.38 special

The .38 Special cartridge is primarily used for:

​

1. Self-defense: It has been a popular choice for self-defense handguns for many years. Firearms chambered in .38 Special, particularly revolvers, are valued for their manageable recoil and sufficient stopping power for personal protection.

2. Law Enforcement: While somewhat less common in modern law enforcement due to the prevalence of semi-automatic pistols, the .38 Special has a history of use by law enforcement officers, particularly in revolvers. It offers adequate stopping power and accuracy for duty use.

3. Recreational Shooting: Enthusiasts also enjoy shooting firearms chambered in .38 Special for recreational purposes such as target shooting and plinking. The cartridge's moderate recoil and historical significance make it a popular choice among shooters.

4. Competition: In some shooting competitions, particularly those with revolver divisions such as cowboy action shooting, the .38 Special is a common caliber due to its accuracy and ease of use.

 

Overall, the .38 Special cartridge is prized for its versatility, effectiveness, and historical significance across self-defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting applications.