Well, not to add gas to the fire, but this looks like as good a place as any to post this old S&W ad I found somewhere.

They are pushing the 2" M&P K-frame like its the Hammer of Thor. From the ad copy this may be circa 1930's or so.

I have NOT verified this ad is authentic, I am posting it only because it says clearly the same thing I have seen in other S&W literature and contemporary write ups:

"...and makes it possible to fire even the .38/44 S&W Special cartridge..."

S&W Ad.jpg

Sorry for the small size, it's the best I can do with the forum software.