Will my S&W 36 Fire +P Safely

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01locksmith

New member
I have a S&W Model 36 and was wondering if the +P loads can be used in it. I just aquired the revolver 2 weeks ago , and I do like it. I think it was manufactured in the ealry 1980's if the matters.
 
I did a search on that, and came up with this article, which seems to address your question.

And the answer is, unless you have a newer LS model specifically rated for it, officially, NO.

That aside, nod nod wink wink, it should be OK, but they still have to maintain deniability.
 
So should I use 38 for practice and 38 +P for ccw? This would be to save wear and tear on the revolver. Right? btw THANKS FOR THE INFO.
 
Nod nod wink wink -- yep! If it were me, I'd shoot just enough of the +P carry ammo to familiarize myself with it and get to know what the POI was, and then practice with the standard stuff.
 
+P will void the warranty (if it is still in effect). More than occasional use will accelerate wear. Carry and occasional practice (read: shooting off the carry ammo every few months), though, should be OK.

Remember, though: NOBODY TOLD YOU THAT!!! :eek:
 
What Shep854 said, to be safe. You have to familiarize yourself with the ammo to start with, there's no way around that. After that, I wouldn't shoot any more of the +P stuff than to just "burn it off" every few months, which means that you are still keeping fresh ammo in it, and still keeping familiar with it. Practice with standard .38 ammo.
 
Factory +P is 50 FPS more than standard ammo in same bullet weight. Hardly Earth shattering. I doubt that a steel frame S&W would ever notice any ill effect. Just to be safe, I would not shoot more than, say, 5,000 rounds of it. :)
 
I am the author of the page cited above by gb_in_ga and it expresses a reasoned view of shooting +P loads in a gun not rated for it.

I have the following problems with carrying +P rounds in a 2" revolver:

1. At night, the blast will seriously affect your night vision meaning you
may have problems with target acquisition after the first shot.

2. Indoors, the volume of the blast may cause temporary (sometimes
permanent) hearing impairment.

3. The issue of potential overpenetration is worth giving serious consideration.

But, but, but... What about carrying .357 (in a gun rated for it)?
Same 3 reasons.

But, but, but... What about all them thar other big bore loads?
I have a personal opinion that for civilians (of which I'm one)
it's possible to carry to damned much gun. Just because one
CAN, doesn't mean one HAS TO. Many who speak to CCW and
all the joy and wonder of big bore loads have not carried much.
The bigger the bore, the more brick-like (in terms of weight) a
big gun becomes. It gets old, y'know?

Now, if one is inclined to invest in an appropriately expensive
carry rig, including a belt that will prevent pants around the
ankles in the event running is involved, well, good luck to ya.
But a Model 36 does have its advantages such as ease of
carry in a front pants pocket.

Oh, there is a holster page at: http://thearmedcitizen.com/gunpages/holsters.htm
 
If you want the definitive answer on whether or not you can shoot +P in your snubbie, email S&W with the serial number and ask them.
 
Most modern 38 special revolvers will shoot +P no problem...i however, would not recomend a steady diet of them as over time it may spell a whole heap of trouble, but to carry them in your conceiled carry revolver, i see no problem. I know they say, practice what what youll use, but the recoil difference between regular 38 special and +P, aint much of a difference!!
 
I shoot my S&W 36 using regular loads in 130 FMJ, but I carry 135+P Gold Dot HP. My 36 (could be me) shoots about 3" low and right with this load. It handles the 158 grain SWC almost to POA. :)
 
First you need to know when it was made. The serial number or the dash number (- number) would help. Early models shouldn't shoot +P ammo. Usage will take a toll on the frame. Since you don't know what or how many rounds have been thru the revolver it's best not to shoot any in it if it's not rated for +P. As you see many folks use the +P in theirs. How many rounds may have been run thru the one you now have?
 
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