S&W M642-1 38.spl caliber - OK to shoot +P ???

[Daguerre]

I just bought a used S&W M642-1 (this is stamped inside the crane area visible when the cylinder is opened). The barrel is marked 38.spl, but does NOT have the +P designation stamped after .38 spl like the new 642's do have. Visually, this pistols appears identical to a new 642.

Would it be unwise to shoot +P ammo in it now and then, since the gun isn't stamped as rated +P. Is there a M642-2 version of this gun? If so, is that version made of stronger material to withstand +P?

I may carry MagSafe ammo in the gun. Does anyone know if MagSafe in .38spl is a +P round or not?

Thank you.

 

[Dave Williams]

Daguerre

I have a 442-1 and have shot quite a bit of +P through it with no problems. Obviously you don't want to shoot too much, as it's not a steel gun. Don't know about your other questions.

Dave

 

[Gary A]

I bought a 642-1 when they first came out. Later when Smith announced they sanctioned plus P in the new frame design, I called Smith to ask and was told that any 642 that had a "dash number" behind it, i.e. my 642 was OK for plus P. I know they later began to mark the guns but in the beginning Taurus had not yet come out with their plus P advertising campaign which has a lot to do with all the plus P talk. Anyway, S&W told me that any 642-1 was rated plus P. I agree with the sparingly part, though since plus P kicks and obviously will put more wear and stress on the little feller.

 

[bpisler]

daguerre
Magsafe makes a +P and a non+P load
for the 38spl but because it's a fast
light bullet it will have a low POI
compared to regular ammo.

 

[M1911]

642-1 is fine for +P. But I'm not a fan of ANY Magsafe round.