There were a number of things in the past that gave the .38 Special a bad rep as a man stopper. Round nose bullets and the above mentioned low velocities in short barreled revolvers. With the advent of the 158gr SWCHP bullet in .38 Special +P loads (i.e. the FBI load), these changes IMHO made the .38 Special a very respectable choice for self defense. Personally I would and do take it over the faster and lighter 9mm loads that are available.
