14 MAR 08
Well, it’s done. I’ve successfully fired 1,022 rounds of +P .38 special through my M12-2 without blowing it, or me, up. In fact, it has been my experience that shooting +P through an M12 is more detrimental to the shooter then the M12. The test took a little over six months and required nine shooting sessions. Nine different types of +P ammo were used. Here’s a summary of cumulative round count by ammo type.
All rounds are +P unless otherwise noted:
Winchester 110 gr JHP –
35
Federal 125 gr Nyclad HP –
36
Georgia Arms 158 gr LSWCHP –
101
Winchester 125 gr JHP –
200
Remington/UMC 125 gr JHP –
200
Speer/Lawman 158 gr TMJ –
300
Speer LE 135 gr GDHP –
50
CCI Blazer 125 gr TMJ –
50
Federal Classic 125 gr JHP –
50
--------------------------------------------------
Total =
1022
For more details, check out
The Log on page 1, second entry.
Also, I was asked after the 72nd round to “mike” the frame window and measure the B/C gap. Here’s the measurements from
1 SEP 07:
Horizontal (TOP): 1.818”
Horizontal (BOT): 1.818” (one side measured .001-.002” less)
Vertical (F): 1.477”
Vertical (B): 1.477” (one side measured .001” less)
B/C gap: 0.007” (I could get the .008” feeler in if I pressed the cylinder back).
And here are the measurements 950 +P rounds later.
Horizontal (TOP): 1.817”
Horizontal (BOT): 1.817”
Vertical (F): 1.479”
Vertical (B): 1.478”
B/C gap: Same as before, 0.007” (I could get the .008” feeler in if I pressed the cylinder back).
While this test can be considered a “success,” I want you all to know that in the future, my model 12s will NOT be firing +P ammo. While I’m confident the M12s can handle it, the only reason I would want to use +P ammo is in a self defense gun. My current armory has plenty of factory-blessed +P rated revolvers that I would rather carry then any of my cherished M12s.
There you go….enjoy!!!!
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