What is .38acp?

The .38 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), also known as the .38 Auto, is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge introduced by Colt in 1900 for the Model 1900 pistol.

• History and Development: Designed by John Browning, the .38 ACP was intended to be a higher-powered alternative to existing pistol cartridges of the time. It saw initial use in Colt's early automatic pistols and laid the foundation for later, more successful cartridges. More information about the History%20and%20Development can be found here.

• Cartridge Specifications: The cartridge features a .357-inch diameter bullet, typically weighing around 130 grains. It is a semi-rimmed design with a straight-walled case. The overall length of the cartridge is approximately 1.28 inches. Check Cartridge%20Specifications for detailled information.

• Performance: The .38 ACP delivers moderate velocity and energy for a pistol cartridge. Typical velocities range from 1000 to 1100 feet per second, generating around 300-350 foot-pounds of energy. It is considered less powerful than later developments like the .38 Super. More information about Performance can be found here.

• Firearms Chambered in .38 ACP: Primarily used in early Colt automatic pistols such as the Model 1900, Model 1902 Sporting, and Model 1903 Pocket Model (not to be confused with the .32 ACP version of the Model 1903). Few modern firearms are chambered in .38 ACP. List of Firearms%20Chambered%20in%20.38%20ACP can be found here.

• Relationship to .38 Super: The .38 Super is a direct descendant of the .38 ACP, designed to provide higher velocities and improved ballistic performance. The .38 Super is longer and more powerful than the .38 ACP. Comparison of .38%20Super and .38 acp

• Availability: Ammunition for the .38 ACP can be less common than other popular pistol cartridges. Production runs are infrequent, and prices may be higher due to its limited demand. Information about .38%20ACP%20Availability can be found here.