.38 Special vs 9mm: The Deadly Truth No One Wants to Admit!

Published on May 12, 2026
Duration: 13:56

This video provides a detailed comparison between the .38 Special and 9mm handgun calibers, presented by firearms instructors. It delves into the mechanical design, terminal performance, efficiency in short barrels, recoil characteristics, reloading speed, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of each caliber. The analysis highlights that while 9mm generally offers superior ballistics and efficiency, the .38 Special excels in recoil management for certain shooters and offers versatility in .357 Magnum revolvers. The ultimate choice is presented as dependent on individual shooter capabilities and needs.

Quick Summary

The .38 Special and 9mm have distinct advantages. The .38 Special excels in revolvers due to its rimmed case, mechanical simplicity, and more manageable recoil, making it ideal for shooters with grip limitations. The 9mm offers higher velocity, superior terminal ballistics, better efficiency in short barrels, and more affordable practice ammunition, making it a capable choice for healthy shooters.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: The Caliber Debate
  2. 01:01Round 1: Design and Architecture
  3. 02:35Pressure Differences: .38 Special vs 9mm
  4. 03:45Round 3: Velocity and Terminal Performance
  5. 05:23Round 4: Snub Nose Efficiency
  6. 06:51Round 5: Recoil Management
  7. 08:28Round 6: Reloading Speed
  8. 09:56Round 7: Versatility (.357 Magnum)
  9. 10:59Round 8: Cost and Availability
  10. 12:13Conclusion: Where Does This Leave Us?
  11. 13:13The Right Answer is in Your Hands

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main design differences between .38 Special and 9mm cartridges for revolvers?

The .38 Special is a rimmed cartridge designed for revolvers, ensuring reliable headspacing and extraction via its rim. The 9mm Luger is a rimless cartridge, typically requiring moon clips for use in revolvers to facilitate proper extraction, though these can be prone to bending.

How does the pressure difference between .38 Special and 9mm affect revolvers?

The 9mm operates at nearly double the pressure (35,000 PSI) of the .38 Special (17,500 PSI). Firing high volumes of 9mm in a revolver can accelerate wear on components like the forcing cone and cylinder crane, leading to timing issues and reduced firearm longevity compared to .38 Special.

Which caliber offers better terminal performance and why?

The 9mm generally offers superior terminal performance due to higher velocity (around 1,150 ft/s) which ensures reliable expansion of modern hollow-point bullets and generates hydrostatic shock. The .38 Special's lower velocity (around 900 ft/s) often struggles to achieve consistent expansion, sometimes acting more like a solid projectile.

Is 9mm or .38 Special better for recoil management in a revolver?

The .38 Special is typically better for recoil management, offering a softer, rolling push that is more manageable for shooters with reduced grip strength or those sensitive to sharp recoil. The 9mm's 'snap' can be punishing and lead to flinching or reduced accuracy under stress for some individuals.

Which caliber is more cost-effective for practice ammunition?

The 9mm is significantly more cost-effective for practice ammunition, typically costing around 29 cents per round, compared to .38 Special which can be around 54 cents per round. This makes frequent training more accessible for 9mm shooters.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from GUN NEWS

View all →