Is an SW 649-1 rated for +P?

If the Model 649 is chambered in .357 Magnum like I believe it is supposed to be, then it should be able to handle much lower-pressure .38 Special+P cartridges just fine.

Soundtrackzz said:

actually mine is in 38 spc. On the barrel it says 38 spc but doesnt mention a +p

Click to expand...

Oops, my mistake , looks like the 649 wasn't "Magnumized" until the -3 version, and back in those days, S&W generally advised against using +P ammo even in steel J-frames (and certainly in aluminum-framed models unless you want to shake them loose after just a box or two). They made a few exceptions, but I don't recall the 649 being one of them. It'll probably be able to take it, but the safest bet would be to avoid +P altogether unless somebody (more knowledgeable than me in this matter ) can positively confirm that S&W approves +P loads specifically for the 649-1.

Sorry, I thought I had an easy answer and "jumped the gun" there.

I have a 649 no dash and my carry ammo is always the 158 Nyclad +P. Rated for it or not I don't expect it to fire any more than 10 of them in it's life and it has already gone through 5. I know where they hit so there isn't much need to run a steady diet of +P through it, besides they aren't much fun, but more fun than +P in the + rated 442.

Carry the nuclear rounds practice with conventional ammo and you will never have a problem.

By the way, here's a somewhat relevant post from a few years ago:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3938955

So the 649-2 was approved for +P ammo at some point, but apparently not the 649-1 (at least in that reference). I bet that the 649-1 could withstand a limited amount of +P just fine, but S&W may still disapprove. You could try asking S&W directly for a definitive answer (email [email protected] or [email protected]).