38 Special for Sale

Looking to buy 38 Special? Discover new and used listings from verified sellers across the U.S. Only on GunsAmerica.

Quick Look

The .38 Special cartridge was introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898 as an improvement over earlier .38 caliber rounds. Designed for accuracy and manageable recoil, it balances power with shooter control. Today, it remains popular among revolver enthusiasts for self-defense and target shooting.

Why It's a Top Choice

Moderate recoil for controllable shooting
Wide availability of load variations
Compatible with many classic revolvers
Reliable performance in self-defense
Proven track record over 120 years

Key Variants

.38 Special +P

Offers increased velocity and energy for enhanced stopping power in defensive handguns.

.38 Special Wadcutter

Ideal for target shooting with clean holes for scoring on paper targets.

.38 Special Snake Shot

Loaded with small shot pellets for pest control at close ranges.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.38 Special	9mm Luger	.357 Magnum
MSRP	Varies ~$15-$30 per box	Similar pricing	Higher cost
Capacity/Size	Typically 5-6 rounds revolver	10-17 rounds semi-auto	5-8 rounds revolver
Weight	Lower recoil, lighter loads	Moderate recoil	Heavier recoil
Optics-Ready	Depends on revolver model	Common on many pistols	Less common
Trigger Type	Double or single-action revolver	Semi-auto striker or hammer	Double or single-action revolver
Notable Pro	Mild recoil, good accuracy	Higher capacity, faster reload	High power with versatility
Notable Con	Lower capacity, slower reload	More recoil than .38 Special	Increased recoil, cost

Best Use Cases

Self-defense with revolvers
Target and competition shooting
Training and practice sessions
Small-game hunting in certain loads
Collector’s vintage revolver ammunition

FAQs

Can I use .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver?

Yes, .38 Special rounds safely fire in .357 Magnum revolvers due to shared dimensions and lower pressure.

What is the difference between .38 Special and .38 Special +P?

The +P variant is loaded to higher pressure, offering greater velocity and stopping power within safe limits for rated revolvers.

How does .38 Special compare to 9mm for self-defense?

.38 Special typically has milder recoil but lower capacity; 9mm offers more rounds and penetration potential.

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