All revolvers will, I don't know about lever actions or semi-autos
.38 Special. It can also fire .38 Short Colt and .38 Long Colt. Do not attempt to fire .38 S&W from a .38 Special.
Yes. The 44 magnum can fire 44 special ammo in the same way a .357 magnum can use .38 Special.
No. Never attempt to fire ammo in a weapon not designed for it. Dangerous.
You need to contact Colt for a correct answer.
To my knowledge no .38 Special was ever rated for plus ammo. While the gun may not explode you may damage it or cause extensive wear.
There are numerous handguns that will fire more than one caliber or type of ammo. The Taurus Judge will fire .410 shotgun ammo or .45 Colt ammo. Smith and Wesson has just started producing a gun similar revolver called the Governer that will fire .410, .45 Colt, or .45 ACP. You can fire .38 special in any gun that is chambered in .357 magnum (but not vice-versa) or .44 special in a gun chambered for .44 magnum (but not vice-versa). Also there are other types. There is a very rare revolver called the Medusa that will fire anything in the .38 or 9mm family, including 9mm Kurz (380), 9x19mm, 38 special, and .357 magnum.
Contact S&W.
Contact S&W.
38 Special only, do not try to fire other types of 38 in it
You need to have it checked over by a gunsmith BEFORE attmepting to fire.
If it is only listed as .38 Special (spl), use only that ammo. If it is .38 S&W special, use only that ammo. Don't try to mix them. The diameters are not the same. If you still cannot determine the actual cartridge caliber, take it to a gunsmith and have them identify it for you.
No, the only .357 auto is a Sig. Different shaped chamber.