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

Published on February 13, 2026
Duration: 8:20

The Yankee Marshal identifies the 5-shot .38 Special revolver as the most obsolete personal defense handgun still commonly purchased. He argues that modern advancements in firearm technology have rendered these revolvers inferior to alternatives in terms of capacity, caliber, weight, and overall performance. While acknowledging the historical significance of firearms like the 1911, he emphasizes that modern iterations and other handgun designs offer superior options for concealed carry and self-defense.

Quick Summary

The 5-shot revolver in .38 Special or .38 Special +P is identified as the most obsolete personal defense handgun still purchased for carry. Modern 9mm firearms can now match or exceed the size and capacity of older .380 ACP and .32 ACP guns, rendering them less competitive. Superior alternatives include 6-shot .38 Special revolvers or firearms chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, .357 Magnum, or 9mm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Obsolete Handguns for Carry
  2. 00:28Viewer Question: Most Obsolete Self-Defense Handgun
  3. 01:19Single Action Only & Manual Safety Concerns
  4. 01:301911: Not Ideal, But Not Outdated
  5. 02:01.380 and .32 Small Guns: Obsolete?
  6. 02:55The Most Obsolete Gun: 5-Shot Revolver
  7. 03:58No Reason for 5-Shot .38 Special Anymore
  8. 05:00Why .357 Magnum is a Better Choice
  9. 05:23Better Options Than 5-Shot .38 Special
  10. 06:08Recommendations for Modern Handguns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the most obsolete personal defense handgun still commonly purchased?

The 5-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special or .38 Special +P is widely considered the most obsolete personal defense handgun that people still buy for carry today. This is due to the availability of modern firearms offering superior capacity, caliber, and weight.

Why are .380 ACP and .32 ACP handguns considered potentially obsolete?

.380 ACP and .32 ACP firearms can be considered obsolete if modern 9mm handguns can achieve similar or smaller dimensions while offering comparable or greater capacity and features. Advances in 9mm manufacturing have made them viable in smaller packages.

What are better alternatives to a 5-shot .38 Special revolver for self-defense?

Better alternatives include 6-shot .38 Special revolvers, revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, .357 Magnum, or 9mm. These options often provide increased capacity, more potent calibers, or lighter weight in comparable or smaller firearm sizes.

Are modern 1911 pistols still relevant for self-defense?

Modern 1911 pistols, especially those made with lighter materials, featuring improved sights, and chambered in calibers like 10mm, can still be viable for self-defense. However, their size and weight make them less ideal for concealed carry compared to more compact options.

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