It addresses only .38-caliber double action revolvers, including .357 magnums. It also provides guidelines for assessing the acceptability of new or reissue revolvers. Purchasers cause the test methods described in this standard themselves or they may have the tests conducted on their behalf by a qualified testing laboratory. Procurement officials may also refer to this standard in their purchasing documents and require that equipment offered for purchase meet the requirements. The standard is designed principally as a procurement aid and is therefore necessarily technical in language. Illustrations and tables are provided.