Found these next to eachothe at the battle of Pilot Knob, MO on Private land. Does anyone know if this .38 short colt centerfire could have been used

[Ozarkdigger]

 

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[Tpmetal]

I would say no, I believe the first .38 short center fire was in early 1870s, I might be wrong though

 

[Ozarkdigger]

I would say no, I believe the first .38 short center fire was in early 1870s, I might be wrong though

Ok thanks!!

 

[Tpmetal]

Ok thanks!!

On further research I found that it might actually be possible, as I think in 1861 they converted old 1851 cap and ball 38 colts to a centerfire. Haven't looked too hard to what was issued where and when.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Cool find !

Warning *** I've had very old rounds go off on their own from expanding gases.
I'd have someone pull the bullet off and dump the powder out if you plan on keeping it

 

[ncsuwolf]

On further research I found that it might actually be possible, as I think in 1861 they converted old 1851 cap and ball 38 colts to a centerfire. Haven't looked too hard to what was issued where and when.

They may have converted some earlier models to use that round, but don’t think that round was invented until mid 1870s

 

[Tpmetal]

They may have converted some earlier models to use that round, but don’t think that round was invented until mid 1870s

That's what I initially thought, but I read something saying that it was they didn't produce a gun specifically for that round until the 1870s, but may have had the round itself earlier? Not sure how reliable the source was