He’s one of the good guys from IL sir. We discovered we were practically neighbors, until I moved to MO recently. Thanks for what folks like both of you do. Best
As an aviator, I carried a S&W Model 10 .38 spc in the Army until I got out in 1992. Loved that gun. My off duty / EDC has been a J-frame .38 snubby for 30 years. I still carry it today.
and you never shot a soul, nor an animal with it, nor competed in any sort of combat match. so you have ZERO reason for your high opinion of it. i HAVE done those things, so I DO have reason for my low opinion of it.
and you have NO idea HOW special I am, actually. I have lots of guns, gunsmithing, teaching, karate, shooting hunting, survival, ccw, etc experience that nobody else shares.
@@davidmack4185 both are pathetic, At least the rifle,it's feasible to get the eyeball hit you'll need to get in order to have a reliable stop. Nothing says that the home defense gun has to fit in the night stand, Many keep a shotgun in the closet or under the bed. A 1022 fits in either of those places. What you WANT, tho, is a single stack, 16 oz, 6" 9mm for ccw, in a velcroed-in Kydex from pants pocket holster. Starting from "hand in pocket', this rig lets you "beat the drop", IF you sidestep as you draw. Around the house, wear the larger, belt version of the same gun, open carry, so that the gun can be in your hand in half a second and you KNOW that nobody's messing with it. You need the more-durable gun anyway, so you dont wear out your little pocket-piece. When you wear your pistol always, you dont have to run and get it, wasting 10 seconds as you absorb 4 bullets or stab wounds per second.. If you have to go outside or open the door to take a package, get the mail, etc, cover the IWB belt rig with your shirt tail. Just leave the pocket gun in your pocket.
@@dmcd7333 I've been shot, and I never said it didn't hurt, That was your dumbass assertion. What I said is that the .38 is not a reliable stopper of adrenalized men (or dogs) and that is a provable FACT.
@@jasonashley4579 absolutely. It's a POCKET gun load. In a real gun, you can have .460 rowland. why would you settle for 500 ft lbs of power when you can have 800 ft lbs, and less recoil than .45 ball? But the "hand in pocket" start is so fast that it can beat the drop of a man holding a gun on you. I can prove this, with airsoft. What you do is take a short sidestep as you draw. I'll settle for 500 ft lbs when it gives me THAT sort of speed advantage.
Dick, thank you for this excellent video. FWIW, I’ll offer my - not to indicate this is universal wisdom - suggested .38 Special snubbie solution . . . as well as my rationale for it: 1. I often carry a stainless Ruger SP-101, with a 2.25 inch barrel, and chambered for .357 magnums. Of course, this is a larger, a heavier and a far more robust snubbie than a Smith J Frame, but it’s not prohibitively large/heavy, and the extra .375 inch barrel provides somewhat enhanced velocity and increased sight radius. In addition, SP-101’s (especially those chambered for magnums) are truly a superb quality, tank-like-tough design, with superior accuracy, reliability and durability. 2. I load this SP-101 with Buffalo Bore, 158 grain, .38 Special +P, lead semi-wadcutter hollow points. These projectiles are made of a lead alloy that is very soft and therefore that promotes comparatively great expansion. In addition, this round includes a gas check, which essentially eliminates lead fouling in the barrel’s lands and groves. As we’ve come to expect from Buffalo Bore, this is a stout round - however, in the SP-101 the recoil is far more manageable than it would be in a J Frame - and basically it performs like a “.357 magnum light.” At 77, with 60+ years of shooting experiences, I’m a fudd. But I don’t want or need to be responsible for a fusillade of bullets down range AND my SP-101 loaded with the foregoing Buffalo Bore ammunition is more than adequate for the vast majority lawful defense scenarios. “Only hits count,” as LtCol Cooper and President Theodore Roosevelt would remind us.
The S&W 640 weighs almost 23 oz. whereas the SP 101 is about 3 oz. heavier. Still, the Smith is comfortable for me with 357 mag rounds - for 10-15 shots. For nearly all 38 spcl rounds, there are no problems. Airweights are for wadcutters.
says you, with zero experience at how low in power and lacking in expansion it is in lung tissue, or how slow you are for repeat hits, too. Can you deliver a reliable 2.0 second Bill Drill, all chest hits at 6m, openly worn, hands at sides start. as I can with a pocket 9mm? This is not all that hard. the draw and hit, in .90 second is not all that fast. I used to be able to reliably do it in .70 second, 30 years ago. 1.10 seconds for 5 more hits is just an average of .22 second for each hit, which aint all that fast, either. yet not one CCW carrier in 100,000 can do it. I can do it from concealment, too, if i start "hand in pocket". in fact, that's easier than having to reach for the holstered gun, even if openly worn. My kydex holster makes the draw snag-free and I'm already GOT a proper firing grip on the gun, with the gun still concealed.
I recently did a video testing Remington .357 Mag 125 gr SJHP, the Remington .38 Spl+P 158 gr LHP and your old Illinois State Police load the Federal 115 gr 9BPLE+p+ JHP. They all did great, but the one that impressed me the most of those three was the 158 gr LHP. Tore through a jack o lantern with a waterbag, a plastic quart of water bottle and went deep into the wet cushion towel bullet stop and expanded very well. My dad turned me to the plain jane .38 Special 4 inch service revolver 20 years ago. I found it a great gun. A Colt Official Police and S&W M15. Dad has a tapered M10 himself.
I commented on your video, but Look at the OFFICIAL FBI DATA I have on each caliber just did a video on .38...specifically of the 158's the Remington was amazing there
I agree with the opinions expressed! I never pushed any of my stuff on my wife, but one day she came home after dark leaving the Mall's parking structure and had a reason to feel unsafe and vulnerable. Just about blew me away when she said she might like to consider some protection. Okay, so my first question for her was; what do you want, a revolver of an automatic. Without hesitation, she fixated on the word and assumed it meant easy and trouble free: AUTOMATIC! So, I went and got one of each and laid them on the kitchen table. I had a strategy, picking up the auto, showed her how to load the magazine, insert it in the gun and rack the slide, and had her do it herself. She was very intent, and focused, and I could tell that this stuff was a little more than she expected. So then I picked up what I had, which was a Ruger 357 that belonged to my dad and showed her how to open the cylinder, insert cartridges, close it and then she was ready to go. Instant change of opinion! She definitely wanted a revolver, so I bought her a nice S&W Lady Smith 38 Special. She took a class, taught by her brother, a sheriff Deputy and proudly showed me her target, upon graduation. She actually never fired it again, but always carried it in her purse. Interestingly, when she died, my daughter, and just as innocent as her mother; she asked me for her mom's gun! And, history repeated itself, we went to the range. But after, the difference is, she keeps in in her nightstand. In both cases, a dose of confidence.
Interesting story. “I agree with the opinions expressed! I never pushed any of my stuff on my wife, but one day she came home after dark leaving the Mall's parking structure and had a reason to feel unsafe and vulnerable. Just about blew me away when she said she might like to consider some protection. Okay, so my first question for her was; what do you want, a revolver of an automatic. Without hesitation, she fixated on the word and assumed it meant easy and trouble free: AUTOMATIC! So, I went and got one of each and laid them on the kitchen table. I had a strategy, picking up the auto, showed her how to load the magazine, insert it in the gun and rack the slide, and had her do it herself. She was very intent, and focused, and I could tell that this stuff was a little more than she expected. So then I picked up what I had, which was a Ruger 357 that belonged to my dad and showed her how to open the cylinder, insert cartridges, close it and then she was ready to go. Instant change of opinion! She definitely wanted a revolver, so I bought her a nice S&W Lady Smith 38 Special. She took a class, taught by her brother, a sheriff Deputy and proudly showed me her target, upon graduation. She actually never fired it again, but always carried it in her purse. Interestingly, when she died, my daughter, and just as innocent as her mother; she asked me for her mom's gun! And, history repeated itself, we went to the range. But after, the difference is, she keeps in in her nightstand. In both cases, a dose of confidence.”
@@zen-Tii more capacity is never a bad thing, maybe unnecessary at times, but say your first 5 are unable to hit for whatever reason, having the extra 11 is nice.
@@genuingamer I'd take a 6 shot 9mm over an 8 shot .38, any day because i can get 9mm hps ammo that really do expand in animal tests and cant buy such .38 ammo. Animal tests will prove to you that I'm correct about this. TRY using plus P 158 gr lhp . 38's, in ccw size and weight pistol and get the same .18 second repeat hits that I easily get with a pocket 9mm, on a 10" disk at 10 ft You'll be lucky to average under .30 second .
In the late 80's CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and aviators carried. 38's. After Ileft the Army I was issued a Smith 64 by Phoenix AZ. Today as a citizen I carry a 642. THANKS
so what ? do you have ANY reason for your high opinon of it? Have you wont matches with it? Taken down animals with it? A .25 aiuto could have done what you indicate that you've "done" (ie, nothing)
@@ftdefiance1 I've shot in top 10% in over 100 IPSC matches, I've ccwed for 30 years, owned over 100 handguns, fired over 1/4 million rds in combat pistol training, gunsmithed dozens of 1911's, taken hundreds of animals with ccw pistols and the issued is not me, it's the easily proven fact, that .38 factory ammo aint waf on animals, as compared to 9mm hps from Liberty Arms. Liberty also loads .38 ammo, but the SAAMI pressure limits wont let them load their .38 solid copper hp's fast enough for reliable expansion in lung tissue. Their 9mm ammo is 2000+ fps. Shoot some animals with such ammo with both .38 and 9mm and you'll see that im correct. Not just rabbits and not just 1-2, but a dozen each, at least big coons or chucks, stuff that a .22lr wont stop. smaller wild hogs or feral dogs work out best, in the US. Even the 44 mag wont stop big hogs in any sort of combat effective time. They always run off for 10 seconds or more, unless you brain them.
My daily carry is a Smith & Wesson model 36. 1984. 2 inch chief special. Picked it up for $400 absolute mint condition. I don’t think it was ever used. What a beauty. Due to the age and not being plus P rated I’ve decided just to carry standard pressure, Underwood Soft lead black, cherry hollowpoint semi wad cutter.
Totally agree that 38 Special is a solid choice for self defense. There is a reason why law enforcement used it almost universally as a gold standard caliber for 75 years. Fairburn himself says around the 18 minute mark that 38 Special terminal performance is roughly equivalent to 9mm - yes, it's lower pressure than the 9, but 38 is a heavier projectile. Either caliber will do the job.
@@techsun9581 the .38, as loaded in the US, is feeble. In Europe, it's loaded to almost 3x the chamber pressures allowed here, so it performs as it should, with 500 ft lbs of energy, not a pathetic 250 ft lbs. At those pressures and velocities, it DOES reliably expand a jhp in lung tissue. US made .38 jhps do not. you can easily prove this to yourself, if you really want to know, on some trapped hogs, for instance.
not, true. It's always been pathetic and it still is. 250 ft lbs and no expansion in lung tissue, meaning 50+ ft lbs get wasted on over penetration and it has very little shock potential. There's a reason why Miculek shoots wussy loads in .38, for his speed demos, instead of full power .357's.
@@EsyuDach Hey, if you want to split hairs on impact energy statistics, you go right ahead. All I know is, 75 years of law enforcement use aside, I certainly would not want to be on the receiving end of a "pathetic" 38 Special bullet. You do know what 5 rounds of standard pressure 38 Special did to poor John Lennon, right?
The old +p FBI load is a great round. I worked up a standard load using a 146 gr lead hollow point that expands well and penetrates 12-14 inches in clear gel, basically duplicating the 9mm 147 loads. It’s great for the recoil sensitive folks.
I used the FBI load in a confrontation w/a hostage taker & it did the job. I reloaded the Colt Detective Special under fire w/a speedloader. The little Colt had a longer ejection rod and kicked out the empty brass w/o any sticking problems.
What bullet do you use for that load? Im a handloader and am quite curious when I hear about a standard pressure 38 specia that expande and penetrates adequately!
@@MegaAppleshit The bullets need to be REALLY soft, almost pure lead. Both Hornady and Speer sell swaged lead bullets that are very soft and both of them offer a 158 gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow point. They might be a special order item, but I think they are the best bet for duplicating the factory loaded ammo.
@@SonnyCrocket-p6hIf you think a 6-shot .38 can't resolve most negative social conflicts, including the quintessential "bump in the night" you know very little. "Ignorance" would be a kind word for what ails you.
Great content. I am one of the old dudes that his first duty weapon was a revolver. We had brown uniforms, wheelguns and filing cabinets. Times have changed but I have noticed an increase in interest in revolvers.
Thanks enjoyed and subscribed. Old guy 77 Viet Nam combat vet Navy just purchased a Taurus 856 ul. I hand load 148 semi wadcutters with universal powder. Recoil is brisk but if you bear down on your grip it’s manageable . Hits at 25 yards are no problem. Great little gun for the price point. You are one of the very few guys on U Tube that have a working knowledge of guns and ammo. Stay safe and enjoy your shooting. Much obliged 👍
Back in I think 1971 I was hiking with a friend on a trail in Pennsylvania. Where the trail crossed a highway we met a state trooper who was apparently involved in a search for someone. While we were chatting I asked “Do your carry 38s or 357 mag in your Colt Trooper?” I was surprised when he said “Here, take a look at it” and unholstered it and handed it too me! Times have changed.
Excellent, thank you a lot for this information, I am a long time fan of . 38 for target and range shooting, being shooting 38 since 8 years old and now I'm 50 years old and. 38 revolvers are delicious to shoot, I live in Panamá City, Central América, high crime down here in this parts, but I've always trusted my 38 revolver, now with your video my revolver becomes even more worthy and trustfull as a defense gun
Really enjoyed this video. I am an old retired LE from the 60’s into the 80’s. I can relate to all your info. One in particular was your loading 148 grain hollow base wad cutters. That was my primary carry in 38 snubs and the 158 grain +P lead hollow point in my service revolver. 9’s were issued about 6 months after retirement.
The lead round nose actually did pretty well as first manufactured with soft lead. They hardened the lead later to get better barrier penetration and that is when they really began to have some issues. I use hardcast 150g wadcutters in my 2" barrels since expansion is very iffy in a 2" barrel. You are spot on with the 158 semi wadcutters hollow points as well. Good video, Thanks.
LOVE THESE VIDEOS!!!! I 💙 my j-frames and Colt Detective special. When I first started as a brand new cop, for our 2” AIRWEIGHT back-up guns we were issued a Remington 95gr sjhp round. It was crap garbage. For .38 duty revolvers out of a 4”bbl and steel framed 2” guns, we were issued that junk “Treasury load” (Federal 110gr +P+ sjhp). But then soon quickly transitioned to Beretta 92’s and the .38’s went away, except for the 2” back-up guns. The department also dumped that crap 95gr round and told everyone to use the Treasury load for 2” back up guns. One day, the powers that be then switched to the Speer gold dot 125gr +P JHP. Then Speer changed the load to a 135gr bullet and also in a +P loading. Both are garbage performers out of a 2” wheel gun. To this day, my former employer continues to issue that 135gr Gold Dot. I think id rather have been allowed to carry the 158gr swchp. Now retired, I still have unopened boxes of the Gold dots and haven’t switched the ammo in my 2” wheel guns yet.
What a great TH-cam Channel! For those who are looking for technical info with easy vocabulary, look no further. Looking forward to watching every single video. Best wishes all the way from Brazil.
One advantage of the speed strips is that you don't have to empty your gun to reload you can shoot 2 and load 2 where if you have a speed loader you have to dump the cylinder to reload
If im wearing a coat I'll carry a snub in my pocket, no holster. In most interpersonal profit motive crimes the threat will be within 3 yard, and at that range I can hit a 5 inch target without taking my hand out of the pocket. My hand will most likely already have a full firing grip on the gun as they initiate contact..
And this is something that a lot of people don't consider, seemingly: we're responsible for every shot fired... Spray & pray sounds desperate & dangerous! 😨 I know I wouldn't wanna answer to an innocent civilian accidentally getting shot.
Mr. Fairburn you remind me a lot of my late friend Col. Jeff Cooper. I met him and corresponded with him extensively in the last decade of his life. Thank you for you videos and information. Bravo Zulu.
My primary carry weapon is a snub nose .38 spl. It is the weapon that will be pulled first , every time. Simply because I am very accurate and exceedingly Fast On target with it. My rounds are custom loaded by a very small manufacturing group and consist of a pure lead invented hollow bas wadcutter that has been pre stressed with deep internal grooves that look similar to a star head bit. The hollow is then filled with silicone to prevent clogging. They use a duplex powder that I will not mention here but the burn rate is FAST. I must mention though that my backup is a 1911A1 in .45acp
I shoot an FNP 9M, a Browning BDA 380, a S&W 13 3inch barrel (FBI issue), a S&W 686 plus, and a S&W 640 J-frame. I have found that the S&W 640 has ergonomics such that when I simply point it, the sights are always aligned on target. That is important.
Prefer the .45 ACP, cartridge-wise, in a semi-auto pistol. However, I'm considering buying a .38 special, for a variety of reasons. This was helpful in making choices of which cartridges to consider buying to feed it.
I know a federal agent, he was in OIS., working under cover. Carried a smith and wesson Ladysmith 357 mag in a boot, a guy tried to stab him at a kitchen table the guy was around 6'2 and over 220 lbs, he said that lady smith took care of the situation with 1 center mass shot. It wasn't a .38 but that was all I need to know.
Great video! I've started carrying my 4" S&W Model 64-7 concealed with a pair of Safariland speedloaders, and feel well-armed with it. It conceals just fine, and appreciate its extreme accuracy. I carry my revolver in a bellyband with an IWB holster with a large leather pad, and it distributes the weight beautifully. I can wear it for hours.
I didn’t get a 9mm semiauto until 1998 when my service changed from a S&W Model 10 shooting the 158 gr SWC HP +P. we had a 5 inch barrel on ours. I still have a few revolvers in the stable but I now carry (on duty) a Glock 45. Great video series. Thanks for doing it!
Very good videos, earned a Sub, and talk a lot of the same things I have been saying. I have vids on each caliber of Official FBI Test Data I found just did .380 then .38, I am doing Meat & Bone Target Ballistics Tests...1st one I did was .38 snub Hydrashok Deep vs UMC sjhp
I thought it was very interesting about the lead 158gr hollow points being the top performing load of that study. That is basically the load I use in my 38s for varmints. I cast them with 20:1 alloy, so they are very soft, I use Alliant PowerPistol and get about 1050 fps, bullet weight is a little over 160gr. I was amazed at how much penetration and expansion I got in water jugs! Thanks for the video, I've been enjoying them!
I'm old. Love those .38 Specials! I just retired this year and was one of those Glock 17 20 round magazine dudes. Fortunately never had to fire any firearms in defense. Plenty of OC use though. Thanks for the ammo info.
The double action in a revolver is a nice safety mechanism in a high stress situation, that prevents a nervous trigger finger from firing the gun, in a no shoot scenario.
I've been enjoying your caliber series. I really like my 642 smith in sticky holster in front pocket to go along with what ever is on my belt. You take care.🇺🇲🔥🌲🔪
Very objective overview. Having started my career in ‘72, I started out with wheelguns. When I retired in ‘13, I reverted back to wheelguns. I now carry a S&W 3” mdl 36. At my age all I want is a GFO weapon. Just found your channel but because of your honest presentation, I will be subscribing.
Great video. I have and enjoy both revolvers and automatics…but I gotta say I’m a “revolver guy”. I have carry options that include both but more often than anything else, it’s my trusty Charter Arms Undercover (standard weight, not “Lite”) .38 Special snubbie that is on my person, usually accompanied by one speedloader. I go with Federal’s “Hydra Shok Deep” 130 grain +P for carry ammo; not the most powerful but I find it to be very accurate out of my particular revolver. If I want more power I opt for a Ruger SP101 3” with Hornady Critical Duty FTX 135 grain .357 Magnum on board. It’s a handful to shoot and it feels like having a canteen in my pocket, but it still conceals decently and I’m getting better with it from practice. No auto that I know of - that you can stuff in a pocket - delivers a 450 foot pound punch. Just love the strength, reliability, and simplicity of revolvers. They are definitely not obsolete.
First time I have heard of the multi-ball load. Seen several old ammo catalogues (pre-1900) with round ball .45Colt with light BP loads but certainly no multiple projectile .38. Great video!
Hello Mr. Fairburn, I recommend the following Paul Harrel video: Concealed Carry: 38 Special Ammo Selection (Featuring Hornady Critical Defense Lite) He does some testing and addresses the merits of the old-school "standard load" semi-wadcutter relative to more modern choices. His conclusion on that question is at the end of the video around the 30 minute mark.
As an army aviator in Korea in the early 80’s, I was issued .a 38 snubby revolver. I think it was a five shot Remington, but not certain. It works and is tuckable under the shoulder quite nicely. I think it still has a place.
Until a few years ago, Texas did not have Constitutional Carry. My brother in law never agreed with getting a license. He carried a 36 cal black powder, cap and ball replica revolver with a 3" barrel he had cut down. Those are pretty much not in any laws. That is a very viable load. You mentioned the old lead HP FBI load. I like a 12 hardness bullet I pour, 158gr. (it is in the cowboy action shooting range of hardness, pretty soft.) In a j-frame it will expand to about the size of a nickel. Another option I worked out is a Berry's Bullets 147gr plated WC bullet. From a j-frame, 900fps is attainable. Again, it will expand.
Test those loads in the airweight to make sure the 5th round doesn't move forward and lock up the cylinder. Well crimped JHP loads are recommended in the lightest snubbies.
Another excellent and informative video. I really enjoy your testing knowledge of the various cartridges and their performance. This video took me back to the qualifying line firing at 50 yards, strong hand, five shots, reload, and five more. Standing position, sideways, and weak hand in your pocket. It surprises some of today's shooters that you could actually score really well with that position with a .38 revolver.
The high percentage of one shots stops is due to the cops actually slowing down a bit and putting the bullet there it needs to go, because they know they have to make every shot count with limited capacity.
It also has to do with the departments having more days in a year to qual or train with your service weapon. When I first started "old timers" said they used to be shoot monthly... then it was quarterly... then it became once a year. You get political hire chiefs that basically believe "it won't happen here" and look how much money we save by not having waste money on shooting so often. There is failure to train on mind numbing levels
@@joeacp4525shit man… I train weekly just for fun and I’m a civilian. I couldn’t imagine only firing my weapons 4 time or once a damn year if I potentially may to use it for my JOB. Sheesh
USAF Security Police carried .38s from about 1957 to about 1990ish after they were finally issued the Berettas. Ammo was a VERY hot loading of 130gr. Most USAF 38s were S&W Model 15.
Great videos! Love seeing someone praise the firearms and calibers that I grew up with. One other thing to mention about revolver loads, especially if you hand load, is the ability to make special loads for special purposes. For instance, small diameter shot loads with wads made from light cardboard cut from empty cereal boxes or soft drink or beer cartons, to separate the shot from the powder and to close the end of the cartridge. I like that two-ball load too. A term used to describe a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot was "the poor mans machine gun".
I live in Canada. So our situations regarding handguns are different. However. For target shooting at a gun range i enjoy, a K frame Model 64-3 with six inch barrel circa 1990ish. A five inch barreled .38 Special Heavy Duty, blued in 5 inch barrel, circa 1940. And my one 357, a Colt Model 3-5-7 with six inch barrel. Two toned blued finish. Circa 1956. I enjoy your content. Edit: Somewhere I have two boxes of discontinued 38 Spl. 200 grain Winchester Super X lead round nose. And PPU copy of the French Arcane pointy 158 gn copper bullet. Which in itself is a copy of 38 Metal Piercing ammo of old.
The one I have started as a 4 inch duty revolver for a police department in Quebec. Hence its slender trigger and smaller hammer. The fella I bought it from had the adjustable rear site mounted with the six inch target barrel. Good observation on your part.
My father sure was convinced about the .38 Spl. He claim there was two revolvers for a man to have. A .22lr and. .38 Spl. As a young man I ignored his advice. As and older man I learned how right he was. Those two calibers will cover a lot of shooting. Their both readily available new or used and some damn fine revolvers. Ammo isn't hard to come by. My personal favorites is the Colt Official Police in .38 Spl, and by chance a Colt Official Police in .22Lr anyways my take.
Hmm I wonder why detractors don't call the 38 Special the .357 short and weak? lol Shot placement and adequate penetration... are the things. Thanks for another great vid.
Still have and carry my charter arms 38 special undercover Stratford Conn made one, still a excellent pistol, easy to carry excellent for close encounters and can carry it in various places and ankle holster,easy for fast follow up shots and can serve has a primary or back up like the way i carried it back in the 80s when I was in law enforcement,my EDC is a Glock 33 gen3 and my 38 special undercover, and a G2C 40 or 9 mm IWB carry or my 327 magnum revolver, and spare magazines and speed loaders
They also make 2 + 3 loaders for J frames. They even nest together in the pocket so the bullets dont get damaged and it become a rectangular shape when nested which is much less annoying than a round object in the pocket.
Thank you for these reviews. I was not aware of the existence of the 158 grain semi wad cutter hollow point. I will have to add some, Winchester's web site says they still make them. One thing about the reverse hollow base wad cutter was it was extremely inaccurate at any distance. I would not want to attempt to shoot a bad guy holding a loved one hostage even at 30 feet if my revolver was loaded with that round..
Thank you for this information excellent comprehensive video ………. I have the options for edc 9 & 380 EZ AND Taurus poly Snubby 357 ………. I always go back to the Snubby for EDC - ammo variety- reliability (no limp wristing) - excellent for CQC ………… YOUR VIDEO- has FACTS and then personal experiences - a perfect formula.
This has been a fun adventure. I have a .357 S&W snubnose I bought in 1996, it was the first handgun I bought. Since then I have other guns for different purposes and this revolver went out of circulation. I contemplated selling it, but didn't want to. I was using a .44mag with .44 spl ammo for home defense double duty woods gun in magnum. However, it is big for a nightstand (5.5" Ruger Redhawk). I don't want to use my semi's as a bedside gun, so I am going with my .357 S&W loaded with .38 spl because it's inside. Next came what ammunition to use. I think I may just use the soft lead 158 gr semi-wadcutter hp, either that or Hornady's critical defense. Next is my dad who has an old (prob 1960's or older) S&W 38 spl with a 6" barrel. No +P for that one, sp looking at good ammunition for that with home defense and thinking the 158 gr semi wc hp good for him, too with home defense. Thanks for the info based on experience and results.
The 38 special has been used for a long time and the human body is still the same and with training and the proper mindset I'm sure it will take care of business.
Good talk. I'm from the exact same school of thought, and I new it for sure when you brought up the backward wadcutter reload, then the buck shot load. I'm still a diehard revolver fan. - Godspeed
Really enjoying your videos!
He’s one of the good guys from IL sir. We discovered we were practically neighbors, until I moved to MO recently. Thanks for what folks like both of you do.
Best
Means a lot coming from you, sir. Thanks!
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb agree! 👍
Howdy Hickock45!
Wow, that is some high praise!
As an aviator, I carried a S&W Model 10 .38 spc in the Army until I got out in 1992. Loved that gun. My off duty / EDC has been a J-frame .38 snubby for 30 years. I still carry it today.
That’s pretty cool, man. Something special about the SW 10. I’ve the victory model myself
and you never shot a soul, nor an animal with it, nor competed in any sort of combat match. so you have ZERO reason for your high opinion of it. i HAVE done those things, so I DO have reason for my low opinion of it.
Wow! Arent you special!@@EsyuDach
@@robertbrittner6790 doesnt take much to know a lot more about this than you do, obviously.
and you have NO idea HOW special I am, actually. I have lots of guns, gunsmithing, teaching, karate, shooting hunting, survival, ccw, etc experience that nobody else shares.
The .38 Special has helped people take dirt naps since 1898 and still a very viable cartridge.. 👍
'Dirt nap'...that is a l......oo.ng nap for sure! 🤣🤣🤣😭
no, it's not. same thing is true of 22lr. that doesn't mean it's waf.
@@SonnyCrocket-p6h Certainly not for you, Mr. Wick...
@@davidmack4185 both are pathetic, At least the rifle,it's feasible to get the eyeball hit you'll need to get in order to have a reliable stop. Nothing says that the home defense gun has to fit in the night stand, Many keep a shotgun in the closet or under the bed. A 1022 fits in either of those places. What you WANT, tho, is a single stack, 16 oz, 6" 9mm for ccw, in a velcroed-in Kydex from pants pocket holster. Starting from "hand in pocket', this rig lets you "beat the drop", IF you sidestep as you draw.
Around the house, wear the larger, belt version of the same gun, open carry, so that the gun can be in your hand in half a second and you KNOW that nobody's messing with it. You need the more-durable gun anyway, so you dont wear out your little pocket-piece.
When you wear your pistol always, you dont have to run and get it, wasting 10 seconds as you absorb 4 bullets or stab wounds per second.. If you have to go outside or open the door to take a package, get the mail, etc, cover the IWB belt rig with your shirt tail. Just leave the pocket gun in your pocket.
@@SonnyCrocket-p6h most people who know their shit say its viable
New smith and wesson airweight came out during shot show, and people were going crazy about it. Id say .38 revolvers are still very popular.
so are .25 autos. Bunch of fools think highly of both.
You have never been shot....I have. Even a 9mm hurts like hell after the adrenaline wears out. Would not want a .38 or .357 ever.
@@dmcd7333 I've been shot, and I never said it didn't hurt, That was your dumbass assertion. What I said is that the .38 is not a reliable stopper of adrenalized men (or dogs) and that is a provable FACT.
9mm is like a katana, way over exaggerated.
@@jasonashley4579 absolutely. It's a POCKET gun load. In a real gun, you can have .460 rowland. why would you settle for 500 ft lbs of power when you can have 800 ft lbs, and less recoil than .45 ball? But the "hand in pocket" start is so fast that it can beat the drop of a man holding a gun on you. I can prove this, with airsoft. What you do is take a short sidestep as you draw. I'll settle for 500 ft lbs when it gives me THAT sort of speed advantage.
Dick, thank you for this excellent video. FWIW, I’ll offer my - not to indicate this is universal wisdom - suggested .38 Special snubbie solution . . . as well as my rationale for it:
1. I often carry a stainless Ruger SP-101, with a 2.25 inch barrel, and chambered for .357 magnums. Of course, this is a larger, a heavier and a far more robust snubbie than a Smith J Frame, but it’s not prohibitively large/heavy, and the extra .375 inch barrel provides somewhat enhanced velocity and increased sight radius. In addition, SP-101’s (especially those chambered for magnums) are truly a superb quality, tank-like-tough design, with superior accuracy, reliability and durability.
2. I load this SP-101 with Buffalo Bore, 158 grain, .38 Special +P, lead semi-wadcutter hollow points. These projectiles are made of a lead alloy that is very soft and therefore that promotes comparatively great expansion. In addition, this round includes a gas check, which essentially eliminates lead fouling in the barrel’s lands and groves.
As we’ve come to expect from Buffalo Bore, this is a stout round - however, in the SP-101 the recoil is far more manageable than it would be in a J Frame - and basically it performs like a “.357 magnum light.”
At 77, with 60+ years of shooting experiences, I’m a fudd. But I don’t want or need to be responsible for a fusillade of bullets down range AND my SP-101 loaded with the foregoing Buffalo Bore ammunition is more than adequate for the vast majority lawful defense scenarios.
“Only hits count,” as LtCol Cooper and President Theodore Roosevelt would remind us.
You have earned the right to carry what you want and your combination of revolver and load is first class!
The S&W 640 weighs almost 23 oz. whereas the SP 101 is about 3 oz. heavier. Still, the Smith is comfortable for me with 357 mag rounds - for 10-15 shots. For nearly all 38 spcl rounds, there are no problems. Airweights are for wadcutters.
says you, with zero experience at how low in power and lacking in expansion it is in lung tissue, or how slow you are for repeat hits, too. Can you deliver a reliable 2.0 second Bill Drill, all chest hits at 6m, openly worn, hands at sides start. as I can with a pocket 9mm? This is not all that hard. the draw and hit, in .90 second is not all that fast. I used to be able to reliably do it in .70 second, 30 years ago. 1.10 seconds for 5 more hits is just an average of .22 second for each hit, which aint all that fast, either. yet not one CCW carrier in 100,000 can do it. I can do it from concealment, too, if i start "hand in pocket". in fact, that's easier than having to reach for the holstered gun, even if openly worn. My kydex holster makes the draw snag-free and I'm already GOT a proper firing grip on the gun, with the gun still concealed.
I recently did a video testing Remington .357 Mag 125 gr SJHP, the Remington .38 Spl+P 158 gr LHP and your old Illinois State Police load the Federal 115 gr 9BPLE+p+ JHP.
They all did great, but the one that impressed me the most of those three was the 158 gr LHP. Tore through a jack o lantern with a waterbag, a plastic quart of water bottle and went deep into the wet cushion towel bullet stop and expanded very well.
My dad turned me to the plain jane .38 Special 4 inch service revolver 20 years ago. I found it a great gun. A Colt Official Police and S&W M15. Dad has a tapered M10 himself.
I commented on your video, but Look at the OFFICIAL FBI DATA I have on each caliber just did a video on .38...specifically of the 158's the Remington was amazing there
The 158 grain is a huge round. Saw a few people shot with it. They work!
I agree with the opinions expressed! I never pushed any of my stuff on my wife, but one day she came home after dark leaving the Mall's parking structure and had a reason to feel unsafe and vulnerable. Just about blew me away when she said she might like to consider some protection. Okay, so my first question for her was; what do you want, a revolver of an automatic. Without hesitation, she fixated on the word and assumed it meant easy and trouble free: AUTOMATIC! So, I went and got one of each and laid them on the kitchen table. I had a strategy, picking up the auto, showed her how to load the magazine, insert it in the gun and rack the slide, and had her do it herself. She was very intent, and focused, and I could tell that this stuff was a little more than she expected. So then I picked up what I had, which was a Ruger 357 that belonged to my dad and showed her how to open the cylinder, insert cartridges, close it and then she was ready to go. Instant change of opinion! She definitely wanted a revolver, so I bought her a nice S&W Lady Smith 38 Special. She took a class, taught by her brother, a sheriff Deputy and proudly showed me her target, upon graduation. She actually never fired it again, but always carried it in her purse. Interestingly, when she died, my daughter, and just as innocent as her mother; she asked me for her mom's gun! And, history repeated itself, we went to the range. But after, the difference is, she keeps in in her nightstand. In both cases, a dose of confidence.
Interesting story.
“I agree with the opinions expressed! I never pushed any of my stuff on my wife, but one day she came home after dark leaving the Mall's parking structure and had a reason to feel unsafe and vulnerable.
Just about blew me away when she said she might like to consider some protection. Okay, so my first question for her was; what do you want, a revolver of an automatic.
Without hesitation, she fixated on the word and assumed it meant easy and trouble free: AUTOMATIC!
So, I went and got one of each and laid them on the kitchen table. I had a strategy, picking up the auto, showed her how to load the magazine, insert it in the gun and rack the slide, and had her do it herself. She was very intent, and focused, and I could tell that this stuff was a little more than she expected.
So then I picked up what I had, which was a Ruger 357 that belonged to my dad and showed her how to open the cylinder, insert cartridges, close it and then she was ready to go.
Instant change of opinion! She definitely wanted a revolver, so I bought her a nice S&W Lady Smith 38 Special. She took a class, taught by her brother, a sheriff Deputy and proudly showed me her target, upon graduation.
She actually never fired it again, but always carried it in her purse. Interestingly, when she died, my daughter, and just as innocent as her mother; she asked me for her mom's gun! And, history repeated itself, we went to the range. But after, the difference is, she keeps in in her nightstand. In both cases, a dose of confidence.”
The average concealed carrier is not fighting a war, more than adequate
But…but capacity!
@@zen-Tii more capacity is never a bad thing, maybe unnecessary at times, but say your first 5 are unable to hit for whatever reason, having the extra 11 is nice.
@@genuingamer I'd take a 6 shot 9mm over an 8 shot .38, any day because i can get 9mm hps ammo that really do expand in animal tests and cant buy such .38 ammo. Animal tests will prove to you that I'm correct about this. TRY using plus P 158 gr lhp . 38's, in ccw size and weight pistol and get the same .18 second repeat hits that I easily get with a pocket 9mm, on a 10" disk at 10 ft You'll be lucky to average under .30 second .
@EsyuDach wow, you sound like a real expert! You must have tons of subscribers!
@@rob6850 that's right, asshole, nobody knew anything before you tube. eff you
In the late 80's CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and aviators carried. 38's. After Ileft the Army I was issued a Smith 64 by Phoenix AZ. Today as a citizen I carry a 642. THANKS
Still have my NYPD Smith’s. Great guns
so what ? do you have ANY reason for your high opinon of it? Have you wont matches with it? Taken down animals with it? A .25 aiuto could have done what you indicate that you've "done" (ie, nothing)
@EsyuDach tell me their c
Commando Joe, what have you done that I should care about your opinion?
@@ftdefiance1 I've shot in top 10% in over 100 IPSC matches, I've ccwed for 30 years, owned over 100 handguns, fired over 1/4 million rds in combat pistol training, gunsmithed dozens of 1911's, taken hundreds of animals with ccw pistols and the issued is not me, it's the easily proven fact, that .38 factory ammo aint waf on animals, as compared to 9mm hps from Liberty Arms. Liberty also loads .38 ammo, but the SAAMI pressure limits wont let them load their .38 solid copper hp's fast enough for reliable expansion in lung tissue. Their 9mm ammo is 2000+ fps. Shoot some animals with such ammo with both .38 and 9mm and you'll see that im correct. Not just rabbits and not just 1-2, but a dozen each, at least big coons or chucks, stuff that a .22lr wont stop. smaller wild hogs or feral dogs work out best, in the US. Even the 44 mag wont stop big hogs in any sort of combat effective time. They always run off for 10 seconds or more, unless you brain them.
My daily carry is a Smith & Wesson model 36. 1984. 2 inch chief special.
Picked it up for $400 absolute mint condition. I don’t think it was ever used. What a beauty.
Due to the age and not being plus P rated I’ve decided just to carry standard pressure, Underwood Soft lead black, cherry hollowpoint semi wad cutter.
Did you mean *mint* condition?
I purchased mine in 1984 and I still carry it on occasion. Great gun!
The .38 special has been a good self-defense round for over 125 years, and it still is.
no, it's not. The SAAMI specs for it keep if feeble. The 9mm is considerably more powerful and the ammo costs less.
Totally agree that 38 Special is a solid choice for self defense. There is a reason why law enforcement used it almost universally as a gold standard caliber for 75 years. Fairburn himself says around the 18 minute mark that 38 Special terminal performance is roughly equivalent to 9mm - yes, it's lower pressure than the 9, but 38 is a heavier projectile. Either caliber will do the job.
@@techsun9581 the .38, as loaded in the US, is feeble. In Europe, it's loaded to almost 3x the chamber pressures allowed here, so it performs as it should, with 500 ft lbs of energy, not a pathetic 250 ft lbs. At those pressures and velocities, it DOES reliably expand a jhp in lung tissue. US made .38 jhps do not. you can easily prove this to yourself, if you really want to know, on some trapped hogs, for instance.
not, true. It's always been pathetic and it still is. 250 ft lbs and no expansion in lung tissue, meaning 50+ ft lbs get wasted on over penetration and it has very little shock potential. There's a reason why Miculek shoots wussy loads in .38, for his speed demos, instead of full power .357's.
@@EsyuDach Hey, if you want to split hairs on impact energy statistics, you go right ahead. All I know is, 75 years of law enforcement use aside, I certainly would not want to be on the receiving end of a "pathetic" 38 Special bullet. You do know what 5 rounds of standard pressure 38 Special did to poor John Lennon, right?
I'm old
Old technology still works 😅
The old +p FBI load is a great round. I worked up a standard load using a 146 gr lead hollow point that expands well and penetrates 12-14 inches in clear gel, basically duplicating the 9mm 147 loads. It’s great for the recoil sensitive folks.
Works just as well in 2 inch barrels, a timeless load.
I used the FBI load in a confrontation w/a hostage taker & it did the job. I reloaded the Colt Detective Special under fire w/a speedloader. The little Colt had a longer ejection rod and kicked out the empty brass w/o any sticking problems.
What bullet do you use for that load? Im a handloader and am quite curious when I hear about a standard pressure 38 specia that expande and penetrates adequately!
@@MegaAppleshit gt bullets
@@MegaAppleshit The bullets need to be REALLY soft, almost pure lead. Both Hornady and Speer sell swaged lead bullets that are very soft and both of them offer a 158 gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow point. They might be a special order item, but I think they are the best bet for duplicating the factory loaded ammo.
I'm an old fart with a 4 inch Colt Diamondback 38 in my night table and a box of Win +P's. I sleep very soundly at night.
bilions of people sleep soundly with no gun at al, or just a 22, or .25. Same thing with all of them, ignorance of how vulnerable they are.
@@SonnyCrocket-p6hIf you think a 6-shot .38 can't resolve most negative social conflicts, including the quintessential "bump in the night" you know very little. "Ignorance" would be a kind word for what ails you.
Model 10 with Win +P’s 💤
1942 4” Colt Commando with BB 150gr hcwc. Its nickname is Sominex😴
ignorance is bliss.
Great content. I am one of the old dudes that his first duty weapon was a revolver. We had brown uniforms, wheelguns and filing cabinets. Times have changed but I have noticed an increase in interest in revolvers.
Thanks enjoyed and subscribed. Old guy 77 Viet Nam combat vet Navy just purchased a Taurus 856 ul. I hand load 148 semi wadcutters with universal powder. Recoil is brisk but if you bear down on your grip it’s manageable . Hits at 25 yards are no problem. Great little gun for the price point. You are one of the very few guys on U Tube that have a working knowledge of guns and ammo. Stay safe and enjoy your shooting. Much obliged 👍
We're waiting for that 327 Federal magnum review!!!
I find the 38 snub, very compact, reliable. User friendly.
Back in I think 1971 I was hiking with a friend on a trail in Pennsylvania. Where the trail crossed a highway we met a state trooper who was apparently involved in a search for someone. While we were chatting I asked “Do your carry 38s or 357 mag in your Colt Trooper?” I was surprised when he said “Here, take a look at it” and unholstered it and handed it too me! Times have changed.
Strange indeed, even in 1971.
Excellent, thank you a lot for this information, I am a long time fan of . 38 for target and range shooting, being shooting 38 since 8 years old and now I'm 50 years old and. 38 revolvers are delicious to shoot, I live in Panamá City, Central América, high crime down here in this parts, but I've always trusted my 38 revolver, now with your video my revolver becomes even more worthy and trustfull as a defense gun
Glad I could help, stay safe!
It is nice to listen to someone on TH-cam who's past lends them some credibility .
Hell yeah, the 38 special is an excellent self defense round.
Really enjoyed this video. I am an old retired LE from the 60’s into the 80’s. I can relate to all your info. One in particular was your loading 148 grain hollow base wad cutters. That was my primary carry in 38 snubs and the 158 grain +P lead hollow point in my service revolver. 9’s were issued about 6 months after retirement.
We did just fine with wheelguns, didn't we?
I've settled on the 38 Special 158 gr. +P LSWCHP from Remington for my needs.
+1!!!! Yes Sir this IS THE CHOICE!!!😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
The lead round nose actually did pretty well as first manufactured with soft lead. They hardened the lead later to get better barrier penetration and that is when they really began to have some issues. I use hardcast 150g wadcutters in my 2" barrels since expansion is very iffy in a 2" barrel. You are spot on with the 158 semi wadcutters hollow points as well. Good video, Thanks.
i was under the impression the lead today is harder than the old school ones. thank you.
Yes it is. @@robertkwiatkoski1292
Keep’em coming. I stop whatever I’m doing at the time to watch these.
LOVE THESE VIDEOS!!!!
I 💙 my j-frames and Colt Detective special. When I first started as a brand new cop, for our 2” AIRWEIGHT back-up guns we were issued a Remington 95gr sjhp round. It was crap garbage. For .38 duty revolvers out of a 4”bbl and steel framed 2” guns, we were issued that junk “Treasury load” (Federal 110gr +P+ sjhp). But then soon quickly transitioned to Beretta 92’s and the .38’s went away, except for the 2” back-up guns. The department also dumped that crap 95gr round and told everyone to use the Treasury load for 2” back up guns.
One day, the powers that be then switched to the Speer gold dot 125gr +P JHP. Then Speer changed the load to a 135gr bullet and also in a +P loading. Both are garbage performers out of a 2” wheel gun. To this day, my former employer continues to issue that 135gr Gold Dot. I think id rather have been allowed to carry the 158gr swchp. Now retired, I still have unopened boxes of the Gold dots and haven’t switched the ammo in my 2” wheel guns yet.
What a great TH-cam Channel! For those who are looking for technical info with easy vocabulary, look no further. Looking forward to watching every single video. Best wishes all the way from Brazil.
Thank you!
I have a model 10, which is a smooth shooter. I picked it up in a pawn shop-gun store about 20 years ago. It's in beautiful shape!
One of the best there is!! I love the feel of a k frame!
I'd love to have a model 10, I've got a model 15-3 combat masterpiece that stays in my nightstand stoked with FBI load, it'll have to do for now.
One advantage of the speed strips is that you don't have to empty your gun to reload you can shoot 2 and load 2 where if you have a speed loader you have to dump the cylinder to reload
Python 3” in a Miami for me in winter when I want to be stylish. A cool cucumber with a six gun is better than spray-n-pray thug.
If im wearing a coat I'll carry a snub in my pocket, no holster. In most interpersonal profit motive crimes the threat will be within 3 yard, and at that range I can hit a 5 inch target without taking my hand out of the pocket. My hand will most likely already have a full firing grip on the gun as they initiate contact..
Any man carrying a Python has class, even the new ones.
And this is something that a lot of people don't consider, seemingly: we're responsible for every shot fired... Spray & pray sounds desperate & dangerous! 😨 I know I wouldn't wanna answer to an innocent civilian accidentally getting shot.
Mr. Fairburn you remind me a lot of my late friend Col. Jeff Cooper. I met him and corresponded with him extensively in the last decade of his life. Thank you for you videos and information. Bravo Zulu.
Very high and underserved praise to be compared to the Colonel. I spent time with him a couple of times at Gunsight and he was a rare individual.
My primary carry weapon is a snub nose .38 spl.
It is the weapon that will be pulled first , every time.
Simply because I am very accurate and exceedingly
Fast On target with it. My rounds are custom loaded by a very small manufacturing group and consist of a pure lead invented hollow bas wadcutter that has been pre stressed with deep internal grooves that look similar to a star head bit. The hollow is then filled with silicone to prevent clogging. They use a duplex powder that I will not mention here but the burn rate is FAST. I must mention though that my backup is a 1911A1 in .45acp
Sounds like criminals should fear you.
I will add, I have been shot twice and stabbed once, but I am still here.. that should address your comment.
I shoot an FNP 9M, a Browning BDA 380, a S&W 13 3inch barrel (FBI issue), a S&W 686 plus, and a S&W 640 J-frame. I have found that the S&W 640 has ergonomics such that when I simply point it, the sights are always aligned on target. That is important.
@@MDformernavalperson Confidence trumps almost every other factor.
I wouldn’t want to be hit by a .38 Special.
😂😂😂
I wouldn't want to get hit by a rock..lol
you wouldn't want to be hit by a pellet from a .177 pellet pistol, either. your statement means nothing, and it indicates that you lack any sense.
Very thorough; appreciate it.
Prefer the .45 ACP, cartridge-wise, in a semi-auto pistol. However, I'm considering buying a .38 special, for a variety of reasons. This was helpful in making choices of which cartridges to consider buying to feed it.
Glad it helped.
I know a federal agent, he was in OIS., working under cover. Carried a smith and wesson Ladysmith 357 mag in a boot, a guy tried to stab him at a kitchen table the guy was around 6'2 and over 220 lbs, he said that lady smith took care of the situation with 1 center mass shot. It wasn't a .38 but that was all I need to know.
A wise man once said, “you can’t miss fast enough in a gunfight to catch up”
Ken Hackathorn
💯
Great video! I've started carrying my 4" S&W Model 64-7 concealed with a pair of Safariland speedloaders, and feel well-armed with it. It conceals just fine, and appreciate its extreme accuracy. I carry my revolver in a bellyband with an IWB holster with a large leather pad, and it distributes the weight beautifully. I can wear it for hours.
I didn’t get a 9mm semiauto until 1998 when my service changed from a S&W Model 10 shooting the 158 gr SWC HP +P. we had a 5 inch barrel on ours. I still have a few revolvers in the stable but I now carry (on duty) a Glock 45. Great video series. Thanks for doing it!
This is the best education on the .38 Special I’m have seen yet.
Excellent video. This channel has quickly become one of my favorites for being so informative, with a wealth of knowledge available.
Love the old pics with the theme song, particularly the LE ones
This has been a really great series. Thanks for putting it together.
Spot on I became a LEO in 1959 so my experience mirrors yours only mine started earlier. A great video I hope every gun owner watches it.
Damn, 1959! My Dad went on the NYPD in 1957.
Very good videos, earned a Sub, and talk a lot of the same things I have been saying. I have vids on each caliber of Official FBI Test Data I found just did .380 then .38, I am doing Meat & Bone Target Ballistics Tests...1st one I did was .38 snub Hydrashok Deep vs UMC sjhp
Excellent worek! tHANK YOU
I'm really enjoying these videos Mr. Fairburn. I enjoy everything you put out though. It's much appreciated Sir.
Great presentation SIR, Your Oldfirekeeper Great Smokey Mountains N.C
I thought it was very interesting about the lead 158gr hollow points being the top performing load of that study. That is basically the load I use in my 38s for varmints. I cast them with 20:1 alloy, so they are very soft, I use Alliant PowerPistol and get about 1050 fps, bullet weight is a little over 160gr. I was amazed at how much penetration and expansion I got in water jugs! Thanks for the video, I've been enjoying them!
If you watch my water jug testing video you can correlate the results almost exactly to what you would see in 10% ordnance gelatin.
In my Ruger LCR .38 special +P I carry it with Hornady Critical Defense 110 GR FTX. Fun fun! Thank you for an informative and enjoyable video.
Good video! I regularly carry either a 3" model 10 or a 2" 642, and a couple of speedloaders.
What I wouldn’t give to have a 3” Model 10…
The backdrop is cozy and relaxing. Great subject matter. Great job explaining everything. Very nice video.
Excellent, informative video.
I'm old. Love those .38 Specials! I just retired this year and was one of those Glock 17 20 round magazine dudes. Fortunately never had to fire any firearms in defense. Plenty of OC use though. Thanks for the ammo info.
👍 outstanding!! use to carry a 586 sw. for duty. one heavy firearm.
The double action in a revolver is a nice safety mechanism in a high stress situation, that prevents a nervous trigger finger from firing the gun, in a no shoot scenario.
I've been enjoying your caliber series. I really like my 642 smith in sticky holster in front pocket to go along with what ever is on my belt. You take care.🇺🇲🔥🌲🔪
Very objective overview. Having started my career in ‘72, I started out with wheelguns. When I retired in ‘13, I reverted back to wheelguns. I now carry a S&W 3” mdl 36. At my age all I want is a GFO weapon. Just found your channel but because of your honest presentation, I will be subscribing.
Thanks for subscribing.
That is a cool gun. Most are 2”.
Thanks for what you do sir . Keep ‘em coming please! 😄🙏💕
Great video.
I have and enjoy both revolvers and automatics…but I gotta say I’m a “revolver guy”. I have carry options that include both but more often than anything else, it’s my trusty Charter Arms Undercover (standard weight, not “Lite”) .38 Special snubbie that is on my person, usually accompanied by one speedloader. I go with Federal’s “Hydra Shok Deep” 130 grain +P for carry ammo; not the most powerful but I find it to be very accurate out of my particular revolver.
If I want more power I opt for a Ruger SP101 3” with Hornady Critical Duty FTX 135 grain .357 Magnum on board. It’s a handful to shoot and it feels like having a canteen in my pocket, but it still conceals decently and I’m getting better with it from practice. No auto that I know of - that you can stuff in a pocket - delivers a 450 foot pound punch.
Just love the strength, reliability, and simplicity of revolvers. They are definitely not obsolete.
First time I have heard of the multi-ball load. Seen several old ammo catalogues (pre-1900) with round ball .45Colt with light BP loads but certainly no multiple projectile .38. Great video!
Thank you for your service and all the easy to understand info. 🇺🇸
Hello Mr. Fairburn, I recommend the following Paul Harrel video: Concealed Carry: 38 Special Ammo Selection (Featuring Hornady Critical Defense Lite)
He does some testing and addresses the merits of the old-school "standard load" semi-wadcutter relative to more modern choices. His conclusion on that question is at the end of the video around the 30 minute mark.
I'm not that old, 47, and I still remember sheriff's deputies carrying revolvers. I was probably 10 or so when my uncle was a deputy here in Texas.
I agree. Ammo choice is important. Choose wisely.
As an army aviator in Korea in the early 80’s, I was issued .a 38 snubby revolver. I think it was a five shot Remington, but not certain. It works and is tuckable under the shoulder quite nicely. I think it still has a place.
Remmington never made 5 shot 38 special revolvers. must have been a S&W
Thanks for being sensible, I agree 👍
First time here. I carry a j frame model 36. Appreciate the semi wad hp info. Subscribed!
Until a few years ago, Texas did not have Constitutional Carry. My brother in law never agreed with getting a license. He carried a 36 cal black powder, cap and ball replica revolver with a 3" barrel he had cut down. Those are pretty much not in any laws. That is a very viable load.
You mentioned the old lead HP FBI load. I like a 12 hardness bullet I pour, 158gr. (it is in the cowboy action shooting range of hardness, pretty soft.) In a j-frame it will expand to about the size of a nickel. Another option I worked out is a Berry's Bullets 147gr plated WC bullet. From a j-frame, 900fps is attainable. Again, it will expand.
I enjoy revolvers. A j-frame works in the tripple digit heat down south when a t-shirt and shorts are worn. I carry a G43x often if I go to the city.
Thanks again. Love the series.
Again great job .
I carry a S&W Model 37 Chief’s Special in a Bianchi ankle holster for a back up. I’ve got to find some of those 158gr. LSWCHP. Thanks for the info.
Test those loads in the airweight to make sure the 5th round doesn't move forward and lock up the cylinder. Well crimped JHP loads are recommended in the lightest snubbies.
Another excellent and informative video. I really enjoy your testing knowledge of the various cartridges and their performance. This video took me back to the qualifying line firing at 50 yards, strong hand, five shots, reload, and five more. Standing position, sideways, and weak hand in your pocket. It surprises some of today's shooters that you could actually score really well with that position with a .38 revolver.
Thanks Mr F. For more great information!
The high percentage of one shots stops is due to the cops actually slowing down a bit and putting the bullet there it needs to go, because they know they have to make every shot count with limited capacity.
It also has to do with the departments having more days in a year to qual or train with your service weapon. When I first started "old timers" said they used to be shoot monthly... then it was quarterly... then it became once a year. You get political hire chiefs that basically believe "it won't happen here" and look how much money we save by not having waste money on shooting so often.
There is failure to train on mind numbing levels
@@joeacp4525shit man… I train weekly just for fun and I’m a civilian. I couldn’t imagine only firing my weapons 4 time or once a damn year if I potentially may to use it for my JOB. Sheesh
bs. Who makes such claims?
@@dothedewinme you aint a damned fool/lazy. They are.
USAF Security Police carried .38s from about 1957 to about 1990ish after they were finally issued the Berettas.
Ammo was a VERY hot loading of 130gr. Most USAF 38s were S&W Model 15.
Great videos! Love seeing someone praise the firearms and calibers that I grew up with.
One other thing to mention about revolver loads, especially if you hand load, is the ability to make special loads for special purposes. For instance, small diameter shot loads with wads made from light cardboard cut from empty cereal boxes or soft drink or beer cartons, to separate the shot from the powder and to close the end of the cartridge. I like that two-ball load too.
A term used to describe a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot was "the poor mans machine gun".
I live in Canada. So our situations regarding handguns are different.
However. For target shooting at a gun range i enjoy, a K frame Model 64-3 with six inch barrel circa 1990ish. A five inch barreled .38 Special Heavy Duty, blued in 5 inch barrel, circa 1940. And my one 357, a Colt Model 3-5-7 with six inch barrel. Two toned blued finish. Circa 1956. I enjoy your content.
Edit: Somewhere I have two boxes of discontinued 38 Spl. 200 grain Winchester Super X lead round nose. And PPU copy of the French Arcane pointy 158 gn copper bullet. Which in itself is a copy of 38 Metal Piercing ammo of old.
I see they listed a 6 inch barrel available for the Model 64, but I've never seen one, might be a rarity.
The one I have started as a 4 inch duty revolver for a police department in Quebec. Hence its slender trigger and smaller hammer. The fella I bought it from had the adjustable rear site mounted with the six inch target barrel. Good observation on your part.
My father sure was convinced about the .38 Spl. He claim there was two revolvers for a man to have. A .22lr and. .38 Spl. As a young man I ignored his advice. As and older man I learned how right he was. Those two calibers will cover a lot of shooting. Their both readily available new or used and some damn fine revolvers. Ammo isn't hard to come by. My personal favorites is the Colt Official Police in .38 Spl, and by chance a Colt Official Police in .22Lr anyways my take.
Hmm I wonder why detractors don't call the 38 Special the .357 short and weak? lol Shot placement and adequate penetration... are the things. Thanks for another great vid.
Excellent education. Than you. Of course, we subscribed.
Still have and carry my charter arms 38 special undercover Stratford Conn made one, still a excellent pistol, easy to carry excellent for close encounters and can carry it in various places and ankle holster,easy for fast follow up shots and can serve has a primary or back up like the way i carried it back in the 80s when I was in law enforcement,my EDC is a Glock 33 gen3 and my 38 special undercover, and a G2C 40 or 9 mm IWB carry or my 327 magnum revolver, and spare magazines and speed loaders
Zeta6 makes 3+3 loaders. Very handy.
They also make 2 + 3 loaders for J frames. They even nest together in the pocket so the bullets dont get damaged and it become a rectangular shape when nested which is much less annoying than a round object in the pocket.
Thank you for these reviews. I was not aware of the existence of the 158 grain semi wad cutter hollow point. I will have to add some, Winchester's web site says they still make them. One thing about the reverse hollow base wad cutter was it was extremely inaccurate at any distance. I would not want to attempt to shoot a bad guy holding a loved one hostage even at 30 feet if my revolver was loaded with that round..
Hmmm, I never really tested the load for accuracy, but they didn't seem to shoot much different than front loaded wadcutters in the ones I fired.
If that’s the scenario you’re preparing for, you should be carrying a different gun
I respect your videos
Another great, informative video
Thank you for this information excellent comprehensive video
………. I have the options for edc 9 & 380 EZ AND Taurus poly Snubby 357
………. I always go back to the Snubby for EDC - ammo variety- reliability (no limp wristing) - excellent for CQC
………… YOUR VIDEO- has FACTS and then personal experiences - a perfect formula.
I have a model 64-5…3” barrel 38 special + P
This has been a fun adventure. I have a .357 S&W snubnose I bought in 1996, it was the first handgun I bought. Since then I have other guns for different purposes and this revolver went out of circulation. I contemplated selling it, but didn't want to. I was using a .44mag with .44 spl ammo for home defense double duty woods gun in magnum. However, it is big for a nightstand (5.5" Ruger Redhawk). I don't want to use my semi's as a bedside gun, so I am going with my .357 S&W loaded with .38 spl because it's inside. Next came what ammunition to use. I think I may just use the soft lead 158 gr semi-wadcutter hp, either that or Hornady's critical defense. Next is my dad who has an old (prob 1960's or older) S&W 38 spl with a 6" barrel. No +P for that one, sp looking at good ammunition for that with home defense and thinking the 158 gr semi wc hp good for him, too with home defense. Thanks for the info based on experience and results.
Sound choices.
Great presentation. Learned a lot. Many thanks 🙏🙏🙏
This channel is so informative and I always look forward to your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!
Glad you like them.
Just watched a video on Jim Cirillo and the stake out squad.
Fantastic video. Very informative!
The 38 special has been used for a long time and the human body is still the same and with training and the proper mindset I'm sure it will take care of business.
My edc is a Taurus 856 I use underwood ammo 158 grain semi wadcutter hollow points and I have no doubts about the effectiveness
Good talk. I'm from the exact same school of thought, and I new it for sure when you brought up the backward wadcutter reload, then the buck shot load. I'm still a diehard revolver fan. - Godspeed
Great round 🇺🇸
A crimson trace laser on the grip is a great addition to these small guns .