difference between 38 and 38 special

[S & W 642]

I would like to know the difference between 38 and 38 special in a revolver. I have heard people refer to 38 and then say 38 special and would like to know the difference.

[darrell8937]

There are many cartridges loaded over the years in 38 caliber. all Below are diffrent cartriges but are called 38 caliber in general terms. When someone says they have a .38 they are usualy refering to a .38 Special. This cartridge is verry popular! All below are distinct cartridges thou all 38 cal, Some are interchangeble and some are not. Diffrent case lengths etc. a


.38 Short Colt
.38 Long Colt
.38 S&W (.38 Colt New Police, .38 Super Police)
.380 Revolver
.38 Special (9 x 29mmR)
 

[DWTim]

Hey, don't forget about .38 Super and .38 Casull.

Considering its popularity, I'd say that in most circumstances, when they say "38", they mean the .38 S&W Special.

[jgalar]

And actually they are 36 caliber.

[TrenchMud]

They are mostly .357 caliber. The 38 S&W is actually a .36 caliber and is not interchangable due to a larger case diameter. Rounded up, a .357 mag and .357 Max. would be in the group also. There were vast numbers of inexpensive revolvers chambered for the short .38 S&W in the first half of the last century and they are still very common to find.