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AR15.COM
5/28/2010 7:28:51 PM EDT
I have an early 1950's S&W 5shot .38SPL.  I wanted to know if it can handle 125gr+P ammo?

If not I have my newly replaced Ruger SP101 .357 that should handle it.broken SP101 thread


7mm
5/28/2010 7:56:35 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I have an early 1950's S&W 5shot .38SPL.  I wanted to know if it can handle 125gr+P ammo?

If not I have my newly replaced Ruger SP101 .357 that should handle it.broken SP101 thread


7mm


I'm gonna go with no.
5/28/2010 8:12:25 PM EDT
[#2]
,,,


I'm gonna go with no.[/quote]

Is that because of age of the S&W or because its not rated for +P loads?

7mm

5/29/2010 6:02:35 AM EDT
[#3]
Both.


Wikipedia Article on Overpressure Ammo
It must be noted that "higher pressure" is not the same as "high pressure"; +P cartridges are generally loaded to pressures far below those typically found in magnum cartridges. The +P standard is designed so that if a shooter was to accidentally use a +P cartridge in a non-+P-rated firearm, the chance of a one-time explosive failure is minimal as long as the gun was in good physical condition. Repeated firing of +P ammunition in a gun not rated for it will drastically speed mechanical failure of the gun, however, and so it should only be used in firearms designated by the manufacturer as safe for +P use.
5/29/2010 1:54:17 PM EDT
[#4]
what model EXACTLY?
5/29/2010 6:07:19 PM EDT
[#5]
Not the best idea I ever heard
So no
Mike
5/29/2010 6:26:53 PM EDT
[#6]
IMHO!!!!!!

Personally......

I'd load some in it for "duty" use....

but I'd NOT want to use +Ps for practice/plinking.....

I believe that a steady diet would "shoot the gun loose".....

YMMV!!!!!
5/29/2010 6:29:49 PM EDT
[#7]
still waiting to hear what gun it is.
5/30/2010 5:00:11 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
still waiting to hear what gun it is.


Best info I have its a 'Chief's Special' w/ a square cylinder release, about a 3" barrel made in 1953.  IIRC the Model 36 name was given this pistol in 1957.

If I could find my photo bucket user ID & PW I would post pics.



7mm
5/30/2010 5:08:37 AM EDT
[#9]
then, no. That was a early "J" frame which was really mean for 32 and 38 short. It was stretched to make it just barely good for 38 special. The new j frames are built differently and designed with +p in mind. There are older guns that were designed for 44 special and down sized to 38.