+P question

[Kenny D]

I had a model 10-6 with the heavy 4 inch barrel. Just for kicks, got some +P. Put 2 rounds in the cylinder with 4 regular rounds. I could tell when the +P fired as it was considerably louder but that was all. Never tried it in my much older revolvers as I only shoot wad cutters at paper with them.

 

[Muley Gil]

Has anyone fired any +P ammo through a converted BSR Victory that has been chopped and reamed?

 

[larryofcc]

Big L,

I hope I'm still throwing lead around if'n I reach 76.

Semper Fi,

Just Dale

USMC Active '89-'94

Thank you for your service to our country. Oorah, and Semper Fi to you too. Big Larry, also the Son of a Marine (1936-1957).

 

[Texas Star]

Art Doc and I have had some differing opinions about this matter. He posted above that Model-marked S&W's have no changes from pre Model-marked guns.


In 1960, famed holster maker Chic Gaylord noted in his, Handgunner's Guide that a S&W factory official had assured him that the Model 10-6 and presumably other K-frame .38 Specials were being made of a new and stronger steel and that the guns were stronger!

Gaylord was an advocate of Colt's Official Police, which was larger and had better metallurgy than S&W guns, so he felt this was important new information and included it in his book!

This jives perfectly with the factory's admonition to fire Plus P in STEEL framed guns with model markings, post 1958.

Now, the METHOD of measuring velocity has changed and this has led some shortsighted and uninformed persons to think the ammo was weakened. The reason for different figures published is that ammo is now fired in four-inch vented barrels, not in longer solid breeched pressure guns. So, velocities look slower on paper.

And what do we mean by Plus P? Buffalo Bore and Underwood offer significantly hotter Plus P than do most makers. I think it's folly to shoot those hot rounds in guns made before cylinders were heat treated after very late 1919. Actually, I'm not comfortable firing it in any S&W .38 made prior to 1958 when model markings appeared. And I'd use it sparingly when needed in modern guns. They'll last longer without repairs that way.

 

[Texas Star]

I had a model 10-6 with the heavy 4 inch barrel. Just for kicks, got some +P. Put 2 rounds in the cylinder with 4 regular rounds. I could tell when the +P fired as it was considerably louder but that was all. Never tried it in my much older revolvers as I only shoot wad cutters at paper with them.

Fine, but shooting at paper is not the arena in which Plus P ammo is intended to perform!

Shooting at flesh and blood animate targets takes more than "paper power" to deliver best results.

 

[Art Doc]

He discussed the 10-6 in a 1960 publication?

 

[Alpo]

Alpo, is your 2" pre-war a pre Victory without the barrel lug or does it have a barrel lug that engages the end of the ejector rod when the cylinder is closed? If no barrel lug, I would only fire standard 158 grain round nose lead or 148 grain wadcutter out of it.

I thought that quote would qualify as my 10 characters but apparently not.

 

[Alpo]

Model stamped, steel frame.

Ah. I was reading that as ALL MODELS OF STAMPED-STEEL K FRAMES, instead of ALL MODEL-STAMPED STEEL K FRAMES.


That does make a difference.

 

[Texas Star]

He discussed the 10-6 in a 1960 publication?

I don't think he said 10-6. He was discussing the heavy-barreled M&P. Most of us call it the Model 10-6 now.

The heavy barrel was fairly new then. He did show a photo.

 

[Art Doc]

I don't think he said 10-6. He was discussing the heavy-barreled M&P. Most of us call it the Model 10-6 now.

The heavy barrel was fairly new then. He did show a photo.

"In 1960, famed holster maker Chic Gaylord noted in his, Handgunner's Guide that a S&W factory official had assured him that the Model 10-6 and presumably other K-frame .38 Specials were being made of a new and stronger steel and that the guns were stronger!"

Looks like he said 10-6 to me. With regards to better steel, perhaps he was referring to the 357 Magnum 10-6? Of course, this still couldn't have happened in 1960. I have never heard of new and improved steel for the 38s in the late 1950s and frankly I doubt it happened. The quote says "presumably" and I think that's a false presumption.

 

[petemacmahon]

.......................
And what do we mean by Plus P? Buffalo Bore and Underwood offer significantly hotter Plus P than do most makers. I think it's folly to shoot those hot rounds in guns made before cylinders were heat treated after very late 1919. Actually, I'm not comfortable firing it in any S&W .38 made prior to 1958 when model markings appeared. And I'd use it sparingly when needed in modern guns. They'll last longer without repairs that way.

Yup. I carry the Buffalo Bore's 158 grain LSWC HPs +P in my model stamped K frame 38s. But I don't routinely shoot +Ps at the range, just 158 grain regular loadings.