otis24
Member
I have a 1971 vintage 3inch model 36. Is it safe/advisable to use +P 38 Special ammunition?
I have a 1971 vintage 3inch model 36. Is it safe/advisable to use +P 38 Special ammunition?
--is +P really needed?
Let me clarify my previous remarks above. Note this is not a correction and everything I said is correct!
There is no reason to shoot .38 +P all the time! For several reasons, increased wear on the gun, and your self from additional recoil, especially if you intend to shoot hundreds of rounds a month. Then use standard pressure ammunition mostly with occasional +P and for familiarization and carry ammunition.
This is the same as the Model 19 Combat Magnum. Bill Jordan proposed building a K Frame revolver similar to the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece only strengthened enough so it could withstand moderate use of .357 Magnum ammunition. His intent was that most shooting would be done with .38 Special loads and the 357 Magnum would be used by law enforcement officers to carry in their duty weapons in the event the extra power was needed.
The big question, and your decision, should be based on what are you comfortable with. Unless you load your own ammunition the other consideration is ammunition cost! You will certainly save money by using mostly non-+P ammunition in your gun!
Everything wears out, and guns are no exception. Constant use of +P will just make the gun wear out a little faster, but will not cause catastrophic failure.
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There is no reason to shoot .38 +P all the time! For several reasons, increased wear on the gun, and your self from additional recoil, especially if you intend to shoot hundreds of rounds a month. Then use standard pressure ammunition mostly with occasional +P and for familiarization and carry ammunition.
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