9mm vs 38 Special vs 357 Mag: Not Even Close?

The video discusses the Smith & Wesson 9mm revolver, comparing it to the .38 Special. The speaker suggests that a 9mm revolver, particularly one chambered in .357 Magnum for versatility, can be a practical backup firearm, especially when paired with a primary 9mm pistol like a Beretta. The size is noted to be similar to a Model 60.

This review from TheYankeeMarshal explores pocket carry options, highlighting the Colt Viper for its slim profile and capacity for .357 Magnum/.38 Special rounds. The Schofield Revolver is also discussed, noted for its one-handed reload potential but high cost. The speaker's informal yet opinionated tone and specific product knowledge suggest high authority.

This expert review from NRA Publications' 'Gun of the Week' series provides a comprehensive look at the Taurus 66 Combat revolver. Executive Editor Jay Grazio highlights its robust all-steel construction, 7-round .357 Magnum capacity, and practical features like a fiber optic front sight and optics-ready frame. The review emphasizes its suitability as a defensive firearm, noting its excellent trigger and comfortable Hogue grips, making it a strong contender for revolver enthusiasts.

This review covers the Rock Island Armory AL3.1 revolver, highlighting its stainless steel construction, 2-inch barrel, and 6-shot capacity in .357 Magnum/.38 Special. The presenter, demonstrating experienced authority, notes its good build quality, comfortable rubber grips, and smooth double-action/crisp single-action trigger. It's positioned as a stout, 1.5-pound, close-range firearm suitable for personal defense, prompting viewer engagement on its carry potential.

This review of the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic highlights its return to a traditional design without a key lock. The firearm demonstrates versatility by chambering both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, making it suitable for various shooting applications. The presenter, Hickok45, shares his experience and compares it to older models, emphasizing the appeal of the classic features.

This expert review of the Glock 45 Gen 6, based on 630 rounds fired, finds it performs similarly to previous generations but with notable improvements. The grip texture, forward serrations, and trigger guard undercut enhance control, while the flat-faced trigger offers a slight, though not revolutionary, improvement. The presenter, a seasoned firearms instructor, highlights the pistol's reliability with various ammunition types and anticipates strong aftermarket support, while also recommending legal coverage for gun owners.

This comparison tests the .50 AE Desert Eagle against the .44 Magnum in various barrier tests, including wood, steel, sand, and concrete. While both calibers showed impressive power, the .50 AE demonstrated superior performance in ballistic gel with deeper penetration and a larger wound channel. Ultimately, the video questions if the .50 AE's marginal gains justify its significantly higher cost per round compared to the versatile .44 Magnum.

This video provides a detailed comparison between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition, demonstrating their performance differences through rigorous barrier testing. While visually identical, 5.56 NATO shows a slight advantage in velocity and energy. Crucially, 5.56 NATO exhibits superior barrier penetration against lumber and steel, whereas .223 Remington struggles. Specialized rounds like M855A1 also show enhanced performance against sand barriers.

This video tests the lethality of various 'less lethal' shotgun rounds, including rubber buckshot, bean bags, and specialized projectiles. The .410 rubber buckshot demonstrated significantly higher velocity and penetration than 12-gauge versions. Bean bag rounds proved to be the most damaging, causing substantial plywood destruction and ballistic gel displacement, leading the host to conclude they are the most lethal 'less lethal' option.

This video compares 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP through various barrier tests including lumber, sand, and concrete, alongside ballistics gel testing. While all calibers performed similarly through most barriers, the .40 S&W showed slightly better penetration and expansion in ballistics gel. The host ultimately favors 9mm due to its lower recoil and higher capacity, despite the .40 S&W's respectable performance.