[firestar]

I just bought a round butt S&W flatlatch M-36 five screw. It is dated to the early 1950s. Can I shoot +P ammo it in without any problems? Were these old M-36s as stong as the newer ones?

P.S.
I don't have it yet, it will arrive next weekend I think so I haven't even checked it out in person.

[mtnbkr]

According to S&W, you can't. However, since the bolt cuts are between the cylinders, the 36 is a bit stronger than 6 shot 38's. John Taffin (gunwriter and owner of www.sixguns.com) worked up some scary loads (near 357mag levels) for his 36.

Quote from John Taffin's article (http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt38spcl.htm) on the 38Special

I not only use Skeeter's load in .357's, but also in my .38 Chief's Special. This is not a recommended load. But I shoot it sparingly and it is very comforting to me to know that the little two-inch Chief's Special will deliver the 158 grain SWC bullet at over 1100 fps.

I have shot about a box and a half of the Federal 158gr LSWC-HP +P in my flatlatch 36. It was loose to begin with, so I can't tell how much the +P loosed it up, but I'm sure it didn't help.

Keep in mind that +p and greater will accelerate wear in your gun even if it doesn't blow up.

Chris

[burrhead]

I can't think of any reason to shoot over-pressure ammo in a 50 year old gun.

[Mike Irwin]

Technically, you can, but you should recognize that you're going to be placing a LOT of accelerated wear on the gun.

[C.R.Sam]

Can.

Not wise.

Sam

[firestar]

I just wanted to know if it was safe so I could carry it with +P ammo. I probably won't shoot more than a box or two a year of it. I have some mild handloads that I use for practice but I won't carry reloads in any gun for self defense so I want some JHP +P .38 ammo for carry.

[Al Thompson]

In my Airweight I carry +P. I shoot non +P for practice. I'd recommend shooting one cylinder full to check POI/POA. But that's all I'd shoot. No point if your chosen SD round is regulated.

[mtnbkr]

just wanted to know if it was safe so I could carry it with +P ammo.

That's what I do. I've shot about 5 mild handloads for every +P round I've fired through it since I bought it about 3 years ago. However, the carry ammo is always 158gr LSWC-HP +P.

Chris

[Mike Irwin]

"I've shot about 5 mild handloads for every +P round I've fired through it since I bought it about 3 years ago."

You admit to abusing it, and yet you want me to buy it from you? :rolleyes: :D

[mtnbkr]

You admit to abusing it, and yet you want me to buy it from you?

It's a bargain at twice the price ;)

Chris

[Mike Irwin]

Throw in your first born and MAYBE.... :D