38 long colt vs 38 special

peddler

Is the 38 long colt the same as the 38 special. Thanks

fordsix

no

rufe-snow

No. It was originally a 19th Century BP cartridge. Used by the U.S. military. Even after it was loaded for smokeless powder. The velocities and pressures were kept down. To be safe with the older guns, it was first developed for.

peddler

barrel is just marked Colt 38 .. which I supposed is 38 long colt, am I right?

charliemeyer007

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Long_Colt

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Special

Added Just because Specials will fit doesn't mean that they will not reduce it to pieces.

peddler

38 specials will chamber just fine though.

Hawk Carse

But what is it, really?
Pictures would be good if they show all details and markings.

The reason we need to know is that older .38 LC cylinders are bored straight through and anything will chamber. .38 Special will fit but be hard on the gun; .357 is a hand grenade.

perry shooter

There was 38 short colt then 38 Long Colt then 38 Special then 357 Magnum. then 38 maximum all are just slightly different length

mmppres

do not shoot 38 specials in old guns unless you change you name to stumpy