They Said The .38 Special Was Dead. Now It’s Starting To Outsell Semi-Autos!

Published on July 6, 2025
Duration: 16:01

This video explores the resurgence of the .38 Special cartridge and revolvers, challenging the notion that they are obsolete. The presenter highlights the reliability, simplicity, and historical effectiveness of revolvers, particularly for self-defense and concealed carry, contrasting them with modern semi-automatic pistols. It details specific revolver models and modern .38 Special ammunition, including Plus P loads, that offer improved performance.

Quick Summary

The .38 Special cartridge is experiencing a comeback due to the reliability and simplicity of revolver platforms. Unlike semi-automatic pistols, revolvers have fewer failure points, no slides to jam, and no magazines to fumble, making them a trusted choice for self-defense and concealed carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .38 Special's Resurgence
  2. 00:51History and Reliability of .38 Special
  3. 01:34Revolver Advantages: No Slide, No Mag
  4. 02:15Durability and Mechanical Simplicity of Revolvers
  5. 03:54.38 Special vs. .357 Magnum Revolvers
  6. 04:46Modern .38 Special Plus P Ammunition
  7. 07:12Innovative .38 Special Ammunition Designs
  8. 08:17Law Enforcement Shift Away from Revolvers
  9. 09:00Logistical Drawbacks of Revolvers for Departments
  10. 10:05Current Popular .38 Special Revolver Models
  11. 10:20Ruger SP101 Deep Dive
  12. 10:42Charter Arms Undercover Overview
  13. 10:59Colt Cobra Features
  14. 11:16Smith & Wesson Model 10 Legacy
  15. 11:31Taurus Defender 856 Toro: The Optic-Ready Wildcard
  16. 11:40S&W 442 Performance Center for Fast Reloads
  17. 11:54Trust and Simplicity of Revolver Operation
  18. 13:07Modern Patrol Pistols vs. Revolvers
  19. 13:45Revolvers as Backup for Law Enforcement
  20. 14:26.38 Special's Enduring Value: Trust and Reliability
  21. 15:02.38 Special in Concealed Carry Today
  22. 15:37Conclusion: .38 Special's Continued Relevance

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the .38 Special cartridge making a comeback?

The .38 Special is seeing a resurgence due to its inherent reliability and the simplicity of revolver platforms. Many shooters are rediscovering the confidence that comes from a firearm with fewer failure points, especially for self-defense and concealed carry.

What are the advantages of revolvers over semi-automatic pistols?

Revolvers offer mechanical simplicity, meaning no slides to jam, no magazines to fumble, and fewer parts prone to failure. They are often more reliable after long periods of disuse and provide a consistent trigger pull, which can be advantageous under stress.

Is modern .38 Special ammunition effective for self-defense?

Yes, modern .38 Special Plus P ammunition, such as Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST, is specifically designed to expand reliably even from short-barreled revolvers, offering effective terminal ballistics for self-defense scenarios.

Which .38 Special revolvers are currently popular?

Popular .38 Special revolvers include the Ruger SP101, Charter Arms Undercover, Colt Cobra, Smith & Wesson Model 10, Taurus Defender 856 Toro (optics-ready), and the S&W 442 (with moon clip cuts for fast reloads).

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