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what's diff. between 38 and 38 special?

shoottilltheneighborscallthesherrifshoottilltheneighborscallthesherrif Member Posts: 85 ✭✭
edited May 2002 in Ask the Experts
Bet you guys are tired of my stupid questions!
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The .38 special is a .357 bullet (same as .357 mag. but a shorter cartridge case). It is called a .38 probably because someone thought that sounded sexier than .35 or .357. The .38 special is different from the .38 super and .38 short. It is about the only .38 that is still very actively made and loaded for, though many of the others are around as older guns and ammo can be had.
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    There is also a .38 S&W (aka Colt New Police) which is another totally different cartidge. Incidentally, .38 specials can be fired in a .357 revolver, but not vice versa.

    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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  • rscoleman88rscoleman88 Member Posts: 4,250
    edited November -1
    I'm the same way with the questions, but as they say no such thing as a stupid one. These guys have helped me out evrytime I've asked a question.
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  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    One thing you might want to know, the 38 S&W usually will not fit in a .38 SPL since it is just a little bit fatter cartridge. I say usually because I have put them in a .38 SPL and they sometimes fit, but usually dont. I did not shoot them .
    The 38 short colt will fit in a 38 SPL and fire just fine. As mentioned above, there have been many 38's over the years, but the most common now days is the .38 spl, and you can buy many different bullet designs for it. Use caution with 38 spl+p or 38 spl +p+ as there could be a problem shooting them in small alloy framed guns. Check with a gunsmith if in question. Actually that was more than one thing you might want to know.
    Happy Shootin, Joe
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