Retired Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector of the U.S.
125 inch longer case, and the first revolvers (referred to as '.357 Magnum Models') were completed by S&W on April 8, 1935. 357 Magnum, which was dimensionally identical to the. 38 Special ammunition beyond their original specifications, taking advantage of the newer and better designed firearm frames and metallurgy, and also played a major role in the development of the.
Elmer Keith, a well known author and wildcatter at the time, was experimenting with hand loading. 38 Special loads, but only if Winchester would develop a new cartridge. S&W's Dan Wesson agreed to produce a new revolver that would handle 'high-intensity'. Firearms writer and experimenter Philip Sharpe is credited for its development during the 1930s when police agencies were asking for a more powerful round. Smith & Wesson played a major part in the development and success of the cartridge and revolver that went with it.
357 Magnum is the oldest 'magnum' handgun cartridge.
