. I finally learned where the term New York Reload came from! Many thanks for an excellent presentation!

[@johnelder4273]

I carry a .357 magnum snubby in my right pocket (loaded with Federal .38 special +P+, 147 grain, copper jhp hydroshocks and a .380 LCP, loaded with 95 grain ball ammo (for reliability and penetration) with a factory extended magazine (7+1) in my left pocket as my "NY reload". I don't carry guns anticipating that I will engage an active mall shooter. I guess it is possible. If I do, I will have to make do with the guns I have on me and hope my fellow citizens will help me out (possible since I live in SC). Otherwise, if he is still alive after my 13 shots have been fired, I will have to try and finish him off with my Buck knife. It's not a great plan but at 62 with bad knees I'm not up to carrying a "full combat load". However, I am a decent shot with that snubby.

[@joelmclamore1898]

A good plan🤠

[@richc767]

As always you bring a lot of good information in your videos

[@AmmoMart]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I just try to bring a wide angle lens to things and let the viewers decide for themselves. Not for me to tell people how to defend themselves or their loved ones, just provide some information and hope they never have to use it. Thanks again and train safe.

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

The missus is a solid believer in .38, and is her favorite carry...she doesn't care for autos, and is a pretty good shot...I still remember at the beginning of the most recent ammo crunch a young store kid telling me it is an obscure caliber, and thus the store didn't have any...both of her .38s are not rated +p, and finding carry ammo can be a chore at times, while fmj has showed back up pretty good...i don't lose a second of sleep worrying about her preferred caliber...

[@ted.angell7609]

A Lee loader is cheap, and you can get primers, powder and wadcutters pretty easily. They say each of those casings can be reused up to 100 times.

[@Shadow3ffect]

I just picked up a Taurus 605 Poly performance .357. I opted for Hornaday Critical defense .38 special HP. So far loving this gun as a going to grocery store gun and back up. Great video

[@CowboyJunkySC]

The better question is not if one style gun breaks.......sure if one "breaks" the revolver will be harder to fix (maybe) but you are talking about breakage and mixing that with feeding & ammo issues. I have never had a revolver break even with thousands of rounds in competition but I have seen a LOT of ammo feeding issues, mags not fully seated or dead primers etc ALL which require action under stress. With the revolver a simple pull of the trigger resolves all that. Just food for thought.

[@tylermorrison7051]

Capacity aside, .38 special (especially +p rounds) is a great carry option. Snub nose revolvers are more likely to be carried over other heavier options. Pocket, owb, and iwb all work very well. An .357 is definitely preferable, so as to have the option of two different calibers. Thank you for the informative presentation.

[@AmmoMart]

Thank you for viewing. I really encourage people to not give up on the revolver platform as a whole. It still has relevance in the right circumstance and undoubtedly the .357 opens up a world of possibilities. I will later cover the .327 Federal Magnum. Another unsung hero of the revolver world and makes a great EDC weapon. Be safe and thanks again for watching.

[@ftdefiance1]

I agree, however, an aluminum j frame in .357 is a handful. I have carried a 642 daily for the last thirteen years. A lifetime ago, I was issued a four inch 64 and detectives were issued model 60's.

[@tylermorrison7051]

@@ftdefiance1 True. I lean toward the stainless j-frames for .357. I have owned a couple of 642's in the past.

[@thatsmytwocents4372]

A .357 lets you carry 5 different calibers, 6 if your gun will chamber .38 super. It makes a very versatile handgun !!!

[@kingdada94]

include snakeshot or birdshot

[@garycombs9435]

As a young LEO I carried a S&W model 10-6 .38 special, 4" barrel. I've been a revolver guy all my life. I own semi autos, but I will always have a revolver handy.

[@Mark-qq9cd]

Some of the most solid info and advice on KZbin.

[@AmmoMart]

I am humbled by your comment Mark and thank you for viewing. Next week we test the caliber into some gel and shoot it in some other applications, stay tuned and thanks again.

[@tonynguyen3797]

although i have a bunch of larger capacity guns, i still fall back to the LCR 38.

[@thomasmackwilliams2038]

Excellent video...concise, logical, well-spoken, unbiased. 100% useful. Invaluable.

[@justinbushman277]

I have a colt Python .357mag/.38 spl and a custom Glock 17 .9mm and I take both of them to the range and practice with them every weekend. I believe in practice, and muscle memory, and i always take and shoot both because both are different and I want to be good and efficient with both! It takes time and steady practice IMO anyways..

[@brodiddy877]

I believe that, as ammo got more powerful and plentiful, the .38 spl hasnt got weaker.

[@robwilson3749]

It hasn't gotten more powerful either.

[@CoreyCJordan]

I run Underwood Xtreme Defender +P 100gr in my 2" snubbies. Excellent performance...

[@thewarden9454]

Great video, definitely relevant to me as I carry a jframe 442 daily.... although I have many semi autos, this gun works for me especially with the trigger now.

[@alanparks7919]

Fantastic, unbiased video. I’ve owned and shot so many revolvers for decades, and while I know it can happen, I’ve never had the first FTF. Most of my handguns are semi autos, and I carry a smaller 1911 (.45 ACP) most days, a S&W snubbie is often on me, especially in hot weather. Usually it’s a 642. Great, great guns.

[@123gmor]

Opting for the versatility of a lightweight .357 snubbie is the way to go. Also, it can be used with hard cast .357 ammo for bear defense in a hiking/backpacking role.

[@PhilipGlover-lt1rj]

You can stage the trigger on a DAO snubnose revolver. Just because you don't know how to do it, doesn't mean it can't be done.

[@jimmeli5200]

You are correct. I have nine snubs, 5 DAO. It takes PRACTICE, as does accuracy. Whatever you choose to carry, PRACTICE. I always have a 642 in my pocket, sometimes as a primary, sometimes as a back up.

[@thewarden9454]

Yes sir that's a fact ! It didn't take me long these guns are very accurate.

[@dilbertbob5420]

Great video! I carry a Charter Arms Police Undercover six shot .38. I have several "standard capacity" magazine semi-autos I own but prefer the revolver for it's simplicity and ease of maintenance.

[@WheelgunsOnWheels]

I’ve never had any revolver fail at the range. I’ve been shooting for 30 years and revolvers are the only weapons I use. I’d estimate a hundred thousand rounds have been through my vast collection and aside of literally a handful of dead rounds I’ve never had a single failure. It’s important to maintain your firearm and train with your firearm as often as you can. Clean, oil, and check on its function regularly and you’ll likely never encounter a failure of mechanical nature in a revolver.

[@madmack7501]

The tap and rack doesn’t clear every automatic malfunction. A catastrophic failure is a catastrophic failure regardless of the platform. Revolvers are as relevant today as they have always been, you just need to be aware of their limitations but they are far from obsolete.

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

had a revolver "freeze" up at the range.All (years ago) the old timers ( ww2 vets) had never seen this before. Gun smith in training had to start taking the gun apart. Turned out the primer backed out of the fired round leaving the gun unopperational. 357 round.

[@richardkluesek4301]

The malfunction you described was known to occur with hammer mounted firing pins with hi speed or +P ammo, which was why the smooth hammer faces and frame mounted firing pins came into wider use especially with Magnums. S&W engineering modifications, the dash and a number, sometimes indicated a concave instead of flat firing pin cone on the frame for the pin to pass through, to counteract the primer backing out possibility.

[@iaidagger8278]

Ideal caliber for concejala carry!!

[@AK-ky3ou]

That 638 is not an enclosed hammer. It can be cocked by the hammer manually just like the 637

[@Tier3Marine]

I have never agreed with someone so much in my life. Awesome Video!

[@MDformernavalperson]

Gregg Ellefritz' data on nearly 2000 shootings showed 38 spcl equivalent to 9mm and 40 S&W in incapacitation, 1-shot stop %, and % shots that were fatal.

[@francisgarner1751]

Brother the gangsters only used 32 or 38's back in the old days. I have the 686 plus 3 inch Talo edition. There is Nothing wrong with the 38 revolvers . My 686 plus is sweet sweet 👍🏿🎯👍🏿

[@robwilson3749]

They didn't use .45acp? Hmmmm.

[@John-rw2zf]

Thank you for this information. I was not aware of the Plus P round. I will check my 38 barrel for that designation. If it has it, I will look for them next time I am shopping for shells.

[@edbarton-rz9cs]

Thank you for this informative and practical video I appreciate your presentation as it is based in civilian reality. I EDC of a Snubby - 70-80% of the time I have a SW EZ 380 & SW EZ 9 which I EDC 20-25% of the time. The snubby’s first five are WC I have snake shot in a speed loader - for this Florida venomous snakes - speed loaders via Zeta 6 in the other pocket - these speed strips are very fast Bottom line handguns are a tool and your personal preference your preference is what makes for great conversations

[@bryansimmons4550]

A Colt Detective Special or Taurus 856 if you are on a budget are perfect for people who are fairly new to guns. They aren't ammo sensitive, they don't depend on properly functioning magazines, there are no awkward manual safeties to worry about, and there is no magazine to drop loose at the wrong time. Load a 6 shot .38 with suitable ammunition (your choice), throw in a speedloader for a reload, and you are good to go. It's a bit bigger, but a 2" S&W Model 10 will work fine, too. You don't need adjustable sights on a self-defense gun, and they can actually be a hindrance.

[@sat_stacks]

Just bought a kimber k6s for daily carry. Absolutely amazing revolver. More comfortable than any of my striker fired pistols.

[@eronavbj]

I 've carried just about everything since my appointment to the Philadelphia PD in 1967-on duty and off. But during all my times at a firing range, I NEVER had a revolver FTF. Most of my automatics, however, ALWAYS had an occasional misfire. To state that revolver reliability is a myth, well, that’s just hyperbole, and it’s especially disingenuous to advise “new shooters” that there is little difference in this critical area.

[@ted.angell7609]

My experience is not as extensive- I entered this world in 1967, and didn’t handle a firearm until about 1988- but yeah, never a single ftf with revolvers vs. plenty with semi-autos. Vet any gun you plan to depend upon for your life, but if you can feed 50 rounds through a revolver and then keep on clicking it weekly with snap caps, it’s good IMO.

[@denizen9998]

This is such great information.

[@blueconverse8265]

Great information 👍

[@nickiealtieri-enochs1914]

My S&W .38 was what I used for my CCW license. I carried it for years until I got my SIG P938 micro 9mm.

[@AmmoMart]

Thank you for viewing and commenting Nickie. I would be curious to know if you could tell me which one you find to be the most challenging to operate from an accuracy standpoint and potentially from a speed standpoint if you train that way. Unfortunately I never seem to be able to get information from e experienced female shooters who have carried long enough to have used multiple platforms. Most of my contacts are brand new and as I pointed out, the struggles seem to be about the same. If you feel like sharing I would appreciate it. Stay safe and thanks for your help.

[@nickiealtieri-enochs1914]

@@AmmoMart The revolver is easiest to draw and shoot, but reloading even with a speed loader can slow me down. My accuracy with the revolver is good. I can stay within a 10" area at 15 to 20 ft. The SIG (own P938 and P238) is like butter and are fun to shoot. My accuracy is getting better and groupings are definitely tighter. When I carry either SIG I also carry 2 extra magazines. They are much easier to reload so my speed is better than with my revolver. Hope that helps. I do enjoy learning from your videos too!

[@deanbickmore3472]

​@@nickiealtieri-enochs191410:30 OO ó

[@joesheetstheragman7737]

Excellent presentation!

[@ryanjordan7268]

The best defense is your mindset 💯.

[@kylewood8327]

Not sure why you people keep stating to never/hardly ever to shoot a revolver in SA, why? These guns aren’t just for ten ft. and in. With practice ten ft or further my model 10 snubby is very effective especially using SA when shooting.

[@thewarden9454]

Yes sir, I can go 40+ yards with DOA after leaving the trigger.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Absolutely. I'm from the same town as Elijah. Most people in this rural area shoot and many of us shoot a lot.. Train a lot. I used to carry a Smith model 13 in . 357 and use 38 special for fun and carry, but then started carrying the 125 grn HP in . 357 which is a pretty good round with enough speed to mushroom . I actually used it to groundhog hunt a few times and even shot as far as 100 yards using a makeshift rest from a tree using single action and the bullets performed well and expanded well at long shots even. Other times I carried a J frame Smith as well as a series 70 with 185 grn HPs. I like the boy scout philosophy. Be prepared. I might not need it, but in a fight it's better to have it than wish you had it .. What you have with you is what you fight with and I will even dress around the gun if need be. My safety is more important than my style. 😂 Have a great day. 👍♥️👍

[@ted.angell7609]

125 grn. .357 is kind of overkill for groundhogs 😂

[@grahamohea2424]

"...It is in fact a very effective round when the shot placements are there..." 0:38 This is literally true of any caliber, from .22 Short up to 16 inch battleship guns

[@brianc9374]

Some guy got fined 25k for accidentally killing a grizzly w .22lr. That shot had to line up so perfectly it had to be accident.

[@jackmann7054]

I used to think my j frame was 100% reliable only to find that when requalifying for my ccw I had three or four light primer strikes from two separate ammo batches that failed to fire. My instructor almost benched the pistol. Owned it for 8 years and never had an issue prior. So they can have issues which is not often discussed. Replaced the oem firing pin with an extended from Apex but kinda rattled me so best make sure you shoot your revolver with your defensive ammo of choice every so often before you bet your life on it. I carry the j frame still and a semi depending on the situation and clothes but shot many rounds through it to make sure it was 100%. So revolvers can fail if not maintained and checked.

[@DERDM]

I carry a Taurus 856 with Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain standard pressure ammo. I may need to look at the +p version of the ammo.

[@Desperado3248]

First bullet design is important. A 158 swc dies more damage than a LrnNext the best bullet from a 2 inch 38, is the 158gas check lsw hollowpoint plus Buffalo Bore.. it hits between 1030 and 1050!fps . That means it is comparable to 45acp. Last the best 2 inch 38 revolvers were the late model Colt Detective spl, and the hammer shrouded Agent.They shoot like a medium frame 4 inch revolver

[@robertonavarro7713]

The vintage Colt Agent with the non shrouded ejector rod (2nd issue?) has a very smooth double action trigger pull and is a very accurate and highly reliable 38 revolver.

[@29madmangaud29]

I understand what you say about Quantity, however as a Marine, I want "more" better than LESS! !FIREPOWER"!!!!!!!!!! OoooRahhhhh!

[@bluemouse5039]

I'm always looking for the perfect carry gun even though I already own several different kinds and sizes semi auto and revolvers but will always find some reason why one or another is not the best one for me to carry so I can keep searching, like the caliber is too small , low capacity, size, weight, unreliable and so on Actually I just do that for an excuse for me to keep buying guns! LOL, Anyway a few weeks ago one of the gun stores I frequent had a used Charter arms 45 ACP Bulldog revolver with a 3" revolver, After handling it I thought This would be my perfect carry gun! has a 3" barrel for accuracy, light weight and a potent round for stopping power but decided to think about it, After a week of thinking about decided to buy it, but when I went back they had sold it, I was kind of glad they did because I like to keep looking.

[@ted.angell7609]

Women and shoes. Men and guns 😆

[@mr.t9396]

Randomly discovered your channel the other day and I'm impressed. Keep up the good work! Love your content

[@AmmoMart]

Well I appreciate your positive comments and am glad you like the material. We just try to get some perhaps different perspectives for people and like providing the backstory on items we use everyday. Thanks again.

[@mr.t9396]

@@AmmoMart one of the top 3 gun channels I've found so far. I carry a j frame by the way.

[@jairyhunter1077]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@rbm6184]

Get a good small J frame snub in a two or three inch barrel preferably a specifically rated +P but at least a +P manufacturer rating. Just know that firing +P ammo continuously can shorten the service life of the revolver. The hammer is no big deal. Just get a thumb break/snap holster unless you pocket holster carry. Personally I want the single action ability for a more precise shot if I need it so I want to be able to manually cock that hammer. It would be nice if gun companies began providing revolvers with rounded commander style hammer spurs. For capacity limitation just use speed loader or speed strip reloads. No big deal there either. If marksmanship was stressed more then capacity would not matter as much. Practice matters. Good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@richardcheese4722]

Elmer Keith developed 357magnum using Smith and Wesson revolvers chambered in 38 almost 100 years ago. It's a good thing my 50 year old steel M36 dont know it's not supposed to be eating 38 +P.. its lived on nothing but real HOT "+P" home loads Its s been in the family since new and it's close to 3500 round count. Personally I wont run them "+P" home loads that are close to 357mag territory that the original owner fed it, but I do feed it all factory 38+P it wants to eat. I recently had it inspected by my local GS. Needed nothing and the lockup quality impressed the GS. .

[@rbm6184]

@@richardcheese4722 I was not talking about .357 Magnums. I was talking about .38Spl. revolvers using +P.

[@richardcheese4722]

@@rbm6184 yeah I caught that. I guess you missed the part where guys were blasting experimental 357 magnum out of 38s 100 years ago but modern factory 38+P will prematurely wear out a modern j frame.. Sounds like some fud wives tales to share around the ladys sewing circle. Hell even Smith&Wesson said steel j frames are good to go with factory +P. Till the beam counters realised they could sell more new revolvers by playing with peoples fears about +P compatibility.

[@rbm6184]

@@richardcheese4722 Just what the manufacturers say. Take up your beef with them. I would like to see a long .357 Magnum go into a short .38Spl. chamber so it fits and get the cylinder to close. Not buying that one. Maybe with full wad cutters or similar it might work.

[@richardcheese4722]

@@rbm6184 lol your kind of a simple jack. Wtf do you think Keith was loading? He was hot loading 38S to what 357 eventually became. There was no long 357. They had to lengthen the case once production begam so simpletons wouldnt load it in 38S.. As far as Smith approving 38 +P use a hour researching topic you'll find that they did. You should def avoid it. Matter fact I wouldnt want to be anywhere near you with a hot weapon.

[@bottomfeeder12]

I carry a .357/.38 windicator . It is a manstopper. Doesn’t jam, no fuddling with a safety, shot evertime, no clip maintenance. No failure to feed, no jams. That wasn’t the case with any of my semi autos both expensive and cheap ones. One of my arms could be injured and I do t have to worry about racking a slide. Speed loaders are a beautiful thing. I’m shorter in stature and have zero issues with weight or handling it. For me it’s a perfect round. If i’m worried about knockdown…which i never am…I’ll get wadcutters. If you’re worried about 6 assailants….a semi auto handgun is not going to help you anyway…you’d have to carry an AR. Self defense I’m a 357 revolver person.

[@bigoz7]

Great video very informative and thanks for sharing!

[@Lawrence64]

Nice video. The 638 has shrouded hammer and it is possible to cock it. But I wouldn't in a gun fight. The 642 which people wrongly call hammerless, has an internal non visible on the outside hammer. I carry a Glick19 but always have my 638 as a back up. To be honest, it is the gun that is always with me, I mean on my body. It is capacity limited, but it's mostly a 5 for sure kind of gun.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

I carried a mid-80's Model 60 for quite a while and never felt undergunned. It's a dash 7 which means it is made for +p ammo, which I have never shot thru it. I have drilled with it so much that I doubt there are many people who can draw and fire 5 rounds at typical defense ranges of 3-15ft as well as I can. I've had two hammer noses (the swiveling "firing pin") replaced because of the punishment it has endured. Cylinder to forcing cone gap still averages .004" Using +p ammo would have opened that gap by now. Chrono at 7 feet is about 815ft/sec. from the 2" barrel. My meat target tests (Paul Harrell's) on hams show little expansion, as expected, but typical penetration of more than 7 inches, or stopped by the ham bone, which was cracked. I fully agree that shooting in single action mode is not the preferred way topractice defensive shooting with a revolver. That's just plinking. Defensive shooting should always be done under a timed scencario and at realistic ranges - often just an arm's length away. Snubbies are not designed for target accuray even though theycan be surprisingly fun and accurate at 25 yeards and even further. They are made specifically for the last second, desperate situation of imminenet harm to you. Owners should make it a point to practice as if their lives depend on it, because it may. Both eyes open, forget the sights, operate the trigger as fast as you can while keeping all rounds inside a paper plate out to 15 feet. If you are missing the plate, slow down until you don't. About 2 seconds btween shots is what most people can do right away in double action firing. An assailant with a knife can reach you from 18ft in 1.8 seconds. Practice. My take away is this: While it is true that shot placement is very important, it is also true that almost no one wants to get shot - even by a pea shooter. Police and defensive shooting reports show that even a single shot, virtually anywhere on the body will in the vast majority of incidents, cause the perp to vacate as quickly as possible. A third truth is also evident; Caliber does NOT universally make a difference in many shootings. There are cases of perps hit multiple times with .40s, and other "combat" calibers , and still staying in the fight. The difference in One Shot Stops between 9mm and 44mag is just 15% points. Back to my Model 60: I stopped carrying it when its value as a possession made it too valuable to lose in any incident. So, I switched to the excellent M&P Shield 9, which almost doubles the capacity and draws like butter. The Model 60 is retired, like me.

[@rodrodriguez460]

I prefer not to bet my life on statistics. I’ll carry more than what statistics dictates.

[@chuckbert3117]

I always herd the three shot per shooting thing all of the way back to the early 70s, yet with all of the cameras nowadays there are a lot of shootings caught on videos like the news, Active Self Protection, and others, that seem to show a that might not be something to count on. Great videos 👍

[@ted.angell7609]

In a lot of those shootings, the defender fires a lot of rounds because he can. You might want to practice with a revolver to make every shot count, knowing you only have five or six. Since every round is going to come to a stop somewhere with your name on it, firing more rounds isn’t necessarily the best answer.

[@Mike-4547]

In 1984 Bernhard Goetz stopped 4 attackers with a 5 shot j-frame the ammo worked just fine.

[@CSX4823]

Bottom line is practice practice and more practice with any weapon you carry know your weapon and your limitations

[@bluecow2655]

Wow someone showing a 638. Don't see that much seems everybody uses the 642. JMHO HUMP BACKS RULE!

[@joeuwest489]

Excellent video

[@francismartin2427]

100% accurate🎉

[@22Judoka]

My secondary concealed carry handgun is a rock island m206 .38 special snub nose revolver and I feel it's a great gun. I train to proficiency and to standard making sure I know the maximum effective range and that I can hit the threat in front of me. One shot one kill. I would rather have have 5 in a cylinder and hit 5 targets than have a 100 round magazine and hit nothing.

[@evocati6523]

Modern high end .38 is noticeably more powerful than 9mm and you get a great selection of bullet designs for whatever you are trying to accomplish. And honestly some of these small 9mm and 380 micro guns only have like 1 round more, plus let's be real 90% of people who carry never carry a spare mag so the capacity argument is overrated

[@robwilson3749]

"Modern high end .38 is noticeably more powerful than 9mm..." On what planet? Not earth, right? Where in heavens name do these people come up with these crank comments? Monty Hall's pick and paste opinion store?

[@SG-hh9lu]

I had the opportunity to work with both, the most shots I fired at any attempted robbery suspect was four and never had to draw my backup. I never knew Bill to carry a 1911 as a backup. After spending two years there it was disbanded.

[@GeorgeKnighton]

When reliability and ease of carry trump all other factors, the little .38 will always have a place. Shooting the ballistic equivalent of the old fashioned Treasury load and FBI load is going to hurt, but not as much as it hurts at the other end. In bear cub season, you'll want to hike with a more powerful round, but there are even Scandium .45 these days and depending on how you dress, this could work.

[@squrtcap]

My first gun class in the early 1990s at night in the dark range with the instructor and dim light, three balloons with gas in front of you about 7 feet. Lights come on after shots , my 38 snubby hit all three in this point and shoot drill from the hip. All the others, with semiautomatic did not have great shot placement and did not hit all three balloons. With a model 66 in 3” inch barrel, I shoot better than any of my semiautomatic handguns. And the drill is always 6 shots over and over again. It is cumulative score in the end not number of shells on the ground.

[@richremaly8418]

What most people don't understand is that the police didn't stop using the 38spl because it was inafinanc but because the bad guys were using 9mm higher compassionate guns and they needed to be on a level playing field as well. It was a departure discion not the officers who wanted the change.

[@ftdefiance1]

I believe the 638 can be cocked. However, that model isn't easily deckocked. The 640 and 642 are truly dao only. One sad point is that Smith and Wesson have chosen not to produce the best weapons for ccw. The old all steel model 60 and 640 in .38 special with 1.78-inch barrels were a dream for pocket carry. I was lucky enough to buy a k frame 64 that is factory dao only and spurless hammer . Awesome

[@taasch2505]

they still make the all steel 640 Pro Series. It's now rated for .357 loads and is a 2.2" barrel. A little more sight radius and possible oomph. The gun can easily handle the .38 +P loads and will never wear out from it as a result. but S&W quality, quality control, and customer service has taken a severe nosedive after Covid and they are not what they once were. Nor would I trust them at this point. I dont buy S&W anymore. I stick to other brands like Ruger and Charter Arms now.

[@ftdefiance1]

@taasch2505 I own a conventional 640. It's a little too long to carry easily in my pants pocket. The recoil with 110 grain .357 magnum rounds isn't objectionable

[@taasch2505]

@@ftdefiance1 yeah if i was going that route I would use critical defense or hydra shoks personally for that reason.

[@russellkeeling4387]

The Ruger LCR is an excellent concealed carry .38. It is so light you don't even know it's there and as a five shot I use an SKS stripper clip which holds 10 rounds and easily loads the wheel rapidly. 125 grain bullet loaded to 1100 fps isn't a plus p load and fills the role of self defense quite well.

[@Machi74005]

"SKS stripper clip"....wow...excellent idea!

[@deplorablecovfefe9489]

A little heavy, not too hard to conceal, absolute reliability, My choice when I know in advance I'm going into a hazardous area. Otherwise I just carry a pocket pistol.

[@JeffreyCotle]

A 38 spl will keep the booger man away. I've shot and killed white tailed deer with mine. A Ruger security 6 with a 4 inch barrel.

[@jimnagel5611]

MY CARRY LOAD RIGHT NOW IS THE EQUIVALENT TO THE FBI LOAD WITH A KEITH STYLE BULLET(SOMETIMES A 140 GR XTP) -- OUT OF THE 3" BARREL PENETRATION IS MORE THAN GOOD

[@briangtester2536]

I want something to protect me and my family, even if i neglect it for several years! I am sure this is very common, so advice on this would be very helpfull, especially to us europeans!

[@robwilson3749]

That's easy enough; DON'T neglect it.

[@robertonavarro7713]

A good 38 Special revolver like a Smith & Wesson or Colt can properly function even if neglected for several years. My father had an old Colt Commando snub nose 38 revolver which he kept in his nightstand for 20 years without cleaning it. One day, my uncle borrowed it and it still functioned properly. I also have an old Smith & Wesson Model 60, also a 38 Special revolver but I clean and properly oil it every time after target practice. Any gun, therefore, should not be neglected and should be kept clean for 100% reliability especially if it is going to be used for home defense.

[@RONALD......]

Well if humans are now made with any other material other than meat.. the .38 should still be able to get the job done👍🏾

[@robwilson3749]

They're just made with more meat these days.

[@RONALD......]

@@robwilson3749 Not the head

[@robwilson3749]

@@RONALD...... Hahaha. Yeah, I have to give you that one. I own .38's. I can shoot my 4" stuff very well and make head shots. Snubs? Not so much. That said though, I know there are people that are very proficient with snubs and can make head shots regularly. Here's the thing though....I very rarely if ever see that at the range, any range, anywhere, at any time. Maybe I just go to sucky ranges and it's a demographic thing and it's just that most people I observe in my area stink with snubs. However, to elaborate further, 9 out of 10 snub users I see at any given time can barely hit even half man sized silhouettes at 5 yards, let alone head shots. Where does that leave them? Shots to the body that they may make or may not make. Head shots? Ummmm, not likely. Possible? Sure, sure. I'll bet I could pole vault; if I had a 16" obstacle. Lol.

[@stevegimenez9981]

That was a very good video The thing I like about the 38 it's easier to carry but but the 9 mm with a 10 round 12 round mag is better Just doesn't conceal As good.

[@stephenrobbins6353]

It was originally designed as a black powder cartridge, 4-6 in barrel

[@rcas350pilot8]

My 2.5 inch went through a solid block of pine 3 inches thick using 158gr LRN. This block of pine was 40 years old, so moisture content was very low making it hard. Hard to convince me it's a weak round.

[@crockett11000]

How many revolvers that you owned screwed up? Your full of beans young man!

[@janmale7767]

I carry a Rossi .32 snubbie for almost 40 years now,i know some of you guys are scoffing, aneamic round! , aneamic round! Go and look at Gun Sam's (He knows his stuff) comparison of .38 special and .32 S&W long in snubnose! For good measure i have recently aquired a .38 special and a.22 revolver!

[@roykiefer7713]

This was an excellent video, but I take general exception to all - many, many thousands - of “one size fits all” firearms and ammunition videos. Clearly, a J Frame, K6, SP101, etc. - loaded with an excellent .38 Special +P defensive load - may be ideal under certain circumstances (for example, as a backup, a slip in the pocket for Saturday morning errands in a nice, low-crime suburban neighborhood, and so forth weapon). However (as a bedside / home defense, a duty weapon for a uniformed LEO, a concealed carry weapon in venues and/or at times when violent crime is more common, etc.) there are many occasions when a higher capacity autoloader is optimal. Why - pray tell - can’t we indicate that individuals should employ the firearm, ammunition, holster, accessories, etc. that best accommodates their needs under a specific set of conditions and likely threats?

[@Ringoluck]

I knew his take when I saw his wall posters.

[@tmaddrummer]

Great and relevant information. Have you had a chance to shoot the S&W PC 327 2" 8 shot .357 Magnum? I have not, but I'd like to get my hands on one! I have had failures to fire with the S&W 986 9mm having light primer strikes. Even though I don't have the means to properly test ammo samples from all the manufacturers, from my personal experience, I feel that some currently produced ammunition, made during 2020 through 2024, is not of the same high quality that it once was for function, and the fouling of the firearms I feel is worse than ever, and I've been shooting a variety of calibers for about 60 years. The .38 was the work horse for decades, and as said, shot placement is key to surviving any gunfight. Thanks and Blessings! (new sub)

[@stevedevine4237]

What happened to the 32 caliber? Especially since in small concealed weapons.

[@richvest7212]

Still viable If it's not 38/357 9mm or 45 it just ain't Too many unobtainable or useless Calibers that are too expensive