38 +p or 357 for sd

[Archer]

20 years ago, when this site was created, a sense of mutual respect and politeness was not just an expectation, it was a requirement of membership.

I am dismayed at the deterioration of that founding principle here. If people with common interests can't be respectful of each other in a place like this, it is little wonder what has become of the bigger picture of social discourse.

Carry what you want to, and train with it. Shot placement trumps all else when it comes to small arms.

 

[aaaaa]

Vitals will do it.
If you're going to miss?....then, I'm not sure why your debating?
A "miss" with a 357 is going to at least be impressive! And intimidating.
It's undeniable the 357 is more effective.
In more ways than one.

Well, I would have to think that a 38 Special would be pretty intimidating unless the perp has had experience with being shot at.

Ideally a miss that scares off the perp since none of us really wants to shoot another human being. Of course then the perp is free to find other victims, or even come back at you if the missed shot scared them off but then they get mad. But if we purposefully miss to scare them off, we may end up dead, so...

I suspect a 9mm is going to be a better stopper than 38 Special, but the .357 Mag would be way better. I just read you want to focus on the centerline of the body from the bottom of the sternum to the eyebrows as there is where the most damage is done and the greatest likelihood of stopping the threat. The book said that gut shots are not good as they work slowly and the perp will have plenty of time to continue his attack or fire back if armed.

 

[JohnKSa]

I think this topic has been covered pretty well for now. For those who are concerned that it needs more discussion--don't worry. It will come up again.