ammo model 10 .38 special

[Providence]

Hey all,

I have a 1972 model 10 m&p 38 special. Can I shoot +P ammo in it? Up until now, I haven't because I don't want to damage the gun. Then I thought, "Why not ask?" So I am!

Thanks!

 

[Pisgah]

Go for it. You'll wear out before it does.

 

[Erich]

For the only "official" answer about your gun, call S&W and have your serial number available. However, in my experienced opinion, you will not in any way by shooting SAAMI spec .38 Special +P ammo though it.

cheers, erich

 

[Providence]

Go for it. You'll wear out before it does.

Really? That really opens up my options when I look at self defense rounds. I don't mind target shooting with plinking ammo, but I would like something with stopping power... if I ever need it.

 

[murphydog]

The official word from the factory is any model-stamped steel frame .38 is fine for factory +P. Others here have shown no ill effects from using +P in guns as far back as 1930.

 

[Providence]

Thanks guys!

 

[38-44HD45]

I'm fairly certain that the loads I used to keep in my old 10-5, my first centerfire handgun, were well above +P levels. I was running Speer 140 gr. JHPs on top of a max. load of 2400 from the +P section of the old Speer#8 manual. I shot a few thousand of them, and the gun is still tight.

 

[Hunt200]

The official word from the factory is any model-stamped steel frame .38 is fine for factory +P. Others here have shown no ill effects from using +P in guns as far back as 1930.

Well now that all depends who you ask, way back in the day when I was a newbie, I emailed them and asked if it was safe to use +Ps in a M60. The reply email I received said the following:

Dom,

No.

Regards, Paul

So you see it all depends on who you ask.

 

[stiab]

As you can see here, S&W says it is OK...

 

[Providence]

Thanks! I have a question about the chart. What is the warning on page 7?

 

[Gene K]

My Father's old 10-6 is even older than yours. Ive put at least 1500 rounds of +P 158 SWC-HP through it in the last three decades. It still locks up tight.

 

[Providence]

Thanks, Gene!