Most Obsolete Personal Defense Handgun!..(That People Still Buy for Carry)

Published on February 13, 2026
Duration: 8:20

The Yankee Marshal, an experienced firearms instructor, identifies the 5-shot .38 Special revolver as the most obsolete handgun still commonly purchased for concealed carry. He argues that advancements in 9mm pistols and other revolver calibers like .32 H&R Magnum and .357 Magnum offer superior capacity, size, or power without significant drawbacks in size or weight, making the traditional 5-shot .38 Special largely redundant.

Quick Summary

The 5-shot .38 Special revolver is identified as the most obsolete handgun still frequently purchased for concealed carry. Firearms instructor The Yankee Marshal explains that modern 9mm pistols can match the size of smaller caliber firearms, while revolvers in .32 H&R Magnum or .357 Magnum offer better capacity or ballistics, rendering the traditional .38 Special largely redundant.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Obsolete Handguns for Carry
  2. 00:28Viewer Question: What's Obsolete?
  3. 01:19Single Action vs. Double Action for Carry
  4. 01:301911s: Not Ideal, But Not Outdated
  5. 02:01The Case for Small .380 and .32 Caliber Guns
  6. 02:55The Most Obsolete: 5-Shot .38 Special Revolver
  7. 03:58Why 5-Shot .38 Specials Are Redundant
  8. 05:00Recoil and Durability Considerations
  9. 05:23Better Revolver Options: Capacity and Caliber
  10. 06:08Conclusion: Superior Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the most obsolete handgun still commonly bought for concealed carry?

According to firearms instructor The Yankee Marshal, the 5-shot .38 Special revolver is largely obsolete for modern concealed carry. He argues that advancements in 9mm pistols and other revolvers offer better capacity, power, or size efficiency, making the traditional .38 Special a less optimal choice today.

Why are 5-shot .38 Special revolvers considered obsolete?

The obsolescence stems from advancements in firearm technology. Modern 9mm pistols can be made as small as older .380 ACP or .32 ACP guns, offering superior ballistics. Additionally, revolvers in calibers like .32 H&R Magnum or .357 Magnum provide better capacity or power in similar or smaller frames, diminishing the unique advantages of the 5-shot .38 Special.

Are there better alternatives to the 5-shot .38 Special for concealed carry?

Yes, The Yankee Marshal suggests several alternatives. These include modern compact 9mm pistols that rival the size of smaller caliber firearms, six-shot .38 Special revolvers for increased capacity, or revolvers chambered in more potent calibers like .32 H&R Magnum or .357 Magnum, which offer better performance without significant size penalties.

Can modern 9mm pistols be as small as .380 ACP firearms?

The Yankee Marshal contends that modern 9mm pistols can indeed be manufactured to be as small as many .380 ACP or .32 ACP firearms. While historically smaller calibers held a size advantage, advancements in design and materials have allowed 9mm pistols to achieve comparable compactness, offering a significant ballistic advantage.

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