Caliber
.38 Special
The soft-shooting snub-nose and revolver classic — .38 Special carry and practice.
About .38 Special
.38 Special is the classic revolver cartridge for concealed carry and easy shooting. Its mild recoil makes it forgiving and pleasant, especially in small-frame revolvers, and +P loads add defensive punch while staying controllable. For a simple, reliable carry or nightstand revolver, it's a time-tested choice.
Because .357 Magnum revolvers also chamber .38 Special, many shooters buy a .357 and practice with cheaper, softer .38 — getting the best of both. In lightweight snub-nose guns, even .38 recoil can be sharp, so practice matters. As a low-fuss, beginner-friendly defensive round, .38 Special endures for good reason.