Question 38 +P [Archive]

Doublet

July 8, 2004, 10:13 AM

I have a S&W Model 36 . will it handle +P loads ?

dairycreek

July 8, 2004, 03:55 PM

To be sure call Smith & Wesson and give them the information about your gun. Serial Number, etc. They will tell you whether or not your 36 is rated for +P ammo. Above all, do not guess. Good shooting;)

Blackhawk 6

July 8, 2004, 04:45 PM

I have a late 1950's vintage Model 36. I have fired a small amount of +P in it without issue. I would avoid a steady diet, though.

Greybeard

July 9, 2004, 12:58 AM

I agree with both DC and BH6.

RUT

July 9, 2004, 08:51 AM

>>I have fired a small amount of +P in it without issue<<

The operative word(s) here are "small amount"!

Blackhawk 6

July 10, 2004, 12:41 PM

RUT,

Thanks for pointing out the ambiguity of the statement.

Small Amount=250-300 rounds.

Again, no issues.

russlate

July 10, 2004, 06:27 PM

I shot a beautiful old flatlatch 36 loose with only 10 +P rounds. The one my dad always carried at that.

A new unpinned 36 would probably handle it. I'm not taking any chances with my airweight bodyguard, though.

thatguy

July 11, 2004, 01:54 PM

A steel frame gun I don't worry. An alloy frame and I skip hotter loads (not that factory +P is all that hot IMO).