Is colt dimondback .38 spe able to handle +P ammo

H

holiday132

New member
I have a Colt dimondback .38specl. black metal with redishwood checkered (or textured might be more accurate) grips, with little brass/gold colt symbol up high on the grip.

.38 specil CTG. on barrel

I have not been able to find much info on it.

I was wandering if it is capable of handling the .38spc +P

as i bought some at wal-mart for home defence, and got home before i noticed the salesman handed me +p ammo, instead of standered .38 spec.

the +P i would rather have i think.

My mother also has a small lady smith, smith and wesson ".38 S&W SPC " on side of the barrel same question it is 20+ years old I know the new ladysmiths will handle the +P but not sure about the older ones.

i came over to clean it for her the other day and the bullets that were in it were green. :eek:
 
The manual with my Diamondback says it is ok for limited (defined as less then 2000 rnds) of +P use BUT it also says that the frame must be inspected after that period. The word I get is that in most cases you will have to replace the frame.

Now, since Dbacks are no longer made, where are you going to get a frame? Why from another Dback. Currently nice ones are running just shy of a grand to around $650.

So I ask you, do you really want to beat up and destroy your gun just so you can run a few +p's through it?


I would not do it to mine!
 
The manual with my Diamondback says it is ok for limited (defined as less then 2000 rnds) of +P use BUT it also says that the frame must be inspected after that period. The word I get is that in most cases you will have to replace the frame.

Now, since Dbacks are no longer made, where are you going to get a frame? Why from another Dback. Currently nice ones are running just shy of a grand to around $650.

So I ask you, do you really want to beat up and destroy your gun just so you can run a few +p's through it?


I would not do it to mine!
 
The manual with my Diamondback says it is ok for limited (defined as less then 2000 rnds) of +P use BUT it also says that the frame must be inspected after that period. The word I get is that in most cases you will have to replace the frame.

Now, since Dbacks are no longer made, where are you going to get a frame? Why from another Dback. Currently nice ones are running just shy of a grand to around $650.

So I ask you, do you really want to beat up and destroy your gun just so you can run a few +p's through it?


I would not do it to mine!
 
these aren't for just casual shooting , these are for defence only.

I use the cheeper jacketed soft point 125 grn from wincester that i get for $5 a box.
 
I would not hesitate to load +P cartridges in a Diamondback. Sitting in the nightstand is not going to cause any problems. Firing 6 rounds at a range isn't going to cause any harm. I have a opinion that I would prefer a Ruger or S&W 357 Magnum loaded with 38 Special +Ps. Have you considered a used S&W M10 38 Special? The Diamondbacks are becoming pricey. My only concern would be using it in a HD/PD incident. You may never see it again and it will probably not be treated well.
 
Mr. Eick don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel about shooting +P's in a Diamondback. Again and again and again.:p
 
" would not hesitate to load +P cartridges in a Diamondback. Sitting in the nightstand is not going to cause any problems. Firing 6 rounds at a range isn't going to cause any harm. I have a opinion that I would prefer a Ruger or S&W 357 Magnum loaded with 38 Special +Ps. Have you considered a used S&W M10 38 Special? The Diamondbacks are becoming pricey. My only concern would be using it in a HD/PD incident. You may never see it again and it will probably not be treated"

actualy for my main HD i have a ruger p89.
with 15 9mm remington solden saber 147 grain brass JHP in it.

though i would like to get a Springfeild 1911. milSpc .45cal i think.

I just need the $$$$ hehe.

as far as the .38 i just like having some good HD rounds avalable for all my pistols just in case it happens to be closer if i ever have to have it.

and as far as the ruger or smith. I like the feel of my Colt much better.

I have hefted a black hawk .45 and a colt SAA .45, i will take the colt even if it costs alot more someday, hehe.
 
Factory +P .38s cause me no worry at all in a steel frame revolver from a quality manufacturer. Current factory +Ps are pretty wimpy. A 125 at 945 FPS? That's a joke, in my book. It's only 75 FPS over what the STANDARD 158 grain .38 load was a few years ago. More of the amazing shrinking velocity ammo from the big-name makers. I've got an old box of Super-Vels around here someplace if you want to see what high-performance .38 ammo USED to be like.

The Diamondback has sort of achieved collector status but if that's what you have then that's what you have. My advice is (and others will disagree) shoot half the box through it for sighting then load it and don't worry about it.
 
these are Winchester





38 Special +P
125 gr. USA JHP


muzzle velocity 945 Energy 248

I may try and return them . and get a standered .38 spl box.

i got a reply from an email on the smith & wession from S&W and they said NO on the +p so...
 
colt dimondback .38 spe & +P

I would think so. I had my colt dimondback .38 special back in the 60's. All I ever put through it was SUPER VEL ammo. That ammo was HOT!!!
 
Peter is correct about the Diamondback in 38spl. The manual does rate it as safe for +P use. I personally would just tuck this one away unless it is beat up and get something a little less expensive for general use. Most folks like the Ruger GP100 which can handle 357 loads as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top