Smith & Wesson 686: .38 Special vs. .357 Magnum - Understanding Your Revolver

Question
 I have a  686 Smith and Wesson revolver on order.  The instruction Manuel says it will fire 357 magnum, and 38 Smith and Wesson special cartridges.  Don't they mean just regular " 38 special " cartridges.  If I'm right why do they complicate matters for this rookie?

Answer
Hi Steve,

I can understand the confusion. If you think it is so with this, wait until you really get involved and start researching other calibers !

In this case, your 686 will shoot either 357 or 38 Special. Same projectile just a longer case on the 357.

I agree with you Steve, they do seem to have a talent for complicating things for a "rookie" and sometimes even for guys like me !

Hope this clears it up for you and thanks for the question.

Sid Lark