KentuckyBlue
Member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
- Messages
- 48
I was wondering if I can shoot 9mm+p ammo in my 915?
Can I shoot +P in my S&W 915?
- Thread starter KentuckyBlue
- Start date
- Status
Old Grump
Member
You could but I wouldn't
Its a light weight economical gun that shoots well. +P is just going to beat on it and make more noise and muzzle blast, not worth the little extra horsepower you can get with it. Nothing wrong with the standard loading. If that isn't powerful enough you might want to consider a 40.
Its a light weight economical gun that shoots well. +P is just going to beat on it and make more noise and muzzle blast, not worth the little extra horsepower you can get with it. Nothing wrong with the standard loading. If that isn't powerful enough you might want to consider a 40.
Joshua M. Smith
Member
Isn't there a rule with Smith and Wesson that if it's a two number gun, like the S&W 39, you should only use standard pressure, but if it's a three number, you can use +P? Or, is it four letters that they started rating it for +P?
Josh <><
Josh <><
The Lone Haranguer
Member
This is a "Value Line" pistol, a "Third Generation" with some cost-cutting measures. Being of relatively recent manufacture, it should be able to handle and will be warranted for any ammo for which there is a SAAMI spec, which there is for 9mm +P (but not +P+). If you shoot a lot of +P, it will increase wear on the gun over time. It is a lot like a full-throttle acceleration from every stop with your car. It will last much longer if you go easier on it. 
Wow, good question!
I have a 915 that I must have bought......15 years ago now? Yeah, 1993 or so. It's been sitting in my safe oiled and wrapped up, with 2 15(?) round mags wrapped up next to it. I didn't even think about the +P issue. I just may have to take her out the range this weekend.
I have a 915 that I must have bought......15 years ago now? Yeah, 1993 or so. It's been sitting in my safe oiled and wrapped up, with 2 15(?) round mags wrapped up next to it. I didn't even think about the +P issue. I just may have to take her out the range this weekend.
KentuckyBlue
Member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
- Messages
- 48
I don't want to stress the gun if that's what +P ammo will do. I just have a few boxes of +P ammo that I thought I'd use. Thanks for your comments.
KentuckyBlue
Member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
- Messages
- 48
Well, I went to S&W's web site and submitted this question to their technical people. Here was my question......
"Can I use +P rated ammo in my Model 915?"
Here is their answer..............
"you can just keep it clean and lubed
thank you"
Does this mean "yes"?
"Can I use +P rated ammo in my Model 915?"
Here is their answer..............
"you can just keep it clean and lubed
thank you"
Does this mean "yes"?
Did you get a manual with your 915? If so, did you read what it says about ammo?
Specifically -
*Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI).
*Be certain all ammunition you use complies with the SAAMI specifications. If you are uncertain, contact your ammunition supplier for verification.
+P designation is a SAAMI spec so any ammo indicated by +P meets SAAMI.
Your 915 will tolerate more +P ammo than you are likely to shoot thru it in your life time. My dept use to issue 5904 (alloy frame S&W 15 rd) and the only ammo we used was +P+ which is hotter than +P and exceeds SAAMI specs. One of our range guys tried to wear out his 5904 by seeing how many rds of +P+ he could fire thru it. When he retired he had documented 65,000 rds of +P+. He only changed the barrel and springs once. He bought the gun when he retired and still shoots it. Knowing how much he shoots I would guess he has well over 100,000 rds thru that same guy by now. Remember - this is with +P+ ammo which exceeds +P pressures.
At this rate if you can afford to spend $20,000+ in ammo and shoot 100,000 rds thru the same gun then you've gotten your money's worth out of the 915 Value Line S&W.
Specifically -
*Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI).
*Be certain all ammunition you use complies with the SAAMI specifications. If you are uncertain, contact your ammunition supplier for verification.
+P designation is a SAAMI spec so any ammo indicated by +P meets SAAMI.
Your 915 will tolerate more +P ammo than you are likely to shoot thru it in your life time. My dept use to issue 5904 (alloy frame S&W 15 rd) and the only ammo we used was +P+ which is hotter than +P and exceeds SAAMI specs. One of our range guys tried to wear out his 5904 by seeing how many rds of +P+ he could fire thru it. When he retired he had documented 65,000 rds of +P+. He only changed the barrel and springs once. He bought the gun when he retired and still shoots it. Knowing how much he shoots I would guess he has well over 100,000 rds thru that same guy by now. Remember - this is with +P+ ammo which exceeds +P pressures.
At this rate if you can afford to spend $20,000+ in ammo and shoot 100,000 rds thru the same gun then you've gotten your money's worth out of the 915 Value Line S&W.
jaholder1971
Member
I had a 915 right after they came out. I still kick myself for selling it.
+P is okay in the 915. +P+ is NOT.
If you shoot +P on a regular basis, you should probably either replace the recoil spring on a regular (1,000-2,000 rounds)schedule or get a heavier spring. Wolfe will have them.
+P is okay in the 915. +P+ is NOT.
If you shoot +P on a regular basis, you should probably either replace the recoil spring on a regular (1,000-2,000 rounds)schedule or get a heavier spring. Wolfe will have them.
- Status