Is it okay to run +P loads on a 38 special S&W?

[mldollins]

My dad was a LEO and he is getting ready to give me his old service revolver. It is a smith wesson 38 special snub. It is about 50 years old. Is it safe to run +P loads through. He is concerned about the age of it even though it hasn't had more than 50 shots through it. Actually it was his backup.

thanks

[dok]

I've been told that you should NOT shoot +p through older .38s. Newer ones should be OK, but should double check the manual. If the manual doesn't mention +p, it probably fits into the "older .38" crowd that you should not shoot +p ammo through.

Not sure if this is fact or Internet gossip but hopefully that helps..I wouldn't just to be safe.

[FreightTrain]

do a search on yahoo for the make and model number and read the "From Wikipedia " link for that gun. It will explain exactly what loads you can use

[FlatlinesUp]

or even better look at the owners manual

very few guns are rated from the factory to run +p's

If you want a .357, get a .357

[Bearfootfarm]

If its a "J" Frame, I would NOT use +P loads

[VERN in IL]

J frames are crap, normal loads will crack them over time.

[anniew]

what's a "J" frame?

[John Carter]

its a small frame 5 shot belly gun .
Dont shoot the p load without checking. The barrel should be marked for the maximum bullet it can take.
I agree dont shoot a p in the j frame.

[Bearfootfarm]

Originally Posted by anniew

what's a "J" frame?

S&W designates the different frame sizes with letters, with "J" being the smallest they make.

They currently make sizes J, K, L and N, smallest to largest

[Drizler]

Get yourself some RBCD or Glaser rounds for self defense, evern some Winchester Silvertips in regular .38 Special. Those will do the deed if push comes to shove when it comes to human critters and not go through the target and hit someone else. As for in the woods you could carry some +p's in it in bear country as a last ditch defense. I doubt it would hurt your gun if you "had to" fire a few through it though a 38 is always too wimpy for a bear defense gun. I wouldn't fire any of the hot stuff through it just for fun though as it will likely make it an old loose real quick. With the glaser or RBCD it should be as good as it will get for it's intended purpose as a "belly gun".

[kandmcockrell]

I would say no. Unless the gun manual says so. I have a 38 special and it says to not use +P. Of course, that is some of the only 38 ammo i can locate half the time.