The main difference between the cartridges is that the 9mm is a high-pressure rimless cartridge designed for high-capacity semi-automatic pistols that utilizes lightweight bullets at high velocities, whereas the .38 Special +P is a lower-pressure rimmed cartridge designed for revolvers that relies on heavier bullets traveling at moderate velocities to achieve defensive penetration. The 9mm dominates modern military, law enforcement, and civilian concealed carry markets due to its exceptional magazine capacity and rapid reload capabilities. The .38 Special +P remains highly relevant today as the premier cartridge for five-shot snub-nose revolvers, offering unparalleled reliability in deep concealment roles, backup ankle holsters, and pocket carry scenarios where semi-automatic pistol slides might be obstructed or snagged on clothing.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Comparison
| Feature | .38 Special +P | 9mm (9x19mm Parabellum) |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | 0.357 inches (9.07 mm) | 0.355 inches (9.02 mm) |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 110 gr to 158 gr (typically 125 gr or 135 gr) | 115 gr to 147 gr (typically 115 gr or 124 gr) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 to 1,000 fps (2 to 4-inch barrel) | 1,100 to 1,250 fps (4-inch barrel) |
| Muzzle Energy | 220 to 300 ft-lbs | 320 to 400 ft-lbs |
| Momentum | ~16 to ~19 lb-fps (depending on load) | ~19 to ~21 lb-fps (depending on load) |
| Maximum Pressure | 20,000 psi (SAAMI) | 35,000 psi (Standard) / 38,500 psi (+P) |
| Ballistic Coefficient | Low (~0.130 to 0.170) | Low (~0.140 to 0.205) |
| Penetration | 12 to 16 inches (Gelatin) | 12 to 18 inches (Gelatin) |
| Expansion | 0.50 to 0.60 inches | 0.50 to 0.70 inches |
| Trajectory | Arcing, drops rapidly past 25 yards | Arcing, drops rapidly past 50 yards |
| Recoil | Moderate (~5.5 ft-lbs in a lightweight revolver) | Low (~4.0 ft-lbs in a compact pistol) |
| Effective Range | 0 to 25 yards (Snub-nose defense) | 0 to 50 yards (Handgun defense) |
| Ammo Availability | High (Global civilian standard for revolvers) | Extremely High (Global military and civilian standard) |
| Ammo Cost | Moderate ($0.50 to $0.90 per round) | Cheap ($0.25 to $0.45 per round) |
| Best Use | Backup guns, pocket carry, reliable revolver defense | Primary concealed carry, home defense, duty sidearms |
The table above outlines the foundational differences between a classic late 19th-century revolver cartridge and the most prolific semi-automatic handgun cartridge in human history. Understanding the nuances of 38 Special +P vs 9mm requires a brief look into their developmental timelines and the inherent mechanical differences between revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.
The .38 Smith and Wesson Special was introduced in 1898. It was originally a black powder cartridge, which required a large internal case volume to hold enough powder to push the bullet at an effective velocity. When the ammunition industry transitioned to smokeless powder, that massive internal case capacity remained, but modern smokeless powder is highly efficient and only fills a small fraction of the brass case. Consequently, the standard .38 Special operates at a very low maximum average pressure of 17,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Decades later, as law enforcement requested more powerful ammunition to defeat auto glass and heavy clothing, ammunition manufacturers developed the +P (overpressure) designation. Standardized by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI), the .38 Special +P increases the maximum pressure to 20,000 psi. This gives the old cartridge a modern ballistic boost while remaining safe to fire in modern revolvers rated for the extra pressure.
The 9mm (also known as the 9x19mm Parabellum or 9mm Luger) was designed by Georg Luger in 1901 specifically for smokeless powder and semi-automatic pistols. Because it was designed around modern propellants from the very beginning, its brass case is much shorter and highly efficient. SAAMI allows standard 9mm ammunition to operate at 35,000 psi, which is nearly double the pressure of a standard .38 Special and significantly higher than even the .38 Special +P. This massive pressure advantage allows the 9mm to drive similar bullet weights at vastly superior velocities from shorter barrels.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Ballistics
To objectively evaluate the ballistic capabilities of the .38 Special +P against the 9mm, we must examine real-world factory ammunition across their most common defensive applications. The most critical factor in this comparison is barrel length. The vast majority of .38 Special +P ammunition is carried for self defense in snub-nose revolvers featuring barrels measuring roughly 1.875 inches to 2 inches long. The vast majority of 9mm ammunition is carried in compact or full-size semi-automatic pistols featuring barrels measuring 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches long.
To provide a highly researched and accurate representation of what a civilian or police officer actually carries, we will compare premium defensive hollow points fired from a 2-inch revolver barrel against premium defensive hollow points fired from a 4-inch semi-automatic pistol barrel.
- Load A (.38 Special +P): Speer Gold Dot 135-grain Short Barrel +P Jacketed Hollow Point. Tested from a 2-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 860 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 222 foot-pounds. Momentum is 16.6 pound-feet per second. At 50 yards, velocity drops to 810 feet per second, and energy drops to 197 foot-pounds.
- Load B (.38 Special +P): Federal Premium 130-grain Micro HST +P Jacketed Hollow Point. Tested from a 2-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 890 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 229 foot-pounds. Momentum is 16.5 pound-feet per second. At 50 yards, velocity drops to 835 feet per second, and energy drops to 201 foot-pounds.
- Load C (9mm Standard Pressure): Federal Premium 124-grain HST Jacketed Hollow Point. Tested from a 4-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 1,150 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 364 foot-pounds. Momentum is 20.4 pound-feet per second. At 50 yards, velocity drops to 1,060 feet per second, and energy drops to 309 foot-pounds.
- Load D (9mm Standard Pressure): Speer Gold Dot 147-grain Jacketed Hollow Point. Tested from a 4-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 985 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 317 foot-pounds. Momentum is 20.7 pound-feet per second. At 50 yards, velocity drops to 935 feet per second, and energy drops to 285 foot-pounds.
The data reveals a dramatic ballistic advantage for the 9mm. Because the 9mm operates at 35,000 psi and benefits from a longer barrel in standard carry guns, it generates significantly more velocity, energy, and momentum than the best .38 Special +P loads fired from a snub-nose revolver.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Velocity
Velocity is a critical metric for handgun ammunition. It determines how flat a projectile shoots and serves as the primary mechanical catalyst that forces fluid into the hollow point cavity to initiate expansion upon striking soft tissue. If a bullet travels too slowly, the hollow cavity can plug with heavy clothing like denim or leather, turning the projectile into a solid drill that fails to expand and over-penetrates the target.
The 38 Special +P vs 9mm velocity comparison is heavily skewed by the mechanical nature of revolvers. Revolvers suffer from a phenomenon known as the cylinder gap. There is a microscopic physical space between the rotating cylinder that holds the ammunition and the forcing cone of the barrel. When a round is fired in a revolver, a noticeable amount of high-pressure expanding gas escapes out the sides of this gap before it can push the bullet down the barrel. When you combine this gas bleed with a microscopic 2-inch barrel, the .38 Special +P struggles to build speed. A premium 135-grain bullet often barely breaks 850 feet per second.
Semi-automatic pistols do not have a cylinder gap. The chamber is integrated directly into the barrel, meaning 100 percent of the expanding powder gases are utilized to push the projectile forward. When combined with the high 35,000 psi pressure rating, the 9mm is exceptionally fast. Standard 115-grain or 124-grain bullets routinely exit a 4-inch barrel between 1,100 and 1,200 feet per second. This extreme velocity advantage guarantees that 9mm hollow points will expand violently upon impact, whereas .38 Special +P hollow points require highly specialized, soft-lead engineering to ensure they expand at lower subsonic speeds.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Muzzle Energy
Muzzle energy represents the kinetic work capacity of a projectile. Kinetic energy relies heavily on the velocity of the projectile squared, meaning a faster bullet will almost always generate substantially more kinetic energy than a slower bullet of similar weight.
The 38 Special +P vs 9mm energy figures clearly illustrate the power gap between these two platforms. A top-tier .38 Special +P load fired from a snub-nose revolver generates roughly 220 to 240 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. While this is entirely lethal and fully capable of stopping a threat with proper shot placement, it is on the lower end of the acceptable defensive power spectrum. If a defender uses a longer 4-inch service revolver, the .38 Special +P can reach closer to 280 or 300 foot-pounds of energy, but long-barreled revolvers are rarely carried for concealed defense today.
The 9mm is a powerhouse for its size. A standard 124-grain defensive load generates roughly 360 to 380 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from a 4-inch barrel. If a shooter opts for 9mm +P ammunition (which raises the maximum pressure to 38,500 psi), muzzle energy can easily exceed 400 foot-pounds. Even when the 9mm is fired from a micro-compact concealed carry pistol with a 3-inch barrel, it still generates around 320 foot-pounds of energy, keeping it vastly more energetic than the best .38 Special +P loads.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Momentum
Momentum is a linear measurement of mass in motion. In terminal ballistics, high momentum correlates closely with the ability of a bullet to crush through dense bone, heavy winter clothing, and intermediate barriers like automotive glass without being deflected or stopping prematurely inside the target.
Both cartridges utilize very similar bullet weights. The 9mm typically fires 115-grain, 124-grain, or 147-grain bullets. The .38 Special +P typically fires 125-grain, 130-grain, 135-grain, or 158-grain bullets. Because their projectile masses are nearly identical, the momentum advantage defaults to the cartridge with the higher velocity.
A 124-grain 9mm bullet traveling at 1,150 feet per second yields approximately 20.4 pound-feet per second of linear momentum. A 135-grain .38 Special +P bullet traveling at 860 feet per second yields roughly 16.6 pound-feet per second of momentum. The 9mm hits harder and pushes through resistance much more efficiently. The only way the .38 Special +P can close the momentum gap is by utilizing extremely heavy 158-grain bullets, but pushing a massive 158-grain bullet out of a 2-inch barrel results in very low velocities that often fail to expand modern hollow point cavities.
38 Trajectory vs 9mm Trajectory
Because both cartridges are utilized almost exclusively in short-barreled defensive handguns for close-quarters protection, extreme long-range trajectory is rarely a primary concern. Handgun bullets are ballistically blunt and shed velocity rapidly, making them poor tools for long-range marksmanship.
The calculations below assume a standard pistol sight height of 0.75 inches above the bore and a clearly stated zero distance of 25 yards. We will compare a 135-grain .38 Special +P load against a 124-grain 9mm standard pressure load.
| Distance | .38 Special +P (135 gr at 860 fps) Drop | 9mm (124 gr at 1,150 fps) Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | -0.75 inches | -0.75 inches |
| 25 Yards | 0.0 inches (Zero) | 0.0 inches (Zero) |
| 50 Yards | -3.8 inches | -1.2 inches |
| 75 Yards | -11.2 inches | -4.4 inches |
| 100 Yards | -22.5 inches | -9.8 inches |
The 9mm features a significantly flatter trajectory. At 50 yards, the 9mm bullet has only dropped slightly over one inch, meaning a defender can aim dead center on a target and guarantee a solid hit. The .38 Special +P drops nearly four inches at 50 yards. While a 50-yard engagement is highly unlikely in a civilian self-defense scenario, the flatter trajectory of the 9mm makes it drastically easier to shoot accurately at intermediate distances at the shooting range.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Recoil
Recoil management is the single most significant factor in rapid and accurate defensive shooting. Recoil is heavily influenced by the weight of the firearm, the mass of the powder charge, and the weight of the bullet. Evaluating 38 Special +P vs 9mm recoil requires looking at the physical weight of the guns that chamber them, as well as the mechanical action of the firearms.
Fired from a standard compact polymer semi-automatic pistol weighing roughly 24 ounces (such as a Glock 19), a standard 124-grain 9mm load generates roughly 4.0 foot-pounds of free recoil energy. Furthermore, the reciprocating slide of the semi-automatic pistol absorbs a significant portion of the felt recoil impulse by compressing the recoil spring and slowing down the rearward transfer of energy. The result is a very smooth, mild recoil impulse that allows shooters of all statures to reacquire their sights and land rapid follow-up shots.
The recoil of a .38 Special +P fired from a lightweight snub-nose revolver is a completely different experience. Most pocket revolvers (like the Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight or the Ruger LCR) feature aluminum or polymer frames and weigh a mere 14 to 16 ounces. Because revolvers have a fixed barrel and cylinder, there is no reciprocating slide to absorb energy. One hundred percent of the recoil force is driven straight back into the web of the shooter’s hand. A 135-grain .38 Special +P load fired from a 15-ounce revolver generates roughly 5.5 to 6.5 foot-pounds of free recoil energy. This creates a sharp, painful snap in the palm that often induces severe flinching in novice shooters, causing them to pull their shots low and to the side under stress.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Penetration
Terminal penetration is rigorously evaluated using calibrated 10 percent ordnance gelatin, which simulates the density and resistance of human soft tissue. Following the infamous 1986 Miami shootout, the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed strict ballistic protocols. The standard dictates that a defensive bullet must penetrate a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 18 inches to reliably reach vital organs from any angle without posing a severe over-penetration risk to innocent bystanders.
Modern premium hollow points in 9mm are meticulously engineered to pass the FBI protocol with flying colors. A standard 124-grain Federal HST will reliably penetrate 13.5 to 15.0 inches in bare gelatin and heavy clothing. The high velocity ensures that the bullet maintains its momentum even after passing through heavy winter coats or denim.
The .38 Special +P also passes the FBI protocol, but it requires highly specialized ammunition to do so from a 2-inch barrel. Because the velocity is so low, older jacketed hollow point designs often fail to expand, resulting in dangerous over-penetration beyond 20 inches. To combat this, ammunition manufacturers like Speer and Federal developed short-barrel specific loads. These loads use softer lead cores, deeply skived copper jackets, and polymer inserts in the hollow cavity to force expansion at 850 feet per second. When using these premium short-barrel loads, the .38 Special +P will reliably penetrate 12.5 to 14.5 inches, making it a highly effective defensive tool.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Expansion
Bullet expansion dictates the diameter of the permanent wound channel inside the target. Wide expansion increases the likelihood of severing major arteries and causing rapid incapacitation through catastrophic blood loss.
When examining 38 Special +P vs 9mm expansion, the 9mm holds a clear mechanical advantage due to hydraulic pressure. Higher impact velocity forces fluid into the hollow cavity with greater force, causing the bullet to peel back more aggressively into a wide parachute shape.
A standard 124-grain 9mm premium hollow point will typically expand to a final diameter of roughly 0.60 to 0.65 inches, which is nearly double its original diameter.
A high-quality 135-grain .38 Special +P hollow point fired from a snub-nose revolver will typically expand to roughly 0.50 to 0.55 inches. While this is certainly adequate for self-defense, the wound channel is tangibly smaller than the channel created by the faster 9mm projectile.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Effective Range
The effective range of a defensive cartridge is determined by the intersection of three factors including velocity retention, bullet drop, and the mechanical accuracy of the firearm platform.
For the 9mm, the effective range is practically limited to the visual acuity and trigger control of the shooter, which for most civilians is 0 to 25 yards, extending to 50 yards for highly trained marksmen. Mechanically, the cartridge maintains sufficient velocity to guarantee hollow point expansion out to roughly 50 yards when fired from a 4-inch barrel.
The .38 Special +P fired from a snub-nose revolver is strictly a close-quarters weapon. The incredibly short sight radius, the heavy double-action trigger pull (often exceeding 10 pounds), and the sharp recoil make hitting targets beyond 15 yards very difficult under stress. Furthermore, because the initial muzzle velocity is already below 900 feet per second, the bullet drops below the reliable expansion threshold very quickly. The effective range of a snub-nose .38 Special +P is realistically limited to 0 to 15 yards.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Self Defense
When choosing a platform for home defense or daily carry, practical platform considerations often outweigh minor differences in ballistic gelatin testing.
The 9mm is the undisputed king of handgun self defense due to magazine capacity. Standard compact pistols hold 15 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. Full-size duty pistols hold 17 or more rounds. In a chaotic defensive encounter involving multiple attackers, having 16 rounds of ammunition available before needing to reload is a massive tactical advantage. Furthermore, reloading a semi-automatic pistol with a fresh magazine takes mere seconds.
The .38 Special +P is severely limited in capacity. Standard small-frame concealed carry revolvers hold exactly five rounds of ammunition. Some slightly larger frames hold six. Once those five rounds are expended, reloading a revolver under life-threatening stress using loose rounds or a speedloader requires fine motor skills that degrade massively during an adrenaline dump. For primary self defense, the capacity and reload speed of the 9mm make it vastly superior.
38 Special +P vs 9mm Concealed Carry
Concealed carry is the one specific arena where the .38 Special +P snub-nose revolver remains fiercely competitive against modern 9mm semi-automatic pistols.
The organic, rounded shape of a small revolver breaks up visual profiling incredibly well in a pocket or on an ankle. Unlike semi-automatic pistols, which feature sharp angles and flat slides that print through tight clothing, a snub-nose revolver blends in effortlessly.
Furthermore, revolvers are practically immune to contact malfunctions. If you are involved in a close-quarters physical struggle and must press your firearm directly into the body of an attacker, a semi-automatic pistol slide can be pushed slightly out of battery, completely disabling the gun and preventing it from firing. A revolver does not have a reciprocating slide. You can press the muzzle of a .38 Special +P revolver directly into an attacker jacket or ribcage and pull the trigger five times with perfect reliability. You can also fire a hammerless revolver from completely inside a jacket pocket without the fabric jamming a slide. This unmatched close-quarters reliability makes the .38 Special +P a favorite for deep concealment and backup gun roles.
The 9mm dominates primary inside-the-waistband concealed carry. Advancements in magazine geometry have created micro-compact 9mm pistols that are incredibly thin and hold 10 to 15 rounds. For the vast majority of citizens carrying a firearm on their belt, a micro-compact 9mm is the optimal choice.
Which Has More Stopping Power: 38 Special +P or 9mm?
Stopping power is a non-scientific term generally used to describe the ability of a cartridge to quickly incapacitate a biological threat through blood loss or central nervous system disruption.
The 9mm possesses significantly more stopping power than the .38 Special +P. The combination of higher velocity, greater momentum, and wider expanded bullet diameter means the 9mm crushes a larger volume of tissue and creates a wider permanent wound channel. While both cartridges are fully capable of stopping a determined attacker with accurate shot placement to the central nervous system, the 9mm delivers more destructive kinetic force upon impact.
Which Is More Powerful: 38 Special +P or 9mm?
Power is defined quantitatively by kinetic energy and linear momentum.
The 9mm is vastly more powerful. Operating at a maximum pressure of 35,000 psi (or 38,500 psi for +P variants), the 9mm generates roughly 350 to 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from a standard barrel. The .38 Special +P operates at only 20,000 psi and bleeds pressure through the cylinder gap, generating a mere 220 to 250 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from a snub-nose barrel. In every measurable ballistic category, the 9mm delivers more raw power to the target.
38 Special +P Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional reliability in close-quarters physical struggles where semi-auto slides can be pushed out of battery
- Can be fired multiple times from completely inside a jacket pocket without jamming
- Organic, rounded shape conceals effortlessly in front pockets and ankle holsters
- Firearms can also safely chamber and shoot standard-pressure .38 Special ammunition for ultra-light target practice
Cons
- Severely limited ammunition capacity, typically holding only five rounds
- Reloading under extreme stress with speedloaders requires complex fine motor skills
- Produces sharp, painful recoil when fired from lightweight 15-ounce aluminum or polymer revolvers
- Short barrels rob the cartridge of velocity, sometimes preventing hollow point expansion
9mm Pros and Cons
Pros
- Massive magazine capacities ranging from 10 to 17 or more rounds depending on the grip size
- Exceptionally mild recoil impulse is absorbed by the reciprocating slide, allowing for rapid follow-up shots
- High velocity guarantees reliable hollow point expansion and deep penetration
- The most heavily produced centerfire cartridge in the world, ensuring low costs and universal availability
Cons
- Semi-automatic pistols can malfunction if limp-wristed by a panicked shooter or pressed directly into an object
- Micro-compact pistols can be snappy to shoot with high-pressure +P defensive ammunition
- Flat, squared-off pistol slides can sometimes print more visibly through tight clothing than a rounded revolver cylinder
Final Comparison
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | 9mm | Operates at 35,000 psi to drive bullets significantly faster |
| Muzzle Energy | 9mm | Produces roughly 350 to 400 ft-lbs compared to 220 ft-lbs for the .38 |
| Momentum | 9mm | Higher velocity yields superior linear mass and driving force |
| Penetration | 9mm | High velocity ensures reliable 12 to 18 inch gelatin penetration |
| Expansion | 9mm | Hydraulic impact velocity forces wider hollow point expansion profiles |
| Trajectory | 9mm | Flatter shooting curve out to 50 yards due to high initial speed |
| Recoil Control | 9mm | Slide reciprocation absorbs energy, creating a much softer impulse |
| Effective Range | 9mm | Maintains velocity and mechanical accuracy out to 50 yards easily |
| Self Defense | 9mm | Massive magazine capacity and rapid reload capabilities |
| Concealed Carry | Depends on Carry Style | 9mm for inside waistband; .38 Special +P for pocket or ankle carry |
| Ammo Cost | 9mm | Mass-produced globally, drastically lowering the average cost per round |
| Ammo Availability | 9mm | Found on the shelves of virtually every sporting goods store worldwide |
| Overall Performance | 9mm | Superior ballistics, capacity, and logistical support across the board |
38 Special +P vs 9mm: Which Should You Choose?
Selecting between the .38 Special +P and the 9mm requires an honest assessment of your daily wardrobe, your carry location preferences, and your tactical priorities.
Choose the 9mm if you are looking for a primary concealed carry firearm for inside-the-waistband carry, a home defense pistol, or a general-purpose duty sidearm. It offers double or triple the ammunition capacity, vastly superior ballistic power, softer recoil for rapid follow-up shots, and significantly cheaper ammunition for high-volume practice. It is objectively the most practical and efficient defensive handgun cartridge available today.
Choose the .38 Special +P if you prioritize extreme deep concealment, require a backup gun for an ankle holster, or specifically want a firearm that can be carried in a jacket pocket and fired through the fabric in an emergency. The mechanical reliability of a snub-nose revolver in a close-quarters physical struggle is unmatched, making it a highly specialized tool for individuals who understand and accept its five-round capacity limitation.
FAQs
Is 38 Special +P more powerful than 9mm?
No, the 9mm is significantly more powerful. The 9mm generates much higher chamber pressures, resulting in greater velocity, muzzle energy, and momentum compared to the lower-pressure .38 Special +P.
Which has more muzzle energy?
The 9mm generates roughly 350 to 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from a standard compact barrel. The .38 Special +P generates roughly 220 to 250 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from a standard snub-nose revolver barrel.
Which has more stopping power?
The 9mm has superior practical stopping power due to its higher velocity, which ensures deeper penetration and a wider permanent wound channel upon impact.
Which has more recoil?
A .38 Special +P fired from a lightweight 15-ounce aluminum revolver produces a surprisingly sharp and painful recoil impulse. A 9mm fired from a standard polymer semi-automatic pistol produces a much smoother, milder recoil impulse because the slide absorbs some of the energy.
Which has better penetration?
Both cartridges are designed to pass the FBI penetration protocol of 12 to 18 inches in ballistic gelatin. However, the 9mm accomplishes this much more consistently across a wider variety of ammunition brands due to its higher velocity.
Which expands more?
Because of its higher impact velocity, a premium 9mm hollow point will generally expand to a wider final diameter than a .38 Special +P projectile.
Which has a flatter trajectory?
The 9mm shoots noticeably flatter at 50 yards because it travels several hundred feet per second faster than a standard .38 Special +P.
Which is better for self defense?
The 9mm is widely considered vastly superior for self defense due to its high magazine capacity, faster reload speed, and more powerful terminal ballistics.
Which is better for concealed carry?
The 9mm is the best choice for inside-the-waistband belt carry. The .38 Special +P snub-nose revolver is the best choice for specialized deep concealment like pocket carry or ankle holsters.
Is 9mm faster than 38 Special +P?
Yes, the 9mm easily achieves 1,100 to 1,200 feet per second from short barrels, whereas the .38 Special +P typically remains subsonic between 850 and 950 feet per second.
Is 38 Special +P stronger than 9mm?
No. The 9mm operates at 35,000 psi, while the .38 Special +P operates at a much weaker 20,000 psi.
Which is cheaper to shoot?
The 9mm is significantly cheaper to shoot. It is the most heavily manufactured centerfire pistol cartridge on the planet, allowing for very affordable bulk practice ammunition.
Can a 9mm shoot 38 Special +P?
No. They are completely different calibers with different chamber dimensions. A semi-automatic 9mm pistol cannot chamber rimmed revolver cartridges.
Which is easier to shoot?
A compact 9mm pistol is drastically easier to shoot due to its mild recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and pain-free practice sessions for novice shooters.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 9mm for your primary everyday carry pistol, home defense, and high-volume training. Choose the .38 Special +P if you specifically need a pocket revolver for deep concealment or as a backup weapon.