.38 Special (pronounced "Thirty-Eight Special") is a revolver cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. This was the bullet used in the service revolvers of many policemen from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Despite its name, its caliber is actually 0.357 inches.

In Pop-culture

The term '.38 special' can refer to the music band .38 Special which used the name.

Synonyms

• .38 Smith & Wesson Special
• .38 S&W Special

See Also

• 9 mm caliber
• .357 Magnum
• List of handgun cartridges