question re: .38

[whit42]

Hi Gents, I have a silly question that I hope someone can help with.
What is the origination of the term "special" when used in reference to the ammo for a 38 special ? Does the term special have a significant reason for being there ? I can understand the reason for the term "+ P, but what is the difference between 38 and 38 special ?

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on this for me, I think this is a great forum and really enjoy reading it.

 

[TNFrank]

Google is your friend.LOL
.38 Special - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[snubbiefan]

In my "days of ignorance" (as in when I was gun-stupid), I just always thought a 38-Special was simply a longer 38 S&W. I got a big surprise when I was going to let my wife learn how to shoot with light-loads and discovered a 38 S&W won't even go in the chamber of a 38-special.

Point being....we all have to learn.