The world of handgun cartridges offers a diverse landscape of choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Today, we'll delve into a fascinating comparison between two relatively niche but historically significant rounds: the 9mm Largo and the .38 Super. Both boast a similar overall length and diameter, but their performance and applications differ considerably. Understanding these differences is key for anyone considering these cartridges for self-defense, competition, or collecting.
Understanding the 9mm Largo
The 9mm Largo, also known as the 9x23mm Largo, is a relatively old cartridge, dating back to the early 20th century. Developed in Spain, it found its way into several military and police service pistols. While not as prevalent today as other calibers, it retains a dedicated following, particularly among collectors of vintage firearms.
Key Characteristics of the 9mm Largo:
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Ballistics: The 9mm Largo generally produces lower velocity and energy compared to the .38 Super. Typical velocities range from 900-1100 fps with a 124-grain bullet. This translates to less stopping power.
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Availability: Ammunition for the 9mm Largo can be more challenging to find than for more common cartridges. It's often more expensive and may require sourcing from specialized dealers.
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Applications: Primarily used in older, often collectible, firearms. It's not a popular choice for modern self-defense or sporting applications due to limited availability and lower performance.
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Recoil: Due to its lower velocity, the 9mm Largo generally exhibits less recoil than the .38 Super. This can be advantageous for less experienced shooters.
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History: The 9mm Largo was initially designed as a rimless bottlenecked cartridge, but later versions featured a semi-rimmed design for improved feeding reliability in some firearms. This highlights the evolution of the cartridge design over time based on feedback and practicality.
Case Study: Astra 400 pistols
The Astra 400, a Spanish-made pistol popular in the mid-20th century, is a prime example of a firearm chambered in 9mm Largo. Its prevalence contributes to the continued existence of this relatively niche cartridge, even if its popularity is far from mainstream.
Exploring the .38 Super
The .38 Super Automatic Cartridge (also known as .38 Super Auto) is a more powerful and readily available round than the 9mm Largo. Developed in the early 20th century, it was designed as a high-velocity cartridge with increased stopping power. While also considered a niche cartridge, its continued popularity in certain shooting sports means it has a wider availability than the 9mm Largo.
Key Characteristics of the .38 Super:
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Ballistics: The .38 Super is a higher-velocity round compared to the 9mm Largo. Typical velocities range from 1100-1300 fps with a 115-grain bullet, resulting in significantly higher energy. This translates to greater stopping power.
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Availability: While not as common as 9mm Parabellum or .45 ACP, ammunition for the .38 Super is generally more readily available and less expensive than 9mm Largo ammunition.
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Applications: Used in competition shooting, and, to a lesser extent, self-defense. Its high velocity and accuracy make it suitable for some shooting disciplines. It is also occasionally chosen for its potential stopping power for personal defense.
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Recoil: The .38 Super has noticeably more recoil than the 9mm Largo, which some shooters may find less comfortable. This could also affect accuracy, especially for beginners.
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History: The .38 Super was designed as a high-performance cartridge from its inception, and that emphasis on performance has contributed to its continued relevance, albeit a niche one, in specific applications today.
Case Study: Colt 1911 pistols
The .38 Super was notably used in Colt 1911 pistols, highlighting its place within the legacy of a highly popular and well-respected firearm platform.
9mm Largo vs. .38 Super: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | 9mm Largo | .38 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | Lower (900-1100 fps) | Higher (1100-1300 fps) |
| Energy | Lower | Higher |
| Recoil | Lower | Higher |
| Ammunition Availability | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Primarily vintage firearms | Competition, Self-Defense (less common) |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The choice between the 9mm Largo and the .38 Super depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. The 9mm Largo is a niche cartridge primarily of interest to collectors of vintage firearms. Its lower velocity and limited availability make it less practical for modern self-defense or sporting applications.
The .38 Super, while also niche, offers higher velocity and energy, making it potentially more effective in self-defense situations and suitable for some forms of competition shooting. Its wider availability also makes it more accessible. However, its higher recoil may make it less suitable for beginners or those sensitive to recoil. Ultimately, the "better" cartridge is subjective and depends entirely on the intended use and shooter preference.