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SMITH & WESSON CTG .38 SPL
Guns International #: 103340966 Seller's Inventory #: 587156
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - .38 Special Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: Guns Dot Com
Member Since: 9/8/21
State: Minnesota
Zip: 55337
Country: United States
Phone: (866) 582-4867
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Number of Active Listings: 43553
Total Number of Listings: 390178
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
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Description:
Guns Listing ID: 587156
Smith & Wesson .38 Special pistol is a revolver (Smith & Wesson is famous for revolvers) chambered for the .38 Special cartridge — a long-standing, rimmed centerfire cartridge introduced by S&W in 1898 and widely used for self-defense, law enforcement (historically), and target shooting.
Below I’ll explain the cartridge and then give typical pistol (revolver) specifications you’ll see from S&W models that use it.
The cartridge — “.38 Special" (short, important facts)
Name: .38 Special (often written “.38 S&W Special")
Bullet diameter: 0.357 in (˜9.07 mm) (despite the “.38" name, the bullet is .357\")
Case length: ˜ 1.155 in (29.34 mm)
Overall length: ˜ 1.55 in (39.37 mm)
Typical bullet weights: 110–158 grains (common factory loads: 125 gr, 130 gr, 148 gr, 158 gr)
Typical velocities (factory loads): roughly 700–1,000 ft/s depending on bullet weight and whether it’s standard or +P.
Typical muzzle energy: varies widely — from about 150 ft·lb for heavy, slower loads up to 300+ ft·lb for hotter +P loads.
Pressure: standard .38 Special is a moderate-pressure cartridge; +P and +P+ are hotter loadings made for firearms rated for them.
Note: There is also an older “.38 S&W" cartridge (different case dimensions) — don’t confuse the two. When people say “.38 Special" they mean the cartridge described above.
Typical Smith & Wesson revolver features & specs (examples and ranges)
Smith & Wesson makes many revolver models that use .38 Special. Specs below summarize the common characteristics you’ll encounter.
Common configurations
Frames: J-frame (small, snub), K-frame (medium), L-frame (robust), etc.
Action: Double-action / single-action (DAO on some modern models).
Cylinder capacity: 5 or 6 rounds (J-frame often 5; K/L frames often 6).
Barrel lengths: common factory lengths 2\", 3\", 4\", 5\", occasionally other lengths.
Sights: Fixed front blade + rear notch (snub models) or adjustable rear sight on full-size models.
Materials / finishes: Carbon steel blued, stainless steel, scandium alloy frames (for lightweight models).
Grips: Rubber, wood, Hogue, or factory synthetic—many aftermarket options available.
Example spec ranges (approximate)
Weight (unloaded): ~15 oz (light J-frame, 2\") up to ~34–40 oz (full-size, 4\" steel)
Overall length: ~6–9 in depending on barrel length
Height: ~3.5–5 in
Cylinder capacity: 5 or 6
Typical sight radius (4\" barrel): ~4 inches (shorter on snub noses)
Finish options: blued steel, stainless, matte, cerakote
Popular S&W models chambered in .38 Special
Model 36 (Chief’s Special) — classic J-frame snub, 5 rounds, 2\" barrel (very compact for concealment).
Model 10 (formerly Military & Police) — K-frame, typically 6 rounds, commonly 4\" barrel (traditional service revolver).
Model 60 — stainless J-frame, popular for carry (5 rounds).
Modern variants — many modern revolvers share similar specs but differ in materials, finishes, and sights.
Performance & typical uses
Self-defense / concealed carry: .38 Special (especially in compact snub revolvers) has been a common personal-defense round for decades. +P loads are often used for increased stopping power — only in revolvers rated for +P.
Range & accuracy: Effective practical accuracy out to 25–50 yards depending on barrel length and shooter; most defensive shooting is under 10–15 yards.
Recoil: Moderate — snub revolvers with light frames produce sharper felt recoil than heavy, full-size revolvers.
Reliability: Revolvers are known for simple, extremely reliable operation.
Safety & legal notes
Only fire .38 Special in a firearm chambered and rated for it. Do not fire +P or +P+ ammunition unless the revolver manufacturer explicitly states the gun is rated for those pressures.
Always follow local laws and safe firearm handling practices (unloaded, pointed in a safe direction, finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, secure storage, etc.). I can’t help with illegal activity or with instructions that would enable harm.
MSS
SOLD
Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON
Model: CTG
Caliber Info: .38 SPL
Condition: Used - Non-Certified
Barrels: 4" BARREL
Action: REVOLVER
Finish: black & blued