Thanks manThere’s J frames that are Square and round, from my reading the square are a bit older, and current production is round. Hogue sells great grips for either butt style, they’re inexpensive, a bit larger so you wont have a dangling pinkie, and are super easy to install. I’m sure you can contact SW give them the serial number and they can give you all the info you need from production date to the approved ammo. I’d be curious how far back +P ammo has been in production, J frames go back to 1957 I think. The Higher pressure ammo started in the 70s I think. But I’d want to know what’s safe to shoot.
Thanks manWelcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Mark! Your gun was made in 1971-72. It was manufactured for the .38 Special cartridge that was full pressure since 1899 and tossed a 158 grain bullet at 850-900 feet per second. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) was created in 1926 to set standards for cartridges. In the mid to late 1970's they revised the pressures of all cartridges and lowered them by around 30%. So, your gun is over manufactured for the current standard pressure cartridges which have a velocity of 700-750 fps. +P cartridges are relative to the new, lower standard pressure cartridges and are still slightly lower in pressure than original .38 Special pressures. SAAMI sets specs for standard and +P cartridges. They do not spec +P+ or higher cartridges.
