Hi guys. New on here.

Looking for some info on a 649 (No Dash) I recently picked up.

Gun is a AYP Serial number prefix and marked 38 Spl.

I am no rookie to guns, so am kind of embarrassed to even ask, but is it ok to run +P as my carry ammo in this or am I asking for trouble?

Plus - Can someone give me a born on date for this gun? AYP1XXX

When I bought my 649-2, the instruction manual listed +P as suitable for the gun. The listing for the 649-1 did not recommend +P. I believe it is because the dash 2 had a heat treated package. I have fired +P in other, older "J" frames on a VERY limited basis. If you stay with standard velocity ammunition for practice shooting, you will probably have no problem with the higher pressure +P as a defensive round. The born date is probably late '87 or early '88 because the dash 1 came out in '88. Gotta love the humpback. Good luck.

I also carry +p in my guns and shoot regular when at the range. Love a good hump back, how about some pics?

Hi

I have a 649 with serial number AYP18XX. It was manufactured in 1988.

It is funny that you ask this question, because I just called S&W yesterday to ask them that.

The customer service rep told me that the gun is NOT rated for +P because back then their process for hardening the steel
was not as it is today which allows +P and .357 to be fired in J Frame revolvers.

He said that if it doesn't say +P on the side, do NOT use them in the gun.

I know some here may disagree with that, but I am just telling you what the S&W rep told me.

Besides that, there is plenty of other good .38 special ammo out there,
and +P out of a 1-7/8" barrel will really not do much in terms of added velocity.

Stu

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NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

Weird.... Mine is AYP18XX too..

I think I will stick to reg 38 Spl in it.

They give you any more info on your gun?

No, just the date of manufacture.

__________________
NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor