Mid '60s model 36 rated for .38spl +P?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Mid '60s model 36 rated for .38spl +P?

Posted: 8/17/2016 4:32:28 PM EDT

I already have a S&W 29-2, 65-5 and 18-2 and want something better to replace my Taurus Model 85.
I have a lead on a mid '60s model 36 but I'm wondering how to find out if it's +P rated?

Posted: 8/17/2016 4:37:03 PM EDT

[#1]

I don't think so......

Posted: 8/17/2016 5:12:45 PM EDT

[#2]

No. The older j frames weren't rated for plus p.

Posted: 8/17/2016 5:14:00 PM EDT

[#3]

Is it something where it's safe to shoot a few rounds of +P and carry it but shoot 99% standard pressure?
I don't see me carrying it much/at all but want to know the capabilities

Posted: 8/17/2016 5:22:59 PM EDT

[#4]

You are going to get very conflicting answers and even S&W has said no, then yes, then no, and yes again. It is my opinion that you will never wear out a 36 by shooting any factory 38 ammo. Shoot, even thousands of the early 37's have seen tons of plus p ammunition.

Posted: 8/17/2016 5:29:05 PM EDT

[#5]

So chances are a little +P won't explode it but stick to standard pressure most of the time.

Posted: 8/17/2016 6:45:44 PM EDT

[#6]

No, you will not hurt the gun by shooting a few rounds of plus p for familiarization. When that gun was made, standard pressure 38spl was closer to the plus p we know of today. I normally hate to cite examples within police agencies, but the NYPD stopped allowing new revolvers on the force at the same time S&W started with magnum framed j frames. That means all those grandfathered j frames are built the same as yours and they have seen thousands of rounds of LSWC and then Speer Gold Dots, both of which are plus p.

Posted: 8/17/2016 8:35:27 PM EDT

[#7]

All model number marked Smiths are +p safe. I.E. your model 36 is +p rated, but a pre-36 chief special is not. This has been the S&W official policy for many years.

Current factory +p .38 ammo is weaker then it was in years past, and even the reloading manuals don't publish as hot of loads.

You could shoot a lifetime of +p without worry. I shoot +p in any post war j.

Posted: 8/17/2016 8:44:26 PM EDT

[#8]

Good to know... If some of the other stuff I have ever sells I'll make it mine

Posted: 8/17/2016 8:45:03 PM EDT

[#9]

Perfectly safe for plus p but honestly the velocity gain in short barrels is so marginal it is probably not worth the trouble. I know lots of true revolver enthusiasts and none routinely shoot plus p in anything. If it somehow makes you feel better to shoot some plus p and carry plus p go ahead.

Posted: 8/17/2016 8:46:36 PM EDT

[#10]

What should I pay for one in good condition, some holster wear... No box/papers

Posted: 8/17/2016 9:23:18 PM EDT

[#11]

A 2" model 36 in 90% condition would bring about $400 in my neck of the woods.

Posted: 8/17/2016 9:29:05 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
Perfectly safe for plus p but honestly the velocity gain in short barrels is so marginal it is probably not worth the trouble. I know lots of true revolver enthusiasts and none routinely shoot plus p in anything. If it somehow makes you feel better to shoot some plus p and carry plus p go ahead.

View Quote

You are still going to have more velocity in a 2" compared to a standard pressure round. People act like plus p doubles the velocity, but in all 38 specials you are talking less than 10%. The issue is that plus p just barely makes it to the velocity that hollow points reliably expand.

Posted: 8/26/2016 1:07:50 PM EDT

[#13]

I ended up getting a '76-77 model 36 off GB for just over $350 shipped... hoping to take it out tonight

Posted: 8/27/2016 10:53:43 AM EDT

[#14]

I have shot alot of +P in my M60; no problems, great gun!

Posted: 8/27/2016 10:58:44 AM EDT

[#15]

Ended up putting 100 rounds of WWB and 10 135gr +P GD's through it. No issues with function but it shot low. I'll have to find some 158gr stuff to put through it

Posted: 8/31/2016 12:44:41 AM EDT

[#16]

modern +P is at most, just slightly more powerful than the .38 special ammo from the 50s and 60s.

the only ones you need to worry about are the older air weights, they were just not meant to be heavily used with the ammo of the day which translates to +P ammo today.

Posted: 9/8/2016 9:17:42 AM EDT

[#17]

My dad carried an old model 36 as his backup when he worked at the LASO, and they issued a damn hot +P+ load. He shot a decent amount of that +P+ for practice/qualification over the years and it seems just fine. He still carries it EDC with +P ammo iirc, though he practices with cheap standard pressure stuff.

Posted: 9/8/2016 10:29:21 AM EDT

[#18]

I tested the Taurus 85 and a 36 side by side. I kept the Taurus, just carried it last weekend.

Posted: 9/8/2016 11:08:12 AM EDT

[#19]

Good to know it should handle limited +P without issues.

I had a Taurus 85 previously, but wanted a S&W to replace it (my other revolvers are pre-lock S&W's, plus the general Taurus reputation)

On a related note, any thoughts on my square butt grip issue: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_33/170734_J_Frame_Hogue_Bantam_sized_rubber_grips_for_square_butt_.html

Posted: 9/8/2016 9:11:40 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
All model number marked Smiths are +p safe. I.E. your model 36 is +p rated, but a pre-36 chief special is not. This has been the S&W official policy for many years.

View Quote

That's what I've always heard. Anything with a model number and not just a name is gtg

Posted: 9/11/2016 11:14:59 AM EDT

[#21]

I have a Model 60 and the owners manual states you SHOULD'NT shoot + P in this revolver. If the instructions have this written in large red letters ,I am not going to use +P.Rod

Posted: 9/11/2016 12:17:23 PM EDT

[#22]

No. I keep Hornady Critical Defense in mine. Non +p rated.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Mid '60s model 36 rated for .38spl +P?

Handguns » Revolvers

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