Actually, Ruger does specifically rate the .38 Special SP101 for +P ammunition. On page 10 of the instruction manual, the following is stated:
Quote:
Notes on Caliber .38 Special: .38 Special caliber revolvers are designed
specifically for modern higher-powered factory loaded cartridges, including .38
Special and .38 Special + P ammunition.
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https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/sp101.pdf
Quote:
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The practice of stamping +P on a barrel originated with S&W, and it's a marketing-only deal. No difference in the +P marked guns vs identical earlier non-+P marked guns other than the barrel markings.
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Not all .38 Special S&W revolvers are rated for +P ammunition. According to S&W, even all-steel K-Frames are not rated for +P ammo if made before 1958. Also, older alloy-frame guns such as the M12, 37, 38, and 42 should not be fired with +P and older all-steel J-Frames such as the models 36, 40, 49, and 60 (.38 Special only version) are not specifically rated for +P although conventional wisdom is that limited amounts won't hurt them.