I am new here and asked this question in the intro. section but no help; so I thought I would give it a shot in the revolver section. I have a S&W Airweight 38 SPL that has a 1 & 7/8" barrel. I was hoping someone could give me some info. I think it is a model 37; when the cylinder is out the # "mod37" is visibly stenciled on the frame. The number 34371 is on the cylinder hinge and # 29J*** is stamped on the bottom of the handle. I've heard conflicting stories concerning the use of +P loads...is it a good idea or not? Thanks again.
38 SPL CTG
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diamonback68
US Veteran
It's a model 37 airweight. The other numbers and letters are of no use once the gun leaves the factory.
Serial number 29JXXX was from the what we call the "floating J" period of 1971-1972.
I would not shoot +P ammo in an airweight, it will prematurely shorten the life of the gun and you won't like the way it hurts your hand either. If you want to shoot +P or .357 Mag, buy a heavier gun.
Serial number 29JXXX was from the what we call the "floating J" period of 1971-1972.
I would not shoot +P ammo in an airweight, it will prematurely shorten the life of the gun and you won't like the way it hurts your hand either. If you want to shoot +P or .357 Mag, buy a heavier gun.
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Thank you and much abliged;..I got a feeling I am really going to enjoy visiting this site.
diamonback68
US Veteran
Ragnar, don't get me wrong, you can load it with Plus P for CCW and you will not hurt the gun and you won't hear the "bang" or notice the pain in a hit the fan situation. I would practice with standard pressure .38SPL though.
LOL Ok db. I have practiced before with "standard pressure" range ammo and have to say that little gun is not nearly as much fun as with my Glock or H&K.
Snobal
Member
I carry a 638 airweight and it ain't no fun to shoot. Only carry it because it disappears into my jeans pocket year-around.
On the other hand, I have a 3" SP101 that is a hoot to shoot --- but a tad heavy for daily CCW.
My old loading manuals caution against loading anything above basic .38 special in an alloy-frame S&W.
JMHO - YRMV
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Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
+P is loaded below maximum allowable pressures. It will not harm a quality gun and any increase in wear is so minimal that it is insignificant.
Practicing with lighter ammo than what you actually carry, on the other hand, is very dangerous. Can get you killed.
Practicing with lighter ammo than what you actually carry, on the other hand, is very dangerous. Can get you killed.
diamonback68
US Veteran
Sorry Dr. Pig, I don't agree with you.
I can shoot either with equal accuracy and see no difference, nor would I in a defensive situation. My reaction time and movements and POA and POI would be the same regardless of what ammo is in my weapon, trust me, I've proved it. Several hundred thousand people in this country do exactly the same thing and will disagree with you too. What evidence do you have that anyone has ever practiced with standard pressure ammo and carried +P and were killed as the result of it?
I somewhat agree that +P ammo won't harm the gun that much with limited us, but will over time with extended use. Your car is probably capable of 110 MPH, but don't you think it will wear out in no time if you drove that way all the time? If you doubt me watch NASCAR.
I guess I will never understand the need to hotrod a gun when there is always one bigger and stronger for that intended purpose.
Just my $.02 worth.
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armsmaster270
US Veteran
I have to agree it is not a hard and fast rule it depends on the shooter. Many P.D.'s did it.
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I agree with this.
Sadly, SP is also correct. An excellent book and case study when the use of light loads in practice and standard loads on duty had tragic, and nearly historic, consequences.
Drama at Blair House: the attempted assassination of Harry Truman - page 3 | American Handgunner
Major Wader
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This can easily be remedied by training.
All guns that we carry for defense have their sights set to be point of aim with defensive ammo. When we practice with lighter rounds, we shoot for group size, not necessarily point of aim. This builds proficiency, without sacrificing pinpoint accuracy with the defensive ammo.
I will say though, that at 7 yards, the difference is usually small. With my primary carry weapon, a Ruger LCR, there is almost no difference in point of impact. Less than an inch, in fact.
All guns that we carry for defense have their sights set to be point of aim with defensive ammo. When we practice with lighter rounds, we shoot for group size, not necessarily point of aim. This builds proficiency, without sacrificing pinpoint accuracy with the defensive ammo.
I will say though, that at 7 yards, the difference is usually small. With my primary carry weapon, a Ruger LCR, there is almost no difference in point of impact. Less than an inch, in fact.
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