still the finest handgun cartridge ever invented.
In addition to my .38's, I've owned 9mm, .357Mag, .40S&W, .44Mag, .45ACP, .45Colt, and .454Casull (plus .22RF of course). But when all factors are considered, the venerable .38 is still tops: for novices, target work, reloading, and even performance in a reasonably-sized platform. I do a fair bit of traveling, and the .38Spl is still what I put in my pocket - and keep right here by my nightstand.