Many years back, a local narcotics officer was sitting in his car when 3 thugs with a 12 gauge drove by and opened fire. The shotgun took the vinyl top off the narc's car just over his head. The officer returned fire with a Terrier (Chief's Special, 2 inch, caliber 38 S&W). End result was one thug dead (head shot), one thug crippled for life (upper torso hit, cannot remember the location) and one thug scared to hail and back. The officer did what he had to do, and the cartridge worked for him. After all internal affairs and outside investigations were completed, no charges were filed against the officer. This event generated a lot of local confidence in the 38 S&W. The Terrier was carrying factory lead RN loads. You just cannot argue with success. Also, the last thug was charged and convicted for attempted murder. Win-win.