Which S&W .38 Revolvers are Okay with +P? (I know - Good grief...)

[Kestrel]

I know it's been done to death and I've known this, but am wondering lately. (I can't search for +P.)

What model .38 does it have to be, to be okay to use something like the new Speer Gold Dot 135gr. +P?

I have some older Model 36s, 60s, etc. WITHOUT a "-" after the model number and some older Model 10s. I suppose I shouldn't fire the +P in the older J-frames? (The ammo is only ~ 800+/- from a 2" barrel.)

It looks like the older Model 10s would be okay, since they're K-frames?

Sorry for posting something that's probably been asked a lot, but I can't remember what "-" model is safe for it.

Thanks.

 

[HSMITH]

If the gun is stamped with a model # they are suitable for limited use with +P ammo. I would not worry a bit about K frames with a model # stamp, feed them +P until you are broke or die of old age. With the older J-frames a limited amount of +P won't hurt them, just don't pound a thousand a month through them if you want them to last a lifetime. The new +P J-frames should last just fine with a steady diet of +P, they were made with that specifically in mind. The only pre-model # guns I would feed a steady diet of +P are the N-frames, I would keep the pre# K-frames on standard ammo.

 

[Kestrel]

HSMITH,

Thanks. So, an older M36, that is stamped "Model 36", but without a dash, is fine for limited +P use? I'm guessing my older airweight M38s, that are stamped "Model 38" are probably not good for using +P?

Actually, I don't think +P is as powerful as it once was. I just happened to stumble on this thread and it seems to indicate this. Any thoughts?

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=131131

Thanks again.

 

[thatguy]

None. Absolutely no revolvers made for the .38 Special caliber are safe with the magic... +P! They are simply too potent for use. They are nearly mythical in their power and even owners of .357 magnum revolvers must avoid their use lest worlds collide and galaxies shift. Only the Gods dare shoot the enchanted... +P!... in their divine pistols. Us mere mortals must not even contemplate the use of such a wonderous artifact as the (hushed tones to show reverance)... +P! Indeed, only Thor may wield the power and majesty of the... +P!

In fact, woe unto he who even dares ask about the... +P! Such talk is not for us peons. Why, our tongues would turn to dust dare we so much as mention... +P! Dream not of the elusive... +P!

Verily, lay thy Colt and thy Smith & Wesson on the altar and sacrifice them to the God of the... +P! We are not worthy of this grand master of ammunition.

Sorry, I just couldn't take it anymore. A 125 JHP at 975 FPS just doesn't impress me and I can't figure out why so many people are so concerned about this load. My favorite .38 load came from a 1970 Speer manual and pushes a 125 JHP at around 1,200 FPS. They felt it was safe in quality guns then (they did warn to limit use in J frames) and I don't see where anything has changed. Been shooting them for a long time in K and J frame Smiths. I'll be sure to let you know if I ever have any trouble.

 

[HSMITH]

Steve, I would shoot some +P loads in the 36 and 38 to get a feel for recoil, blast and POI vs POA. The majority of my practice shooting would be with standard pressure ammo, shooting the +P when it was time to rotate the carry ammo.

Most handgun ammo has been downgraded somewhat, 38 Super, 357 magnum, 44 magnum and 38+P are some that have been really dropped down. I load up some 'original' 357 magnums and the indoor range just about stops when I start shooting them. People ask if it is a 454. If they try it they only shoot one and put it down citing vicious recoil in K and L-frame guns!!!! Same thing for 'original' 44 magnum loads.

Most people believe lawyers and liability are responsible for the downloading of guns and to a certain extent that is true but consumers have also driven demand for lower powered ammo as the original loadings are just too much for the average shooter. We have sub 20 ounce 357 magnum snubbies on the market that sell quite well and get fed magnums fairly regularly, this would NOT be the case if 357 magnum ammo was loaded to the original ballistics. They would be stuffed with 38's only, the magnums would be extremely nasty in original form. Consumers want powerful chamberings but don't want the recoil and blast, so they are sold a powerful chambering and downloaded ammo that makes them happy.

 

[mokster]

so my s&w model 60 is probably safe with +p occasionally or as a defense round.

 

[MICHAEL T]

They work in my m-60 from early 80's I carry the old 158LSWCHP+P in mine and shoot them. Did that in a old 1960's m-36 for years till it was stolen. Even worked in my orginal Charterarms undercover. Just don't shoot box after box .

 

[popeye]

I think I'd avoid +P in LW frames like 37, 42, 042, LW Bodyguard, and model 12 under dash 4. These guns are getting too hard to find to risk damaging them. Just my opinion.

 

[Daniel Boon]

mdl 36+ p's

I carry a mdl 36 loaded with 135 grain gold dots; I shoot very few of them simply cuz I love my little smith, and repair is expensive; but I have shot a few with no problems. personally, I would much rather pack my remington 870 with slugs and 00 buck, but society frowns on that.