"Gunslingers" Chime In..Handgun For Wife

After buying the .38 I have been told by my cop friend that the piece has been thru two police careers in Chicago and he dropped off a freebie shoulder holster that came with the piece. Considering the age and possible history I'm going to pay S & W the $50 to get an official history. And considering the age of the weapon I'm going to give my friend the two boxes of +P ammo I bought but think it better not to fire thru the older pistol. He is getting a similar but newer weapon chambered for .357 but due to "policy" can only load with .38 .

Again, thanks for all the input and informed opinions.