The 38 Auto Super: A Potent Cartridge for Concealed Carry and Self-Defense

The .38 Auto Super, also known as the .38 Super, is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by John Moses Browning in the early 1900s. It was originally designed as a more powerful alternative to the .38 ACP cartridge, and has since gained popularity as a self-defense and concealed carry round.

Characteristics of the .38 Auto Super

The .38 Auto Super cartridge is characterized by its high velocity and energy, delivering similar performance to the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. It uses a 9x23mm casing, which is slightly longer than the .38 ACP casing, and fires a 124-grain bullet at a velocity of around 1,250 feet per second (fps). This produces a muzzle energy of around 380 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).

Advantages of the .38 Auto Super

• High Velocity and Energy: The .38 Auto Super's high velocity and energy provide excellent penetration and stopping power, making it an effective self-defense round.
• Controllability: Despite its high power, the .38 Auto Super is relatively easy to control in recoil, making it suitable for concealed carry and rapid fire.
• Compact Size: The 9x23mm casing of the .38 Auto Super is compact, allowing for smaller and lighter pistols compared to other high-powered cartridges.
• Wide Ammunition Availability: The .38 Auto Super is a popular cartridge with a wide range of available ammunition, including standard loads, +P loads, and hollow-point bullets.

Disadvantages of the .38 Auto Super

• Limited Magazine Capacity: Due to its slightly longer casing, the .38 Auto Super has a reduced magazine capacity compared to the .38 ACP.
• Higher Recoil: While manageable, the .38 Auto Super's high power results in more recoil than some other self-defense cartridges, such as the 9mm Parabellum.
• Lower Velocity Variant: Some .38 Auto Super ammunition is loaded to a lower velocity, which can reduce penetration and stopping power.

Effective Strategies for Using the .38 Auto Super

• Proper Firearm Selection: Choose a pistol that is reliable, accurate, and has a comfortable grip for concealed carry.
• Appropriate Ammunition: Select high-quality ammunition that is suitable for self-defense, such as +P hollow-point bullets.
• Adequate Training: Practice regularly to develop proficiency in handling, shooting, and reloading the .38 Auto Super.
• Responsible Use: Handle the .38 Auto Super responsibly, always obeying firearm safety rules and using it only for legitimate purposes.

Why the .38 Auto Super Matters

The .38 Auto Super has proven itself to be a reliable and effective cartridge for self-defense and concealed carry. Its high velocity and energy provide excellent stopping power, while its compact size and wide ammunition availability make it a practical choice for everyday use.

How the .38 Auto Super Benefits Shooters

• Increased confidence in self-defense situations thanks to its high stopping power.
• Enhanced accuracy and controllability due to its balanced recoil and compact size.
• Greater versatility with a wide range of available ammunition, including +P loads and specialized defense rounds.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A home intruder forcibly entered a residence, threatening the occupants with a knife. The homeowner, who had been trained in firearms safety, used their concealed carry .38 Auto Super to defend themselves. The intruder was shot and disabled, and the homeowner and their family were unharmed.

Lesson Learned: The .38 Auto Super's high stopping power and accuracy allowed the homeowner to effectively neutralize the threat and protect their loved ones.

Story 2:

During a robbery attempt at a convenience store, the robber shot the cashier with a 9mm handgun. The cashier, who was also carrying a concealed .38 Auto Super, returned fire and struck the robber multiple times, incapacitating them.

Lesson Learned: The .38 Auto Super's high velocity and energy allowed the cashier to overcome the robber's larger caliber firearm and protect themselves against a potentially fatal attack.

Story 3:

A police officer responded to a domestic violence call and encountered a suspect armed with a shotgun. The officer drew their duty weapon, a .38 Auto Super, and fired multiple shots at the suspect, who was threatening harm to others. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.

Lesson Learned: The .38 Auto Super's reliability and accuracy allowed the police officer to quickly neutralize the threat and prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.

Comparison of the .38 Auto Super to Other Self-Defense Cartridges

As shown in the table, the .38 Auto Super offers a higher velocity and muzzle energy than the 9mm Parabellum while maintaining a compact size and manageable recoil. Compared to the .45 ACP, the .38 Auto Super has a higher velocity and flatter trajectory, making it more suitable for self-defense in urban environments.

Conclusion

The .38 Auto Super is a powerful, reliable, and versatile cartridge that has earned a reputation as an effective choice for self-defense and concealed carry. While it may not be as well-known as some other cartridges, its high velocity, energy, and accuracy make it a viable option for those seeking a compact and capable firearm for everyday protection.