The .38 Smith & Wesson Special was a sensation when introduced just before the turn of the 20th Century in 1898. Basically, it was a slightly-lengthened .38 Long Colt, which was a U.S. service cartridge at the time. It was then mated with the new S&W Model 1899 Hand Ejector. More powerful than the service cartridge, it was hailed as a much more effective personal defense cartridge. Although it was first loaded with black powder, the ammo makers soon transitioned it to smokeless loadings. The fact that it's still around and arguably the most popular handgun cartridge in the United States speaks volumes for it. Admittedly not as powerful or effective as later, larger and more powerful cartridges, it continues to be "just right" as a compromise between acceptable power and ease of use. Here's a brief rundown of some of the many models made by Smith & Wesson over the years; these made and are continuing to make history at S&W.

First, here's a cutaway of the typical Military and Police revolver, today known as the Model 10. The "inside works" haven't changed much at all since the 1940s.



The oldest .38 special I have belonged to my paternal grandfather. He used it for personal protection in Kentucky; he routinely carried it in a shoulder holster as he carried the day's receipts from his dry goods store to the local bank. He later brought it to Arizona in the mid-1920s where it continued to serve him, and later, his widow, my grandmother. It's seen a lot of hard use. This is the Model of 1902; it was shipped from the factory to a hardware store in Louisville, Kentucky in 1904.



Twenty years later, the M&P had continued to evolve with an updated action. This is a Model of 1905, 4th change, shipped in 1934:



As the bad guys got bolder during Prohibition, the demand was for a more powerful police revolver. This demand was met by the S&W Heavy Duty, an N-frame revolver which used a souped-up .38 special round called the .38/44 (designed as a .38 for use on a larger.44 frame). It was the progenitor of the .357 Magnum. The target-sighted version of this gun was called the Outdoorsman.



During World War II, S&W supplied our armed forces with the Victory Model K-frame, the service version of the Model 1905, 4th change. The U.S. issue guns mostly were 4"-barreled, and Parkerized. Many were issued to aviators, special ops people, and wartime plant guards. This one has been factory overhauled, perhaps for use in the Korean and/or the Vietnam wars. It was originally shipped in 1942.



Another 20 years passing, this M&P, now known as the Model 10-2, had been fairly well standardized. The Model 10s were ubiquitous as police weapons through the 1970s. This one shipped in 1962, and is unfired in its original box with all the papers and tools. S&W was still numbering the grips to the gun, and the fitting was impeccable. All M&Ps shipped since WWII were equipped with an improved positive sliding hammer block which prevented firing until the trigger was pulled completely to the rear.



In 1952, the 100-year anniversary of S&W, the company introduced the "Centennial" revolver, a hammerless J-frame with a grip safety. It set the trend for the future for discreet carry revolvers. This is a Model 40 (no dash), shipped in 1966.



S&W made some great target-sighted .38 special revolvers. This is a Model 15-3, shipped in 1973. These were the "Combat Masterpiece" revolvers. Quite a number of these were provided to U.S. military units.



Police departments continued to use revolvers through the 1970s. After the transition to semiautomatic pistols, thousands were released from police service for reasonable prices. This particular Model 10-6 heavy barrel model was shipped in 1975, and came from the Kansas City, Kansas police department, where it was released in 2010.



The stainless version of the Model 15 was the Model 67, introduced in 1972. The Combat Masterpiece Stainless was a real .38 Special workhorse for police departments back in the day. It's still regarded by many as the "best of the best" K-frame .38 Special revolvers. This Model 67-1 was shipped in 1978.



The "humpbacked" Model 49 "Bodyguard" J-frame revolvers enabled smooth drawing from a pocket with their shrouded hammers. They could be fired either double- or single action. S&W decided (prematurely) to abandon the Model 40 Centennials to produce this model, to howls of protest from many. This nickeled version of the Model 49 was shipped in the American bicentennial year of 1976:



For those wishing 6 shots in their concealable revolver instead of five, S&W produced snubby Model 10s. This is a pristine Model 10-5, shipped in 1977:



The stainless Model 640 saw the re-introduction of the Centennial-style revolver, albeit without the grip safety. This answered the calls of many gun writers who mourned the Model 40. It became very popular almost overnight. Unlike the Model 649, it allowed no debris to enter the action through the hammer slot, and was of course double action only. This particular example was shipped in 1993, and is equipped with Herrett's stocks.

(By the way, have you contributed to the NRA lately? They are working very hard to defeat anti-gun politicians, from the top on down.)



The Model 60 J-frame revolver was the very first revolver made in the now-popular stainless steel configuration. It was an overnight sensation and has continued to be very popular. This is a Model 60-7, and it shipped in 1993.



The Model 64 was the stainless spinoff of the popular Model 10. This heavy-barreled example may possibly be unique, as it came from the factory highly polished, almost indistinguishable from nickel plating. It was manufactured in 1994, but kept at the factory as a demonstration piece for almost 7 years before it was shipped in 2001.



The Model 649 was the inevitable stainless version of the Model 49 Bodyguard. It featured the DA-SA configuration in a more rust-resistant configuration. This one shipped in 1997, as strengthened frames came on line.



In 2007, as part of their "classic" series, the Model 40 was re-introduced, complete with grip safety and minus the internal lock. Unlike the original, the grip safety can not be locked in the "down" position. This is the nickel version of the Model 40-1:



Although I can't verify this, it's said that the Model 642, the aluminum-frame version of the Centennial-style revolvers, is now the most popular gun made by S&W. It's lightweight, packable, and potent with +P ammunition. Two versions have been made, one with the internal lock, and one without. Guess which one I prefer! This example was shipped in 2008.



I personally gravitate to this gun as my favorite discreet carry piece. It's the lightweight aluminum-frame Centennial revolver, but in blackened form. Again, two versions have been produced, one with the internal lock, and one without. This Model 442 meets all my criteria for a light, handy, concealable and reliable revolver. It was shipped in 2009.



For over 115 years, the .38 Special revolver has evolved and been a mainstay at Smith & Wesson. This lineup, while by no means all-inclusive, should give you a taste of the breed from the old days to the present. I think we'll see .38 special Smiths still being used into the 22nd Century, unless the 2nd Amendment is ultimately destroyed by ill-advised and totally brainless politicians.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

This is why i been collecting the older S&W's in 38 special. I started off with the older 22cal revolvers like the S&W, COLT and the H&R's. Now i'm up to the 38 specials. I "gots to know" the gun history upclose and personal about how they evolved before i can enjoy the new ones.

For some reason I picked up the S&W Combat Masterpeice w/4" barrel in 38 special and the S&W Target Masterpiece w/6" barrel also in 38 special. I think i got the creme of the crop right away the way the actions feel.

I spent years sneering at .38 Special revolvers; but in truth that was principally because of the old standard LRN load. There were, of course, ways to hop up the cartridge; when I went to SEA I took along some home-brewed loads about equivalent to the later "FBI" SWCHP +P loads, with a healthy dose of #2400 powder for the Model 15s I would carry. Now we have all kinds of good snorty, effective loads to choose from.

I seem to have more .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolvers than anything else now; Maximum utility and fun, stone reliable, minimum cost and fuss
for a centerfire. Only thing better is a .22LR version of the same gun!

my preference IS a S&W .38 special revolver with DEWC. An ideal combo.

I do own about 24 great Smith and Wesson revolvers. Love the Militairy and Police wich I do own in several versions.
I know for sure that my collection isn't full yet.

PALADIN85020

I'm depressed thanks to you.

Very nice "Outstanding/Beautiful" group in your collection.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

A very nice history Paladin! And great pics, as usual. My EDC is a 442. I am still a fan of large bore handguns but I have also gravitated toward the .38/.357 over the past few years. I have many more of them than any other handgun (actually, more than all the others combined!).

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Even older, even crankier....

Great tribute thread to a great caliber of great revolvers.

Regards

Bill

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
The only one I would add is my favorite, the .38/44 Heavy Duty. Mine, with it's 5" barrel is probably my favorite revolver, and certainly my best .38 Special.
Jim

Very nice presentation. Thanks for sharing.

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Eccentric old coot

Bravo! Encore, encore. Where's the HDs?

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

Now you're just braggin'..........Continue...........

Thank you for the presentation. Very informative and unfortunately for me, rather depressing. Depressing because I realize once again, I need more Smiths!

Me too. Bummer to have to suffer through a tough economy.

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- Change it back -

While I have many handguns in many calibers the truth is my old 1954 or so, m&p gets carried in the boonies the most. Part of the reason is to keep from scuffing up my far more exspendsive guns, but the biggest reason it does most of what I want and the gun is light and less bulky to pack. I also pocket carry a 1971 s&w model 40 a lot. While I have a lot of more glamor guns, these are my work horses that get carried the most.

Today, one of the most under rated calibers there is. Very good thread, thanks for posting it!

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Geoff. Since 1960.

Outstanding post. The .38 Special is also the backbone of my collection
& the caliber I shoot most frequently.
Thanks & regards,
turnerriver

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turnerriver

John-

This is one of your better topics, and they're all good!

I hope that you'll consider doing a similar thread on the .357 Magnum. Post some good pics of Model 66's!

Great thread!

Great post. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

I hope they make it a 'sticky' thread.

I too am a huge fan of .38 spec for the reason you stated; '...compromise between acceptable power and ease of use...". It's easy to get ridiculed on some boards if you're not a fan of the latest, greatest super bullet. I just don't enjoy shooting a couple hundred rounds of anything more powerful than .38 spec. For me it's not the noise, I think it is the concussion, shock wave, whatever you want to call it. I just don't like it.

Edit: I have several to choose from, and my favorite shooters are my 2.5" 66-4 and my 4" 10-5 taper barrel. My EDC is a 36.

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But then, what do I know?

Great post. My first handgun was a Model 10-5, and it’s a keeper.

Thank you so much for the education.Splendid post.I think I learned more from your post than I have from all others combined.

Well done, John.
A real eye-opener.
Thanks - Don.

Great historical perspective of my favorite caliber; thanks John for putting that post together.

A year ago, in my mid sixties, I purchased my first revolver a S&W 15-3 4" "shooter". I loved the way it looked and shot so much I bought thirteen more .38 Special (some masquerading as .357s) shooters in various models, finishes and barrel lengths. My favorites are the heavy barrel 10's, 13's and 65s. The 8 & 3/8 K38 Masterpiece is fun to shoot if not a favorite. My CCW is a bobbed 37.

Posts such as John's fuel the collecting fire that's for sure! I have to constantly remind myself - I am a "shooter" and not a "collector."

John:

Great write up and presentation to take us on an historical walk down "38th Street".

Thanks for taking the time to share.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Is it my imaginaton, or are Model 15s more highly polished than Model 10s, comparing revolvers produced in the same time frame?

Since this was a thread more about the caliber and older guns. I have recently began to appreciate older 38 specials. I found a dirty Colt Police Positive that was in 38 special. It was made in 1920 and after a hard cleaning it is as tight and mechanically sound as most of my modern guns. They knew what they were doing and it has stood the test of time. Beautiful collection and great presentation thank you very much.

Great post, thanks - enjoyed it.
There is what I consider a 'sad' chapter in the .38 Special's life and that is the evolved lack of availability of ammo, especially affordable ammo.

And that USED to be one of the big selling points for the gun/cartridge combo.
Recall the high points? 'Available everywhere, from inexpensive .38 Wadcutters, to LSWC's to 110. 125, 140, 158 gr. JHP/JSP's, and your choice of +P or not....'
Remember that?
Well recall working in a GS in the 70's and like nearly every other GS in existence we carried local commercial reloaded .38 WC's and LSWC's.
$5.99, IIRC. Even gave .50 cents for brass return.

Now, try to find ANY real variety of .38 ammo. The 'econo' round is now the 130 gr. FMJ ~$14.00 or so. Used to rarely see that one unless you fell on some military surplus stuff.

Yep, I hate change.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

well done, and very informative, thank you.

Thank You, very well done post!!!!!

My carry piece is a 642 with the hole that my Father-in-Law didn't care for. I just love it.

My first revolver was a LNIB 15-3. That thing is 6 shots of instant ego boost. I've never seen anyone shoot it poorly.

I have a reblued old 1905 that I can't stop looking at. All those sexy curves - like an old car.

By the end of the week, I will be looking at a transitional HD - I may just go for it after this.

Gotta post a photo...

Attached Images

100_2216.jpg (35.2 KB, 14556 views)

Before my first 22cal & 38 special revolvers, I been a 44mag, 357mag & 45acp guy for most of my gun life. If we think about the 38 special as a CCW gun we must factor in the accuracy. I think that accuracy wise the 38 special has an edge. Its not always the bigger dog that wins the fight. The 38 special can hold its ground for sure.

I do find myself wanting the S&W and Colt 38 specials with different barrel lengths from the same era now. We can own, touch and shoot a piece of history.

Excellent thread. I also have come to appreciate the .38 special. My favorite Smith & Wesson is a 10-5 3" ex Austrialian police revolver.

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Wheel guns are real guns too.

I'm going to play contrarian only because you guys have left out the ultimate 38 Special (in my opinion), the 38/44. I just love the old Heavy Duty I have and have a modern version in a couple of those "Brazilian" 38 Special chambered L-frames. I'll take either the N-frame or the L-frame loaded with 38/44s over the K any day. (smile)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

These things tend to sneak up on you.
It all started with a cheep 'Truck Gun'.
Then you find out just how much fun they are to shoot.
Then it's a round butt beater that shoots like a dream.
And another HB at a great price.
The K38 that was to good to be true, but was.
And last week it was a 13-2 .
With my luck, Miss Joan will call and tell me she wants to sell her 2" model 10. And I'm broke.
From the top .
.38 M&P ('50)
10-8
10-8
13-2

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Field Researcher. IGC

This sorta reminds me of a car conversation I had a few years ago. I was talking to a "car guy" and sheepishly confessesed that my wifes car was a Chevrolet Cobalt an entry level car. He said dont be ashamed of your Cobalt, without those kinds of cars there would be no Corvettes made! The .38 Special is the same, without the bread and butter guns there can be no top of the line flagship models made. At last count I have thirtyone revolvers chambered in .38 Special, guess I sorta like em.

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Stay safe people!

We need a gun show. Pictures please!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Oh good gosh, gotta dig em out of four safes and lug em down stairs for the pic! See what I can do, may take a day to get my rear outa gear.

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Stay safe people!

Paladin, excellent post and great pic's!

I actually just got around to framing the exact same B&W Poster you first show on your post. I have had it for many years but just hung it in the gun room last month.

Chief38

No offense to your wife, but I think a 38 S&W is a LOT cooler than a Chevy Cobalt.........

Ok Wiregrassguy, I got off my duff and found most of em for the pics. I was mistaken about the count, only have 28, must have mentally counted a couple twice when I came up with 31! Still cant find right now another M-15 and M-10 heavy barrel, just dont want to dig through the single action safes and may or may not have put them in there as overflow locations or maybe Gwenny the gun cat got em. Anyhoo here we go.

Pic one. Top row left to right
1905 4th target 1927 vintage
M-681-3 CRPD (Con Rail Police Dept) in 38 Special
K-38 birthyear of 1954
Second row left to right
1905 4th 1940-41 vintage
M&P mid 50s five inch
K-38 Combat Masterpiece 1950 vintage
Third row left to right
M-14-4 8 3/8th inch barrel
M-14-3
M-15-3
Fourth row left to right
M-67-1
M15-3
M-10-7
Fifth row left to right
M-10-7 RHKP (Royal Hong Kong Police)
M-10-5 Heavy barrel


Pic two
top row left to right
Colt Official Police five inch 1944 vintage
Colt Commando 1943 vintage
Colt Police Positive 1921 vintage
Colt Agent 1967 vintage
Second row left to right
Chiefs Special flatlatch 1957 vintage
M-36 no dash
M-36 no dash
M649 no dash
M-38 no dash
Third row left to right
M-442-2 no lock
M-640 no dash
M-40-1

Hope I did not bore anyone to death!

Attached Images

	38 spcl batch 1.jpg (180.3 KB, 283 views)
	38 spcl batch 2.jpg (181.2 KB, 250 views)

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Stay safe people!

My ...... Special

ROTFPIMPLMAO!!!!!!!!

Now, thats funny!

Vulcan Bob, it's like going to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall! Nice collection! Thanks for presenting.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Please feel free to bore us some more with individual gun photos......

GREAT THREAD. A few more photos to fill in the "bones":

1905 1st Change - 1906:



Pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman (with Roper target stocks) - 1933:





Pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty - 1931:



One of the 1st K-38 Masterpieces (notice the large ejector rod knob) K4564 - 1947:





Pre-Model 10 M&P - 2" Barrel - 1949:





Post-war 38/44 Outdoorsman with target stocks - 1950:

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I hope someone can help me. I'm trying to find the age of my s&w 38spcl. #1030XX

Thanks for the N frames Richard.

At the time I wrote this tome in 2012, I didn't have one to photograph. Now I do, and so I added a Heavy Duty pic to the original post today.

Here's the one I acquired, shipped in 1957.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Thank you for an excellent post! Even thought my favorite all time are the S&W .44s, my EDC and go to shooters are .38s.
Dave
SWCA #2778

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mr mom
Fire Chief, Retired