Quite a good buy nowadays - - -
- - - Especially for one in such good condition. I've had one for many years and have carried it so much in an ankle holster that it probably only has about 40% original finish. It has been to a Smith armorer twice now, because of excessive use of hot handloads.
Now I practice with light loads, but still carry 158 gr. LSWCHP +P in it.
Contrary to other remarks, you CAN shoot +P in the little S&W and Colt alloy frame guns, just not very much. It will NOT blow one up. It WILL put needless wear and tear on the lockwork, and it will develop end shake, probably within 1,000 rounds.
If I were to get a new one today, I would test it with some standard velocity lead RN 158s, or perhaps with the 130 JRN "military" load, just to make sure it functioned okay and was on paper. Then I would shoot five to 10 of the 158 +P, and memorize point of impact. I would thereafter carry it with the 158 LSWCHP, against a real personal defense problem. My periodic practice would, again, be with light-to-medium handloads or factory wadcutters.
I'd buy that little
pistola in an instant, if I had a few extra bucks, even if I alrady had a carry piece. In fact, if you don't want it . . . .
Best,
Johnny