Ever wonder about the handgun that’s been around for over a hundred years? The .38 Special is a classic for a reason. It’s popular for self-defense and target shooting. But with so many different revolvers out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle.
Many people get confused. They want a reliable, easy-to-shoot gun, but the choices can be overwhelming. You might worry about recoil, accuracy, or what kind of situations the gun is best for. It’s tough to know where to start when you’re looking for a .38 Special that fits you.
But don’t worry! This post will help clear things up. We’ll look at what makes the .38 Special so special. You’ll learn about different types of .38 Special revolvers and what to consider when buying one. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in choosing a handgun you’ll love.
Top 38 Special Handgun Recommendations
- Non-Functional & Safe - Bluegun firearm training simulators are 100% non-functional and safe to use. Each model is designed for practice simulation and non-live fire training use. Solid in construction with no moving parts, each Bluegun is colored Bright Blue to meet all federal safety requirements. Fits your current holster: With a Bluegun non-live fire training gun, you’ll get a durable replication that will fit in any model-specific custom or production KYDEX, leather, or nylon holster.
- Model - Compatible with S&W Bodyguard 38 Special Revolver
- Made in the U.S.A. | Bluegun firearm trainers are proudly made in the U.S.A. Each Bluegun trainer is inspected for fit, finish, and quality before sale. Holster making: Bluegun solid non-functional training simulators are a favorite molding prop for holster makers. These can be used for KYDEX and wet/dry Leather holster making.
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- Fit .38 Revolvers – Taurus 856/605, S&W J Frame 642/637/640, Ruger LCR/SP101, Charter Arms, and S&W Bodyguard.
- Premium Genuine Leather – Made from real leather for concealed carry comfort.
- Built to Last – Oil-sealed edges and reinforced with durable Nylon66 thread to prevent fraying and wear over time.
- Secure and Convenient: Equipped with a sturdy metal clip that is rivet-blocked to securely hold the IWB leather holster in place.
- Inside The Waistband Kydex Right Hand Holster Fits : Taurus 856 2 Inch 38 Special 2" Revolver Inside Waistband Concealed Carry
- 1.5" Monoblock Metal Belt Fit Perfect: Mono-Block IWB holster Belt clip is suitable for 1.5" belt, with hook in buttom, it stick firmly in your belt when drawing and holding.The Carry Angle (Cant) can adjust from -5° to 20°
- All edges are polished and smooth designed be exceptional consistency and accuracy. perfect fit. Smooth inside instructure can avoid scratching your love handgun
- ADJUSTABLE Posi-Click Audible Retention Lock System, Fits Like Glove：Holsters possess Posi-Click Audible Retention Lock system, you would hear a "click" sound when your pistol is firmly seated
- All Day Comfort: Waterproof and washable, it features a sweat guard that covers the full.shields your weapon from incidental moistur
- 【Note】: 1-This is 357 magnum/.38 special laser bore sight, NOT for dry fire practice. 2-The laser will stay on with the battery it is put in. 3-Please make sure the product fit for your firearm before purchasing
- 【High Accuracy】The bore sighter is made to fit the .357mag/.38spl chamber, caliber specific. Tune a new pistol or ensure your favorite .357mag/.38spl, hits the mark quickly with our laser bore sighter
- 【Easy to Use for Quick Zeroing】With the 357 magnum/.38 special laser bore sight, zeroing in your gun is a breeze. Simply insert the bore sighter, align the laser with your target, and adjust your sights accordingly. The laser will automatically light up after installation and turn off after removal
- 【Laser Performance】Class IIIA laser ,less than 5mW. The clear red laser exhibits excellent performance under dim lighting conditions and has a long range, reaching from 15 to 100 yards
- 【Long Battery Life】One set (3 batteries) lasts 1 hour, package includes 2 sets (6 batteries) for 2 hours use
- Elevate your firearm training – 5-pack .38 Special dummy rounds. Unlike others, these feature authentic nickel casings, ensuring durability for all your training needs, just like live rounds. S.T. Action Pro .38 Special Orange Trainer Dummy Rounds are recognized as the finest, most durable trainer cartridges available—and have been the industry standard for over 20 years. Tried and true, these are the original Action Trainer Dummy Rounds that others try to replicate.
- Safely improve your shooting skills with S.T. Action Pro .38 Special dummy ammo. These inert training rounds are ideal for classroom training, safe gun handling instruction, and dry fire exercises. Perfect for teaching safe gun handling skills or diagnosing common shooter errors. Completely inert—they contain no primers or powder and will not fire. Designed by a U.S. military veteran and law enforcement rangemaster for trusted, professional-level training.
- Emulates live ammo - Designed for military and law enforcement training. Ideal for malfunction drills, reloading practice, and defensive training. No hazardous components - just 100% inert, reusable, and realistic training ammunition. Bright orange safety inserts improve visibility and help keep training rounds clearly distinguishable from live ammunition.
- When loaded, these dummy rounds give your revolver a realistic, loaded feel for true-to-life practice. The bright orange color and distinct design make them easy to find and ensure they are never mistaken for real bullets, even under stress.
- Enhance your training with S.T. Action Pro dummy rounds! Proudly assembled in the USA by a veteran-owned small business, built to meet the demands of professionals. Safe, durable, and reusable - your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.
- Case fits Ruger LCR Revolver (1.87" barrel length), 10 bullets (38 special or 357 magnum) and included silica gel
- Case is lightweight & very compact (perfect for vehicle storage or camping)
- The case is waterproof, dustproof and crushproof with a lifetime warranty. It is airline approved for checked luggage and legal for vehicle transport in all 50 states. 2 metal reinforced padlock holes will take a customer supplied padlock and ensures nobody gets in without authorization. Fold down handle stays out of the way when not in use. Built in lid-stay ensures the lid stays upright when open. Purge valve built into the case for changing altitudes.
- The inside foam is military grade closed cell polyethylene which can be wiped down if it gets wet or oily. Don't settle for a flimsy case with pluck foam. Perfect for offroaders, campers, concealed permit holders, law enforcement & safe weapon storage.
- The pistol, rounds, and padlocks are not included. This item is just the case with pre-cut foam & silica gel.
The .38 Special Handgun: Your Guide to a Classic Choice
The .38 Special is a legendary handgun cartridge. It’s been around for over a century, and for good reason. These handguns are popular for many reasons. They are often used for self-defense, target shooting, and collecting. This guide will help you understand what makes a good .38 Special handgun.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at .38 Special handguns, several features stand out.
a. Caliber and Ammunition
The most obvious feature is the .38 Special caliber. This means the gun shoots .38 Special ammunition. This ammo is widely available and comes in many types. You can find full metal jacket (FMJ) for target practice. You can also find hollow-point rounds for self-defense.
b. Action Type
Most .38 Special handguns use a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger. This means you can pull the hammer back for a lighter, single-action pull. Or, you can just pull the trigger, and the hammer will cock and fall (double-action). Some models are double-action only (DAO). This provides a consistent trigger pull every time.
c. Cylinder Capacity
Revolvers are the most common type of .38 Special handgun. Their cylinder typically holds 5 or 6 rounds. Some larger revolvers might hold more. Semi-automatic pistols in .38 Special are less common but do exist. They usually hold more rounds than revolvers.
d. Sights
Good sights help you aim accurately. Fixed sights are common on smaller, concealed-carry revolvers. Adjustable sights allow you to fine-tune your aim. Many handguns come with plain black sights, but you can often upgrade to night sights for low-light conditions.
e. Barrel Length
Barrel length affects accuracy and how easy the gun is to carry. Shorter barrels (2-3 inches) are great for hiding. Longer barrels (4-6 inches) generally offer better accuracy and more muzzle velocity.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a .38 Special handgun affect its durability, weight, and feel.
a. Frame Material
- Steel: Steel frames are strong and durable. They make the handgun heavier, which helps reduce recoil.
- Aluminum Alloy: Aluminum frames are lighter than steel. This makes the gun easier to carry, but you might feel more recoil.
- Polymer: Some modern .38 Special revolvers use polymer in their construction, offering a lightweight option.
b. Cylinder and Barrel Material
These parts are almost always made of steel. High-quality steel ensures they can withstand the pressures of firing and last a long time.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a .38 Special handgun better or worse.
a. Fit and Finish
A well-made handgun feels solid. The parts should fit together smoothly. A good finish protects the metal from rust and looks nice. Poor fit and finish can lead to reliability issues.
b. Trigger Quality
A good trigger is smooth and predictable. A gritty or heavy trigger can make shooting accurately much harder. Many shooters upgrade triggers on their handguns.
c. Reliability
A quality handgun fires every time you pull the trigger. It should also eject spent casings properly. This is crucial for self-defense. Reading reviews and talking to experienced shooters helps gauge reliability.
d. Recoil Management
The .38 Special is known for its manageable recoil. Heavier guns and good grip designs help absorb recoil. Lighter guns can be snappier. This is important for comfort and follow-up shots.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your .38 Special will influence your choice.
a. Concealed Carry
For carrying hidden, look for lightweight, compact revolvers with shorter barrels. These are easy to conceal under clothing. Smooth trigger pulls are also a plus for quick deployment.
b. Home Defense
For home defense, a slightly larger revolver or even a semi-automatic in .38 Special can work well. Weight is less of a concern, and longer barrels can improve accuracy. Reliability is paramount here.
c. Target Shooting and Competition
If you’re shooting for fun or in competitions, you might prefer a handgun with adjustable sights and a good trigger. Longer barrels often lead to better accuracy for precise shooting.
d. Collecting
Many .38 Special handguns have historical significance. Collectors look for specific models, finishes, and even rare variations. Condition and originality are key factors for collectors.
Choosing a .38 Special handgun is a personal decision. Consider these features, materials, and use cases to find the perfect fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about .38 Special Handguns
Q: Is the .38 Special a good caliber for beginners?
A: Yes, the .38 Special is often recommended for beginners. Its manageable recoil makes it easier to learn shooting fundamentals. The ammunition is also widely available and not too expensive.
Q: What is the difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum?
A: .357 Magnum is a more powerful cartridge than .38 Special. While most revolvers that shoot .357 Magnum can also shoot .38 Special, the reverse is not always true. .357 Magnum has more recoil and muzzle flash.
Q: How much recoil can I expect from a .38 Special?
A: The recoil is generally mild, especially from heavier revolvers. Lighter revolvers or those with shorter barrels will have more noticeable recoil. Ammunition type also plays a role; heavier bullets or hotter loads will increase recoil.
Q: Are .38 Special revolvers reliable?
A: Revolvers are known for their reliability. They have fewer moving parts than semi-automatic pistols, which means fewer things can go wrong. A well-maintained revolver is very dependable.
Q: Can I use .38 Special in a .357 Magnum revolver?
A: Yes, you can safely fire .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver. The revolver is designed to handle the higher pressures of the .357 Magnum, so the lower pressure of the .38 Special is not an issue.
Q: What is the effective range of a .38 Special handgun?
A: For most practical purposes, like self-defense or target shooting at a range, the effective range is typically around 25-50 yards. With good marksmanship and longer barrels, it can be extended, but accuracy decreases.
Q: Are there any common problems with .38 Special revolvers?
A: Common issues can include a stiff trigger pull on some models, cylinder timing issues if poorly maintained, and wear and tear from extensive use. Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent most problems.
Q: What kind of .38 Special ammunition is best for self-defense?
A: For self-defense, hollow-point ammunition is generally recommended. These bullets expand upon impact, creating larger wound channels and reducing the risk of over-penetration through walls.
Q: How do I clean a .38 Special revolver?
A: You’ll need a cleaning rod, bore brush, patches, solvent, and lubricant. Clean the barrel, cylinder chambers, and the action. Refer to your handgun’s manual for specific instructions.
Q: Is a .38 Special handgun a good choice for women?
A: Absolutely. The manageable recoil and ease of use make .38 Special handguns a popular choice for many women. Their reliability and availability of self-defense ammunition are also significant advantages.
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