This is just my opinion. So take it for whatever it is worth.

It seems there are three schools of thought on this issue:

1) No problem
2) No way
3) Why bother?

Admittedly, I fall into the third school of thought. As already posted, there are non +P rated self defense loads that have proven quite well. I can't see any reason to shoot +P loads through anything that doesn't have +P engraved on the barrel.

However, if you feel you must carry +P, then just get a second revolver. There are quite a few "cosmeticly challenged" Model 36's available for a resonable price when compared to the price of a case of +P .38spl ammo. Just pick one up and shoot +P through it to your heart's content. You will also have the benefit of doing your own, hands-on testing of the durability of a J-frame using +P ammo.

If the twenty or so rounds of +P that you fire each year through your carry Model 36 are going to hurt it, then you really don't want to be carrying that for your self defense handgun.

Any how, that's just my $0.02.