Can I use 38spl +p in MOdel 37?

[Centex Bill]

I have a Model 37 S&W. Can I use 38 plus p ammo in this gun?

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Why bother? With the short barrel you’ll lose velocity and experience excessive blast and flash. You’d be better off using standard pressure loads or those designed for short barreled revolvers.

But to your question…you can shoot +P but it can accelerate wear.

 

[stansdds]

Given that the Model 37 has an aluminum frame, I would not make a habit of firing +P loads through it. Maybe 1 cylinder full for recoil familiarization and to determine point of impact, but otherwise, I think it is better to stick with standard pressure ammo. Since this is an Airweight, you may find that standard pressure ammo is the recoil limit for good control of the revolver during firing and for quick follow up shots.

 

[AJ]

Given that the Model 37 has an aluminum frame, I would not make a habit of firing +P loads through it. Maybe 1 cylinder full for recoil familiarization and to determine point of impact, but otherwise, I think it is better to stick with standard pressure ammo. Since this is an Airweight, you may find that standard pressure ammo is the recoil limit for good control of the revolver during firing and for quick follow up shots.

What he said! One cylinder to figure out where it hits & to get a feel for the recoil. Then only as carry ammo. Why beat up the yourself and especially the revolver. Airweights meant to be carried and not shot a lot.

 

[Pisgah]

Yes, you can. Will it accelerate wear of your revolver? Yes, to a degree. If you get 10,000 rounds out of a Model 36, you will likely see no more than 8500 through your 37 before it needs a tune-up.

 

[sigp220.45]

Yes, you certainly can. Most +P ammo is just not that hot.

 

[jaguargolf]

Yes.
Smith and Wesson told me if it has a model number +p ammunition is OK to use.

 

[Brian Parrish]

Mas Ayoob

Here is what Ayoob says about it:
"Over the years, I’ve shot my Airweight J-Frames a lot with the hot +P ammo I carry in them. I’ve had a Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight from the 1970s rebuilt at least twice, once as a direct result of two boxes of Federal .38 Special +P+ ammo that stretched the aluminum frame’s cylinder window to the point where excessive headspace was causing misfires. As time went on, S&W incrementally strengthened its J-Frames. An early 1990s production Model 442 Airweight made it through 15 years of regular qualifications with +P ammo. Then it went in for re-timing."

You will enjoy the full article, I think. Dated February of 2018.
M&P340 Review: Mas Ayoob Examines His Go-To Backup Gun - Athlon Outdoors

 

[ruger 22]

Yes you can.

 

[DWalt]

My opinion is that +P is more an advertising gimmick than anything else.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

There are some who insist that the .38 Special of many years ago was downloaded due to older and weaker revolvers and newer aluminum framed revolvers...and eventually the downloaded .38 Special became the norm. They also insist that he +P is merely ammunition loaded up to the original .38 Special specs.

I don't know the truth of that but some old timers insist that's the way it is. The best I can say is go by what the manufacturer says is safe for the gun.

I would not recommend using .38 Special +P+ in any revolver chambered for for .38 Special...it simply puts too much stress on the gun. I've seen photos of aluminum frame revolver with blown off top straps and other damage from shooting +P+ ammo through them. Reserve that for .357 chambered guns.

 

[sigp220.45]

I used to qualify every quarter with a Model 36 and +P+ 147 grain Hydra Shoks. How a 147 grain bullet at 950 fps rates any kind of caution is beyond me. Some followed me into retirement and I finally shot it up, including in my two Model 12s.