Known for its accuracy and manageable recoil, the. In other parts of the world, it is known by its metric designation of 9×29.5mmR or 9.1×29mmR. It was also a common sidearm cartridge used by United States military personnel in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 38 Special was the standard service cartridge for the majority of United States police departments from the 1920s to the 1990s.
38 Spc, (pronounced 'thirty-eight special'), or 9x29mmR is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson.