Taurus .38 snub nose

[Jim]

I just picked up a Taurus .38 Spl. It's a hammerless DAO snub nose. The caliber designation on the barrel simply reads "38 SPECIAL". The guy I got it from says it's rated for +P. I called TaurusUSA and got customer service on the phone. I gave the guy the serial number and he said it IS rated for +P.
I looked up the ser. no. on the Taurus site and found out it was made in '94. So, why would the +P rating not be stamped on the gun? Is this something they started doing later?

UPDATE: RANGE REPORT
Just got back from my range with the revolver.

21 FT.
158 gr. Lee TL SWC
.6cc Lee scoop WC 820
SP primers
2.0 ", 5 shots

21 FT.
125 gr. Win JHP +P
2.0", 5 shots

I'm very pleased with this little snub nose!

[Olevern]

Jim,
glad to hear you found the carry piece you were seeking.

Sounds like a shooter.

Maybe you will let me shoot it when I come visit?

I'll bring my S&W mod. 38, and my 686, and my mod. 27 and some Rugers, and some Marlins....well...you get the drift.

See ya soon.

vern

[kampfkubel]

Congrats on the snubby. I've got a Taurus 851, the model with the shrouded hammer (like the S & W "bodyguard" model)......and I love it. Great little pistol and quite accurate. Mine really likes the standard 148 grain hollow-base wadcutters. It also likes 158 grain SWC's, over 3.4 grains of Bullseye. I installed lighter hammer and trigger return springs from Wolff Gunsprings.....and this has made the gun even more enjoyable. The trigger effort on DA was just a bit high for my liking....now, it feels terrific.

[jmsj]

Jim,
I'm glad that you are pleased with your Taurus. My wife has a stainless Taurus 5 shot 3" .357 Mag. I think it is a model 605. After doing a trigger job on the pistol, it is a pretty sweet little shooter.
Enjoy, jmsj

[454PB]

Jim, be cautious using WC820 in low pressure loads.......you could stick a boolit in the barrel.

[GP100man]

Good deal Jim , I have a 85 steel framed 1 1/2" barreled snubbie , bought in `94 been nuttin but a solid little 38 .

But I have a model 94 in 22lr with a 6" barrel that has been nuttin but trouble , will misfire more than fire on DA???

[Jim]

Jim, be cautious using WC820 in low pressure loads.......you could stick a boolit in the barrel.

The pressure developed by a .6cc Lee scoop of WC 820 borders on the change over from .38 Spl. to .38 Spl. +P.

[bhn22]

I think the point is that WC820 is not exactly the same as 296/H110. There are fast lots, and slow lots. WC820 also need a high bullet pull to ignite properly. I do use it with cast bullets, but stick to top end loads with heavy bullets, and a really firm crimp. In cool weather, it's possible issues could develop.

[Jim]

I think the point is that WC820 is not exactly the same as 296/H110. There are fast lots, and slow lots. WC820 also need a high bullet pull to ignite properly. I do use it with cast bullets, but stick to top end loads with heavy bullets, and a really firm crimp. In cool weather, it's possible issues could develop.

Yes Sir, I am aware of all that you say and agree completely. I must apologize as I did not clarify the point I was trying to make which is, the particular load I listed is not overly hot, but plenty hot enough to eliminate any possibility of a squib.

454, for any failure on my part to communicate, I apologize. You are absolutely right. 820 is definitely not a low end powder and I did have a coupla' squibs when I first started loading with it.

[EMC45]

I have a Model 85 UL and like it a lot. My Dad has it now though. He needed a gun so I gave it to him. And a box of 50 rounds. It shoots well.