Smith revolver help please.

[SaltyMonkey]

I received this in my father’s estate several years ago. Any idea on approx age and can it handle todays plus p loads like Federal 120g Punch, Federal 129g Hydro Shock?
38 Special
5 round cylinder.
Serial number starts J-2-2-*-*-*-*
Thanks

 

[Annihilator]

I received this in my father’s estate several years ago. Any idea on approx age and can it handle todays plus p loads like Federal 120g Punch, Federal 129g Hydro Shock?
5 round cylinder.
Serial number starts J-2-2-*-*-*-*
Thanks

View attachment 74615

Model number?? Is it all steel?

 

[SaltyMonkey]

Yes all steel. 38 special is all I know. I don’t have the box.

 

[HansGruber]

That’s a 36 or 37.

When you open the cylinder, it should have a model number stamped inside.

 

[Annihilator]

That’s a 36 or 37.

When you open the cylinder, it should have a model number stamped inside.

That was my guess on the model also

 

[HansGruber]

Yes all steel. 38 special is all I know. I don’t have the box.
View attachment 74616

If it’s all steel, it’s a Model 36/36-X (X being the change number).

 

[HansGruber]

You can see here where the model number is on my 3” 36-1.

 

[SaltyMonkey]

That’s a 36 or 37.

When you open the cylinder, it should have a model number stamped inside.

Found it 36 thanks Hans!

 

[HansGruber]

J-22xxxx S/N would be 1973-74 manufacturer.

Likely a 36-1.

 

[SaltyMonkey]

J-22xxxx S/N would be 1973-74 manufacturer.

Likely a 36-1.

Awesome thank you.
Can it handle those loads or should I stick to standard 38 special?

 

[HansGruber]

As for +P loads:

S&W’s official policy would be not to use them.

HOWEVER:

Occasional use would be just fine, as well as carrying for defense. Elmer Keith tested one of the first J-frames (pre-Model 36, early 1950’s manufacturing) with his .38/44 Heavy Duty (think: light .357 Magnum level power—a 158gr bullet at around 1200fps) handloads and found it dealt with them just fine.

I have +P loads in the 36-1 pictured.

 

[SaltyMonkey]

As for +P loads:

S&W’s official policy would be not to use them.

HOWEVER:

Occasional use would be just fine, as well as carrying for defense. Elmer Keith tested one of the first J-frames (pre-Model 36, early 1950’s manufacturing) with his .38/44 Heavy Duty (think: light .357 Magnum level power) handloads and found it dealt with them just fine.

I have +P loads in the 36-1 pictured.

Thanks!

 

[Annihilator]

Awesome thank you.
Can it handle those loads or should I stick to standard 38 special?

That’s an iffy, don’t think they were rated back then for +P, but just occasionally ??

 

[SaltyMonkey]

That’s an iffy, don’t think they were rated back then for +P, but just occasionally, not sure

I probably just keep it standard. Just in case. My luck I’ll get that one hot round crack it.

 

[HansGruber]

I probably just keep it standard. Just in case. My luck I’ll get that one hot round crack it.

Unlikely, but…I completely get your point.

For what it’s worth—the sights on that are regulated for a 158gr bullet; get some semi-wadcutters pushed moderately, and it’s a fun day shooting.

And they work quite well in social situations, too.

 

[SaltyMonkey]

Unlikely, but…I completely get your point.

For what it’s worth—the sights on that are regulated for a 158gr bullet; get some semi-wadcutters pushed moderately, and it’s a fun day shooting.

And they work quite well in social situations, too.

Unlikely but I kick up dust in a snow storm.
Thanks again for the help.

 

[4rchangel]

I use these in my non-plus P rated Smiths. If you can find them:

 

[rcurtner]

Model number?? Is it all steel?

Model 36

 

[HayesGreener]

My agency in the 70's carried a Model 36 3" heavy barrel. Working protection operations we shot them a lot in training with military ball. After about 3000-5000 rounds they were shaving lead from wear from the high pressure rounds and the frames were stressed. Based on that experience I would't shoot a regular diet of +P, but also wouldn't hesitate to carry it with +P. These guns were made before there was a +P so smith never anticipated those pressures. S&W 'S position is going to be don't use +P in it.