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Thread: Show Me Your .38 S&Ws (NOT Specials)

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    Show Me Your .38 S&Ws (NOT Specials)

    I know there must be some lurking here besides Louisiana Man and myself who collect and shoot revolvers chambered for the .38 S&W (NOT Special) cartridge. Here are some of mine, please show us yours:

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  2. #2
    Boolit Master



    Dieselhorses's Avatar
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    I'll be, haven't seen one of them in a long time!

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    Aww Gee...
    I passed up a fairly early “Chief” in 38 S&W that looked a lot like yours. Not sure what that 38S&W model is called. Is that the Model 32? I have some J-frames in 38 Spl and some in 32 S&W but I don’t remember the model of that 38 S&W. I passed it up bc I’m knee deep in J and K frames in 38 Spl. Figured I could back off the Bullseye a little and get those ballistics if I wanted them.

    I’m not knocking your penchant for 38 S&Ws. That’s a really cool pile of them. What about that caliber appeals to you?

    And is that Ruger Speed Six in 38 S&W too?
    "Time and money don't do you a bit of good until you spend them." - My Dad

  4. #4
    Boolit Master


    Nueces's Avatar
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    I'm not in a position to post photos just now, but I have 4 38 S&W revolvers, all in excellent condition:

    Early Colt Police Positive, 4" barrel
    Webley Mk IV 4" barrel, spur hammer
    Webley Mk IV 5" barrel, spur hammer, sliding safety, marked SPF (for Singapore Police Force, I understand)
    Smith & Wesson Lend Lease Victory Model, 5" barrel

    As I have learned is common experience, my interest in this round, along with such as the 455, has grown with age.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    I happen to have one. I put it in a display case with some other items to make it more interesting too. The revolver is on the wrong side to help balance out the display case. I had sold the .38 Special S&W revolver a number of years ago, and yes I regret it. Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by Earlwb; 05-14-2018 at 10:37 PM. Reason: add more info

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    This is the only picture in my downloaded file at this time.
    The Manage Attachments wont let me delete pictures so I can add more current pictures.
    This is a Belgian British Bull Dog that chambers a 38 S&W cartridge.
    But the bore is actually .340.
    So I swedge down 9mm cast boolits to .345 and load them with a Heavy roll crimp to hold the boolit in place.
    It Shoots.
    But I have 6 other pistols in .38 S&W including several top break that I call Suicide Specials and two Victory Lend lease with 5" barrels

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by shooting on a shoestring View Post
    ...Not sure what that 38S&W model is called....

    I’m not knocking your penchant for 38 S&Ws. That’s a really cool pile of them. What about that caliber appeals to you?

    And is that Ruger Speed Six in 38 S&W too?
    Original 2" .38 S&W round butt on I-frame was called the Terrier .38/32, later when they went to the J-frame it became the Model 32. I became interested in the caliber when I inherited a family piece, then I acquired others. Yes, that is an India Model Ruger in .380 Rimmed.

    I've found these little revolvers accurate, pleasant to shoot, and more effective on small game than a .22 or .32 but still economical of powder and lead. Velocity and payload is similar to a .38 Special wadcutter or .38 Long Colt from a revolver of the same barrel length, so while it may not be your first choice as a defense gun, they were felt adequate for that purpose for many years prior to WW2, and with flat-nosed bullets they do the job.

    Accurate has several molds designed for the .38 S&W in a range of bullet weights, so that you can find one to shoot to the fixed sights of any revolver you have. In solid-frame, swing-out cylinder guns a charge of 2.5 grains of Bullseye with 140-158 grain bullet is a "full charge" load, whereas for the older top-break guns you want to use 2 grains of Bullseye or TiteGroup.

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    Last edited by Outpost75; 05-15-2018 at 09:59 AM.
    The ENEMY is listening.
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  8. #8
    Boolit Buddy
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    I'd love to have one of those Rugers!
    Colt's Manufacturing Company Armorer Instructor
    Aimpoint USA L/E Pro Staff
    Co-owner Hardwired Tactical Shooting (HiTS)

  9. #9
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    Texas by God's Avatar
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    My first revolver was a .380/.38S&W Enfield that I bought from my 7th grade teacher. At school. The first handgun I reloaded for, also.
    My brother still owns it; I'll see about getting a pic.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wayne Dobbs View Post
    I'd love to have one of those Rugers!
    They are out there, but pricey!
    The ENEMY is listening.
    HE wants to know what YOU know.
    Keep it to yourself.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master


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    Had a range day a few weeks ago.. revolvers only.

    I brought a H&R defender in 38sw, a couple Webley in 38sw as well. One of the webs was one of those imports that was cut down to a snubby by a place in california way back.

    On the table is also a nagant revolver with it's stock cyl, plus a 32 acp cyl, as well as another H&R topbreak in 32 sw, and I believe a python is hiding at the top left of the picture.

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  12. #12
    Boolit Master oscarflytyer's Avatar
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    H&R and Smith. Son #3 has them, from hid GF's estate. Not shot them.

  13. #13
    In Remembrance Reverend Al's Avatar
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    I have a few .38 S&W revolvers, but this is one of my favorites ...

    I may have passed my "Best Before" date, but I haven't reached my "Expiry" date!

  14. #14
    In Remembrance Reverend Al's Avatar
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    By the way, this is my vintage 8 cavity .38 S&W 146 grain round nose plain base mould too ...







    I may have passed my "Best Before" date, but I haven't reached my "Expiry" date!

  15. #15
    Boolit Bub jhaston's Avatar
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    S&W Safety Hammerless (Lemon Squeezer) in 38 S&W.

  16. #16
    Boolit Master

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    Still trying to find the matching Supermarine Spitfire to go with it.
    WWJMBD?

    In the Land of Oz, we cast with wheel weight and 2% Tin, Man.

  17. #17
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bigslug View Post
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    Still trying to find the matching Supermarine Spitfire to go with it.
    Indeed! Drool worthy warbird photos here: http://www.warbirdalley.com/spitpic.htm

    Attachment 220523
    The ENEMY is listening.
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  18. #18
    Boolit Master


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    Love that mold!!

  19. #19
    Boolit Master


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    Outpost,

    Nice rollers man!

    What dies do you use for the .38? I tried Lee (marked .38 S&W) some years back but the sizer was identical to a .38 spl.


    Cat
    Cogito, ergo armatum sum.

    (I think, therefore I'm armed.)

  20. #20
    Boolit Master Shawlerbrook's Avatar
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    Here’s mine. I had it for about 25 years and it’s a hoot to shoot.
    Click image for larger version. 

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