model 38 airweight

[BigJohn]

My father-in-law has a model 38 made around 1982. This has been probably asked before but is it safe to fire +ps through it? I would think that it would be okay as long as it is not a steady diet but I am curious. Can anyone give me a hand?

 

[BigJohn]

My father-in-law has a model 38 made around 1982. This has been probably asked before but is it safe to fire +ps through it? I would think that it would be okay as long as it is not a steady diet but I am curious. Can anyone give me a hand?

 

[augy]

I don't know the answer, but if it was mine, I wouldn't.

No sense in risking damage to a fine little gun.

augy

 

[das]

Me neither.

 

[qballwill]

I wouldnt either, I had one about the same vintage that didnt have any +Ps through it and very few rounds altogether. The frame around and under the barrel cracked.from minimal use. The 38s are wonderful guns so I wouldnt chance it.

 

[BigJohn]

Thanks. He has never fired +P thru the weapon and I was just checking. Would the buffalo bore non +P round be oKay?

 

[winchester1]

BigJohn,
I would keep everything on the light side just to play it safe. I only shoot handloads with lead bullets and light charges out of my model 38.

 

[dick44]

Big John
I bought my model 38 on 12/94
I only shoot the Fed 125 nyclads
in it. Very acc. one hole 10 to 15
yards!

dick44

 

[dewidmt]

I had one made in 1980. Shoot only standard loads in it, there are plenty to choose from. I have no experience with the new Buffalo Bore rounds.

 

[coach22]

Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158's.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#standard38

 

[BigJohn]

Thanks for all the info. I will tell him to stick to standard loads in it.

 

[Andy Taylor]

I carry standard presure Federal Nyclads in mine. Federal has just re-intruduced them. I will soon be picking up some fresh carry ammo and will finally shoot up the old stuff.

 

[KyJim]

I actually carry my Model 38 a fair amount (pocket carry). For general plinking and paper punching, I usually should 158 gr Lead Round Nose or the 148 gr Wadcutters. For carry, the Buffalo Bores are fine.

 

[deanodog]

For practice I like the wadcutters. In a state of emergencies anything goes.

 

[Hoot]

BigJohn, I have two M38s, and each has digested over 300 rounds of Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 38 Special +P 135 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point, along with a bunch of lighter loads, over the years. I've never had a problem with either gun.

It ain't fun to shoot though.

FWIW

 

[BigJohn]

Hoot, what type of grips are you using? Just interested for reference.

 

[Hoot]

BigJohn, I've got the CTC Laser grips on mine. The cheaper one (the only one they made back when I got them) now called the 105. Hard plastic. I haven't been able to get hold of the 405 which has the rubber over the backstrap, and should be much more comfortable. I'm not sure how well the rubber comes out of a pocket, so I'm leery of buying them until I can get hand's on experience.

Note the +P .38 is a handful, but I don't shoot it much any more, just now and again to make sure I can hit what I point at.

 

[BigJohn]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it

 

[Sebring Pop]

I have a model 37 and have put +P's thru it without a problem but a little tough to keep control, I prefer a lighter load.