.38 special (+p) ammo query?

steel early models will probably stand up to a limited amount of +p, they were not designed to handle it. Loads like Speer 135g +p and Cor-Bon DPX did not exist when these guns were built. The safest course with the Model 36 is to stick with standard pressure loads if you choose to shoot it. +P absolutely should not be used in the early Airweights, the Model 37, 38 and 42. And, of course, the all aluminum "Aircrewman" revolvers should not be fired at all, even with standard pressure loads. The new Airweights, the Model 637-1, 638-2 and 642 are rated for +p and will handle it without damage to the gun.

The Model 36 and its children have endured for half a century and the odds are good that they will be around for quite some time.

The all steel construction can probably handle it some degree, but the gun was designed before 38spl +P was invented.

If you are totally convinced you must have +P loads for this gun, shoot a few for function check and carry it loaded with them, but do not practice with +P more than a cylinder or two a year.

If your revolver doesn't specifically say +P on it, I would refrain from using any more of it in that particular gun. It does put unnecessary wear on the gun! I can't tell you whether or not it's unsafe to use this ammo in your gun, but I'm going to bet it is!