38 Special P Revolver: A Look At Its Features

The world of firearms is vast and fascinating, with countless models and designs that cater to different needs and preferences. Among the many types of handguns available, the.38 Special P revolver stands out for its unique characteristics and features. In this article, we will delve into the details of this firearm, exploring its history, design, and performance.

History of the.38 Special P Revolver

The.38 Special P revolver has its roots in the early 20th century, when the.38 Special cartridge was introduced by Smith & Wesson. This cartridge was designed to be more powerful than the.38 Long Colt, which was the standard issue for the US military at the time. The.38 Special quickly gained popularity among law enforcement and civilian shooters, leading to the development of various revolvers chambered for this cartridge.

Design and Features

The.38 Special P revolver is a double-action, six-shot revolver that features a swing-out cylinder and a fixed sights. The frame is typically made of steel or aluminum, with a stainless steel or blued finish. The cylinder is usually made of steel, with a capacity of six rounds.

Some notable features of the.38 Special P revolver include:

• A 2-inch or 3-inch barrel, depending on the model
• A double-action trigger with a smooth, consistent pull
• A fixed front sight and an adjustable rear sight
• A spurred hammer and a trigger guard
• A grip made of wood, rubber, or synthetic materials

Performance and Ballistics

The.38 Special P revolver is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice for target shooting and self-defense. The.38 Special cartridge has a muzzle velocity of around 700-900 ft/s, depending on the load, and a muzzle energy of around 200-300 ft-lbs.

Some notable ballistic characteristics of the.38 Special P revolver include:

• A flat trajectory, making it suitable for target shooting at medium ranges
• A moderate recoil, making it manageable for most shooters
• A wide range of ammunition options, including wadcutter, semi-wadcutter, and hollow-point loads

Accessories and Upgrades

The.38 Special P revolver can be customized and upgraded with various accessories, including:

• Holsters: Available in different materials, such as leather, nylon, and Kydex
• Sights: Upgrade to adjustable sights or install a scope mount for improved accuracy
• Grips: Replace the factory grip with a custom grip made of wood, rubber, or synthetic materials
• Trigger jobs: Improve the trigger pull and reset with a professional trigger job

Maintenance and Safety

Like any firearm, the.38 Special P revolver requires regular maintenance to ensure its performance and safety. Some important maintenance procedures include:

• Cleaning the cylinder and barrel after each use
• Lubricating the moving parts with a high-quality oil
• Inspecting the revolver for wear and tear, and replacing parts as needed

Safety is also a top priority when handling the.38 Special P revolver. Some important safety precautions include:

• Always handling the revolver with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
• Keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
• Using proper eye and ear protection when shooting

Comparison to Other Revolvers

The.38 Special P revolver is often compared to other revolvers in its class, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and the Ruger GP100. Some key differences between these revolvers include:

• Caliber: The.38 Special P revolver is chambered for the.38 Special cartridge, while the Model 10 is also available in.38 S&W and.357 Magnum.
• Frame size: The.38 Special P revolver has a smaller frame size compared to the GP100, making it more suitable for concealed carry.
• Trigger pull: The.38 Special P revolver has a smoother trigger pull compared to the Model 10, but a slightly heavier trigger pull compared to the GP100.

.38 Special P Revolver Image Gallery

In conclusion, the.38 Special P revolver is a reliable and accurate firearm that is suitable for target shooting and self-defense. Its compact size and moderate recoil make it an excellent choice for concealed carry. With proper maintenance and safety precautions, the.38 Special P revolver can provide years of reliable service.