Ain't nothing fancy

[TedH]

Nope, it's not new or fancy. It's not the latest rip roaring self defense caliber, and it's only got 5 shots on board. But for some reason, I have found myself carrying this recently acquired Taurus 38 Special for my CCW. I traded into it from a friend at work, with the intention of giving it to my wife. I shot it a few times and liked how easy it carried and how well I could shoot it. Now it's in my pocket or on my hip every day while my other carry guns, G36 and a PPK stay home. Not sure why I like this little gun so much? But I don't feel under armed with just 5 rounds of +P 158 gr. SWC, maybe I should?

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[Blaine]

Nope....IMO, you're in good shape....I like those.

[spaceman spiff]

Nope....IMO, you're in good shape....I like those.

+1.... yep




spaceman

[Griff]

For almost 20 years I carried a .38Spl with a 158gr JSP or JHP and never felt undergunned. It's a capable cartridge if the user does their job. And a light wheelgun that you carry beats the heck out of a bunch of alternatives...

[1894c]

TedH--you did good with your choice...I have carried S&W 649, 638's, 642, and recently Ruger LCR's in .38spl. for a very long time as my BUG or EDC...but as much as I like the snub 5-shot 38spl, I have switched over to my Baby Glock 27 (.40s&w) or Glock 26 (9mm) exclusively...

this change is due mostly to the LE Agency that I serve, the real-world effectiveness that I have personally witnessed with the .40s&w, and that many attacks seem to come from 2-3 individuals (at least in my part of the world)--as I stated I really like the 5-shot snub, but I like the idea of having 9 or 11 shots...just my lousy back-east cranky opinion... :)

[.45colt]

That's the same Gun My I picked up for the Wife to take The CCW class with. I used My Mom's old Charter arms .38. didn't take long for the Wife after watching people fumble with clips and not being able to work the semi auto's to appreciate the revolver.

[Borregos]

If we could carry I would be happy with that

[RIHMFIRE]

excellent for social work!

[Pitchy]

Nice gun Ted, I almost bought a Taurus 38 recently but a buddy got a good deal on a hammerless Charter arms Off Duty and I bought it instead.

[horsesoldier03]

I had a Stainless Taurus 85 with the hammer bobbed that I carried for my CCW. I never felt it was a handicap. My oldest daughter took a liking to it, so once she graduated college and got a place of her own, she asked if she could have it. I guess that is how a dad knows he raised his girls right when they ask for a gun.

[AJMD429]

I've had lots of options over the years, but keep coming back to a Charter Arms Bulldog, which is nearly the same gun; 5 shot snubbie, only in 44 Special. I put a pair of Crimson Trace grips on it.

[Pitchy]

I've had lots of options over the years, but keep coming back to a Charter Arms Bulldog, which is nearly the same gun; 5 shot snubbie, only in 44 Special. I put a pair of Crimson Trace grips on it.

Several of us had those old model 44`s and loved them, but sold them years ago, great guns and accurate wish I still had it.
Light yet powerful.

[mikld]

Well, good to hear that. I've been hearing for so long, how my Taurus 85 is barely better than a sharp stick (it's not a wonder nine or a miraculous 40). I liked mine when I got it 15 years ago and still like it...

[M. M. Wright]

I mostly carry a wheel gun, Colt Agent, (Dick special with aluminum frame), bobbed hammer, Tyler T grip adapter. For some reason I feel more comfortable with that 6th shot. I use a 125 grain XTP +P. It has a very good record in past recorded shootings.

[Pitchy]

If Ted don`t mind here`s my Off Duty Charter, it has a aluminum frame and is light.

[TedH]

I like that Pitchy.

That's the only thing I could change on my gun would be to have a bobbed hammer, but really it hasn't been an issue as it is, so far.

[Pitchy]

This is the first hammerless gun I`ve had and it seems to be good if carrying in a tight pocket, otherwise I`m kind of fond of sitting and cocking a revolver especially if its real smooth.

[BC in TN]

.38 Special in a wheel gun is absolutely adequate for self defense - I really don't know why they made anything else - well maybe if grizzly bears are really a threat to ya...

[Streetstar]

Had a little Taurus 445 -- very similar to yours but in 44 Special ---

One of the few guns I've sold over the years that I wish I had back

Mine was typical Taurus regarding a QC issue when it was new, but I had my gunsmith rectify a forcing cone interference issue with it rather than sending it back to Taurus ----

The thing was perfect after that

[Mac in Mo]

I carried both revolvers and then auto pistols for duty and off duty carry. Been out of that business for a while now and the only auto pistol I own anymore is my Ruger MKII. I am at heart a revolver guy. I don't have anything against automatics, they work. I just can't find a small pistol that will fit my hand well enough to be able to shoot as accurately as a revolver. I'll keep searching, but in the meantime, I recently added a Ruger LCR to my collection. It is a very nice carry piece and shoots great. I bought the .357 version and just as claimed, the felt recoil with full magnum loads is less than traditional revolvers. No more of that baseball bat type smack to the palm. Using the magnum loads, it is still not a revolver for beginners though. I am actually thinking I may opt for another and carry two. They are light enough and very concealable. I am a firm believer in the "concealed" aspect of carrying for self protection.


Kevin

[Mescalero]

Streetstar,
funny you should mention that.
I just got the parts for my .32 Long builder, and the barrel has NO forcing cone.
I will rectify that before assembly.

[Streetstar]

Streetstar,
funny you should mention that.
I just got the parts for my .32 Long builder, and the barrel has NO forcing cone.
I will rectify that before assembly.

My sorrow over getting rid of my old one may be over in 5-7 days

I hope this one will be good --- Ted's thread just motivated me to get another --- price is not too crazy for a big bore wheel gun --- not all Taurus's need work, but if this one needed 50-80$ worth of cleanup, still wouldn't be a bad deal

I don't need any new guns --- EXCEPT- for revolvers --- I am really getting sick of chasing my brass all over the place since I have been going to indoor ranges too much lately - - I also have 3-4 boxes of .44 Spl left over from the last little snub I had -- at the rate I shoot, that might be a decade's worth

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =382177645

[crystal river charli]

Have always carried 38 Jframe sized revolvers for CCW.
Bought a ruger LCR in 38 and love it.
So light some times I forget about it.
Charlie

[piller]

If the Truth were to be known, it would be that the people who carry wheelguns in today's world are typically the ones who can shoot better than average and are more reliable in any situation. The shooter being more reliable makes a difference. At the gun range I see a lot of people who think that hitting the target half the time is good.

[PriseDeFer]

"When I looked at the two gorillas standing behind the tall blonde smiling at me I was glad I was carrying the 38, and more glad she was carrying two of them. It was going to be an interesting evening."