Winchester Ranger

[CCantu357]

I know this sounds like silly question but I am about to buy some new Winchester Ranger .38 +p+ and some other calibers as well. I do notice that it does say LE only on the box. I know this does not mean its illegal to own or shoot, but I do plan to use these as self defense ammo. Would that statement on the box cause any legal issues in a self defense/home defense situation? Thanks.

 

[Steve C]

A justified shooting is good shooting regardless of the type of ammo used. The only time the type of ammo may be brought into question is regarding your intent and that requires a lot of interpretation by jurors and prosecution. If you shoot an unknown to you ex fellon that breaks into your house and assaults you that's one thing. Shoot someone where a motive other than self defense could reasonably be inferred and the ammo type could be used against you.

If you plan on shooting +P+ LEO ammo make sure your gun will hold up to at least a limited amount of shooting such high pressure ammo. Personally I'd stick to using in revolvers chambered for the .357 mag. YOu are using this ammo at your own risk and voiding any warranty by doing so. If it shakes your gun loose out of time or stretches the frame you are going to be out the money to repair or replace the handgun on your own.

 

[CoMF]

I'll loosely paraphrase what a man who I have a world of respect for told me when I asked him that same exact question: It's the same ammo used by law enforcement professionals. No more, no less. It's not any more inherently "evil" or "deadly" than any ammunition you can purchase at a sporting goods store. If anything, it's high quality ammo meant to perform to more stringent standards.


I'll also share an experience I had a while back when my vehicle got totalled by another vehicle that ran a stop sign and I had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Since I didn't want to leave my handgun in the vehicle and I couldn't bring it with me, I handed it to the responding State Trooper for safe keeping. At the time, it was loaded with Winchester Ranger RA9T rounds. I experienced no suspicion or doubt from the Sergeant on duty when I came to collect it after the accident, and I'm sure they noticed what ammo was in the chamber and magazine.

 

[The Sarge]

Think of it this way. If the ammo is good enough to protect the police and the citizens entrusted to them, it is good enough to protect me and my family. Use that statement if needed. Bill

 

[CCantu357]

I plan to use only for SD in my Model 19 so it should not be an issue on the gun. Just wanted to check and make sure I was not going to be opening a pandora's box of legal issues. Thanks for the relevant answers. Questions like this on other forums always lead into a gun rights debate that is four pages long and does not help me out one bit!

 

[Kanewpadle]

I plan to use only for SD in my Model 19 so it should not be an issue on the gun. Just wanted to check and make sure I was not going to be opening a pandora's box of legal issues. Thanks for the relevant answers. Questions like this on other forums always lead into a gun rights debate that is four pages long and does not help me out one bit!

If your using a mod 19, why not use 357 loads?

 

[CCantu357]

If your using a mod 19, why not use 357 loads?

Well for one I prefer a hot .38 for home defense rather than the full blast of a .357. I practice a lot more with hot 38s and feel more comfortable with that as my SD load then a round I do not shoot a lot of. I save my .357 rounds for outdoor activities.

 

[Aksarben]

If memory serves me, the model 19 is a K frame, a firearm meant for .38 spcl. A model 29 is the N frame and comes in .357 and is more robust. N frames are also used for the .41 and .44 Remington Magnum. I had a .44 Rem. Magnum years ago.

I would avoid using the 19 with +P+ if it were my revolver. They made it to accept .38 special and .357 magnum for duty/carry and it will get buy.

 

[Doug M.]

This will not create legal problems. It is a marketing/internal restriction only and has no meaning at all.

 

[Texas Star]

I discourage Plus P Plus for another reason. I was warned by S&W reps when the L-frame guns came out that one reason why they were needed is that Plus P lus and hot 125 grain .357 loads were shaking loose K-frame Magnums. They were consideraly more abusive than full .357 ammo with 158 grain bullets.


This ammo was never released to the public via normal channels, and just what was in it varied with the departmental order. Departments that ordered it had to sign waivers that it was going to cause early wear on guns.


The sole reason it existed was that police chiefs in some liberal cities were afraid to issue .357 loads, but wanted .357 performance.


If I was you, I'd avoid Plus P Plus ammo. It'd be about as loud as real .357 ammo indoors, anyway, and wears guns badly.

 

[tll]

Run a couple of cylinders full to see how you like it.
Feel comfortable at night with the +p+. Chances are very high that you will never need to use them and the low round count will not harm that M19.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[crazyphil]

Law Enforcement Only is Winchester's "suggestion".
It has no force in any one elses law.
Exclusivity is a good marketing tool.
It's a good load, but there are lots of others just as good, or better.
Rangers are rated +P+ so I would be cautious about what gun I
put them in.