+P Question

[PMD354]

I just got a S&W Model 36 and was wondering if I can shoot +P ammo through it.

 

[Coretac]

yes, I am pretty sure , steel barrel . I have the same one and it's loaded with plus p .

 

[PMD354]

Thanks....I don't plan on making a steady diet of it and I beleive it will be a little snappy but I'm going to relaod some using 2400.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I should have the date committed to memory , but steel J Frame post a certain date (early '90s IIRC ) are stated by S&W to be ok for limited number of +P , but with accelerated wear.

 

[aquashooter]

In the mid 70s when MPDC went to +P 38 hollow points, S&W Mod 36s were still authorized as official off duty weapons. The air weight Mod 37 was banned due to the aluminum alloy. My Mod 60 stainless was also still allowed. This was only a 38 spl at the time.

 

[ProShooter]

What does your owners manual say about using +P?

 

[Jerry M]

Back in the day, MSP issued S&W Model 36s and we used Winchester 110 grain +P+. As stated snappy recoil. But unless you plan on burning hundreds of rounds through it, you will not have a problem with a steel frame S&W revolver.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[Blaster229]

What does your owners manual say about using +P?

Sometimes the obvious, well, isn't so obvious.

 

[NickZac]

People use +p, but I agree that whatever the manual says should be strictly abided by. Some of the older revolvers pre-date commonality of +p ammunition, and so they were not built to withstand the additional energy nor were they tested to see if and how much wear is accelerated. Smith and Wesson does not there will be accelerated wear with the use, but they do not specify how much.

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/Model_36.htm

 

[python]

In a short barrel revolver, the performance advantage of +P is negligible, but it won't hurt the revolver in small doses. If it makes you feel better using it, go ahead.

 

[sailskidrive]

My model 36 I bought from Shooter's Discount is marked for +P on the frame.

I really don't see a point in using it. If regular 38SPL isn't going to knock 'em down, I doubt +P is going to make a difference... that's what the 5 more rounds are for...

 

[NickZac]

In a short barrel revolver, the performance advantage of +P is negligible, but it won't hurt the revolver in small doses. If it makes you feel better using it, go ahead.

My testing has found certain +p rounds to benefit in short barrels. Gold Dot Short Barrel in .38 is +p and it gains a considerable amount over the standard .38 GD.

 

[python]

My testing has found certain +p rounds to benefit in short barrels. Gold Dot Short Barrel in .38 is +p and it gains a considerable amount over the standard .38 GD.

How much, and over which load?

 

[NickZac]

How much, and over which load?

Standard GD in the same calibers. It's not a miracle gain as Gold Dot is an incredible round that works in virtually all conditions. Some testers have done reviews on it as well.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2012/09/gel-testing-speer-9mm-gold-dot-vs-gold.html