Question About a Snub

[cdt]

I have what I have always thought was a Model 36 snub chambered in 38 S&W. I can't seem to find any background on the model. Everything I have read states that the Model 36 came only in 38 special. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks

 

[Cal44]

Your guns says 38 S&W Spl (for special) right on it.

So it's a 38 special just like all the rest of the 36s.

I guess I don't understand the question.

It's a nice looking revolver in any case.

 

[cdt]

But the gun only fires 38 S&W. It won't chamber 38 special.

 

[Arik]

What? Your gun is fairly new. Made after 81. I don't think they were still chambering 38s&w in those guns. All 36 are chambered in 38spl

 

[Arik]

Can you post a pic of the ammo you're using?

 

[cdt]

My mistake. I have been using 38 S&W and I just checked and it chambers both 38 S&W and 38 special. All these years I have thought that was the only round the gun would use. I feel really dumb right now. So, I could use either in it?

 

[Alk8944]

If your gun will chamber .38 S&W there is no safety issue with shooting it. Something like 60% of .38 Spl. and .357 Magnum guns I have tried .38 S&W in will accept the cartridge, even though theoretically they shouldn't! There is little reason to though, since .38 S&W is significantly more expensive than .38 Special loss-leaders (cheapies).

 

[cdt]

Thanks for the help. I got the gun about 30 years ago new as a gift and have probably put less than 60 rounds through it. I was given a box of 38 S&W ammo with the gun at the time and for whatever reason thought that was what it used. I have bought one box since then. It fires the ammo fine, but as you said the 38 special is a much better deal. I will probably put this one back in the safe though. I have become a semi auto guy over the years and just want to keep this revovler shiny and pretty.

 

[Art Doc]

I have never tried putting a 38 S&W into a 38 Special or 357 chamber. I will now. If they fit in any of the guns that would tell me there was some really sloppy machining going on.

 

[les.b]

38 S&W in a 38 S&W Spl?

Like SaxonPig, I had never tried this either. I'm here at my cabin right now, and don't have access to most of my stuff, but tried two brands (PPU, and Magtech) of 38 S&W in my Colt Agent (38 Spl), and they will not go in at all. Also had some of my 38 S&W handloads here, and they will go in about a quarter of an inch. (I must be sizing them a little smaller than factory). I would opine that if 38 S&W rounds are easily fitting into your chambers, the chambers might be a little over sized, which might cause some problems when firing 38 Spl rounds. When I get home, where I have access to more brands of ammo and more different types and brands of revolvers, I will try to expand on this problem a little more. In the meantime, I'm sure that other forum members will have more ideas on the subject.

 

[ArkieVol]

38 S&W in 38 Spl

I have never tried putting a 38 S&W into a 38 Special or 357 chamber.

I never tried it either but, because of this thread, I just tried to chamber a 38 S&W in about a dozen 38 spls and 357's ranging in age from the 1950's to present and none would even begin to accept the 38 S&W.

I keep a supply of 38 S&W on hand because I have a Terrier and a 38/200 Brit Service Revolver (not reamed out) that I shoot and reload for occasionally.

Odd...

 

[H Richard]

I was at my range one day and the person that owned the range was there shooting up some 38 S&W. He is also a custom handloader for over 40 years. He mentioned he had 3 rounds out of that box that wouldn't fit his (38 Special). I mentioned the differences between 38 S&W and 38 S&W Special, and he was flabbergasted. He had never known they were different size, just a 38 "short".