Because of it's stout build, can +P rated ammo be used SAFELY. ??
How about longevity of the firearm ...?? Thanx George K.

I would refer to a period instruction manual or call the factory. My guess is the manual says yes and customer service will say no without knowing the condition of the pistol in question.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Yes, it will handle plus p. But why do that to a fine old gun that has a diminished parts supply?
Standard 9mm will run forever..why chance it?

Randy

Good point Randy...Standard ammo..works fine...Thanx for your well thought of answer...Best: George K.

Smith & Wesson has typically used a blanket answer for revolvers that any model they produce that actually HAS a model number (post-1957 production) is safe for use with approved SAAMI-spec "+P" ammo.

The 659 is a robust, steel frame, well-built modern handgun and it is safe with +P ammo. It's worth noting that:

Guns that are not shot and not handled don't see wear.
Guns that are shot with regular ammo will see wear.
Guns that are shot with +P ammo will see MORE wear.

Also worth noting is that +P is an industry term and in the perfect world, every ammo maker would accept and honor that. This should mean that only the recognized, actual SAAMI "+P" would be offered on the market.

Buffalo Bore is the easiest example of an ammo maker that elects to ignore this... slapping a "+P" wherever they like.

If it isn't a SAAMI-spec recognized +P then it isn't built to any set industry standard. It could be built to -any- pressure the ammo maker chooses.

Very well put...!!!

This is not correct.
It is a distortion of the approved cartridges chart that was in 1990s instruction manuals. S&W's blanket approval of .38 special +P was only for steel K and larger frames that were new enough to have model numbers. For example S&W never approved firing +P in aluminum K frame Model 12s. Their blanket approval did not include steel J frames.

I am not suggesting that early steel J frames or Model 12s will be quickly worn out by firing +P .38 Special, only correcting the historical record.