38 cal. revolver

[Pawpaw Harry]

I am new to the forum, I have a 38 cal. revolver that has 38 longctg on the barrel, The pistol was made in Spain,I have shot 38 special in it and it peels lead.Is the 38 long different in dia.than the 38 special.

Thanks in advance
Harry

[longtooth]

That is a new one to me. Someone here will know though.

[gemini]

That is a new one to me. Someone here will know though.

I believe the Army used the .38LC prior to the M1911. I would imagine the .38LC diameter is the
same as a .38 spcl but I'm not sure about the OAL of the cartridge etc or charge types / weights.

[boomerang]

Looks like different case length, at least.
http://stevespages.com/jpg/cd38longcolt.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://stevespages.com/jpg/cd38special.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, http://www.frfrogspad.com/colt1889.htm#Ammunition" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HTH

[joe817]

Without more details, I have to agree with gemini. Your pistol is specifically made for a .38 Long Colt Cartridge:
"The United States Army adopted the .38 Long Colt in 1892 and it remained in service until 1911, when the military adopted the .45 ACP and the M1911 autoloading pistol."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Long_Colt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Depending on the age of your pistol, IMHO, I would not shoot modern .38 special ammo in your old gun, as it might not be able to withstand the higher chamber pressures of the modern rounds, and could result in a catastrophic failure....assuming that your gun is indeed chambered for a .38 Long Colt cartridge.

This might give you some more insight:

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16742" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'd suggest taking it to a gunsmith and getting his opinion.

[NcongruNt]

According to Wikipedia, .38 LC bullet diameter is .361, as opposed to the .357 for .38 Special. This small disparity may be why you're getting the results that you are. Your timing could also be a little off, causing the cylinders to not quite line up, causing it to "spit" lead off one side. You may have a gunsmith check it out.

This day and age, .38 LC is an uncommon round, though apparently it's still used in Cowboy-action shooting. You can find some at Midway:

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseP ... =653***691***" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cabela's carries one brand:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... pe=product" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm sure you can find it elsewhere, as well. Looking at the pricing, it's likely you could save a lot of money reloading it.

[Mike1951]

It would help to know more about the revolver. Predating the .38 Special was the puny .38 S&W Long. Predating that was the even punier .38 S&W.

Firing .38 Special in either of these risks severe injury and destruction of the revolver.

The .38 Long Colt is close enough to .38 Special that you might get away with it, but it certainly isn't recommended.

I'm thinking that most revolvers chambered for .38 S&W Long would have cylinders too short for .38 Special, but that can't be counted on. If the cylinder is long enough, it is probably bored through so that the Special round might fit, but with possibly disastrous effect.

Definitely, do not fire any more Specials. If the gun is sound, you might still be able to use it with the correct cartridges. Try to identify the gun. It might then be possible to learn in what calibers it was offered. I can still purchase .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .38 S&W, and .38 S&W Long for my revolvers. It may be that .38 Long Colt is also available, if that turns out to be the correct caliber.