Questions about frame strengh.

[Doc Mark]

Greetings, All,

As I've been fondling my new 642-2, and comparing it to a few other J-frame pistols I own, I was struck by the fact that the new airweight Smiths are rated for +P use, whilst the older guns, even the all steel ones like my M60-3, are not rated for those loads. Hummmm....????? Just trying to use common sense, it would seem to me that the all steel guns could handle +P even better than the aluminum-framed guns, even though aircraft grade frames are very tough, indeed. Why doesn't S&W recommend +P loads for the all steel J-frame guns, like my 60-3? Thanks for any comments you can make on this.

By the way, whilst comparing the J-frames, I also dug out my stainless steel Ruger Speed Six, the first small .357 I ever bought, and was once again struck by how wonderful that pistol actually is! Perfect balance, at least in my hands, and the trigger is smooth and crisp, all of which has made that gun a very accurate and wonderful shooter. Loud as hades, though!! If I wanted to carry a small .357, I'd go to the SS without a second thought, as it's shot countless rounds since I bought it, and is still just as tight as the day I picked it up, and still just as accurate, too. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[Old cop]

All of my alloy frame J's are older and not +P rated, some dating back to the early '60's. I shoot standard pressure loads for practice w/a cylinder full of +P a couple of times a year. All still work fine so I'm not sure why S&W does what it does. I carry only +P and don't really care if I have to use it for self defense and it gets damaged. The gun will probably be in police evidence forever and I'll just pull one of the other J's into service.

I'm not sure if I've addressed your questions, but you can carry S&W J's with confidence.

 

[-db-]

Someone will come along with more details, but I believe at some point S&W changed the basic J-frame to a "Magnum frame" which included changing the cylinder window to allow for a .357 Magnum cylinder along with other changes and hence was born the +P-rated (or .357 Mag. if so designated) J-frame.