I have always heard the definition of "cheap, low-quality, easily obtainable", etc. But I was not aware that it had to be a revolver ora.38 Special-any caliber would fit the description, semi-auto, or revolver. Many were .22 RF's, .32 S&W, .38 S&W, and in the semi-autoi version, .22 RF, .25's, .32 ACP, etc.