The .38 Special cartridge, recognized by a host of names, including .38 S&W Special, .38 Special, and 38 Spl, is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge renowned for its historical and ongoing significance in law enforcement and civilian self-defense applications.Invention and EvolutionSmith & Wesson, a prominent American firearms manufacturer, introduced the .38 Special cartridge in 1898. It…
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Articles by Staff Editor on Powder & Lead. In-depth firearms content covering history, reloading, gear reviews, and shooting sports.
M1919 Machine Gun
M1919: A Cornerstone of American Firepower The M1919 machine gun, known formally as the Browning .30 Caliber M1919, holds a firm place in the annals of military history as one of the most potent and reliable firearms of the 20th century. Its development, manufacture, and deployment shaped not only the face of warfare but also…
The M3 Grease Gun: American Practicality in WWII
Introduction to the M3 Grease GunAs the cauldron of World War II raged across continents, nations grappled with not only the strategic implications of a global conflict but also the industrial and logistical realities of equipping massive armies for total war. The United States, far removed from the epicenter of conflict in the early years…
Contract Musket Makers: Private Armories of the Republic
Contract Musket Makers of the Early Republic: The Private Armories That Armed AmericaWhen the United States needed to arm itself in the decades following independence, the federal armories at Springfield and Harpers Ferry could not do the job alone. From the 1790s through the 1840s, the U.S. government turned to dozens of private contractors —…
Lt Colonel Custer and the Firearms of his Era
George CusterLt Colonel George Armstrong Custer (also formerly a Major General) remains one of the most captivating figures in the annals of American history. His life was inextricably intertwined with the era of the American West, an epoch characterized by the clash of diverse cultures and the rapid development of technology. One of the most…
The Remington Rolling Block: Most-Produced Military Rifle
The Rifle That Armed the WorldAsk a firearms enthusiast to name the most widely produced military rifle of the 19th century, and you will hear answers ranging from the Springfield Trapdoor to the Mauser 71 to the Martini-Henry. Almost nobody names the Remington Rolling Block — and yet it is the correct answer. Between 1867…
How to do Bullet Casting: A Comprehensive Guide
Bullet casting, a part of hand-loading, is a craft favored by shooting enthusiasts who wish to maintain complete control over their shooting experience. This involves using molds, lead melting pots, and various other tools to create your ammunition. For those contemplating venturing into bullet casting, certain aspects need careful attention. This guide will serve as…
The .38 Long Colt Cartridge
The .38 Long Colt, sometimes referred to as .38 LC, is a black powder cartridge introduced in the mid-1870s. Developed and manufactured by the Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, this cartridge has had an important impact on the history of small arms ammunition. Despite its somewhat ambiguous title suggesting a .38 caliber, the actual…
The 1738 Land Service (Heavy Dragoon) Pistol
Introduction to the 1738 Land Service (Heavy Dragoon) PistolIn the ceaseless echo of history, the roar of guns ceaselessly reverberates. One instrument of such power that leaves an indelible print on the timeline is the 1738 Land Service, also known as the Heavy Dragoon Pistol.In a time of flintlocks and powder, the 1738 Land Service…
Winchester 1887: The Revolutionary Lever Action Shotgun
The Winchester 1887 (Winchester Model 1887) lever-action shotgun is a hallmark of American firearms history, representing a significant leap in the evolution of repeating shotguns during a period marked by rapid advancements in firearms technology. Crafted by the legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1887 was introduced by Winchester in 1887, offering a…