The .38 Special is a classic cartridge that has been used for self-defense for over a century. It is a relatively mild-recoiling round that is easy to shoot accurately, even for new shooters. The .38 Special is also very effective at stopping an attacker, with good penetration and stopping power.
One of the biggest advantages of the .38 Special is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of handguns, from small snub-nose revolvers to full-size target pistols. This makes it a good choice for people who want a gun that they can carry concealed or use for home defense.
Another advantage of the .38 Special is its availability. It is one of the most popular cartridges in the world, and it is easy to find ammunition for it. This makes it a good choice for people who live in rural areas or who travel frequently.
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to the .38 Special. One is that it is not as powerful as some other self-defense cartridges, such as the .357 Magnum or the 9mm Luger. This means that it may not be as effective at stopping an attacker who is wearing heavy clothing or body armor.
Another disadvantage of the .38 Special is that it has a relatively low capacity. Most revolvers that chamber the .38 Special only hold five or six rounds, which can be a disadvantage in a self-defense situation.
Overall, the .38 Special is a good choice for self-defense. It is a versatile, easy-to-shoot cartridge that is effective at stopping an attacker. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations before choosing it as a self-defense cartridge.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the .38 Special for self-defense:
Pros:
- Mild recoil
- Easy to shoot accurately
- Good penetration and stopping power
- Versatile
- Available
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other self-defense cartridges
- Low capacity
- Can be difficult to find +P ammunition