How much +P is okay in a 2" Model 36?

[NavyFan]

Just wondering. Bought a 36 and will be using mostly CCI Blazer for practice, but most of the JHP I've found is +P. Is this okay to use when I carry, since I won't be shooting it much, if any? (At least I hope I never have to use it.) I would like to practice a little bit with it, though, if that will be my carry ammo.

Thanks for any help/advice,

NavyFan

 

[NavyFan]

Just wondering. Bought a 36 and will be using mostly CCI Blazer for practice, but most of the JHP I've found is +P. Is this okay to use when I carry, since I won't be shooting it much, if any? (At least I hope I never have to use it.) I would like to practice a little bit with it, though, if that will be my carry ammo.

Thanks for any help/advice,

NavyFan

 

[photoman]

Can't really answer the question until the damage is done. Could be 10, could be 10,000.

The probability of you damaging your gun with a few +P loads is very low. Do consider some of the standard pressure loads that Buffalo Bore offers instead. The #20C load has a 158gr LHP going 850fps which would be a fine self defense load.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

My wife has been carrying her M36 for 32 years now. First as a BUG, then as a primary for 22 years as a detective. Dept regs specify the 158grSWCHP +P load. She is allowed to use the same load in non +P for quals, but has been using the +P for 29 years for everything. She shoots 200 rounds year quals for regular, and for the same time has been required to qualify with both primary and BUG monthly as she is SWAT (talker). Every so often we go to our club range and she goes through about 100 more rounds of +P(she isn't too big so she figures she better be able to shoot straight).
She has at least 10,000 rounds through the M36. 5 years ago i sent it back to Smith for a action job and refinish as a present. It needed no extra service(I made a point of asking), no stretching, battering or anything. Now that particular "FBI load" is not particularly punishing in terms of pressure, but it is pushing a heavy slug at respectable speeds, and it most definitely is rated +P for a reason. I suspect the steel J frames can take a lot more punishment that most folks think.

 

[smith17]

AK:
Great answer.
Ed

 

[NavyFan]

Thanks for the replies, guys. It's hard to imagine putting 10k rounds through this pistol!

 

[Erich]

It's like "how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop?" I've been shooting +P through my 36s pretty often for a while, and they're happy as clams. Elmer thought the 36 was a mighty strong revolver, and I agree.

 

[Firehouse]

For what it matters, I concur as well. I have spoken to S&W folks on the phone about this topic and I was told the M36 would handle +P without any trouble so long as it's kept clean and properly lubricated at regular intervals.

 

[perpster]

I have a mid 1980's 36 that S&W told me can eat a steady +P diet as much as it wants.

 

[MaineProbation]

Don't worry about it. In some respects, the 5 shot J frames are actually stronger than 6 shot K frames (look where the cylinder stop cuts are in a J frame 5 shot .38 and then look where they are in a K frame 6 shot .38). Also, the smaller mass of the 5 shot cylinder puts less stress on the cylinder stop than in the 6 shot cylinder which is a greater mass and thus puts more stress on a cylinder stop which is basically the same size. Barrel configuration at the forcing cone is basically the same. I have seen plenty of Model 36's, Model 60's, etc. which have fired tens of thousands of roundswith 158 grain service, +P's at 110, 125 and 158, etc. They generally hold up ever better than the K frames.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

I have both a snubbie M36 and M60. I haven't used +P and don't plan on it.

Like others have said here, it's probably OK? Who knows?

I just think that shot placement is far more important than power.

I plan to stay with the regular 125 gr. JHP for now. If I need more power, I'll used a Ruger SP101 in .357.