Can S&W M38 Shoot +P's ?

M

MIKE10538

New member
I have a S&W Model 38 2" snubbie Airweight Bodyguard. The gun was purchased new in 1998. Although I believe that it is not rated +P, does anyone know if I can use Silvertips or Cor-Bon's anyway?
Thanks.
MIKE
 
The best solution is to shoot a few +Ps in your chosen load to check point of impact/point of aim. Use a non +p round for practice.

I find that generic 158 .38 loads print very close to my carry load of +P 158 LSWC-HPs.

Also chrono'ed the 125 Federal Nyclad load at 925fps out of a snubbie - seems to be a good round for non +P.

The use of +P ammo does not blow up your gun, it just accelerates wear.

Giz
 
SilverTips okay, best is 158g LSWC-HP or +P.
(Wife carries one with my 158g LSWC-HP).

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Easy way to tell is to look at the model designation on the inside of the crane. IIRC, all generation 3 and above M38s can handle +P loads.

My M38, purchased in 1996, is marked "M38-2". This is a second generation M38 and therefore it cannot take +P loads (trust me on this one, I managed to shoot my revolver out of spec).

Justin

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Justin T. Huang, Esq.
late of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
 
I have been carrying (for light duty) and shooting my Mod38 for about 8 years now and I usually shoot about 50 rounds of standard pressure stuff and 10-15 rounds of Winchester 158gr LHP +P every month during that time. My revolver still does not show any excessive wear. I guess "limited" quantity of +P stuff is okay.
 
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