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 ~