.38 Special
Gentle from a full-size revolver and still the snub-nose standard — a century-old design that modern +P hollow points keep relevant.
Family
Handgun
Introduced
1898
Origin
Smith & Wesson, USA
Military
Cartridge, Caliber .38, Ball, M41 (US aircrew issue)
History
Smith & Wesson introduced the .38 Special in 1898 alongside its Military & Police revolver, improving on the anemic .38 Long Colt. It became the standard American police cartridge for most of the 20th century and armed countless nightstands and coat pockets. Every .357 Magnum revolver also chambers it, which keeps it thoroughly alive today.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
Smith & Wesson Model 10 and J-frames, Colt Detective Special, Ruger LCR and SP101, and every .357 Magnum revolver.
Common load types
Lead round nose, wadcutter target loads, jacketed hollow point, and +P carry loads.
Reference only — not loading data, not ballistics advice, and KitID links to no ammunition sellers. Know your local law before you buy anything that goes bang.