Colt Army Special 38

[BrownsFan]

I just found my Dad's Colt Army Special revolver. It has been in an attic for 35+ years (in good shape and checked out by a gunsmith!). With it were both 38 Long Colt ammunition and one 38 Special. Is it ok to shoot 38 Special? The Serial Number is R 358274 which, I think, means it was made in 1913. I'm finding it really hard to find 38 Long Colt ammunition. Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

The Army Special was made from 1908 to about 1927. At that time they changed the name (but not the gun) to Official Police, because it was clear the Army was no longer interested in .38 revolvers as a standard issue sidearm. As the Official Police it continued in production until around 1970 when it was replaced with a new model.

It was offered in calibers .32-20, .38 Special and .41 Colt. Those chambered in .38 Special can also fire the slightly shorter .38 Long Colt, but there is no good reason one should do so. I have no idea why your Father had the older (and obsolete) Colt cartridges, but now they might be collector's items.

Be sure there is no leading at the front of the chambers, and if there is scrub it out. Then use regular .38 Special rounds. Limited use of Plus-P ammunition won't hurt the gun, but for general plinking & playing use standard velocity cartridges.

 

[BrownsFan]

Thanks!

Thanks for the quick response! I don't know why he had the Long Colt either, but I'm been driving myself nuts trying to find it! It's good to know 38 Special will work. I had a gunsmith check it out and he said it was in great shape. Thanks again!

 

[Old Fuff]

There is no good reason to use the Colt cartridge, but just so you know - the cartridge is still used by folks that enjoy the fine sport of Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), and is custom loaded for them by a number of companies. In the unlikely event that you are still interested I'll dig up a link.

 

[BrownsFan]

Thanks again!

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help. I'll learn this some day!!