But not vice-versa, at least for the S&Ws. The early Colt Army&Navy revolvers had bored-through chambers (no step for the case mouth), and allegedly even accepted .357 Magnum rounds. I suppose that for some unknown reason, the military specified that their S&Ws have the shorter chambers like the 1892, et. seq. Colts for the .38 LC cartridge only. But there is indeed no problem in firing .38 LC ammo in a .38 Special chamber.