How can I tell if my .38 revolver is rated for +P rounds?

Question

I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson police-issue .38 long barrel (1970s-era). I normally just shoot target (ball) ammo at the firing range, but I want to get some hollow-points to keep in it for home defense.

The only .38 hp rounds I can find are +P, and I don't know if the gun is rated for +P rounds. The former owner doesn't know either. Is there somewhere I can look up the model and make sure?

Thanks,

-ME

Answer 1

Smith and Wesson K frames should be able to handle +P loads.

The frames are steel. The same K frame will handle .357 with a slightly modified cylinder. +P .38 special produces pressures around the level of "standard' .357 Magnums.

There are a few Alloy framed Smiths... I'd avoid high pressure loads with those.

As with anything that can wear out., be advised.. a steady diet of hot loads may cause early wear and tear on even the highest quality.  revolver. Some folks have stretched frames shooting Magnum loads in rated pistols... I understand it takes a lot of shooting to do that.

for the record... I shoot a '73 vintage M 67 (stainless) with + P about 50 rounds a year... for over 20 years now. That pistol went through about 2500 rounds of standard pressurre 148 gr wadcutters for practice and qualification. the +P was fired to check 'zero" and as a carry load. Cylinder gap on that Smith is still perfect and uniform.. about .003" and there is no endshake in the cylinder. I bought it used... and even though is was like new at the time I have no idea how much or what went through it before I got it.

Your mileage may vary.

Edit again...guys, he said "long barrel", not .38 Long...

That 10-6 is built like an anvil, guy... you wont hurt it with +P loads

You should be able to buy 158 gr lead bullet standard loads at any Walmart of gun shop -sporting goods place. I bought a box of Remingtons at wally world last week,,, they had winchesters too.  125 grain FMJ is there too

Answer 2

Release the cylinder and swing it down.  The model number will be marked there.  Medium frame .38s post 1958 are capable of handling +P ammo just fine.  If there is no model number, then it may be an early K frame and not suitable for +P ammo.  

Answer 3

If it is a .38 Long then it is NOT rated for +P ammo.  If it is a .38 Special it still might not be rated for +P since you say it is from the Seventies.  If you knew the model that would be of some help but let me give you an idea.  Forget +P ammo.  If your revolver is chambered for .38 Special (rather than the old .38 Long) then get Federal 110 grain non-plus-P 110 grain Hydra Shok Personal Defense rounds.  These come in a box of 20 and are some of Federal's premium defensive rounds.  These will work in any .38 Special because they are standard pressure rounds.

This is what I use in my .38 Special Detective Special since I don't know if this one is rated for +P or not.

Good luck.

H

Answer 4

I'd say that a limited amount of +P ammo won't be much of a problem, perhaps a cylinder full or two per range session, unless you go to the range daily.  A steady diet of +P cartridges could cause the revolver to shoot loose.

If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me, but I believe that 1982 is the year after which all S&W .38 SPL's were rated to take +P ammo.

Doc

Answer 5

Long story.  The 38 Special has been around a very long time - 100 years.  Ammo manufactures need to keep this in mind when making ammo since somone with a 100 year old gun might just use it.  Most of these 100 year old things need to be in a museum or cut in half (demilled) before they blow up and hurt somone.  Used to be ammo manufacturers would dummy down the load 1% or so each year until the cartridge became obsolete.  This trend changed in the 1970's when several favorite calibers were due to disappear and the shooting public had a total hissy fit.  

Your 1970's revolver - although near 40 years old - is not quite at the point where +P would be an issue.  Especially if you bought it from the original owner and know that it has not been abused.  A 1950's would be considered a risk these days and a 1960's a maybe.

To be totally sure and on the safe side - only use standard 38 special in it for now.  Email your question to S&W tech support - or call it in - it is a question only S&W can answer for 100% certainty.  Highly doubtful your local gunsmith with give you a green light for +P rounds in a 40 year old pistol - so don't bother asking unless they are a S&W Certified Repair Center.

Hope this helps.  

Answer 6

Chances are you shouldn't shoot + P.  They didn't make such powerful loads during that time and you'd probably hurt yourself or the gun.

Even guns made now, that can shoot + P's, we don't push that ammo.

People that shoot anything like that don't like it at all and go back to "low recoil" ammo for personal defense.

I am the ammo man and work at a large sporting goods store in Mich.

We deal with these issues every single day.

Even the reps for the companies don't recommend + P's very often.

A normal load will do all you need.