This Smith & Wesson BG38 is chambered in .38 special +p (so yes it can shoot the hotter loads) with a 1.875" barrel. Has integrated red Crimson Trace Laser. A great feature for snub nose revolvers. Point the laser and that is where the bullet goes…. This model is discontinued ‘with the laser’. Lasers absolutely help with accuracy. Lasers are great at night too. Revolvers are extremely reliable and at 14 ounces, easy to conceal.