Please forgive me, if this is the wrong place to post my questions. I'm new to this, and don't seem to be able to find what I'm looking for. About ten years ago, I inherited three very nice S&W revolvers, and I'm trying to find the approximate age, and what ammo is safe to use. I have...
Pre-model 10, M&P 38spl with 4" bbl, S/N C786XX. The finish is well-worn, but the gun seems to be in good condition otherwise. I also have a pre-model 14, K-38 Target Masterpiece with a 6" bbl, S/N K2209XX. This is the smoothest action I've ever seen on a S&W (I'm a former Colt Python/Diamondback man)! The last is a model 36 (no dash) Chief's Special with 2" bbl, S/N J9242XX. Can any of you guys with a Smith&Wesson guide book tell me when these guns might have been made? Also, is it safe to shoot .38 spl +P in the 36, and K-38? Finally, I have a model 66-2 (S/N AAU69XX) that I bought new in 1984-85. I've recently heard some say it's not safe to feed full-power .357 Magnum rounds through it. Is this true? Since buying it new, I've probably fed 250 Magnum rounds through it, plus countless .38 spl +P and lightweight reloads. So far, I've noticed no damage or loosening of the gun. Your knowledge and advice will be appreciated.

Attached Images

	S&W10.jpg (247.0 KB, 125 views)
	S&W36.jpg (177.6 KB, 127 views)
	S&W14.jpg (244.6 KB, 135 views)
	S&W66.jpg (187.9 KB, 128 views)

Probably OK to shoot the plus P's in both as today's loading for 38 plus P is close to the older hotter 38 loads.
However I would not shoot plus P's in the 36 but I would in the K38 but sparingly.

K38Pre-model 10, M&P 38spl with 4" bbl, S/N C786XX. - 1948-1951

14, K-38 Target Masterpiece with a 6" bbl, S/N K2209XX-1954

Chief's Special with 2" bbl, S/N J9242XX-1982


I have a model 66-2 (S/N AAU69XX) that I bought new in 1984-85. I've recently heard some say it's not safe to feed full-power .357-Magnum rounds through it - Safe yes but take a heavy toll on the gun most say practice with 38's and self defense with 357

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Thank you
Penmon AKA Jim

Thanks for the speedy response. I was pretty sure the 36 was an '80s model, and assumed the K-38 was from sometime in the '50s, but I really thought the 38 M&P was older ('30s). As for the 66-2, due to the cost of 357 Mag ammo, I usually "plink" with 38 spl ammo, and target practice with wadcutter reloads. Thanks for the information.

They are all very fine revolvers you've got there...why do you feel a need to shoot plus P in any of them? In limited doses Plus P won't straight out hurt them but exclusive use of them will cause accelerated wear and tear.

Your guns your choice.........if I was you I'd shoot LWC, LSWC and not worry about wrecking them. Your children will enjoy those guns one day just as you will.

Thanks for the reply. I'm still learning my way around the forum. I really don't shoot any of these guns much. None of the blue guns have been fired in nearly ten years! Since buying my first AR (Windham), I've poured most of my money into rifle ammo. Three of the revolvers will live with me until I pass them on to my children. The pre-model 10 is not really a "keeper" for me. If I could sell it at a reasonable price, it would be gone. Around my area (central MS) revolvers don't move very well - everybody wants a .40 cal or 1911 clone. On the bright side, it costs me nothing for it to sit in my custom-made gun box (made of an old Winchester ammo box)! Maybe a collector will come along one day and offer my kids something good for it.

As for the +P ammo, I think I'll reserve that for practice with the 66, and buy a box of standard-load 158gr 38s for the others (in case SHTF).