Thanks, I was pretty sure it was 38 Special but not familiar enough with this model and the description is not helpful other than its all original and in Fine condition mechanically.
It was made for smokeless rounds. I would avoid the plus P stuff.
The "early ones" you describe are the New Army (and New Navy). Those were a completely different design mechanically from the Army Special; even the cylinder turned the opposite direction. The very last of tthe New Army and New Navy revolvers were advertised as chambered for .38 Special, as were all the much improved Army Specials.
I collect those too - there are other variations beyond the two you mention, but the one JamesK has is the later type that so far as I know was never chambered for the 38 Long Colt cartridge. I believe the cartridges for that design was limited to the 22 S/L/LR, 38 Special, and 41 Long Colt. There are also some few and rare 32 S&W Long versions if you include the Officers Model revolvers. Those are I think labeled 32 Colt New Police.
I'm confused by what you are posting. It sounds like you are saying the Army Special is a later version of the New Army. It was not. It was a different design that replaced the New Army, and was made in .32-20, .38 Special and .41 Colt; never in .22 during regular production (1908-1927) as I recall. There were Officers Model versions of both the New Army and the Army Special, but again, two distinct designs mechanically.
Not saying that at all. It was made by Colt and the capacity is 6 rounds. Other than that the OP's question - the double action revolver he owns wasn't offered in 38 Long Colt, ever. Only the earlier ones were.
Oh OK. So just to clarify, by "earlier ones" you mean New Army and New Navy revolvers, not early production Army Specials, correct?
No the early New Army, New Navy and Marine issue revolvers were also chambered for the 38 Colt and based on the early style Colt DA revolver. There were also Police versions and
The early Army, Navy and Marines issue revolvers were built exactly the same as a New Army or New Navy civilian revolver and chambered for the 38 Long Colt. So I am including those early Army, Navy and Marines issue revolvers as being entirely different other than being Colt brand and double action six shooters.
The USPS lost this one until today it finally showed up. Glad it came, it is phenomenal. There is a black mark around each hole in the cylinder, so it has been fired at least once. There's barely a hint of a turn line. A tiny bit of wear on one side of the muzzle at the tip of the barrel on the LH side. Going to have to try this one at the range soon.
So I bought a box of ammo at a small local gun show a couple weeks ago. I didn't trust it so I pulled the bullets from all 50 rounds and used the box like primed cases. Reloaded all the rounds. Went to the range and they wouldn't chamber because the primers were high. This is a picture of me pulling the live primers with a face shield and hearing protection. None went off but I was ready!
