S&W Model 10 +P Capable

This subject comes up pretty frequently, and the consensus seems to be that you're fine shooting +P's in modern Smith's, though many will recommend you don't shoot them exclusively.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7017549#post7017549

FYI

some stats for you, I think SaxonPig got them from Speer

Before 1974
Standard pressure 158 LRN grain factory load were rated at 855 FPS.
The Hi-Speed load were rated at 1,090 FPS.

These days 158 grain load are rated at 755 FPS.
The +P are rated at 890 FPS.

Click to expand...

I'd call Smith & Wesson just to be sure.

I'd call Smith & Wesson just to be sure

Click to expand...

Calling any manufacturer on such a subjects is a fruitless endeavor as they are more concerned with liability than reality.

Call GM and ask if a ZR1 is safe to drive at 80 MPH and they will say "no"

since there were no "+p" 38spl loads back in 1960, there is no real answer to your question. i would keep your ammo at regular 38spl levels.

murf

there were no "+p" 38spl loads back in 1960

Click to expand...

true...regular ammo was about the same pressure as today's "+P"

Is a 1960's era Smith and Wesson Model 10 .38 Special capable of handling +P loads?

Click to expand...

YES!

Hi,
+P 38 special is more of a marketing hype by ammo makers. True is most +P 38 specials are what standard pressure was 15 to 20 years ago. Any S&W that has a model number stamped in the frame and is in good condition will handle +P. Heck, I shoot +P in a SW M&P 38 special that was made in 1954. I have no issues. As with all handguns you need to clean the revolver after each range session and pay attention to the forcing cone. Your model 10 is fine shooting +P.
Howard

+P is loaded well below maximum allowable chamber pressure.

It is NOT a high performance load.

murf said:

since there were no "+p" 38spl loads back in 1960, there is no real answer to your question. i would keep your ammo at regular 38spl levels.

murf

Click to expand...

The vast majority of the revolvers in service after +P came out, were 60's and older. My department's model 10's were largely 1950's vintage. They handled +P and +P+ just fine.

P+ is to ammo what spoilers are to Honda Civics. They neither one really do anything.

Older guns are fine with +P as has been noted by several members here with long histories of working with S&W revolvers.

+P is a term used today for what was once standard ammunition. A term and an ammo manufacturing change that happened only a little while ago. It is convenient for gun companies today so they can make their revolvers weaker and thus less expensively and then they can "rate" them as bing able to take +P.

This is yet another reason why I dont buy new guns.