I was given a nickel plated S&W a few years back and was told it was a .32 caliber as there are no markings on the gun of what caliber it is. After realizing that the gun is definitely not a .32 caliber, I was told that it fires .38 shorts which is an extinct round. I was hoping that after including a few pictures and mentioning what is written on the gun, someone could help me in determining whether or not it is a .38 short, where my best bet for purchasing this ammo will be, what the value of the gun is, and maybe the history behind it? Any and all feedback is greatly appeciated. Thanks!

On the gun: "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. Pat'd May 11, 80 Oct 2, 83 Aug 4, 85 Oct 11, 87 Feb 14, 88 Apr 9, 89 Jun 3, 90"

Other than that no other markings other than the S&W trademark on the handle and above on the nickel plating, and ofcourse the serial number.

PLease let em know if the pictures do not show/work. Thanks again!

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Hello and welcome. Unfortunately, I am not able to help you but thank you for sharing with us. The photos are fine and that is a fine looking revolver.

Appears to be a 38 double action safety hammerless. The caliber would be 38 S&W, which is still available, but a little scarce to find and somewhat expensive. It is a little bigger around than 38 Special, .360 vs. .357. The gun looks to be in very nice condition. It appears to have been refinished, the trigger is nickle plated, where it would be color case hardened.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I appreciate the responses so far! So it is not .38 short? Just .38 S&W? Forgive me I'm not so savvy on ammunition I'm not exactly sure if there is a difference between .38 short and .38 S&W. Just trying to figure out what kind of ammo is needed, wouldn't mind shooting it a few times!

38 S&W ammo can be obtained form Blue Bunny Ammo. It is appropriate for use in top break handguns in good condition. Call Bill.

Blue Bunny Ammo Nashville, TN

".38 short" is slang for .38 S&W. It's not too hard to get, especially if one looks online.

I have one with a hammer. Just like yours.

FWIW, There is a .38 Short Colt cartridge.

Not the same as the .38 S&W.

However, the .38 Short Colt is very similar in appearance and ballistic performance to the .38 S&W, and in fact can be safely fired in .38 S&W revolvers, even though the case and bullet diameters are slightly less than the .38 S&W. Both the .38 S&W and .38 Short Colt are relics of the black powder era, but both have survived and are still loaded. The .38 Short Colt cartridge can be fired in any .38 Special or .357 revolver. The .38 S&W usually cannot be, due to its slightly larger diameter.

I found this box of ammo in my Grandmother's house.A local gun collector told me they are 38 shorts.The box shows 38 Smith & Wesson 145 grain lead.On the bottom of casing, 38 S&W, W-W.They were made by Winchester and cost $4.50 new.
If anyone can use these let me know.Pay for shipping and they are yours.
Rick Padgett

Rick,

If you still have them I would very much like to have them.

Welcome to the Forum. There were actually some boxes out there labeled as 38 Short. Maybe the manufacturer tried to accommodate both Colt and S&W ammo buyers with that label?? Bottom line is as DWalt states, the 38 Short Colt was a .357" bullet and the 38 S&W was a .360 - .362" bullet. Put a micrometer on your bullets to see which caliber they really are.

As far as I am concerned, the term 38 Short should not be applied to the 38 S&W and is not a slang term, but rather is just incorrect identification. Many 38 S&W revolvers will lose accuracy when firing a .357" bullet 38 Short Colt ammo, but the the S&W will function fine with either caliber.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

you can get 38. short ammo at gander mtn got a box there about 3 mo. ago cost just under 40.00

you can get 38 short ammo at Gander Mtn will cost you just under 40.00 a box 0f 50, remington 38 shorts

PPU is available online for about $18 a box. I've found it a couple times on different sites.

.38 Short is a Colt round. .38 S&W is completely different.

If you ask in a shop for .38 Short, you will likely just confuse the clerk. Be sure to ask for "Thirty-eight Smith and Wesson" and don't use the word "short". Good shooting !

Larry