The Shocking Truth About the .38 Special – What They Don’t Tell You!

Published on January 22, 2026
Duration: 11:48

This video from Line 45 explores the enduring relevance of the .38 Special cartridge, debunking myths about its perceived weakness. Instructor Ted highlights its historical significance, its practicality in snub-nose revolvers for concealed carry, and the significant performance boost offered by Plus P ammunition. He emphasizes that shot placement, facilitated by the .38 Special's manageable recoil and shootability, is paramount in self-defense scenarios, and discusses its advantages for handloaders.

Quick Summary

The .38 Special cartridge remains relevant due to its reliability, manageable recoil, and effectiveness, especially with Plus P ammunition. Its practicality in snub-nose revolvers makes it ideal for concealed carry, and its forgiving nature makes it a favorite for handloaders, proving its enduring value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the .38 Special still relevant today?

The .38 Special remains relevant due to its reliability, manageable recoil, and effectiveness, especially with Plus P ammunition. Its practicality in snub-nose revolvers makes it ideal for concealed carry, and its forgiving nature makes it a favorite for handloaders.

What is the difference between standard and Plus P .38 Special ammunition?

Plus P (.38 Spl+P) ammunition is loaded to higher pressures (around 20,000 PSI) than standard .38 Special (around 17,000 PSI). This results in increased velocity and energy, offering better performance but requiring firearms specifically rated for Plus P loads.

Are snub-nose .38 Special revolvers good for self-defense?

Yes, snub-nose .38 Special revolvers are practical for self-defense due to their concealability, simplicity, and reliability. While capacity is low, their ease of use and effectiveness with defensive Plus P ammunition, combined with good shot placement, make them viable.

What are the challenges of shooting a .38 Special revolver?

Challenges include the long, heavy double-action trigger pull, the need for a firm grip to manage recoil, and the short sight radius on snub-nose models. These factors require practice to master for accurate shooting, especially under stress.

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