+P has more muzzle velocity
If you mean +P, the difference is velocity.
Call S&W and they will tell you when it left the factory. 100-300 USD
There is no such thing as a ".38 Special +P" firearm - it's still a .38 Special, with some indication from the manufacturer that it is capable of handling the higher chamber pressures of the more heavily loaded +P cartridges. That's the only difference between a regular and a +P cartridge - more powder.
A pistol rated to fire .38 +P ammunition is still going to be a .38 Special pistol, and can use regular .38 Special ammunition. .357 Magnum revolvers are also capable of chambering and firing .38 Special loads - regular, +P, and +P+ included.
A ".38 +P revolver" is simply a .38 Special revolver which is rated to fire +P loads. It's still a .38 Special, and the +P doesn't change the dimensions of the round itself.
It's a .38 Special revolver. +P applies to the cartridge, and indicates a more powerful load than a standard round of the calibre. In this case, it would be a .38 S&W Special with a +P loading, hence .38 Special +P. You can fire regular .38 S&W Special cartridges through it. Whether or not it can fire +P or +P+ ammo, you need to read the instruction manual and find the manufacturer's information on this.
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT EVEN TRY TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Only if made from 1997 onward.
you can shoot standard 38 special rounds out of a firearm marked for 38 special +p
I have that same pistol and want to know where to get bullets for it ! .38 S&W special is the same as .38 special. Just avoid cartridges marked +P.
Yes, you can shoot .38 P (plus-P) cartridges in a .38 Special revolver, provided the firearm is rated for plus-P ammunition. Plus-P loads generate higher pressure than standard .38 Special rounds, offering increased performance. However, not all .38 Special firearms are designed to handle this increased pressure, so it's essential to check the manufacturer's specifications before using plus-P ammunition.
The only serial numbers that are that high in range were assigned to the 38 special Hand Ejector Military and Police(M&P) that were made between 1940-1945.