The New Army, New Navy and the Officers Model Target were also chambered in .38 Special near the end of their production. Those so marked had cylinders with a "step' in them. They also sported barrels with a .357 bore diameter.
The revolvers with the cylinders bored straight through were intended for the .38 Long Colt, which at one time was loaded with an outside lubricated bullet. Early versions were also fitted with .361 diameter bore barrels. The reduction in bore diameter came with the 1903 military version of the revolver and commercial models somewhere long the same time.
This 1906 Officers Model Target is chambered in .38 Special and quite accurate still with standard velocity .38 Specials.
.38 Long Colt brass is more available now. Remington even loads .38 Short Colt these days so Cowboy shooters can use them in .357 Ruger Vaqueros with out bruising their hands, I suppose.
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