S&W Mod 36 +P Opinions

[Pistolenschutze]

I have a S&W Model 36 all steel snubbie that was built about 18 years ago. This was, of course, well before Smith rated any of its J-frame snubbies for +P ammo. I'm getting differing opinions (both from shooters and from the S&W factory!) about whether the 36 would be safe for +P ammo on an occasional, (self-defense use only) basis. I would much appreciate your opinions on this issue. Please understand, I am not suggesting that +P ammo should be regularly used in the weapon. I would simply like to know if it would be safe (and not damaging to the weapon) to use +P on a very occasional basis as carry rounds, and perhaps a very few fired for practice. At the range, I normally shoot only standard pressure white box ammo. I use this piece as an "always in the truck" weapon for my wife's protection and for a backup, i.e., a weapon I can reach easily and quickly in an emergency. Unfortunately, it seems that standard pressure .38 self-defense ammo is getting harder and harder to get. Most all of the "good stuff" from Federal, Speer, and Winchester these days is loaded to +P pressures. The old Nyclad 125 grain rounds were good, but Federal no longer loads these. Suggestions on standard pressure .38 special ammo would also be much appreciated! Thanks guys and gals!

 

[Sir William]

+P loads will speed up the wear and tear of a weapon. It could shoot loose in 15,000 rounds instead of 30,000. Load and carry +P with confidence if the weaponn is in good firing condition. I suggest 158 gr Federal Hydra-Shoks though. It is still a great personal defense load. I would agree that normal 38 Specials would be good for casual shooting.

 

[Person of Interest]

Current factory +P loads are actually quite moderate compared to the ammo offered back in the 1970s. They have reduced the loads out of liability concerns regarding cheap imported handguns. The original load for the .38 Special was a 158 bullet at 870 FPS. This was first reduced to 855, and is now listed at either 750 or 780 (I forget which). The current +P 125 load makes about 925 FPS.

A 158/870 or a 125/925 seems about the same in pressure to me. In other words, the current factory 125 +P is just about the same as the original .38 Special load that was considered fine before the lawyers got involved. Check out a reloading manual published in the 1970s. Much hotter loads than you see now. Did the guns get weaker? No. They are just trying to protect themselves from lawsuits filed by idiots who stuff hot loads in their Rubys.

You do whatever makes you feel comfortable. My J frame load of choice is a 125 JHP at 1100 FPS. A bit stouter than the factory +P and so far no problem.

 

[KC135]

Shoot and carry +P in both my old 36 and 37 3" guns.