Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter185
Inherited a Webley Mark IV revolver and boatload of 38 S&W cartridges -- all in great working order. Where can I find info on other revolvers or pistols that are chambered for the 38 S&W? Can a 38 S&W (not Special or +P) be fired in a 357 magnum?
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Contrary to other comments, yes, you can shoot .38 S&W in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers,
sometimes.
Due to manufacturing tolerances, about 50% of the time .38 S&W can be chambered in revolvers of either caliber. If your chambers are on the large end of tolerance, and the ammunition you have is on the minimum side this will work.
Of the ca. 19 revolvers I have chambered for either .38 Special and .357 Magnum, 11 as I recall, will chamber the .38 S&W ammunition which I have.
If you have a .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver which will accept .38 S&W it is perfectly safe to shoot it. This is an exceptional situation, and it would not be wise to deliberately buy .38 S&W ammunition for guns of either of these other calibers, nor would it be wise to purchase a revolver in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum with the expectation of shooting your .38 S&W ammunition in it.