38+P in a model 10-7?
 

Was involved in a discussion the other day regarding the use of +P's in a model 10 for "emergency" use. My feeling is if it wasn't rated for such it should not be used, even a string of 6 could possibly cause a "Kaboom" event. But on the other hand, I realize S&W did not build or rate their pistols to their critical maximum. Any thoughts?

Where was I when I grew up?

NRA Lifer
Secretary DSC
Patriot

S&W has stated that any STEEL framed .38 Special gun marked with a model number is SAFE with Plus P's. Those RATED for Plus P probably endure longer without loosening up if you shoot a lot of it.

Saxon Pig and others have stated on this board and others that they have fired MANY Plus P rounds in even older, non-Model marked guns, and that they are nothing to be feared. However, I wouldn't fire it in alloy-framed guns not Rated for it.

And the USAF claimed that wear to their Model 15's was a prime cause of wanting 9mm autos, before the Beretta M-9 was adopted. However, some of those guns were probably used a lot as instructional pieces. Range guns get a LOT of shooting, compared to what most individual owners give their guns.

While it's just an opinion, and therefore worth every cent it's costing you? No ammo manufacturer would open themselves up to the kind of liability possible from producing thermonuclear level stuff for sale. Again JOMO, I'd feel quite comfortable running +P's out of her.

I've been using S&W K-frame revolvers, including Model 10's, since the 1960's. Any Model 10 in good overall condition should be perfectly safe with .38 Special +P loads.

If you have any doubts about your Model 10 a quick inspection by a gunsmith should settle any issues of safety.

Thanks all. My fears appear to be unfounded. Always best to ask the real experts.

Where was I when I grew up?

NRA Lifer
DSC Secretary
Patriot

If its built after 1958, it is rated OK to use +P.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...lock/SMITH.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...09013238PM.jpg

I e-mailed S&W about this subject a few years back and .38 +P's are fine in a steel model 10. I've run plenty through my 10-6 and have not seen type of problem.

The steel frame model 10s are all fine with +P ammo.
Load them full of it!

Elmer Keith did a vintage gun test that I love to quote.
Back in the 1940s and later, the ammo companies loaded
a 38 special with a 158 grain bullet to 1150fps- near 357 Mag.
This ammo was called 38-44 Hi Speed.
He fired a whole 500 round case through a first year production
J FRAME with no trouble whatsoever. If a 38 J fame will take
near 357 ammo, the k frame M10 will have no trouble.
Source for that story is Elmer Keith's book "SIXGUNS."

Just for the record, I will put any 38, +P or +P+ load made in my Model 36 J frame.

My Model 10-5 will shoot 38+P all day, every day with no problem whatsoever. As others have already mentioned, the steel k-frames have no trouble at all with the faster +P ammo.