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Difference?-.38 CF, .38 SP (American Bulldog)

MaxOHMSMaxOHMS Member Posts: 14,715
edited May 2008 in Ask the Experts
Size?
Chamber pressure?
Or-- one and same?
Thanks Gentlemen ( and a Lady or 2!)
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Comments

  • hrfhrf Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Iver Johnson made an "American Bull Dog" in 1880s for .38 S&W round, and used the name again 1970s on a .38 Special caliber revolver. The .38 S&W and .38 Special cartridges are not interchangeable.
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  • MaxOHMSMaxOHMS Member Posts: 14,715
    edited November -1
    Thanks H
    I found an IJ BD on the web said to be ".38 CF" made in the mid 70's
    I have seen .38 CF in a few other places.
    R
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  • b.goforthb.goforth Member Posts: 982 ✭
    edited November -1
    the iver johnson "american bull dog" revolvers of the 1880's and 1890's were chambered for the 38 S&W black powder cartridge. the "american bulldog" revolver iver johnson advertize in the 1970's (1974-1978) were chambered for either the 22 long rifle, 22 magnum or the 38 special. the 1970's era revolver was a updated model 57 (adjustable sights), but it was NOT marked with the name "american bulldog". the only markings it carried were the company name and address on the left side of the frame, serial number on right side of the Frame (letter codes used for the 22 models was K and for the 38 special models was J) and usually the caliber on the cylinder and/or left side of the barrel. the 1970's era "american bulldog" was offered in either a 2 1/2 inch or 4 inch barrel. the only way to determine a 1970's era "american bulldog" is by the full length solid barrel rib and the fully adjustable rear sight.

    during this time iver johnson chambered the model 55A and the 55SA cadet in 38 special. the model 55A chambered in 38 special was also given the model name "ROOKIE" (it came in a 4 inch barrel only), but it was Not marked on this revolver either.

    the 1970's era "american bulldog" is covered on page 28 and 29 of my iver johnson book. the early "american bull dog" models are covered on pages 7 thru 10. in summary any iver johnson offered for sale marked "AMERICAN BULL DOG" will mostly likely (99.99%) be the earlier version (1882-1899) and the 38 centerfire caliber will be 38 S&W (black powder only).
    bill
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  • MaxOHMSMaxOHMS Member Posts: 14,715
    edited November -1
    Thanks for your info
    As it turns out, this one is the 1890's model.
    It has been refinished.
    Mr Goforth, I hope to come to a Houston show soon. I hear AR parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. I will look you up.

    "Keep your faith in God and your powder dry"
    (Oliver Cromwell)
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