A report by American Gun Facts revealed that there are roughly 400 million guns in the United States.
The .38 Special is one of the most famous handgun cartridges in history. It has a long and rich history and many iterations. From its 19th-century roots to modern versions, the .38 Special Rifle is truly a classic.
This blog will take a look at the complete history of the .38 Special, from its early development to its current use in modern firearms. Read on for more.
What Is the .38 Special?
The .38 Special is a type of handgun cartridge that is commonly used in revolvers. However, it can also be used in some semi-automatic pistols and carbines.
The .38 Special cartridge typically uses a bullet that is .357 inches in diameter. However, some variations may use bullets that are slightly larger or smaller.
It is a relatively low-powered cartridge compared to some other handgun rounds. Even so, it’s known for its accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness in self-defense situations.
Origins of the .38 Special: The .38 Special History
Smith & Wesson invented the.38 Special cartridges in the late 1800s, specifically in 1898. The cartridge was created to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. They were looking for a more effective and reliable handgun cartridge.
At the time, the most common handgun cartridge used by law enforcement was the .32 Long Colt. However, this cartridge was not particularly powerful. it was not always effective in stopping determined attackers. Smith & Wesson saw an opportunity to create a new cartridge that would be more effective and reliable, and the result was the .38 Special.
The .38 Special was designed to be a larger and more powerful version of the earlier .38 Long Colt cartridge. The cartridge uses a larger case and a heavier bullet.
This resulted in higher muzzle velocity and greater stopping power. The original .38 Special cartridge used a 158-grain lead bullet. It had a muzzle velocity of around 800 feet per second.
The .38 Special quickly gained popularity due to its accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness. Over time, a wide variety of bullet designs and loadings were developed for the .38 Special. This included hollow-point bullets for self-defense and wadcutter bullets for target shooting.
How to Load the .38 Special
Loading the .38 Special cartridge depends on the type of firearm you are using. Here is a general guide to loading the .38 Special revolver:
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin loading your revolver, it’s important to make sure that the firearm is unloaded and the cylinder is empty. Ensure that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger. Always follow safe handling procedures when handling firearms.
Step 2: Open the Cylinder
Press the cylinder release button on your revolver and swing the cylinder out of the frame. Make sure that the cylinder is clear of any rounds before proceeding.
Step 3: Prepare the Cartridges
Inspect your .38 Special cartridges for any defects or damage. Ensure that all cartridges are in good condition and that they are the correct caliber for your revolver. You can use a speed loader or load each cartridge individually by hand.
Step 4: Load the Cartridges
Insert each cartridge into an empty chamber of the cylinder, ensuring that the rim of each cartridge is fully seated against the back of the chamber. Use firm pressure to ensure that the cartridge is correctly aligned and seated.
Step 5: Close the Cylinder
Once all the cartridges have been loaded into the cylinder, swing the cylinder back into the frame of the revolver until it clicks into place. Ensure that the cylinder rotates smoothly and is properly aligned with the barrel of the revolver.
Step 6: Cock the Hammer
If your revolver has a hammer, pull it back to the fully cocked position. This will ensure that the revolver is ready to fire when you pull the trigger. If your revolver has a double-action trigger, you can skip this step.
Uses of the .38 Special
The .38 Special cartridge has been used for a wide variety of applications since its introduction in 1898. Below are some of the most common uses of the .38 Special.
Law Enforcement
The .38 Special cartridge became a popular choice for law enforcement agencies in the early 20th century. This was due in part to the development of a new revolver in the .38 Special. They were designed specifically for the cartridge. This included the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and the Colt Official Police.
These new revolvers were chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. They featured a six-round cylinder. This made them an ideal choice for law enforcement officers who needed a reliable and effective sidearm.
The .38 Special was also relatively easy to shoot and had a manageable recoil. This made it easier for officers to use in training and the field.
One of the key advantages of the .38 Special cartridge for law enforcement was its ability to be loaded with a variety of bullet types. This included full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets for target shooting and wadcutter bullets for training.
As a result, this versatility allowed officers to use the same firearm and cartridge for a wide variety of tasks.
Military
During World War I, the United States military issued the Colt New Service revolver chambered in .45 ACP to its troops. However, the limited availability of this revolver led to the issuance of the Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver chambered in .38 Special to some units.
The .38 Special was also used by the British military during World War II. They issued it to some troops in a variety of revolvers such as Enfield No. 2 and the Webley Mk IV. The cartridge was used primarily for training. It was not considered as effective as the .45 ACP cartridge used by the United States.
Modern Production and Use
Today, the .38 Special remains a popular and versatile handgun round. It is used by law enforcement agencies, military forces, and civilian gun owners around the world.
Modern firearms that are chambered for the .38 Special include revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and even some carbines. The round is also often used in competitive shooting sports, such as IDPA and USPSA.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the .38 Special among gun enthusiasts. Many people appreciate the round for its simplicity, reliability, and classic look and feel.
What to Consider When Selecting Ammunition for Your .38 Special Revolver
Here are some things to consider when selecting ammunition for your .38 Special revolver:
Bullet Weight
The .38 Special typically uses bullets weighing between 110 and 158 grains. Heavier bullets tend to have more energy and penetration. On the other hand, lighter bullets can be more accurate and have less recoil.
Bullet Type
The most common bullet types for .38 Special are full metal jackets and hollow points. FMJ bullets are often used for target shooting and training. HP bullets are designed for self-defense as they expand upon impact to create a larger wound channel.
Velocity
The velocity of a .38 Special round is typically between 700 and 1,000 feet per second (fps). Higher velocity rounds tend to have more energy and penetration. However, they can also produce more recoil.
Pressure
The .38 Special has a maximum pressure rating of 17,000 psi. Thus, it is important to use ammunition that is within this pressure range to avoid damaging your firearm.
+P Ammunition
Some .38 Special ammunition is designated as “+P”. This means that it is loaded to higher pressure and produces higher velocity and energy. It is important to ensure that your firearm is rated for +P ammunition before using it.
Brand
There are many brands of .38 Special ammunition on the market, including Winchester, Remington, and Federal. It is important to select a reputable brand that produces consistent and reliable ammunition.
.38 Special Interesting Facts
The Smith & Wesson .38 Special has appeared in several movies and TV shows. It is a popular choice for film and television due to its iconic status and widespread audience recognition.
Some notable movies where the weapon can be seen include The Magnificent Seven, Tombstone, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, and more.
The Smith & Wesson .38 Special has also appeared in several video games. They include Call of Duty, Battlefield, Far Cry, Halo, Gears of War, Doom, and Counter-Strike.
Diamond K Brass: Leading Supplier of all Your .38 Special Brass and Accessories
Despite the many incarnations and variations of the .38 special cartridge, the one thing that has remained constant is that this cartridge has a powerful punch. Millions of people have relied on it as a personal defense round for years.
Additionally, it is suitable for any number of firearms. From police officers in urban areas to outdoor enthusiasts in rural ones, there are several good reasons to keep a .38 special close at hand.
Diamond K Brass not only has a large selection of .38 Special Brass, but we also have the expertise and dedication to providing exceptional customer service. This guarantees that you’ll always get what you need.
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