14 MAR 08
Well, its done. Ive successfully fired 1,022 rounds of +P .38 special through my M12-2 without blowing it, or me, up. In fact, it has been my experience that shooting +P through an M12 is more detrimental to the shooter then the M12. The test took a little over six months and required nine shooting sessions. Nine different types of +P ammo were used. Heres a summary of cumulative round count by ammo type.
All rounds are +P unless otherwise noted:
Winchester 110 gr JHP
35
Federal 125 gr Nyclad HP
36
Georgia Arms 158 gr LSWCHP
101
Winchester 125 gr JHP
200
Remington/UMC 125 gr JHP
200
Speer/Lawman 158 gr TMJ
300
Speer LE 135 gr GDHP
50
CCI Blazer 125 gr TMJ
50
Federal Classic 125 gr JHP
50
--------------------------------------------------
Total =
1022
For more details, check out
The Log on page 1, second entry.
Also, I was asked after the 72nd round to mike the frame window and measure the B/C gap. Heres the measurements from
1 SEP 07:
Horizontal (TOP): 1.818
Horizontal (BOT): 1.818 (one side measured .001-.002 less)
Vertical (F): 1.477
Vertical (B): 1.477 (one side measured .001 less)
B/C gap: 0.007 (I could get the .008 feeler in if I pressed the cylinder back).
And here are the measurements 950 +P rounds later.
Horizontal (TOP): 1.817
Horizontal (BOT): 1.817
Vertical (F): 1.479
Vertical (B): 1.478
B/C gap: Same as before, 0.007 (I could get the .008 feeler in if I pressed the cylinder back).
While this test can be considered a success, I want you all to know that in the future, my model 12s will NOT be firing +P ammo. While Im confident the M12s can handle it, the only reason I would want to use +P ammo is in a self defense gun. My current armory has plenty of factory-blessed +P rated revolvers that I would rather carry then any of my cherished M12s.
There you go
.enjoy!!!!
sprey