Hi Jorn....I'm happy to see you posting again.... I hope you're in good health.
Clearly you've done your homework or have acquired the knowledge through experience, about the differences between the .38 caliber ...the .38 special.... the 38 auto and the 380 auto.
However, I believe you've slipped a bit in this statement.
I started this topic because in another thread someone claimed that a .38 auto is the same as a .380 which is of course not true but to my astonishment nobody protested about it. I then realized how little or how poorly we actually treat the shooting event or gunfight it self.
The .38 AUTO is similar (close) in dimensions to the .38 special but as it is semi rimmed it can be used in both revolvers and automatics. It does read .38 AUTO on the headstamp to the contrary of other .38 calibers designed for revolvers only.
The 38 ACP cartridge case ( .900") is only about 3/4 as long as a 38 special case ( 1.155") .
But I most certainly believe you're right on the mark in this statement.... "I then realized how little or how poorly we actually treat the shooting event or gunfight it self."
You're absolutely right...The event itself has been brushed aside and details ignored.... As you've so aptly pointed out the "gunfight" was no gunfight at all.... A trained and alert police officer was outdrawn and killed in the blink of an eye.
This was no act of a casual "plinker".... Whoever shot JD Tippit was a professional and very good with a handgun. all of his shots hit in the upper body.... And he wasn't using an old worn out S&W revolver.........
Thanks Walt, yes there are some indications that we are talking of an excellent shooter.
Tippet already had his gun out and (since he fell on it) got the hits in the time he tried to raise it. This means that the shots came fairly quickly.
From an old drawing or photograph I remember seeing that the shots were spaced but placed in the same (imaginary) vertical line.
When shooting at a narrow but tall target you risk that the shots miss to either side if you are trying to keep the gun still.
However, if you move the gun in an upwards or downwards movement WHILE SHOOTING there is a greater chance that you don't miss although you may not necessarily hit dead center on every shot, but it enables you to shoot even when walking.
Now, this is not a shooting fashion which you train at the range on a day out.
This could indicate that we are talking about another policeman or a set up.
However, please take this message an illustration of why this man seem to be so good. I want to keep this as a serious thread.