+P in Very Old .38 Specials

[IamOzzy]

I see a lot of used .38 Specials in shops. Recently, I saw a S&W .38 special that was produced circa the late 1930's. Are models that old capable of firing modern +P ammo at all? If not, what would be the cutoff decade? The 1980's? Early 1990's?

[pennlineman]

Avoid +P ammo in older S&W's. Only model numbered S&W's are rated for it. They began using model numbers in 1957.

ETA: This does not apply to all J frames.

[knight0334]

The only S&W handguns that I'd fire .38+P in are the later production proofed, or any .38-44HV or .357Mag revolver.

[Raystown]

Not a good idea for sure.

[Dave_n]

I have a number of M&P revolvers dating from 1904 onwards. As mentioned above, any (other than 0.357s) made before the early 1980s would not be exposed to 0.38+P and I would be somewhat careful with K frame 0.357s even today. If you have 158 grain heads running around 900fps then OK, but if you use the 125 grain load, a diet of these will tend to split the forcing cone on K-frames. The old FBI load is perfectly adequate in 0.38 Special, why go higher? Dave_n

[Cyclops]

Only if you have a strong death wish! You would be unlikely to kill yourself while losing a few fingers or their use, but any perp would get a lot of unopposed shots if you fry or explode your barrel.

[pennlineman]

This thread is a classic example of internet wife's tales that if told convincingly time and time again then it must be true.

Here is pamphlet that came with my 640.

DSC_0253 (2).jpg

Within that pamphlet is the truth, from the source, S&W the use of +P ammo in their older revolvers.

DSC_0252 (2).JPG

K frames never had an issue of splitting the forcing cones with any sort of .38 special ammo. The damage was done with 125 grain or less bullets propelled from .357 magnum cases in the model 19. Some believe the jackets on these bullets was the problem since the model was designed when lead bullet

So, to answer the OP question. +P is unsafe in K frame made prior to 1958. After that it is OK. S&W cautions that this may accelerate wear but this would be true of firing hotter loads in just about any firearm.

[abner13]

All I can say is I've never seen a pre-war or pre-model numbered S&W or Colt .38 Special cylinder have a catastrophic failure using factory-loaded +P ammo.

[Grey Bearded One]

Avoid +P ammo in older S&W's. Only model numbered S&W's are rated for it. They began using model numbers in 1957.

Not entirely true. S&W said DO NOT use +P in my Model 38.

[Grey Bearded One]

All I can say is I've never seen a pre-war or pre-model numbered S&W or Colt .38 Special cylinder have a catastrophic failure using factory-loaded +P ammo.

I doubt that we'd see a catastrophic failure but it's not going to do the gun any favors.