38ctg.
- Thread starter DBski
- Start date
XavierBreath
New member
Possibly, but not necessasarily. 
It could mean .38S&W (and probably does) Most .38 specials will be marked .38spl at least.
It could mean .38S&W (and probably does) Most .38 specials will be marked .38spl at least.
Mike Irwin
Staff
How old is the gun?
What make, what model?
Spanish copies of S&W revolvers from the first couple of decades of the 20th century were notorious for being marked like this.
I saw one that said, essentially, the best cartridges are those that fit.
Unfortunately, it was one of those that would take not only .38 Short and Long Colt, but also .38 Special, and most horrifingly of all, .357 Magnum.
What make, what model?
Spanish copies of S&W revolvers from the first couple of decades of the 20th century were notorious for being marked like this.
I saw one that said, essentially, the best cartridges are those that fit.
Unfortunately, it was one of those that would take not only .38 Short and Long Colt, but also .38 Special, and most horrifingly of all, .357 Magnum.
Mike Irwin
Staff
Well, if its an old Smith & Wesson, and it's stamped .38 S&W Ctg., then that's the cartridge - .38 S&W.
The .38 S&W is NOT the same as the .38 Special. The .38 S&W is older, shorter, fatter at the base, and uses a slightly larger bullet.
The .38 S&W is NOT the same as the .38 Special. The .38 S&W is older, shorter, fatter at the base, and uses a slightly larger bullet.
Mike Irwin
Staff
No, it wasn't as powerful as the .38 Spl.
I've got and still shoot my S&W 1905 4th Change .38S&W. It won't win any awards, but it's a blast to shoot and will definitely do a number on racoons and opossums and other such smallish critters. The ammo isn't impossible to find- but it is getting ruther expensive for my taste.