Some references claim the "POCKET SHOTGUN" was manufactured from 1870-1975. I think that's pure guess. What we do know for a fact is that the .38 centerfire was not introduced until 1875 for the Colt NEW LINE. That would include "shot" cartridges. So, the chamber for this .38 centerfire must be designed for the .38 Long centerfire if it's original.

Your point is well taken regarding a later ordered barrel? Still, it should not chamber the 38 special in my opinion so not unlike the mis-matched barrel number? The chamber is odd. If it was originally designed for "Shot" in .38 centerfire in 1875? It should have a chamber that stops at the length of a 38 Long case.

If someone altered this barrel to chamber a .38 centerfire? I would bet that they altered it to the modern .38 which would be .358 that started in 1899. Tooling for the .375 bore in my opinion would be very hard to find but .358 is common.

So, if it does Mic' at .375 then it's an original .38 shotgun barrel. I suppose that's all that really matters.


Murph

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