+P in Model 36

[edward hogan]

Always a good topic. Still have that Speer #12 book with the cow's skull. Those loads are a wonder!

 

[max503]

I have shot a box of aluminum cased Blazer 158g LHP +p in my older 36 and it does not appear to have done it any harm.

 

[rockquarry]

Always a good topic. Still have that Speer #12 book with the cow's skull. Those loads are a wonder!

Which loads are you referring to?

 

[sigp220.45]

Don't equate the small size of a Model 36 with weakness. Take a look at that cylinder with the bolt notches between the chambers and the barely-there forcing cone. They are strong little guns and you'll probably die of advanced carpal tunnel before the gun breaks.

But, since the OP asked this question 5 months ago and hasn't been back I guess it doesn't really matter.

 

[dogdoc]

+ps ammo is 2500 psi more than regular. Do you really think the gun integrity is that close to the margin? It may wear faster but I doubt it will self destruct. If it does self destruct then I think all the 36s are unsafe. Of course Smith is not or nor an individual including me is going to recommend +p ammo. You have to make your own decision. The safety Karin's will have there say no doubt

 

[crstrode]

Your revolver, made around 1969, is from a time when there was not standard and +P commercial ammo. They were essentily all +P

 

[chief38]

Would I shoot +P all day long? No-but most peoples hand and wallet won't let you. Use the +P as SD ammo and practices with regular standard ammo. +P is about 10% faster and your S&W revolvers have way more built in strength than that. Excessive use of +P might cause some premature wear and slop but your revolver will not blow up.

 

[Pisgah]

I challenge anyone to destroy a model 36 with +P ammo. It can be done, eventually, but 'most everyone reading this will be dead by the time it breaks ...

 

[Detmongo]

I have a square butt 36 that was given to me by an old timer when I was a rookie cop in 1985,as an avid hand loader that gun has gone over 50,000 rds . Through the years. Now before anyone asks it was rebuilt twice by the department gunsmiths. I still have it and it is as tight as new. I have roughly 1800 rds through it since the last rebuild.

 

[photoman]

Is it safe to fire .38 Special +P in an early 1969 model 36?

To simply answer the question... yes.

 

[JP@AK]

I guess it is time to trot this out again.

 

[GF]

Plus pee threads make me think of absent comrade Saxon Pig!
He was a hoot on this topic.

He'd post a picture of a nuclear bomb blast.

 

[murphydog]

Since this is one of many threads on this topic that refuse to die, and just in case the OP is still here 5+ months after his one and only post:

I think we are talking about at least two different questions here. I have fired more than a few "+ P" rated .38 Specials out of several J frames, including pre J Magnum Airweights with absolutely no ill effects, except for the occasional hit on the paper target . So, the answer to "is it safe to fire .38 Special + P in 'my' (low round count, structurally sound, lovingly maintained) J frame, the answer is a resounding yes.

So now put yourself in a situation, say as an S & W customer service representative, and you get the same question over the phone. You can't see the gun, don't know it's history, or what + P round the caller is intending to use ("minus P" weak factory stuff, or full strength Buffalo Bore).

So you've got to ask yourself one question; do you feel lucky?

 

[pasound]

Steel j-frames will handle +P without a problem. Just don't use them all the time. If you don't have Pacs or Hogues on the gun, they can bite. My main SD carry load is Winchester Silvertip 110Gr JHP. Not +P. Trusted them for years, and I know where to hold the sights on my j's to hit where I aim. For serious work, 158Gr LSWCHP FBI loads are in my bedroom and front door revolvers.