[MustangHowie]

I found a box of Reminton 38 special tracer rounds. They look to be pretty old. What would these be used for?

[GRIZ22]

They were issued to aircrews who carried 38 revolvers to use as a signalling device if they went down.

[1 old 0311]

1) Training

2) Fun

[SDC]

What are the markings on the box? 38 Special tracers have been made for both the military and civilian use, but with different purposes in mind. I have a 1961 technical manual saying that 38 Spl tracers were approved for use by MPs, but I've also heard that tunnel rats preferred tracers since they'd make seeing hits easier in the dark.

[jaydubya]

As a naval aviator, my issue weapon was a 4" S&W .38sp Victory Model revolver in a bandolier holster across my chest. It was loaded with those tracers, useful only for firing straight up while swallowing seawater by the gallon. That's what I carried on my first Vietnam flying cruise, and considered it so pitiful a self defense weapon that I replaced it with a 9mm Browning Hi Power, with two spare magazines, for my next two. I wasn't going to check in to the Hanoi Hilton. (Ironically, I now have -- in addition to that Hi Power -- a 637 snubby and a 686+, which I consider just right for here and now.)

I purchased that Hi Power at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego's exchange in 1967. On cruise, when I was not wearing it, I put it in my safe in my stateroom. Nobody saw anything wrong with that. Nowadays, just try to do this. Bit by bit, they are taking all the fun out of life.
Cordially, Jack

[MustangHowie]

Thanks for the info guys. These are made by Reminton and are packaged in a plain brown box. No dates on anything. I bought them for $9 just for the novelty.