.38 s & w special?

[gma1320]

My mother has inherited a smith and wesson model 36 and the barrel reads 38 s&w spl. Does the ammo have to specify 38 s&w special or or is it the same round commonly referred to as 38 special?

 

[Gator89]

There is 38 S&W and there is 38 S&W Special.

38 S&W Special is commonly called 38 Special these days.

38 Special is a longer cartridge than 38 S&W.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_S...00.-,The .,during the Philippine–American War.

 

[gma1320]

There is 38 S&W and there is 38 S&W Special.

38 S&W Special is commonly called 38 Special these days.

38 Special is a longer cartridge than 38 S&W.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Special#:~:text=factory in 1900.-,The .,during the Philippine–American War.

So does the ammo box that only says 38 special work in a gun that say 38 s & w spl on the barrel?

 

[Lilly001]

So does the ammo box that only says 38 special work in a gun that say 38 s & w spl on the barrel?

Pictures?
If it has the words 38 special on it, regardless of other wording, I would say yes.
But it’s your hand.
You could have a local smith look at it if you are still concerned.

 

[gma1320]

Pictures?
If it has the words 38 special on it, regardless of other wording, I would say yes.
But it’s your hand.
You could have a local smith look at it if you are still concerned.

My camera doesn't work on my phone but the barrel specifically say 38 S&W SPL. It is a model 36 j frame revolver.

 

[Jester896]

I think that would be a .38 Special. The .38 S&W I thought was a shorter cartridge also known as a 38 short. I will look at my 10 when I get home to see how the barrel is stamped.

 

[fishfryer]

If it’s a .38 S&W,a .38 special won’t chamber in it

 

[king killer delete]

My dad had a Webly revolver in 38 S&W . He brought it home from WW2 . I always called it a 38 short

 

[Gator89]

I don't think the model 36 was ever chambered in the old 38 S&W, only 38 special.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_36#:~:text=The Smith & Wesson Model 36,38 Special.

The Model 36 was designed in the era just after World War II, when Smith & Wesson stopped producing war materials and resumed normal production. For the Model 36, they sought to design a revolver that could fire the more powerful (compared to the .38 Long Colt or the .38 S&W) .38 Special round in a small, concealable package. Since the older I-frame was not able to handle this load, a new frame was designed, which became the J-frame.

 

[specialk]

Your model 36 will shoot .38 special, commonly found in most all local gun stores

 

[gma1320]

Thank you for the help fellas .

 

[Lilly001]

That j frame is an excellent carry gun.
I would put a set of rubber grips on it and feel confident to carry it anywhere.

 

[gobbleinwoods]

Just don't fire 38 special +p in it.

 

[rosewood]

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-36

 

[treemanjohn]

Mod 36 was only made in a 38 special