It's been almost 120 years, and the .38 Special is ...

[Kestrel4k]

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. :-)

[Scharfschuetze]

It's been almost 120 years, and the .38 Special is ...

Still pretty special.

[CIC]

38 spl and its big brother the 357 serve all of my self protection and hunting needs quite well. I shoot so many more 38s than any thing else.

[Hickok]

I have many handguns, but I find my S&W Airweight 637 .38 Special gets carried most of the time.

[buckwheatpaul]

It is a great cartridge that has served the military, law enforcement, home protector, hunter, and target hunter well for over a century! Yet due to its age it still attracts shooters and I suspect that it will serve us well for the next century as well....Paul

[DerekP Houston]

It is my personal favorite, just can't get enough of those old wheel guns!

[bedbugbilly]

If I could only have one pistol/caliber it would be the 38 special . . . a good general "do all" cartridge that has served a lot of folks for a lot of years . . . .

[Char-Gar]

There are two handgun cartridges with a little touch of divinity in their design. The 38 Special and the 45 ACP. They both provide reasonable power, outstanding accuracy and with great efficiency.

This means everybody gets to own at least one revolver and one 1911.

[Speedo66]

Does S&W still make a semi auto in .38Spl. wadcutter?

[Outpost75]

Cross-posted here by the kind permission of Ed Harris is an article on the .38 Special which appeared some years ago in The Fouling Shot.

“One Handgun” for the Non-Hobbyist

Consider a .38 Special (or .357) Revolver

People I know who don’t own a gun, but are thinking about buying one frequently ask what ONE handgun they should buy for home defense, home and outdoor protection. They would never use a handgun for big game hunting, but would carry it when working outdoors, traveling on vacation hiking, fishing, boating or camping trips, and depend on it, if needed, for home or personal defense.

They don't want a gun "collection," but only ONE handgun to serve multiple needs in a family where shooting is not a hobby activity. The basic requirements are safety, reliability, durability, accuracy, and modest cost of gun and ammunition. Also important is ease of use by the "female significant other" or adult children who may wish to learn.

These parameters haven't changed since Smith & Wesson first introduced its famed Military and Police Model in 1903. Julian S. Hatcher said, in the Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers (1935), "Were it necessary for the average shooter to own and use but one revolver, it should be a .38 Special." This is still true today.

Used .38 Special revolvers in sound mechanical condition are much less expensive than a new, modern combat auto-pistol. Ammunition for the .38 Special is common everywhere and produced in sufficient volume that it remains relatively inexpensive. Factory .38 Special loads available today provide greater variety than for any other handgun cartridge. Today it is generally deemed the minimum revolver cartridge suitable for personal protection.

While the .38 Special is no longer the duty gun of choice among police or military units, it enjoys great popularity in states where civilian concealed carry is permitted. It is also true compact pocket revolvers are now available chambered for the more powerful .357 Magnum, but using .38 Special ammunition in small revolvers which weigh less than about 20 ozs. makes more sense for a variety of reasons.

While a .22 rim-fire is most often recommended as an outdoorsman's “kit gun,” the owner of our “one handgun” can use his .38 Special for this purpose and find it effective. When outdoor trips are short, few rounds of ammunition are really needed. In snake country I carry a Speer shot load first-up in the cylinder, with the rest of the rounds in it being +P personal defense hollow points, such as the Winchester X38SPD, or Remington R38S12 "FBI load." Three TUF strips fit into into an A.G. Russell belt pouch, tabs up, without looking like an ammo pouch, printing "speed loader bulge" or rattling on your belt, in your coat pocket or day pack. On longer trips I pack a box of wadcutters too.

I would recommend that the non-enthusiast seeking "one handgun" select a steel-frame, “police-service-type,” double-action .38 Special or .357 having either a 3" or 4" barrel. I say “or .357” because a “Magnum” revolver of these general specifications can also use any .38 Special ammunition, but is more durably constructed, so it won’t loosen up with frequent use of .38 Special +P defense loads. In states where concealed carry is legal a used 4” service revolver is usually about $100 cheaper than a 2” snub in similar condition. Similarly a used .38 Special is about $50 cheaper than a similar model in .357.

For defense and survival use fixed sights are more rugged, but for accurate field shooting of small game a gun having adjustable sights is a plus. A 4” barrel is easier to shoot accurately, but can still be easily concealed in a proper holster. For concealed carry most people are well served with an inside-waistband type with reinforced opening which permits one-handed re-holstering such as El Paso Saddlery's C-Force.

“Snubbies” are most popular as concealed carry guns, but I do not recommend a non-hobbyist buy a snubby unless you are willing to practice with it A LOT. A short barrel has advantages for weapon retention in close-quarter defense when rolling around in the mud and the blood, but they require frequent practice to maintain proficiency. Recall that our scenario here is ONE gun for a non-hobbyist.

Wadcutter ammunition is good for general use including field shooting. It is accurate, gives a good knockdown blow on small game, and doesn’t destroy much meat. Wadcutters provide adequate soft target penetration with good “crush” and are a valid choice for defense carry in "air weight" or alloy-frame guns which cannot handle +P ammunition. Novice revolver owners should train and practice with wadcutters until able to place six shots fired double-action, with a two-handed hold at ten yards into a 6 inch group fairly reliably.

After developing basic skill and some confidence it is OK to experiment with heavier +P loads, in guns suitable for them, to become accustomed to their additional recoil. A .38 Special loaded with +P ammunition is fully adequate for personal defense. Winchester X38SPD, Federal 38G and Remington R38S12 158-gr. all-lead hollow-points provide stopping power equal to .45 ACP hardball and represent the upper limit of power which the average non-expert person can handle. +P ammo is not for casual shooting, but for defense carry against two or four-legged varmints when more power is needed.

In light alloy frames the most effective non+P load is the Winchester 110-gr. Silvertip HP. It is the only load which I have found which expands reliably when fired from a 2" barrel. Recoil is mild, like a wadcutter, so this load is easily managed by the female significant other who may be recoil-shy. In my experience the heavier 125-gr. jacketed +P loads require a 4" barrel to develop normal velocity and expansion. The major US brands Federal, Winchester, Remington and Speer factory +P "personal protection loads," such as Hydrashok, Silvertip, Golden Saber and Gold Dot excel when used from those.

Twenty years ago the market was flooded with police turn-in .38 Specials in good condition selling for around $200. Today you must shop carefully and pat about twice as much to find a sturdy used revolver which isn’t worn out. If you don’t know revolvers take a retired cop who carried one for 20 years to the store with you. You do not want to buy into a "gunsmithing project," because you may spend more fixing a basket case than it is worth.

In new guns look at the Ruger SP101 with 3 inch barrel. In used guns the S&W Model 36 or Model 60 Chief's Special, with 3" heavy barrel, and the older K-frame Models 10 and 13 heavy barrel, or the stainless Model 64 in 3" round butt, or 4" square butt configuration are also good choices, if you can find one in good mechanical condition.

Simple is good on your ammunition supply. If you have a light alloy frame gun use mid-range target wadcutters for both practice and carry. In steel frame guns you can practice with wadcutters or semi-wadcutter field loads, but for actual defense carry use only factory loaded +P lead hollow point or JHP "personal protection loads." You may also want to keep a few Speer shot shells around if you live in snake country. These loads really handle all uses for a .38 revolver.

Competent use of .357 ammunition requires a higher level of training and expertise which generally departs from our "non-hobbyist" scenario.

The muzzle of a revolver should always be elevated when ejecting fired cases. This ensures that any unburned powder particles fall out with the empties, rather than under the extractor, or between the crane and frame, which could tie up the gun. Carry a toothbrush in your kit for cleaning residue out from under the extractor. If you don't own a handgun, but have been thinking about getting one, you can't go wrong with a sturdy 4" .38 Special (or .357).

[EMC45]

I have to agree. I have a "few" .38 Specials.....Like 'em all.

[williamwaco]

There are two handgun cartridges with a little touch of divinity in their design. The 38 Special and the 45 ACP. They both provide reasonable power, outstanding accuracy and with great efficiency.

This means everybody gets to own at least one revolver and one 1911.


+ one.

[Scharfschuetze]

I got to thinking after all the posts above about my 38 Specials. I kind of take my 38s for granted I guess and when I tallied them up in my mind I came up with the following 38s in my vault. Of course others have come and gone, but these are the current ones on hand.

S&W Victory Model 4"
S&W Model 60 2" (Back up revolver on the PD and now my CCW)
S&W Model 10 6"
S&W Model 15 PPC (Open class PPC revolver)
S&W Model 14 6" (My service class revolver for the PPC course)
Colt Official Police 5"

All of them are spot on for accuracy and I couldn't begin to count the number of rounds sent down range with them. A few photos of them.

[Outpost75]

Some more .38 Special eye candy:

198809198810198811198812

[DerekP Houston]

Nice looking revolvers gentlemen! Thanks for the entertaining read.

S&W Model 10's are my favorite, currently have 10-6 10-8 10-10.....looking to fill in the remainders eventually ;).

[John Boy]

In addition to being a fine caliber it is also the most popular ...
Go to eBay for Ideal molds and most molds for sale start with 358xxx

[Biggin]

38's love em!

[marlin39a]

38 Spl is the first cartridge I loaded 40 yrs ago. I remember buying a Lyman 358477 for $10.00. Still casting with it. Runs great in my 3' S&W 10-5.

[smkummer]

I have all the common handgun calibers and then some. 38 special is loaded in bulk placed 30 cal. ammo cans instead of individual 50 round boxes. 148 wadcutter, 158 SWC and 158 SWC Plus P. Its probably what I shoot 80% of the time. And carry.

[Tenbender]

I agree. If I were living in Chicago, Baltimore or LA I would want more firepower . Most anyplace else a 38 will get the job done. A fun cartridge at the range also.

[jimb16]

I agree. If I were living in Chicago, Baltimore or LA I would want more firepower . Most anyplace else a 38 will get the job done. A fun cartridge at the range also.

So carry a pair! *LOL*

[tazman]

So carry a pair! *LOL*

Illinois has some really strange laws about weapons that defy logic.
For instance---Concealed carry allows for handguns. It does not allow a knife or other weapon such as a club. Only a handgun. It would seem that a handgun would be a more deadly weapon than a knife or club but this is the government we are talking about here.
I don't know if this has been recently changed or not. Too late at night to ask now. The answer also depends on who you ask as some officers interpret things differently than others.
Some officers have the attitude "When in doubt, arrest them and let the DA/court sort it out"

[wv109323]

S&W discontinued the model 52 38 Sp. some time ago. Some parts are next to impossible to find. S&W did make a model 952 that was the same but in 9mm. It also is long gone.

[tazman]

I love the 38 special. I own several handguns chambered for it. I also use it more than any other cartridge in my 357 mag revolvers.
That said I have a Springfield Range Officer in 9mm that shoots every bit as well as any of my revolvers. You don't have to have a high end Smith or Sig auto to get an accurate semi auto.

[trapper9260]

I do not have any 38spl. But 357 mag. but shoot both in the 357.It is one of the first rounds I started to reload. I love the 2 round. 2 guns in one the way I look at it. For someone that need to watch what they able to afford the 357mag will work for both worlds. That is how I see it. I was in a sporting good store and was talking to 2 guys and one had a 38spl and was thinking of getting one with a longer barrel and I said to them how about a 357mag. You will be able to shoot both round if you like.The person did not know that you could shoot the 2 round in the same gun.But love the round of 38spl.

[winelover]

Illinois has some really strange laws about weapons that defy logic.
For instance---Concealed carry allows for handguns. It does not allow a knife or other weapon such as a club. Only a handgun. It would seem that a handgun would be a more deadly weapon than a knife or club but this is the government we are talking about here.

It's the same in Arkansas. Additionally, when you qualify for your permit.....your choice decides what type of hand gun you can carry and the time frame of permit renewal. Qualify with a revolver, you can only carry a revolver and you permit lasts for three years. Qualify with a semi-auto and you can carry, either and permit is good for five years.

Winelover

[JBinMN]

and is ........One of my favorites!
First pistol I ever bought was a .38. First I reloaded too , now that I think on it..
:)

[Speedo66]

S&W discontinued the model 52 38 Sp. some time ago. Some parts are next to impossible to find. S&W did make a model 952 that was the same but in 9mm. It also is long gone.

Thanks for the answer!

[condorjohn]

I was an aircrew member when I was in the AF. Our issue weapon, if the need ever arose, was an S&W Mod 15. Nostalgia demanded that I should have one of my own so, here it is. BTW it's so accurate it's almost boring. 198845198846198847198848

[Drm50]

198853I shoot a lot of 38sp. all my 38s are target guns and fed a diet of Wad Cutters. Extremely accurate
cartridge in a good pistol. 198850198851198852

[Char-Gar]

Ahwww Jeeze...Time again to post 38 Special pics. OK, I will play. Here are some of mine.

[DerekP Houston]

some mighty fine looking guns in this thread.....yall are tempting me!

[Char-Gar]

To many pics for one post, so here are the last few. All of these are still residing with me.

Addendum: The article by Ed Harris above, should go in the "holy writ" section of this board.

My ammo requirments are pretty simple these days.

1. 3.0/BE over any decent 150 - 160 grain cast bullet either WC, SWC or RN. This is my standard range load for all revolvers in 38 Special.

2. 3.5/BE over a good 150 (about) grain WC. This is my field load for things with nerves and bloods vessels. I also would have no qualms using it against two legged vermin if there is room behind said miscreant, so I wouldn't take out a friendly.

3. A reliable JHP that will expand in a 2" barrel. Currently I have a good supply of Federal +P 125 Nyclad HP and Speer Gold Dot 135 +P JHP (Short barrel) I call these my church loads, because I don't want to take out one of the good brothers and sisters attending divine services. Still, always know what is behind your target.

Carry note: The S&W 2" Model 64 is what I carry most. It rides in a Simply Rugged Sourdough. The handgun carries high and tight on the belt, does not want to pull your breeches down and the holster protects the gun from you and you from the gun.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Well, shoot fire, Char-Gar--those are an impressive assembly indeed. If memory serves, the last time there was a show and tell .45 ACP thread you said that I had a "serious addiction." Looks like the pot was calling the kettle black. Nevertheless, I have a few .38s, and a few more than shown, but this is all I can scrounge up at the moment:

198872198873198874198875198876

[Petrol & Powder]

The 38 Special is my favorite cartridge by a wide margin.

It is very Special indeed.

I own a small pile of 38 Special revolvers and have owned many more in the past.

Out of all of the cartridges I load for, I load more 38 Special than any other.

[Char-Gar]

I have never known of a serious gun shark that did not have an altar somewhere in his heart to the 38 Special. Some folks know "good" when they see it the first time. Other have to travel down many paths, before they grow up and keep company with a good 38 Special.

My favorite things are, in no particular order;

1. A good redheaded woman with a good heart.
2. The Colt 45 Automatic Pistol
3. A good Pekingese dog.
4. A good 38 Special revolver

[tazman]

I have never known of a serious gun shark that did not have an altar somewhere in his heart to the 38 Special. Some folks know "good" when they see it the first time. Other have to travel down many paths, before they grow up and keep company with a good 38 Special.

My favorite things are, in no particular order;

1. A good redheaded woman with a good heart.
2. The Colt 45 Automatic Pistol
3. A good Pekingese dog.
4. A good 38 Special revolver

You may have a couple of unicorns in that list but it is still worth looking for. I suspect numbers 2 and 4 are the easiest to find.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Interesting list! :D And that's about the only comment I have!

[Char-Gar]

You may have a couple of unicorns in that list but it is still worth looking for. I suspect numbers 2 and 4 are the easiest to find.

Well, I have all of the above. It took a while to locate and round them up. I have known the Beloved Redhead since 1950, but it took many years before she saw the light and decided I was a truly wonderful man. 28 years of being married to a true *** hole, might have helped her vision. The Pekingese dog was easy to find. Just $800.00 from a good reputable breeder in Dallas whose pups ran 100% true to breed. I bought the pup for the BR, but he decided he liked me better. It is a male thing.

You know about the gun search thing, for that same bee has bitten you as well. There is no known antidote, even bankruptcy is just a short term relief of the symptoms.

[Green Frog]

It's the same in Arkansas. Additionally, when you qualify for your permit.....your choice decides what type of hand gun you can carry and the time frame of permit renewal. Qualify with a revolver, you can only carry a revolver and you permit lasts for three years. Qualify with a semi-auto and you can carry, either and permit is good for five years.

Winelover

Even otherwise logical Virginia (OK, we did elect Terrible McAwful as Governor :???:) Has a law that allows "CFC," meaning "concealed firearms carry," but does not address knives or "other weapons" at all. I guess I'll just have to shoot the perp instead of a good whack upside the head to try and knock some sense into him... :roll:

Froggie

[Outpost75]

In West VA since Constitutional Carry passed many of us have renewed the permit for reciprocity purposes. By WV law the concealed carry permit is for a handgun only, no knives, martial arts weapons, impact weapons, etc.

Law enforcement officer here who instructs local CCW class for new licensees recommends carrying a chemical protective spray to the start force continuum. Objective is to create space, distance yourself from the threat, break off contact if possible and give verbal warning. If you attempt to use a knife or baton you will probably force the threat to escalate. There is no good end to that.

Objective should ALWAYS be to break off the contact and avoid having to shoot. If the threat persists after being sprayed, you have used that interval to break away from the contact, increasing distance and you have given verbal warning, by now you should have drawn your weapon be prepared to shoot.

[Scharfschuetze]

Good advice Outpost. It will always go better for you with the district attorney if you can articulate a logical and systematic escalation of force to resolve the matter, even if in the end you have to shoot. Granted, that will not always be possible given the circumstances of the confrontation. Always maintain situational awarenes and have a plan; although many plans never survive first contact with the enemy.

[Char-Gar]

Just last week Texas Gov. Abbot signed into law the "Knife Rights Act" that allows the carrying/wearing of knives heretofore prohibited like Bowie knives. They require no permit, but some can't be carried in certain places just like the open and concealed handguns. This new law goes into effect Sept 1.

In Texas we are a stand your ground state with no requirement to break off and flee if possible. Shoot em or slice em up doesn't seem to make any difference under Texas law.

Of course is the other guy breaks off contact and flees, and you pursue him, then you become the aggressor and lose the right of self defense.

[tazman]

Just last week Texas Gov. Abbot signed into law the "Knife Rights Act" that allows the carrying/wearing of knives heretofore prohibited like Bowie knives. They require no permit, but some can't be carried in certain places just like the open and concealed handguns. This new law goes into effect Sept 1.

In Texas we are a stand your ground state with no requirement to break off and flee if possible. Shoot em or slice em up doesn't seem to make any difference under Texas law.

Of course is the other guy breaks off contact and flees, and you pursue him, then you become the aggressor and lose the right of self defense.


This makes sense to me. Something the politicians in my home state have very little of.

You are also quite right about the gun collection bee. My wife is beginning to give me strange looks when I stop by the gun stores just to see what is new in stock.
The last thing she said to me was "Just how many 38 specials do you need?"
Or was that about 9mm? Or maybe about 1911 style guns? Or was it rifles?
So many guns, so little money.

[Scharfschuetze]

This makes sense to me. Something the politicians in my home state have very little of.

You are also quite right about the gun collection bee. My wife is beginning to give me strange looks when I stop by the gun stores just to see what is new in stock.
The last thing she said to me was "Just how many 38 specials do you need?"
Or was that about 9mm? Or maybe about 1911 style guns? Or was it rifles?
So many guns, so little money.

My wife has just given up and accepts that when I come home with a firearm that it may or may not be a new one. As I usually drag older wood and steel models home, it's easy to just say: "Oh this? No dear, I've had it for a while." Sometimes she just rolls her eyes, shakes her head and gives me a wry smile. It's pretty much the same in my brother-in-law's home as well as my brother's house.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Beware. Some ladies truly can't tell the difference between a bolt action and a lever action....but they can count! "When you left for the gun show
this morning you took four--you came home with six." :twisted:

[EMC45]

Very nice wheelguns guys! I too like the .38 revolvers. A lot.

[Geezer in NH]

For you guys with wife problems.

ALWAYS leave the house with an empty gun case. Bring one home in it and state traded for it.

It is not that hard unless she keeps other things from you.

[LAH]

I love the 38 Special. It too was my first cartridge to reload. I also like its taller brother.

67-1
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Firearms/SW%2067-1/20150124_161643.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Firearms/SW%2067-1/20150124_161643.jpg.html)

K-38
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Firearms/SW%20K-38/20150423_172059.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Firearms/SW%20K-38/20150423_172059.jpg.html)

[JeffG]

I like that K-38, very nice.

[gwpercle]

Still my favorite...most reloaded , most shot , most accurate and the most fun !
2.8 grains of Bullseye and any boolit from the 105 grain SWC to the 170 grain SWC will do the the trick ! Have owned at least one since 1967 . It was my first .
Gary

[EMC45]

My first round I ever loaded as well. It was with the Remington SWC 158gr. swaged, dead soft bullets lubed with some factory flaky graphite type lube. 700X was the powder.

[arlon]

Shooting my old K-38 (and a K-22) at the silhouette range today. They are just fun to shoot. Mostly shooting at a 150 yrd turkey. Hitting it about one shot in 3 but that's a long way for just guessing elevation and shooting. (-:}

[LAH]

I like that K-38, very nice.

Thank you. It's one year younger than I.

[Shooter6br]

My Model 10-6 HB police trade in..........

[Shooter6br]

1973 police trade in......Safari grips199298

[Texas by God]

My newest Combat Masterpiece. A friend has some factory grips waiting.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170707/cfe062d7c730739abfa7fe1d06c26b34.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[tazman]

That looks awfully familiar.
199311

[Texas by God]

Tazman; does your wife have a M67 too? If so how ironic. We love ours to the point that they would be the last ones to go if we had to dispose of our collection! And that means something coming from a lifelong .45 auto nut.
Best, Thomas.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[9.3X62AL]

T by G......those Pachmayr Grippers are well-nigh PERFECT on the K-frames in my world. I looks good-to-go as it sits, to me.

[Texas by God]

The first thing I did when I got a new handgun in the 80's was to install "Packys" on it. They are better than Hogues IMO. That said I like elk antler or wood more these days.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[tazman]

Tazman; does your wife have a M67 too? If so how ironic. We love ours to the point that they would be the last ones to go if we had to dispose of our collection! And that means something coming from a lifelong .45 auto nut.
Best, Thomas.


Currently my wife has shown no interest in shooting of any sort. At least she doesn't actively dislike it.
I may be able to get her to the range at some point and see how she feels about shooting my 22s or 38s. We will have to see.

[308Jeff]

This thread is going to cost me some money. Now I have to replace the Charter Arms Undercover I lost many years ago.

[FergusonTO35]

Love me some .38 Specials. It's a dandy cartridge in a long gun too, like shooting a 158 grain .22!!

[Texas by God]

Older than the gun factory grips came from a friend. It just looks right. I hope I'm rained out tomorrow I'll wring it out!
Best, Thomashttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170807/21733011f2f40a8816b7ff63bbb08efc.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[EMC45]

Older than the gun factory grips came from a friend. It just looks right. I hope I'm rained out tomorrow I'll wring it out!
Best, Thomashttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170807/21733011f2f40a8816b7ff63bbb08efc.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk


Very nice pistol. Looks to have some character to it.

[GooseGestapo]

Needs a Tyler T-grip adapter !

My first issue revolver was a M15. I couldn't afford factory ammo, so I carried some SWC loaded with 5.0gr Unique. I was chided by my training officer but I probably knew more than he did about guns/ammo. I didn't fell unarmed. As soon as I could afford some factory, I bought some Federal 158gr Nyclad +P. I still have some of that box for sentimental reasons (circa 1979!).

I carried a M65, M19, M66, and a M686 for most of my career. A Glock M22 in .40 took the .38/357's place in 1996, but I still shoot/compete with .38Spl (NRA PPC). I've always even if carrying.357mag ammo, had some .38spl on hand for "whatever". Several rabid racoon and numerous Road injured deer were dispatched with a single shot of .38spl SWC.
Even today, I wouldn't feel under gunned with that original Zero SWC over 5.0gr Unique. Mostly because I know I can put it where it needs to go!

Yeah, the .38 spl is SPECIAL to me! I've got three NRA National Record certificates framed that I shot with .38spl. My 2yr old granddaughter will someday soon fire her first handgun. It'll be a .38SPECIAL!!!

[jrmartin1964]

The .38 S&W Special has long been a favorite of mine. This plain-Jane Model 10 followed me home a year and a half ago. Loaded with a 158-grain cast RN (or SWC) on top of 3.0 grains of Bullseye... as the poet has said, "That's close enough to perfect for me!"
201344

[Bill*B]

It's still around because it is a practical cartridge.

[Texas by God]

Goose, I never warmed to the grip adapters. Funny you mention Zero SWC- I was just given a full box of remanufactured .38 special 158 sec. Brought back memories for sure! Martin that m10 is sweet. 5" barrel?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk