.38 Special vs. 9mm
Which has more stopping power? I was gonna get a 9mm for CCW but I was also thinking of a .38 snub nose. I know full the wheelgun vs. auto for CCW argument, so no need to rehash that. Just want to know in thems of stopping power, which is better.
-Marcus
****Happiness is a new gun.****
-Marcus
****Happiness is a new gun.****
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Nobody at the other end will know one from the other. They are so close in energy. No such thing as "stopping power" by the way. A made up cliche that has no scientific basis.
The key is to HIT the target. If you do that the energy has less importance still. You will find various guns and/or grip combinations have a great deal to do with how well you can shoot the gun. The gun you "want" may not be the best performer. Choose performance over a fashion statement.0 -
When considering a concealed carry weapon, there are other things to consider. I had an experience where one hand/arm was inoperative and I would have found it difficult to impossible to clear a jam with my semi-auto. Since then I use a revolver as my primary concealed carry weapon. Any problems, another squeeze of the trigger will usually take care of it. 0 -
Just call me a stick in the mud, but I agree 150% with rsnyder55. By definition, one wants the absolute most reliable functioning in a CCW handgun. I've never had a stovepiped case or failure to feed in a wheelgun. Granted LE & military organizations the world over rely on semi-auto firearms, I still feel more comfortable with my .38 snub. They may be in situations where many shots could be fired. I figure that if I need more than five or six shots, I'm really in deep dodo and it won't matter a whole heck of a lot! 0 -
Chances are 9mm would be a better manstopper, but if you are using 158gr +P HP loads in a 38, it's not enough to write home about. Since you can get a 357 mag in a J frame, I think there's more potential for having a real manstopper should you need the extra power;you can stay with 38 +Ps until you can manage the recoil of the magnum.
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I think Darrel has it right If you consider the number of LEO's carrying the 9 mm you'd have to go with it there must be a few good reasons. I personaly prefer the glock 40 compact hangs from a shoulder rig great and has plenty of round's incase there's a few of them. plus the semi's point more naturaly in my opinion than the stubies. I read in an article on stopping power that the 40 is so close to the 45 there is little to argue and we know what a well placed 45 round will do. I have a Tarus ss 5 rd. 38 stub and have thought more than once will 5 rds due for what might go down? Go for the 9 if you find the 40 too uncomfortable. 0 -
Like Darrell said, "stopping power" is a mute point. It all depends on the specific situation. Of the two,(staying with the topic,)select the the calibre and bullet type that you personally feel will keep you alive in your specific situation. You could always carry one on the hip and the other on the ankle. Go to a range and rent one of each, then shoot both until you know which one you're more comfortable shooting. You may get both and alternate carrying depending on the clothing you wear at the time and the environment around you. Whatever you decide, practice, practice, practice! 0 -
My opinion, get both. Carry the nine at ur hip in something like an IWB holster, and the snub nose on an ankle rig. And u can never carry too much ammo. LOL But really, try whats best for u, don't decide over what looks best on paper. Go shopping around, get feels for different guns, look into different concealment holster setups, and where it around the store if they'll let ya. After all, u wouldn't buy a car till ya test drove it would ya?
I totally have to agree with Darrell, though I totally guilty of using the term myself, there just really isn't such a thing as stopping power.0 -
Not exactly an answer to what you asked, but if you are thinking .38, I second the idea of a .357 in the same sized package. A bit heavier , but it will get the job done. I have a .357 Taurus 605 snubby (5 shots) that I usually practice with .38 specials. .357 isn't nearly as harsh to shoot as you might expect and is very controllable. I'm also looking to get a very compact .45 as my primary CCW as I want (but don't expect to need) faster reloads. I'll keep the .357 for certain clothing/holster types and for a cheap reliable car gun. The semi auto will be the default for me simply because I'm a bit more comfortable with them (and like the ammo capacity and reload speed).
Unless you live in gang central where you expect to fight off a group rather than the more typical lone robber, 5 shots should get the job done. I'm in an ongoing defensive handgun class where I learned that the typical gun battle takes place in 3-5 seconds at a distance of 3-5 yards firing 3-5 rounds. If you can hit what you are shooting at, it is statistically unlikely that you'll need more than 5 rounds. Thus, go with what is comfortable and with what you will get good with (ie what you think you will really practice with regularly) as shot placement is probably much more important which of those two calibers you choose and whether or not you carry 5 or 10 rounds in the gun.
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The 9mm has more muzzle energy than the .38.Then the 9mm+P+ is a whole lot hotter round.
Best!!!
Rugster
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The ankle is a really stupid place to carry anything but the top of your socks. Try drawing either a small pistol or revolver while under stress from under your pant leg. Carry the thing on your belt where it belongs.
Carry the one with which you can consistently hit a 9" pie plate at 7 yards. A .38 in the chest is the same as a 9mm. Neither has 100% reliable one shot "stopping power". And neither does a .45 ACP.0
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