I usually wouldn't double post, but this got virtually no response in 1896-1961 revolvers. If it doesn't here I will assume most are more interested in the perpetuation of myths than a serious examination of the truth.
Please read this entirely before making any remarks. The OP is always entitled to this courtesy, something all too often forgotten it seems.
This isn't a question, but, rather, an observation and reference to some documentary evidence about a common topic. This is not merely my opinion.
The question is often raised "Can I shoot +P in my........?" Here are a couple of things to consider if you have been one of the many to condemn the practice for 1950-1960s K-Frames. From
"Smith & Wesson Hand Guns" by Roy C McHenry and Walter F. Roper. This is dated from this comment found on the same page, "At the present writing (1944)....." From page 125 of the 1958 (C) Stackpole edition:
"The corporation produced it's round butt .38 Military & Police Model with a two-inch barrel in 1938. It had not been claimed hitherto that the .38/44 cartridge was suitable for the K Model .38, but a circular describing the two-inch barrel variety stated that it would handle the heavier cartridge safely. This being so, it should do equally well in the later K Model .38 Specials with heat-treated cylinders, although it would have an unpleasant recoil with either length of barrel."
And, from the "Gun Digest" 1st Edition, coincidentally also 1944. From page 121:
""COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL REVOLVER" From the list of acceptable ammunition;
".38 Colt Special High Speed, .38 S. & W. Special High Speed and .38-44 S. & W. Special cartridges." Does anyone seriously believe the D Frame Colt is stronger than a K Frame S&W???????
Please note that from context the remark "
the later K Model .38 Specials with heat-treated cylinders," would appear to mean "after heat-treating began" rather than after 1938 or 1944!
Be aware, nothing in this post is intended to be a recommendation, but to give those who always post predictions of the dire consequences to follow if a shooter were to dare to shoot the "Dreaded .38 Special +P" ammunition in any revolver manufactured before 1957 (model numbers) or some vacuous date when S&W supposedly "Certified" revolvers for +P, whenever that may have been. The .38-44 operates at pressures far in excess of +P, ca. 25,000 CUP compared to 18,500 PSIG for .38 +P. In spite of different measurement methods there is still a great gulf between these cartridges. Will shooting the +P or .38-44 level loads cause more wear to the revolver than standard pressure loads? Absolutely! But shooting them at all causes more wear than leaving them in the safe! If you have a "shooter" then shoot it, and have repairs done as necessary. If it is a "Safe Queen" then leave it in the safe, put tie-wraps on it and leave it alone if all you are concerned with is future value rather than current utility!
I would ask that any members who collect S&W "Paper", who may have a copy of the circular referenced in McHenry & Roper be kind enough to post same.