Question about my S&W Model 36 Cheif's Special.

[Will Carry]

Will this pistol shoot 38 special +P ammo? I was made in the 1960s but is in excellent condition. I would like to be able to shoot the +Ps but I don't want to screw up this fine example of gun craftsmanship.

Being as how this is one of the best web sites for fire arms discussions on the whole dang internet. I figure someone will be able to answer that.

"It's good to be alive and in Tennessee!"

[Garufa]

That gun is not rated for +P ammo. I would not use any in it, while others might tell you only in moderation.

[bvarnell]

Don't think there was such a thing as +P in the 60's, so short answer is no.

I have "heard" that standard ammo was downloaded to lower pressure levels 20+ years ago and then +P was introduced to bring it back to more or less original levels. Maybe, maybe not. It did provide an additional line of ammo for them to hype at premium prices.

If you have an all steel model 36(tight and in good shape), I don't see how a few +P's would do any harm.

If you're concerned about it, it might be good to check with a gunsmith.

[gregintenn]

Since it doesn't have +p written on it, everyone will tell you not to shoot it. It won't hurt the gun, but I wouldn't shoot a big bunch of them in it, as it will eventually loosen up, as it would if you shot enough regular 38s in it. I've fired +p ammo in model 36s and even 37s with no ill effects.

[I_Like_Pie]

Official answer = No

Unofficial answer = Yes

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Clear as mud - Right? The unofficial word is that any "numbered" smith can safely handle 38+p. You will not get anyone at Smith to vouch for that, and you will get a lot of armchair dolts that don't know Sammi from Sammy giving you all sorts of stupid warnings.

...but yeah. It will handle them no problem.

[mikegideon]

I had a model 36 around the same vintage back in the '70's. The official word was NO +P, but they never broke the gun. The folks I knew at the time practiced mostly with standard pressure, and carried +P. That's what I did.

[DaveTN]

If it was made in the 60’s you are fine. All carbon steel revolvers made after the mid 50’s (55,57?) are fine with +P rounds. It’s a better frame than some of the alloys you will get today.

However you don’t need to use +P rounds if you don’t want to. Federal makes .38 Hyrda-Shoks that are great rounds.

I have model 36 built in the 60’s. From a Toolmakers view I see it this way… It’s a steel frame Smith & Wesson revolver made in the 60’s. It’s stronger and better built than most of the guns made today; they were made like tanks.