I've got shotguns and rifles but have been thinking of getting a pistol for the house. I've been thinking of a .38 snub nosed revolver as it will probably spend most of its time in/on the nightstand gathering dust. Any thoughts?
If you're considering a .38 Special you might as well purchase a .357 Magnum and have the flexibility to use either cartridge. Use the revolver only if you don't have the time to summon the shotgun to duty or if you're using it to answer an unexpected knock at the front door.
To keep this thread on point, the author of the story is a Nervous Nellie attempting to offer solutions for a problem that doesn't exist. The residents of states like Florida have shown remarkable restraint in their use of deadly force. He is lying in an attempt to "make" a story.
~ Blue Jays ~
For the same amount of money, you can get a .357 which can shoot both .38 and .357. This way you always have the option of shooting a hotter load. Personally, I like a 4" bbl for more accuracy and increased velocity. A wheel gun is a great choice for supreme reliability.