For starters, the .38 S&W, .38 ACP, and the .38 Super are NOT the same cartridge.
Second, Browning & Colt worked together on the 1906 Colt .45 ACP. It looks very close to the 1911 we all know and love. Also, the only reason they chambered revolvers in the new .45 ACP was to compare it more closely to the .45 Long Colt. As it turned out, Colt couldn't produce enough M-1911's for the coming War so they also re-chambered a large number of revolvers to fire the new cartridge.
For a short second or two we almost adopted the 9mm as our military caliber in 1910 or some where in there. The Germans were having great luck with the Luger Semi auto pistols of the time.
any way, I might be wrong on a date here or there but as far as I can remember that is what happened... If any body knows any more I would like to know more about the how and the why of it all.
Hell, the .45 LC pushed a 250 grain bullet at about 600 to 700 FPS. That is only about 225 Ft Lbs of energy.
My 10mm Glock 20 will push a 200 grain JHP at about 1260 FPS. That is a cool 700 Ft Lbs of energy. Now, think about this... there are 18 rounds in the gun ( 15 rnd magazine with +2 floor plate & 1 in the chamber ) Plus two 17 round spare mags in the spare ammo pouch.
Before some one cries "spay'n pray" or some stupid bull pucky about "I ownly need the 6 in my wheele gun" , I will say this... survive a real shoot out, then you can talk your trash. Until then, I don't want to hear it.
When copper & lead start flying I want as much on hand ammo as I can carry. I was once told, "The guy who runs dry first... usualy dies."
As for the photo of the revolver in the post above....
That is not a period correct handgun. The front sight looks more like a newer model than 1905 or even 1917... Granted, I could be way off... I honestly do not know for sure, but my guess is that handgun is newer than 1930.
And of course, I am not a big fan of revolvers.