Smith & Wesson Model 10 Help

[Arizona Jake]

My aunt gave me her late husband's Smith & Wesson .38 Spl. revolver recently.
It is a 5-screw Military and Police model, S/N 689XX with a 6 inch barrel.

Is this handgun safe to shoot with +P loads?
Any guess on the date of manufacture?

As always, any and all help is appreciated!

[mauser98us]

Even tho the Model 10 could probably take it, I recommend against plus p load. Just use standard loads and enjoy. Plus p wasn't around when that revolver was made. Just another opinion from a non- expert.

[dbriannelson]

It's perfectly safe to shoot with +P, but I agree with mauser98us that you should just stick to standard loads and enjoy that fine old revolver, unless you plan to use it as the house gun or to carry it for self-defense.

-Don

[Frank V]

Arizona, there is no reason to shoot +P loads in that nice old gun.I don't think it'd blow it up, but will accelorate wear, I'd shoot standard wadcutter target loads. You will be surprised at how accurate & fun they are to shoot.
For defense I'd carry Buffalo Bore's .38 lead SWC HPs in it if I were you. They make a non +P load that they claim gets 850fps. The BBl length isn't stated, but I chronographed them & got 870fps & that was from a 2" gun. The load I use says non +P right on the box. The HP is almost big enough to drink coffee out of, it's an impressive load.
Enjoy that nice old gun.
Frank

[NickSS]

I have one of about the same vintage but mine was abused and let rust and has some pitting on the outside of the gun.  I was probably stored in a cloths drawer with cloths over the top of it for years and with humidity it rusted.  I determined this from the rust pastern.  Any way I would not shoot +P loads in that old gun.  They were not made for the extra pressure.  Besides a standard pressure 38 has plenty of power for almost anything you will do with it.  My old clunker is one of my favorite shooters and I put hundreds of rounds through it annually pitting and all.

[Old Griz]

I have a 4" model and it may be the most accurate gun I own. It is a joy to shoot. So don't shake it loose. If it doesn't say +P on the barrel, just stick to standard .38 loads, and enjoy the fine craftsmanship of an excellent firearm.

[Mohawk]

Agree with Frank and Nick. The deer in my avatar was killed with the standard pressur Buffalo Bore SWC HP. No need for standard pressure. Through the shoulder and lungs. Only went 35 yds and she was done. Doubt a +P would better it since my .357 did the same thing. 

[alacharger]

I'd advise against it.  .38 Special +P ammo is about 10% hotter than standard.  A five screw M&P is at least 50, maybe 60 years old. 

Standard loads only for this old war horse, and get something newer that is specifically made for the hot rounds if you need them.