38 colt question

[Galloway]

Does anyone know what the barrel diameter was on the 1877 da and new line revolvers chambered for 38 colt prior to 1892? Thanks

[Pettifogger]

The original loadings were for use in converted .36 C&B revolvers.  They used outside lubed .375" bullets.  The bores on the pre-1892 guns had bores to accomodate the larger diameter bullets.  After switching to inside lubed bullets the bullets had the now standard .357" size.  Some of the very late production 1877s had the smaller diameter bores, but most require outside lubed or hollowbase bullets to accomdate the earlier larger bore size.  The "modern" cowboy guns chambered for .38 Colt are basically shorterened .38 Specials