STILL VIABLE FOR MODERN PERSONAL DEFENSE
Is a small J-Frame S&W wheel gun in .38 Special your go-to pocket pistol?
Let’s take a close look at just how viable this old favorite is in today’s world.
What cartridge has been around since 1898 and has a long track record for use by the law. military and civilian carriers? The .38 Special of course! While the old police load was a boring 158 grain round nose lead bullet the modern projectile is something quite spectacular. High tech hollow points, along with deep penetrating loads that are lead free have made the modern load leaps above and beyond the vintage loadings.
This brings us to the “snub nose” revolver, namely the J-Frame Smith & Wesson models. Load up with five high performance personal defense .38 Special cartridges and you are ready to roll. The beauty of revolvers is the old time saying “revolvers don’t jam”. This is largely true compared to some of the finicky autoloading pistols on the market that may or may not like a certain load and fail to function… As long as the revolver’s cylinder spins and the hammer drops with enough force to set off a cartridge’s primer you are good to go!
What about capacity? Well capacity is a valid concern. That problem is best served with carry extra ammo in speed strips or even better yet speed loaders. No matter what you carry, always carry enough ammunition at the very least a full reload in a hurry. You are way better off with two or more speedloaders handy and at the ready.
What about accuracy? Revolvers are very accurate due to the least moving parts compared to other handgun models. This is not to say everyone shoots them well though. Like any firearm, it pays to practice and be very proficient with your chosen carry handgun. Remember though, a short barreled revolver is really for self defense distances and not for long range target shooting. Defensive shooting is a fast and up close business. A reputable firearm self defense class where you can train live fire with your little .38 Special is a good investment. While accuracy is always important it is unlikely you will have to hit a small target a long distance away while carry for .38 Special “snub nosed” revolver.
My final thoughts on carry a Smith & Wesson J-Frame is get a good quality holster or pocket holster for comfort and speed of drawing. Never just carry any handgun without a holster in your pocket. That is a very bad practice for comfort and safety. Grit and lint will get into the revolver’s inner parts and could cause a jam or damage. An unsecured trigger pulled could send you or a passerby to the emergency room or the morgue. Be smart, use a holster! Also, get lots of practice firing double action and not single action. In a defensive situation you will not be cocking the hammer and firing single action with each shot. I cannot over stress the need of practicing with your carry wheel gun. Also, do your research on what self defense loads work best and buy the best. You only have one chance at saving your life and do not trust a bargain bullet. Save those for practice.
