Hardening techniques in firearms weren’t universally applied even as late as WWII. Metallurgy in this country during the early years of the Twentieth Century was good, but not as good as it is now, and there is little doubt that substandard batches of metal were used at times. The factory won’t tell me anything.” Hmmm… perhaps there’s a reason for that? The fact is that they probably don’t know for sure and are unwilling to take the legal risk of telling you that it is OK without any qualification. It’s question I get a lot, “I have a 1930 vintage Colt Detective Special that I inherited from my grandfather, and I want to know if it’s OK to use +p ammo in it. This is more easily done with standard velocity, lower pressure, lower recoiling rounds than with +Ps that don't factor in the "law of diminishing returns" Shot placement, penetration and the size of the hole causing the shock inducing hemmorhage are what matters. 45 ACP Hardball even at a velocity 150 fps LESSĪt 650 fps, 750 fps, or a +P 950 fps. 44 SPL and use the Federal 200 gr LSWC HP or, 240 gr LSWC or even the 246 LRN that will perform 95% the same as. I also occasionally carry a Charter Bulldog. You are better off with non+P rounds that are more controllable, have little muzzle flash allow rapid, follow up shots with close shot placement penetrate well and don't place undue strain on the frame.Īgain, just my opinion and also one that I practice when I carry my. For the 100 fps in velocity that MIGHT be gained, the velocity is still paltry. The advantage gained in using +P ammo in a 2" bbld. 38 - use 158 gr LSWC NON+P, LRN or even 148 grain target wadcutters and practice, practice, practice.