The Smith & Wesson 38 Special is a legendary handgun cartridge that has been a staple in the firearms industry for over a century. Introduced in 1898, the 38 Special was designed by Smith & Wesson, a renowned American firearms manufacturer, in collaboration with the United States military. The cartridge was initially intended for use in the Smith & Wesson Model 1899 Hand Ejector revolver, which was specifically designed for the US military.
History and Development
The 38 Special was developed as a replacement for the earlier 38 Long Colt cartridge, which was found to be inadequate in terms of stopping power and range. The new cartridge was designed to be more powerful and have a longer effective range, making it suitable for both military and civilian use. The 38 Special quickly gained popularity among law enforcement agencies and civilians alike, due to its reliability, accuracy, and manageable recoil.
Cartridge Specifications
The 38 Special cartridge is a straight-walled, rimmed cartridge with a bullet diameter of 0.357 inches (9.07 mm) and a case length of 1.155 inches (29.3 mm). The cartridge typically uses a lead or jacketed bullet weighing between 110 and 158 grains, with a muzzle velocity ranging from 700 to 900 feet per second (213 to 274 meters per second). The 38 Special is known for its moderate recoil and relatively flat trajectory, making it an ideal choice for target shooting and self-defense.| Cartridge Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | 0.357 inches (9.07 mm) |
| Case Length | 1.155 inches (29.3 mm) |
| Bullet Weight | 110-158 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700-900 feet per second (213-274 meters per second) |
Applications and Uses
The 38 Special cartridge has been widely used in various applications, including:
- Law Enforcement: The 38 Special was a popular choice among law enforcement agencies in the United States, particularly in the mid-20th century.
- Self-Defense: The 38 Special is still a popular choice for self-defense, due to its manageable recoil and effectiveness in stopping an attacker.
- Target Shooting: The 38 Special is a popular choice for target shooting, particularly in revolver competitions.
- Hunting: The 38 Special can be used for small game hunting, such as rabbits and squirrels.
Firearms Chambered in 38 Special
Several firearms manufacturers have produced handguns chambered in 38 Special, including:- Smith & Wesson: Model 10, Model 14, and Model 15
- Colt: Official Police and Cobra
- Ruger: SP101 and GP100
- Taurus: Model 85 and Model 94
Key Points
- The 38 Special cartridge was introduced in 1898 by Smith & Wesson.
- The cartridge was designed to be more powerful and have a longer effective range than the earlier 38 Long Colt.
- The 38 Special is known for its moderate recoil and relatively flat trajectory.
- The cartridge has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of the +P and +P+ variants.
- The 38 Special is still a popular choice for self-defense, target shooting, and small game hunting.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson 38 Special is a legendary cartridge that has been a staple in the firearms industry for over a century. Its reliability, accuracy, and manageable recoil have made it a popular choice among law enforcement agencies, civilians, and hunters. With its rich history and continued popularity, the 38 Special is sure to remain a favorite among firearms enthusiasts for years to come.What is the difference between 38 Special and 38 Long Colt?
+The 38 Special cartridge is more powerful and has a longer effective range than the 38 Long Colt. The 38 Special also has a slightly larger case diameter and a heavier bullet.
Can I use 38 Special ammunition in a firearm chambered for 38 Long Colt?
+No, it is not recommended to use 38 Special ammunition in a firearm chambered for 38 Long Colt. The 38 Special cartridge is more powerful and may cause damage to the firearm or injury to the shooter.
What is the effective range of the 38 Special cartridge?
+The effective range of the 38 Special cartridge is approximately 50-100 yards (46-91 meters), depending on the specific load and firearm used.
