J frame +P rating

Posted: 12/24/2005 5:57:58 AM EDT

I'm in the market for a used J Frame bodyguard and was wondering if anyone knows, or could point me to a resource, that would have information relating to when (date or ser # range) S&W started rating J frames for +P ammo?

Only interested in J frame 38 SPL, not the .357 models.

Posted: 12/25/2005 4:52:36 PM EDT

[#1]

I would imagine that an email to S&W will get you that information pretty quick. I know it did not happen until they added the so-called "magnum" hand to the guns, which has an added stud that locks in between the cylinder latch and the frame when the trigger is pulled. My totally WAG would be around 1980-83, at least for the steel framed models, but that IS just a guess.

Posted: 12/26/2005 3:10:44 PM EDT

[#2]

I have been told any J-frame with a "-" dash serial number is safe for +P. IOW, a 442-1, a 640-2, etc. etc.

Regardless, I wouldn't shoot a lot of +P thru my J-frame. Only maybe 2-3 20rd boxes a year. The vast majority of the time I shoot WC ammo for the lighter recoil.

My .o2

Posted: 12/29/2005 10:34:50 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
I'm in the market for a used J Frame bodyguard and was wondering if anyone knows, or could point me to a resource, that would have information relating to when (date or ser # range) S&W started rating J frames for +P ammo?

The +P rating is stamped on the left side of the barrel for those guns. Otherwise, it's just .38 S&W SPL.

Posted: 12/30/2005 9:57:31 AM EDT

[#4]

S&W specifically started okaying guns for +P use when they introduced the larger J-magnum frame in the '90s. Before then, folks who used +P loads sparingly seemed to do all right. Look at the monsters that Elmer Keith used to stuff in his ancient Chiefs Special. . . .

Supica & Nahas' Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson goes into this, and it comes up a lot on the S&W Forums. But ikor is right, you should go to the horse's mouth and just email S&W if you want the official word.

Posted: 1/16/2006 10:22:30 AM EDT

[#5]

I carried +p in my old 37 airwieght just didnt shot them alot!

I wish they still made the old AW

My 637-1 seems heavier compared to the older model

Posted: 1/16/2006 3:43:48 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:

I wish they still made the old AW

The modern air weights are ten times better than the older models. Stronger, more accurate & smoother actions.

Posted: 1/16/2006 8:56:34 PM EDT

[#7]

I don't have the proper answer but I don't get to shoot much hot ammo through my Air light 340 J-frame. The recoils bases the frame against your palm and after about 50 rounds you're ready to go home.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - J frame +P rating

Handguns » Smith & Wesson

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