Pre model 10 safe to carry with +P

9

98 220 swift

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I have always heard the after S&W went to model #s that they was ok with +P ammo. No +P for pre model #s. My question is would it be ok for a pre model 10 to use the very occasional +P ammo. I mean like fire a few to make sure of poi is ok and then to use for truck gun use for whatever(probably will never get shot this way). The loads are Remington 158 lead HP +P. I bought a box for my LCR CCW and wondered about using them in the pre model 10. What is everyones thoughs. I wouldn't think it would hurt anything. Maybe some extra wear but not much with maybe 5 rounds.
 
Since there was no materiel or processing change associated with the change to model numbers, I think it may be assumed that it was simply a convenient way to separate modern guns from older guns. (Remember, the M&P revolver dates to 1899.) If the pre-Model 10 is post-WWII, there should be no problem at all, with +P ammunition. +P+ and equivalent handloads should be avoided, though.

Jim
 
Early alloy-framed S&W revolvers (i.e., the K-frame, Model 12) came with warnings from Smith that the revolver was unsuitable for use with +P ammunition. I would think that most later, steel-framed Model 10s would be compatible with at least the "moderate" use of +P ammunition. It should be noted that no matter which platform is involved, +P ammunition will always have an accelerated wear factor over that of more tame loads; no getting past this reality.
 
On up through the 'Fifties S&W K-Framed Revovlers were sold as being for .38 Special standard velocity only. Colt's heavier frame always capitalized on "Hi-Speed or Regular."

This from my memory of old catalogs.

Bob Wright
 
Mainstream +P is not a hot load. I would not worry one second about a 1940s M&P.

Here's my well worn 1942 M&P pictured with 500 rounds of factory +P and 600 rounds of +P+ I ran through it one weekend for fun.


standard.jpg
 
Have three J-frames, and called S&W dates ..

of manufacture. Also, asked what in the cut-off for "+P" usage.

I was told that anything made prior to 1990 should not be used with "+P".

Use current .38 Spl rounds from manufactures that meet the FBI Standards.
 
I think who ever answers phone gives what ever answer they want. I been told any S&W that has a model 36 10 is fine for +P We have had +P way before 1990 and used back then.

I have a old S&W MP 1945 I shoot some+P in it . I have a J frame from early 1950's Its loaded and carried with 158LSWCHP +P I don't shoot a 1000 rounds a year of +P. But I do shoot some. If you look at 38 spl specs of years pass +P today is still behind a lot of what was considered regular 38 loads .
 
My own "Pre-Model 10" was made right around the time of the addition of model numbers. In fact, there are earlier serial numbers with the marking, while mine has none.
I have no worries shooting +P in it.
 
To this day I still cannot grasp all the hype about +P ammo regardless of caliber. To me and in my opinion all poppy-cock just like labeling an item as tactical makes it more cool or bad-ass and worth more money.:rolleyes:
 
That linked article by Saxon Pig pretty well sums up my beliefs and experience. I have a several .38 Special revolvers, including a 1960 vintage Model 36, 3" barrel, for which I handloaded for years. I guarantee that my loads were well above the performance of current or past +P and equal to or exceeding +P+. All the guns are still in good condition, with no bulged cylinders, burst barrels, or parts falling out the sides. And not one shot caused a massive earthquake, a lunar eclipse, or the Second Coming.

Jim
 
Does the use of +P ammo also apply to semi-autos , providing the owners manuel says not to use +P ammo? I have a Kahr CW380 and a Bersa BP9CC 9mm and nowhere in the manuel does it say not to use +P. To only use caliber specifies for that hand gun. Thanks.
 
napg19 said:
Does the use of +P ammo also apply to semi-autos , providing the owners manuel says not to use +P ammo? I have a Kahr CW380 and a Bersa BP9CC 9mm and nowhere in the manuel does it say not to use +P.
Click to expand...
Although this is veering into "Semi-Auto" forum territory, I'll try and offer a quick explanation.

Many handgun manuals offer a vague assurance that the gun is safe to fire with ammunition that meets industry standards. The only commonplace handgun cartridges for which an industry standard for +P exists are 9mm Luger, .38 Special, .38 Super, and .45 Auto / .45 ACP. (FWIW all .38 Super ammo is now designated +P, for reasons that are a bit off topic.) Unless the manual specifically forbids the use of +P in these calibers, you can generally assume that it's safe, and that the manufacturer's warranty or repair coverage will be maintained.

OTOH no industry standards exist for +P+ ammo, nor for over-pressure "boutique" +P loads offered in other calibers, most notably .380 Auto (aka .380 ACP or 9mm Short), .44Spl, .40S&W, or .45 Colt. Firing such ammunition is not always categorically unsafe, but it may cause functional problems, it may damage certain guns, and more importantly, the gunmaker may be unwilling to perform warranty repairs to address any damage that does occur. Hence, you're taking additional risks by using these loads in your gun.
 
Thanks carguychris. I called both manufacture's and both said it's ok to shoot plus P but not alot cause of wear on gun. More I think about it I feel I'm better off sticking to standard loads and calling it good.
 
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