I assume the topic poster, like like majority people around the world, is flying in at least 20 years old aircraft (I fly in 60 years old C172A).
Regardless, after so many years of use I wouldn't trust 100% what's written in the POH/AFM, neither I would trust gauges (although I always do sanity check by comparing with GS).
The only way to test the stall speed it is to climb above 3000ft, then slow down and note down when it stalls.
Still, no ground effect up in the sky, neither air density/pressure/temperature is the same, neither every day is the same, but the Vso value should be very close to what's in the books.
Regardless, my safety speed is Vso 35kts x 1.404 which is 49kts, but I normally approach with 60.
Unless STOL aircraft or an aircraft with STOL modifications, I wouldn't be experimenting too much
Safe landings !