A Journey Through Time: The Birth of the Cartridges
The .38 Special, a name synonymous with classic revolvers and reliability, emerged in the early days of the twentieth century. Born from the .38 Long Colt cartridge, it represented a significant evolution. The goal was to offer law enforcement a more powerful, effective round. The original .38 Long Colt had proven somewhat lacking in stopping power, and the .38 Special was designed to address that deficiency. Smith & Wesson, a key player in the American firearms industry, played a crucial role in its development. This cartridge quickly found favor, becoming a staple in police holsters and civilian defense arsenals. Its versatility and stopping power solidified its place in history.
The .38 S&W, on the other hand, has roots stretching back to the late 1800s. It predates the .38 Special, having been introduced to market as a small-caliber revolver cartridge. Though less powerful than the .38 Special, the .38 S&W saw success as a cartridge suited to the compact revolvers that were then becoming popular. It was frequently used in small, easily concealed firearms designed for personal protection, and was a popular option in Europe.
Deciphering Ballistic Capabilities
One of the most critical areas of comparison between these two cartridges is their ballistic performance. This includes the size of the bullet, velocity, and the energy it generates upon impact.
When we speak of the .38 S&W, we are generally talking about rounds that typically feature bullets that are lighter in weight, often around 146 grains. The .38 S&W is noted for relatively low velocities, often below 700 feet per second (fps), which translates to lower energy levels. The primary focus was on ease of use and concealability, trading some power for the ability to carry a compact firearm. The cartridges are also frequently noted for their ability to easily penetrate the clothing and fabrics of an assailant without creating a large wound cavity.
The .38 Special, on the other hand, presents a vastly different picture. The .38 Special gives users a wide selection of bullet weights, varying from lighter loads for target shooting to heavier bullets, like 158-grain options, designed for maximum stopping power. The standard velocity of a .38 Special round also generally runs higher than a .38 S&W. It’s very common for standard .38 Special loads to range from 800 to 900 fps or even higher. This translates into significantly more kinetic energy at the target, which is a significant factor for self-defense. It is important to note the existence of +P loads for the .38 Special, where the pressure of the round is increased, and thus, the amount of energy transferred is also increased.
A simple look at the ballistics will help to visualize the disparity between the two. The differences in energy are particularly important for the selection of a cartridge. Understanding the energy generated by a specific cartridge is of value when selecting a weapon and considering the circumstances.
Performance in the Real World
The numbers tell only part of the story; the real test comes in how these cartridges perform in practical applications.
The .38 S&W, while exhibiting lower recoil, is also often noted for less “kick”. This makes it a pleasant round for those new to shooting or with limited strength. However, the relatively low power raises some concerns about stopping power. In a self-defense scenario, the .38 S&W may not be as effective at incapacitating an attacker as a more powerful round, with the risk of multiple shots being needed. Some shooters will select this caliber for its concealability and ease of use, but the selection is not without caveats.
The .38 Special tends to provide a sharper recoil, but this is generally considered manageable by most shooters. The added power offers a substantial boost in potential effectiveness for self-defense. The ability to load a .38 Special with expanding bullets, such as hollow points, also amplifies its stopping power, as these bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound cavity and transferring more energy to the target. The .38 Special is an excellent round for competition shooting, as well as a great choice for personal defense.
Firearms and Ammunition: Where to Find Them
The availability of firearms chambered in each of these cartridges also has a significant effect on the choice of which to purchase.
If your choice is the .38 S&W, be prepared to embrace the vintage market, as production has slowed significantly. Although some older firearms chambered for the round can be found, modern firearms made for this caliber are uncommon. This can present a challenge for finding a new firearm and also with finding parts and accessories. Also, ammunition for the .38 S&W is not always available and can be harder to locate compared to more common rounds.
The .38 Special, on the other hand, enjoys widespread adoption. Firearms chambered in .38 Special are readily available, including an abundance of revolvers from popular brands such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Colt. The market for .38 Special ammunition is also vast, with a wide range of bullet weights, bullet types, and manufacturers. The .38 Special round is a common choice, as it can be found at most gun stores and sporting goods shops. The selection of different types of .38 Special ammo means a buyer can customize his or her experience.
What are the Applications?
The .38 Special and .38 S&W are both suited for specific situations and uses.
For self-defense, the .38 Special has a clear advantage. The greater stopping power and the availability of expanding ammunition provide a significant benefit in a life-or-death situation. While a .38 S&W can still be a viable option, its lower energy levels might require more precise shot placement or multiple shots to neutralize a threat.
For target shooting, both cartridges can be used, although the recoil characteristics are important to consider. Some people will prefer the gentler recoil of the .38 S&W for practice and casual shooting. The .38 Special’s wider availability of ammunition and the availability of target-specific loads also make it a good choice.
When it comes to concealed carry, the balance of power and concealability is vital. The .38 S&W, with its small size, can fit easily into a pocket. It may be preferable when considering the size and weight of a firearm. The .38 Special may require larger firearms, which could be more difficult to conceal. But with a wide variety of compact revolvers available in .38 Special, the power of the round often is a significant benefit to conceal carry.
Summing Up the Benefits and Drawbacks
The .38 S&W offers some notable advantages. The low recoil makes it a great choice for novice shooters and for those who are sensitive to recoil. Its smaller size can mean that smaller revolvers are readily available for use. The drawbacks of the .38 S&W include the lower stopping power and the limited availability of both firearms and ammunition.
The .38 Special is more effective for personal protection. The higher energy levels and availability of a wide variety of ammunition make it an excellent choice for many applications. However, the .38 Special can have more recoil, and may require more effort to control. The cartridge is available, but its size is larger than some other cartridges, and may be hard to conceal.
The Bottom Line: A Clear Decision
Choosing between the .38 Special and the .38 S&W comes down to prioritizing needs and making an informed decision. The .38 Special is the more versatile and powerful option, offering a better balance of power and availability. It’s an excellent choice for self-defense, target shooting, and many other applications. The .38 S&W remains a valid option for those who place a premium on small size and low recoil, but the limitations of this cartridge must be acknowledged.
Choosing the Right Cartridge
When selecting between the .38 Special and .38 S&W, assess your priorities. Determine what matters most: are you looking for power, ease of handling, or a certain level of concealability? Research the options, and handle different firearms to evaluate their feel and fit. Choosing the right cartridge means choosing the right tool for your needs.
