Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt
I don't know exactly what happened to the revolver barrel diameter, but for sure, the .38 Long Colt used a solid-base inside lubricated bullet of 0.353" diameter from 1892 until 1909 when a change to a hollow-base bullet occurred. The switch to smokeless powder at Frankford Arsenal occurred in 1900, but I do not know the powder type or charge. The only .38 LC cartridges which used the heeled outside-lubricated bullet (0.376" dia.) were the very earliest ones used by the Navy.
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"The Colt's double-action revolvers, caliber .38, in service are marked Army, models 1894, 1896, 1901, and 1903. The first model issued was that of 1892, but all the revolvers of that model were altered into model of 1894 by the addition of the locking lever, which is pivoted by its screw in a recess in the left side of the frame and prevents the hammer being cocked until the cylinder is positively closed and locked. The models of 1894 and 1896 are identical. The model of 1901 differs from the previous models in having the butt swivel for lanyard. The model of 1903 differs from the model of 1901 in having the diameter of the bore reduced to insure better accu- racy and in having a smaller and better-shaped handle. The model of 1901 revolvers last made have the thinner stocks"
DESCRIPTION OF THE Colt's Double-Action Revolver, CALIBER .38 WITH RULES FOR MANAGEMENT, MEMORANDA OF TRAJECTORY. AND DESCRIPTION OF AMMUNITION.
APRIL 1, 1905 REVISED OCTOBER 3, 1908 REVISED JUNE 19, 1917