[SergeantC]

My question is exactly that. Is it safe to fire +P ammo out of a Model 36 no dash, or I should I stick to a standard pressure round such as the new Federal NyClad?

Thanks.

[pennlineman]

In a booklet I got with my last S&W revolver it states that they do not recommend +p in the J frame M-36.

The following J frames can handle it, but they warn the use of +p may accelerate the wear on the revolver.

60-4
60-7
60-8
640
649-2

The only J frame list for +p without reservations is the 640-1.

I have no Idea how old the chart is, so there may be newer models where there is no issue. Again this is straight from S&W.

I have fire +p from a lot of the J frames they say you should not. But not a lot, with no ill effects. But the official word from them is no on the M-36.

[pennlineman]

The booklet is dated Rev2/95. I wish I could scan the pages, but we are having problems with our scanner. Maybe someone else has one that is more up to date. It is entittled: Revolvers- Safety, Instruction & Parts Manual.

[the perfesser]

Originally Posted by pennlineman

The only J frame list[ed] for +p without reservations is the 640-1.

I presume you mean xxx-1 J-frames, because my 442-2 is rated for +p.

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by the perfesser

I presume you mean xxx-1 J-frames, because my 442-2 is rated for +p.

The booklet is from 1995. The 442-2 must be newer. The only 442 it lists is a no dash which they do not recommend the use of +p. Did you get the paper work with your gun? I'm curious to see if they listed this data in the more recent manuals.

[the perfesser]

Originally Posted by pennlineman

The booklet is from 1995. The 442-2 must be newer. The only 442 it lists is a no dash which they do not recommend the use of +p. Did you get the paper work with your gun? I'm curious to see if they listed this data in the more recent manuals.

The 442-2 is newer and I bought it new. My generic S&W manual says to look for the cartridge designation on the barrel. My barrel says "38 S&W Special +P".

[pennlineman]

Interesting, for such an often asked question you would think that they would publish this information on their web sight. It would save a lot of arguing on the subject. I can't find anything current.

[MajorD]

at one time smith put out the info any gun with a model number was safe for plus p. to be honest the power you gain in a short barrel with plus p is not worth the extra ammo cost and recoil. But if you wanted to shoot a limited amount of plus p- like one box a year the gun would still last forever.

[SergeantC]

Thanks for the input. I'll probably use either Buffalo Bore standard pressure LSWHPs or NyClads.

[the perfesser]

Originally Posted by SergeantC

Thanks for the input. I'll probably use either Buffalo Bore standard pressure LSWHPs or NyClads.

Also give the Hornady Critical Defense standard pressure .38S&W a try. Works for me!