.38 Spl vs. 9mm. I don't understand.....

[DWalt]

The 1888 was one of many guns I wish I had kept. I have seen none for a very long time. I believe mine went to the Turks during WWI. It had some crescent-shaped stampings in several locations, plus an “S” stamped on the front receiver ring. That indicated the chamber conversion to use the S bullet.

 

[LVSteve]

The 1888 was one of many guns I wish I had kept. I have seen none for a very long time. I believe mine went to the Turks during WWI. It had some crescent-shaped stampings in several locations, plus an “S” stamped on the front receiver ring. That indicated the chamber conversion to use the S bullet.

I have a Gew 88, S marked, and a matching Kar 88, not S marked. The Gew 88 came as part of a bulk deal and needs a stock repair at the wrist. It's buried in the safe, but I think it has been Turked. The Kar 88 must have been used with some horrid ammo long ago as the bore is ugly. Doesn't help that the lands of the rifling are extremely narrow. Oddly, the metal outside just has patina, and a host of unit marks.