Maximum "combat" range of a Snub Nose .38 Special?

Kraigwy shoots his .38 snub out to 100 yards, when he practices. Notice that's "Shoots", doesn't say "Hits".

But yes I do weird things with my 642, I also practice Bullseye with my 642, but I don't do well.

Also practice bowling pins, steel, and everything else I can safely shoot at. Again I don't do that well,

BUT it gives me confidence in that little revolver, I believe it makes me a better shooter at up close and personal distances.

I wouldn't call that "combat effective", I call that target practice.

One thing one must consider, the farther away you are, the harder to justify self defense.

Back when metallic pistol silhouette first showed up in the Anchorage area, I shot it with my 4 in Model 28, not because its the best gun for hitting those sheep at 200 yards, but it was my service revolver, I think it made me a better shooter at ranges I would need to use it.

But if something came up where I'd need to shoot 200 yards, I had a sniper rifle in the trunk of my patrol car.

I can't hit much at 100 yards with my 642, but I'm convinced if needed I could discourage bad behavior at that distance.

But that isn't self defense range. The only time I shot at anything legit at that range (actually a bit farther) was when I saw a stray dog harassing my horses. Didn't hit him, but got close enough to put him in over drive and out of my pasture.

As mentioned it builds confidence in my defense revolver, but it also shows limitations. I would NEVER hunt with it at distance, nor would I attempt any self defense at extended ranges.

Kind of difficult to show you were in fear of your life if the bandit is 100 yards away. At that distance I could be in the truck and in the next county before he got close enough to be a bother.

__________________
Kraig Stuart
CPT USAR Ret
USAMU Sniper School Oct '78
Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

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