* Model Designation: The "A" likely signifies a specific variation or iteration of the basic model 38. The "B" could have been either:
* Never produced: The manufacturer might have designed a "38B" but never put it into production for various reasons (low demand, design issues, etc.).
* Later revision: The "B" might have been an internal designation for a later revision of the model 38A, but not officially marketed as a separate model.
* Incomplete documentation: Sometimes, records for older firearms are incomplete or lost. It's possible that a "38B" did exist, but information about it is unavailable or has been lost.
* Common practice: It's not uncommon for gun manufacturers to skip letters or numbers in their model designations. This could be due to marketing decisions, avoiding confusion with existing models, or simply following a particular numbering scheme.
To understand the situation better, you'd need to investigate further:
* Check manufacturer records: If available, look at historical records or catalogues from J. Stevens Arms Company.
* Consult gun enthusiasts: Contact collectors or forums dedicated to Stevens firearms, as they might have knowledge of specific variations or variations in model naming.
* Examine the guns: If you see both a "38A" and "38B" in person, compare their features to identify any differences that might explain the labeling.
It's impossible to provide a definitive answer without more information, but the above explanation offers potential reasons why you might be seeing a "38A" and not a "38B".