Firearms 1st Guntalk Forum Thread: shoot 38S&W in colt lightning

Trent on "shoot 38S&W in colt lightning"

Trent — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 11:29:42 +0000

Black Hills Ammunition Factory New Cowboy Action .38 Long Colt 158 Gr. RNL Box of 50

$17.44

http://www.bosesguns.com/product_p/bhdcb38cltn1-1.htm

Trent on "shoot 38S&W in colt lightning"

Trent — Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:38:42 +0000

Don't shoot the .38S&W in your lightning. They're not the same.

So ya know, the .38 S&W - also called .38 Colt New Police - same thing. not .38 S&W

The .38 S&W is a slightly larger caliber, not meant for the smaller bore of your lightning. Now the .38 LC is a longer cartridge, but a bit skinnier.

I've heard of people loading .38 LC on a .38 S&W case for modified lightings - but I don't know if that's ok or not.

derek on "shoot 38S&W in colt lightning"

derek — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 17:01:15 +0000

You said .389 but you are probably using a bore gage which is perhaps more accurate than a caliper for measuring inside diameter. However, all I have is my good trusty caliper.

When I check the cylinder chambers of a couple unmolested original antique lightning's I get a measurement of .381

On this re-nickel cowboy action shooter I get a slightly larger measurement of .383 (the one I was able to slide a .38 S&W cartridge in)

On an actual Smith and Wesson top break revolver I get .386

Trent on "shoot 38S&W in colt lightning"

Trent — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 08:22:43 +0000

You may shoot either 38 Long Colt or .38 Colt in an unmodified Lightning revolver pistol. .38 S&W are a bit wider cartridge. Now what some people have done is had their Colt Lightning reamed - that's where the chamber hole of the cylinder has been drilled slightly larger to handle the .38 S&W - because that is more common ammo.

Check the cylinder - see if the chamber is over .389 because if it is then you know its been modified.

When buying old Colts, check the bore always before you decide to keep or send back.

derek on "shoot 38S&W in colt lightning"

derek — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 11:41:49 +0000

My lightning takes 38 long colt. It looks like I would be able to shoot 38 S&W in it also. The case is shorter but appears to be the same diameter. Is there any reason why that wouldn't work?