Armscor's M200 .38 Revolvers: Junk... or Jewels?

This video, presented by firearms instructor Ted from Line45, delves into the often-overlooked performance capabilities of the .38 Special cartridge. It challenges the perception of the .38 Special as a low-power round by exploring its historical development, its evolution with smokeless powder and +P loads, and its continued relevance in modern self-defense and law enforcement applications. The expert instruction highlights practical aspects like concealability, reliability, and the benefits of reloading, offering a comprehensive look at why this classic cartridge endures.

This expert-level guide, drawing on extensive historical and practical knowledge, demystifies the .38 Special cartridge. It highlights the caliber's combat origins, its evolution to include potent +P loads, and the enduring practicality of snub-nose revolvers for self-defense. The instruction emphasizes shootability, shot placement, and the benefits of handloading, making the .38 Special a continuously relevant choice.

This video challenges the common perception of the .38 Special as underpowered by analyzing its performance in realistic, short-barreled snub-nose revolvers. It emphasizes that traditional ballistic testing from longer barrels doesn't reflect real-world carry and use. The discussion highlights how ammunition selection, particularly wadcutters and carefully chosen hollow-points, along with understanding recoil physics and hit probability, are crucial for effective .38 Special performance in defensive scenarios.

This guide details a training drill for experienced shooters using the Smith & Wesson 327 Performance Center revolver. It focuses on managing recoil differences between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. The drill involves loading mixed calibers into the 8-shot cylinder and executing firing sequences, including single shots and double taps, to compare felt recoil and practice transitions.

This video demonstrates the 'New York Reload,' a rapid transition to a secondary firearm when the primary is empty. Honest Outlaw, an established reviewer, showcases proficient target engagement with two revolvers at an outdoor range. The technique emphasizes speed and continuous fire, highlighting the importance of having a backup weapon readily accessible.

This video provides expert instruction on achieving accuracy with a Smith & Wesson Model 12 revolver at 10 yards. The instructor, affiliated with GUNS and American Handgunner Magazines, demonstrates proper shooting techniques, emphasizing smooth trigger control, sight alignment, and follow-through. He also discusses the Model 12's history, its K-frame aluminum construction, and appropriate ammunition choices, specifically recommending target wadcutters over high-pressure loads.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.