Want some basic revolver info

Rammer

New member
I don't know much about revolvers, so I want to ask y'all a couple of questions.

How is it that some revolvers can fire .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds, and some only fire one or the other? Aren't these two different calibers? How can the same pistol fire both?

Also, what are the dimensions of some of the smaller revolvers, like say a Taurus M85 with a 2" barrel? I'd like to compare size (especially width) for concealed carry consideration.

Thanks for the help.
 
.38 Special and .357 magnum have the same diameter, but the .357 cartridge case is longer than the .38 Special. A revolver made to handle the .357 can handle both, but a .38 Special revolver won't handle the .357 cartridge because of the length difference. I personally prefer a .357 revolver even though I mainly shoot .38 Special since I then have the option of the more robust cartridge if I need it.

As far as physical size is concerned, the easiest way to get an answer to your question is visit a gun shop and take a ruler along.:)
 
Batwing covered the cartridge part.

Concealed. There is a lot more involved in concealed carry than just the size and shape of the gun. Holster, location, dress, and body contortions all contribute to; or detract from; the comfort and degree of concealment.

Last weekend I worked a two day class. Total of 19 hours in close proximity with the students and other instructor. First day I wore a sport coat. Second day I wore windbreaker first half and skivvy shirt only second half. Both days I had four guns on. I, J, K and N frames. .32 Long, .38spec, .357mag and .44mag. Nobody tripped to any of em untill last half of second day and then one gun remained undetected.

The person, clothing, holster, gun and attitude all contribute.

Tip......wear suspenders if carrying a store all day.:D

Sam
 
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