What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
#132386
05/16/2013 1:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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It would be for protection against a Black Bear up close 25 feet or less using factory rounds. What round (JHP,FMJ, etc) would you suggest? Thinking of going with the Taurus Model 82 in 4" barrel to keep costs down. Thanks, Mike
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#132387
05/16/2013 1:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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I would strongly suggest something a bit larger than a .38 Special for backup duty. If this is your only option than I would suggest a relatively heavy hard cast bullet with a wide meplat for maximum penetration. JMHO.
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Whitworth]
#132388
05/16/2013 2:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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s4s4u
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I concur. A factory +P will only net about 100 fps more than the Special. But, if that is all you got it is better than nothing. Penetration is your friend. It might be worth checking with some of the custom ammo makers and see if they offer a more impressive loading. The one unintended encounter I had with a blackie was when I was bird hunting. Was carrying a SxS 20 gauge and once she started in my direction I let fly with a load of #6's into the ground at her feet. That was enough to change her mind, thankfully.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: s4s4u]
#132390
05/16/2013 4:09 PM
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Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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Gentlemen Thanks for your help. I do have a Taurus in 410/45LC but think the 1 1/2" barrel is too short?
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#132391
05/16/2013 5:04 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
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98Redline
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old hand
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I would take the 410/45 over a 38sp +P every day.
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: 98Redline]
#132392
05/16/2013 5:29 PM
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Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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Many thanks! Canceling the order for the 38. Loading 2 buckshots, then 3 45LC's and hope I never have to use any. Mike
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#132396
05/16/2013 8:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
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I think that is the best choice of the two by far.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: wapitirod]
#132397
05/16/2013 8:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#132408
05/17/2013 2:06 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
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cfish2
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Mike the 38 is just fine but you'll need to follow these basic rules for small caliber handgun bear safety. First stand your ground. Second, stand your ground. Third stand your ground and last but not least hold the gun in your weak shooting hand, thrust it as far in front of your body as possible, keep standing your ground and wait till the bear goes to bite your handoff and the gun is good and inside the bears mouth. Then shoot and keep shooting until you either run out of bullets or lose your hand. Hence the reason for using your weak hand only. It's important to keep your strong hand for future hunting trips.
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: cfish2]
#132543
05/20/2013 10:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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Sorry I did not get back to you sooner.... I was laughing so hard I almost died! Seriously, great sense of humor. THANKS!
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#132702
05/26/2013 2:13 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 370
DeerDad
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You could use 38 to shoot some one else on the trip in the leg so your are sure to out run them. The bear will be to busy with them and you can get away. Lol I actually heard that from an instructor at a hunters safety course. He pulled a little 25 auto out of his pocket and said this would save your life in bear attack. Kids didn't have sense of humor like I did.
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Re: What do you think of the 38 Special +P?
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#132705
05/26/2013 12:25 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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500WE
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Many thanks! Canceling the order for the 38. Loading 2 buckshots, then 3 45LC's and hope I never have to use any. Mike Forget the "buckshot".
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