+P in Model 10 S&W???
- Thread starter KFISHCAT
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Deanimator
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Just make sure it's REALLY a Model 10 and not a pre-10 M&P.
The model number will be visible inside the frame above the cylinder pivot when the cylinder is opened. If there's a "Model 10(-nn)" there with the "nn" being a number of some sort (5, 10, etc.) you're good. If there's just the serial number, stick with standard velocity. +P won't blow it up, but it'll wear an M&P faster.
The model number will be visible inside the frame above the cylinder pivot when the cylinder is opened. If there's a "Model 10(-nn)" there with the "nn" being a number of some sort (5, 10, etc.) you're good. If there's just the serial number, stick with standard velocity. +P won't blow it up, but it'll wear an M&P faster.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
If it is actually designated a Model 10, i.e., has "Mod 10" stamped in the frame's yoke cutout, it is made after 1957 and is OK for +P.
In the mid-70s the FBI worked developing the 158 gr LSWCHP+P which is known as the "FBI Load". The gun issued to FBI agents at that time was the pencil barrel Model 10. So yes, the Model 10 will stand up to the +P, provided the gun is in sound working order and doesn't have something wrong with it.
I propose that we officially designate this topic as "The Terminator" because it simply will not die.
Once again, here's a photo of my 1942 Military & police .38 Special with just some of the many hundreds of +P and +P+ rounds that I have fired through it without effect. Please note that this revolver is not Post-War manufacture (often used as the measure for +P) nor is it model-marked (another popular measure) and if I were to call S&W and ask I would be warned of all manner of catastrophe should I dare to fire in the gun even a single round of that Earth shaking, ground-pounding, teeth-rattling, grand poobah of .38 Special loads, the factory +P. (Which whomps up a heart-stopping 925 FPS! WOW! I think I just wet myself at the very idea of a bullet moving at that velocity!)
If it says .38 Special on ammo box, and it says .38 Special on the gun, all will be just fine because no ammo company in the world would sell any ammo that would cause damage.
Once again, here's a photo of my 1942 Military & police .38 Special with just some of the many hundreds of +P and +P+ rounds that I have fired through it without effect. Please note that this revolver is not Post-War manufacture (often used as the measure for +P) nor is it model-marked (another popular measure) and if I were to call S&W and ask I would be warned of all manner of catastrophe should I dare to fire in the gun even a single round of that Earth shaking, ground-pounding, teeth-rattling, grand poobah of .38 Special loads, the factory +P. (Which whomps up a heart-stopping 925 FPS! WOW! I think I just wet myself at the very idea of a bullet moving at that velocity!)
If it says .38 Special on ammo box, and it says .38 Special on the gun, all will be just fine because no ammo company in the world would sell any ammo that would cause damage.
Old 112
Member
+P(1) to the information Saxonpig gave. According to my 35 or 40 year old S&W ballistics booklet that came with my model 15, a standard load 158gr lead had a velocity of 910fps, a 158+P lead had a velocity of 1050fps. It appears that today's +P load was yesterdays standard load. The old booklet also shows the 38spl 125gr jacketed +P bullets stepping out at 1350fps. About 95% of my reloads for my S&Ws are 158gr swc at the "old" standard velocity, or mabe a tad less, and have some to the old +P velocity. I can not afford to buy much factory ammo. I use these loads in my 15s, 14, 19, and the one J frame I own. And they are very accurate. Just some thoughts. Old 112
Don't forget that some of those old velocities, particularly from years ago, weren't figured from the actual guns but were from sealed pressure barrels of various lengths of 8" to 10". Actual velocities from guns were less than advertised. Velocities today are often figured from vented barrels. Also can't always go by velocity alone to equate to pressure. Usually a rd that is +P will give higher velocity but doesn't always mean so.
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