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COLT 38 vs 38 special cyl length

tone59
I am guessing one way to tell what the caliber of the Colt army special at my local pawn shop is would be by the cylinder length.
I assume a 38 Colt has a shorter cyl than a 38spc.
Is this correct?
Thank you.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • fordsix
    not stamped on the barrel??
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  • Bill DeShivs
    The cylinder length is the same. Most of these have bored-through chambers and will chamber .38 spl., whether intended or not.
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  • Zinderbloc
    It was the .38 D-frame Colts ( Police Positive \ Police Positive Special) that had the different length cylinders.
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  • tone59
    Barrel reads: COLT army special 38

    I would like to have it for the right price.
    Right price? $250 maybe $300.
    Priced at $450.

    Bluing and grip(wood w/colt medallions)wear is considerable and even.
    No rust pitting chips dents or scratches that I can see.
    Lock up is tight and bore looks excellent.

    Normally 75% condition revolvers won't get my attention.
    I seem to be developing a soft spot for well worn properly cared for old Colts.(I have zero tolerance for idiot marks).This one has none.
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  • TRAP55
    I don't think the Colt Army Special was ever chambered in .38 Colt. The only two .38 chamberings I know of were .38 Special for the US military, and .38S&W for the Brits.
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  • rufe-snow
    In 1927, Colt changed the name of the Army Special, to the Official Police.

    This makes the revolver your looking at, at least 90 years old. Because Colt didn't want to use Smith & Wesson's name, on their revolvers. They marked the revolvers, they chambered for the 38 Smith & Wesson cartridge. .38 Colt New Police.

    Since your revolver, is just marked Colt Army Special 38. My WAG, is that it's chambered for the 38 Special cartridge.
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  • tone59
    Thank you very much
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by tone59
    Barrel reads: COLT army special 38

    I would like to have it for the right price.
    Right price? $250 maybe $300.
    Priced at $450.

    Bluing and grip(wood w/colt medallions)wear is considerable and even.
    No rust pitting chips dents or scratches that I can see.
    Lock up is tight and bore looks excellent.

    Normally 75% condition revolvers won't get my attention.
    I seem to be developing a soft spot for well worn properly cared for old Colts.(I have zero tolerance for idiot marks).This one has none.








    Old Colt revolvers, that have seen a lot of use. Have a rep for, going out of time. Although you say it locks up tight. Only by using a range rod, will you know if wear between the hand and ratchet. Has caused potential problems.
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  • john carr
    Gen. Hatcher's book shows it as >38 Long Colt caliber.
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  • tone59
    Food for thought.
    Thank you
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