Per the Shield owners manual, +P is ok, +P+ not advised
Plus-P (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of the pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such pressures may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the margin of safe- ty. Use of “Plus-P” ammunition may result in the need for more frequent service.
Plus-P-Plus (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith & Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates that it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore such ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated and could be DANGEROUS.
I've put +p+ through my Shield with no problems. Just don't get use to placing +p+ in it and you should be fine.
I am not too sure about who endorses +P+ or not, but I have a Smith & Wesson model 640 no lock, & no dash 38 special that came from the factory with "Tested for +P+" inside the square area where the cylinder locks in place.
It would appear that S&W endorses or at least tested this firearm for +P+ rounds. Anyone have any ideas? I have never seen this on any other smith & wesson product myself, but it may be something that was common at one time. If no one believes me, I can post photos.![]()
Well, maybe, maybe not.
The problem is that there is no specified pressure limit for +P+, and each manufacturer chooses how to load it. Some +P+ is barely over +P, some is WAY over and dangerous in many guns.
So without knowing exactly what load you shot, it is impossible to know what the pressure was, or whether other +P+ loads are higher pressure.
I have been using the same ammo over the course of 2 or so years
I've put +p+ through my Shield with no problems. Just don't get use to placing +p+ in it and you should be fine.
What is it, the Winchester "police" loads? They're commonly available, and far from the hottest made.
In this case, positive annecdotal evidence is just about useless. It would be like saying "I smoked cigarettes for 50 years and I don't have cancer". Guns, like people are individuals and unique. Just because one person has done something successfully doesn't mean everyone will or should try.
Frankly, IMHO, the risks outweigh the benefit, in this case.
Does the factory advise if you can shoot +P+ from the new shield?
I don't get it. Why would anyone have such a desire to use ammo not recommended for your weapon. Why question, just don't use it and you won't have to worry about it, or even bother asking the question. Can anyone clue me in to something I am obviously missing here?
The 9mm issued by my Dept is the winchester +P+ 127gr. Just want to know if the gun will handle it I will not give it a steady diet of this practice with 115gr.