S&W Model 36 3" Rated for +P .38 Special?

[John Banks]

Hello, everyone. I plan to soon purchase a Smith & Wesson Model 36 3" for concealed carry. Of course, I don't plan on feeding it a steady diet of +P ammunition, but I am curious as to if the gun is rated for +P ammunition. Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[Pisgah]

S&W's general position is that guns with a Model number are OK for +P. Elmer Keith fired hundreds of .38-44 Heavy Duty loads in an early Chief's Special (the Model 36, before being given a number) with no ill effects, and those loads were a LOT more powerful than any +P load nowadays, closer to the .357 Magnum.

As usual, the caveat is that shooting +P excessively will cause accelerated wear, but occasional use of it won't hurt a thing.

 

[John Banks]

Thanks, friend! I appreciate the reply, and the great piece of advice.

 

[dr. mordo]

I wouldn't worry about it at all if you are shooting modern factory bought +P.

Note that modern +P is comparable to older non +P ammo. 38 SPL +P 40 years ago was comparable to low power 357 magnum. The 38 SPL cartridge has been watered down quite a bit over the years.

 

[LPD256]

John-I sometimes carry a newer Model 60 Pro with a three inch slab-sided barrel. I like the factory wood grips. It is chambered for .357 so +P would be fine. It has a night sight on the front. I just bought a second one, lightly used in the box from a friend for $450. I think his wife shot about 5 rounds of .357 and decided it wasn’t for her. It’s a great shooter with .38 Special, is lightweight to carry and my opinion is it is a nice looking gun. And it is more accurately shot than my 2 inch, although I’m more of a sucker for blue guns. This is a utility tool for carry.....

 

[Retired Cop]

The steel framed older model 36 can handle +P ammo but, not a steady diet of them.