The shorter predecessor to the .38 Long Colt, chambered in early Colt double-action revolvers of the 1870s–1880s. Underpowered even by the standards of its era, it was quickly superseded by the longer version.
Type: Pistol
Introduced: 1875, United States
Parent case: .38 Long Colt
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.357" (9.07 mm)
Case length: 0.762" (19.35 mm)
Overall length: 1.1" (27.94 mm)
Max pressure: 13,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Small Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:18.75
Muzzle velocity: 730–800 fps
Muzzle energy: 148–185 ft-lbs
Effective range: 25 yd
Common bullet weights: 125, 130 gr
Primary use: Self-Defense
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .38 Short · .38 S.C.
History: Colt introduced the .38 Short Colt in 1875 for their Model 1877 'Lightning' double-action revolver — one of the first commercially successful DA revolvers made in America. The cartridge was deliberately mild to allow reliable double-action ignition in early DA mechanisms, which produced lighter hammer strikes than single-action designs. The result was a cartridge too weak for serious use. The .38…
Notable firearms: Colt Model 1877 'Lightning', Colt Model 1889 Navy
Similar cartridges: .38 Long Colt, .38 Special, .32 Short Colt