Question: is 38 s&w special the same as 38 special

Answer: Yes, The .38 Smith & Wesson Special (commonly .38 Special, .38 Spl, or .38 Spc, pronounced ``thirty-eight special'') is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round. The .38 Special was the standard service cartridge of most police departments in the United States from the 1920s to the 1990s, and was also a common sidearm cartridge used by soldiers in World War I. In other parts of the world, it is known by its metric designation of 9×29.5mmR or 9.1×29mmR.