New M19 2.5 inch and 38 Spl 147gr +P+

Slip Shooter

New member
Today I purchased a S&W Model 66-2 2 ½ inch RB revolver at the Shreveport Gun Show for $330 out the door.

It's a beautiful piece - Not recessed and not pinned, but with smooth faced Target Trigger and wide Target Hammer. Fully adjustable sights with red front ramp no white outline on rear. It appears to me that the side plate screws have never been removed. The hair line around the side plate/frame is not marred. The buffed finish is very nice with no dings or scratch marks that are discernable except for light cylinder latch marks. No box, no papers.

I am anticipating the release of the new .357 Magnum 135 grain Speer Gold Dots for short barreled revolvers. I really love the .38 Special load. No 135 grain .357 Gold Dots at the Gun Show. SOooooo --- I purchased a box of 50, Federal 38 Special High Velocity (+P+) 147 grain Hydra-Shok JHP's marked "For Law Enforcement Use Only".

Here is my query. Tell me about the .38 Special +P+ Federal 147 grainers out of a 2 ½ inch barrel. Are they safe to also use in my 1 7/8 inch S&W M642 Air Weight? I did a search on this and another form but got little information about the ammo. I prefer a low end .357 load for this piece.

Can anyone tell me about what to expect in velocity, penetration and expansion from my, new to me, M19 2 ½ inch Smith with said ammo? Or any other likely ammo for that matter.

I would love to post pictures, but just don't have the ability.

I have also posted on another forum.
 
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I think they'll be alright in your model 19 since it can also handle .357's. I'd avoid it in the airweght though. Even if it doesn't hurt the gun, the recoil could cause the bullets to jump crimp and bind up the cylinder which is definately a bad thing in an emergency.
 
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