.38 Spl SNUBBIE or .380 ?

[BluesBear]

You might also consider one of the newer Taurus snub revolvers. Their all steel models handle recoil very well and I find that their rubber grips aren't as "sticky" in pocket carry as Pachmayrs are. They also handle recoil as well or better than the Pachmayrs do.

 

[Erinyes]

Sounds like a heavier .357 snub loaded with .38s would help you out. My gf can't stand recoil, but she enjoys shooting my 2" M19 with .38s.

 

[355sigfan]

Get a compact 9mm it will recoil less than a 380. I recommend a Glock 26. Its a very shootable gun with mild recoil. The 38 snub is more concealable but as you know its a lot harder to shoot and does not hit as hard and holds half the ammo.
Pat

 

[Krag]

Kahr PM9 is the way to go.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Kel-Tec P3AT for me.

I can carry it concealed easier than you can carry a snub 38.

 

[roo_ster]

I voted .38 snubbie. Most .380 pistols seem to be lacking in the area of reliability & are kinda snappy, recoil-wise. YMMV.

OK, I'll go out an a limb here & suggest that you consider .38spl target wadcutters. Your score indicates you can hit with them, which is pretty darn important, as a hit with a WC beats a miss with the best JHP.

Sure, a modern hollow point is superior. But, given your recoil constriants, you might have to be content with "good enuff."

Another option would be a snubbie in .32H&R magnum.

Last, a K-frame snubbie might be the ticket...or a taurus equivalent with the much-maligned porting.

 

[Bear Gulch]

Snubby any day.

It will be less finicky. Try to develop your weak hand shooting. Besides in a true carry situation, you won't be shooting several boxes of ammo at a time.

 

[MoeMentum]

38 snubby

 

[chaim]

I love my Bersa .380 and it does recoil a little less than my Taurus 85CH (which I also love) but I'm not sure with the bad thumb that either are the way to go.

A snub is a great all around CCW type gun. Have you considered a .32H&R Mag so you can shoot it more comfortably and have 6 rounds of ammo that is around the same power as a decent .38spl (but lacking compared to a better +P)?

The only real drawback is ammo availability. I have yet to see a box of the stuff around here. Depending upon where you live you may need to order online and/or reload all your ammo. It is also a bit more expensive than .38spl.

Another option, you probably don't need to practice that often with your carry ammo. You've had it long enough that you aren't testing things out, just a cylinder or two every now and again should be enough. Maybe you could get a .22lr snub similar to your .38 and practice with the .22 most of the time?


edit:

I just re-read your initial post, only .38 or .380, no .32 allowed

In that case I'm back to my second suggestion, can you pick up another snub in .22lr to practice with?