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  #1  
Old 12-09-2016, 06:40 PM
therousehouse therousehouse is offline
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Default Model 60 or 37

I have an opportunity to buy either a model 60 or model 37 in similar condition. Both guns are older models and come with box and paperwork. I would like to find out if one model is more desireable than the other. The 60 is stainless and the 37 is nickel. Not sure if that makes any difference but wanted to mention it just in case. Thanks in advance for you help...It is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jim
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  #2  
Old 12-09-2016, 06:49 PM
MetalMan MetalMan is online now
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The Mod 60 in stainless should be less "fussy" from an external maintenance standpoint than the nickel 37.

Personally, I also prefer the heft of a stainless steel gun compared to the alloy frames....YMMV.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference...what feels good in your hands and which one you shoot better.

Good luck with your decision.
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  #3  
Old 12-09-2016, 07:33 PM
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Engine49guy Engine49guy is offline
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The Model 60 will be a bit stronger but the 37 is lighter for CCW.

I carry a Model 37 and gave the GF my Model 60 as a nightstand gun.

As for value if they are the same generation.... I would get the one in better condition ,
If the Model 60 is pre 1969 gun I would buy that one.
If the Model 37 is a flat latch buy the 37
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Old 12-09-2016, 09:07 PM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
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What MetalMan said--I also prefer the heft of an all-steel J-frame. I've carried one for a good many years and don't find the weight burdensome at all.
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Old 12-09-2016, 09:11 PM
therousehouse therousehouse is offline
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Thank you so much for the response, it was very helpful. The model dates to 1982. It has never been fired and the original matching serial number box and all original paperwork is available. I'm not sure just what a "flat latch" is or how to identify it. I can buy the gun for $800 and I'm not sure if that is a good, fair, or high price. Again, any help you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks again...
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  #6  
Old 12-09-2016, 09:18 PM
therousehouse therousehouse is offline
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Meant to say the "model 37 dates to 1982"...sorry bout that! My bad.
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Old 12-09-2016, 09:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by therousehouse View Post
Thank you so much for the response, it was very helpful. The model dates to 1982. It has never been fired and the original matching serial number box and all original paperwork is available. I'm not sure just what a "flat latch" is or how to identify it. I can buy the gun for $800 and I'm not sure if that is a good, fair, or high price. Again, any help you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks again...
I don't know where you are but $800 is high in my opinion
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  #8  
Old 12-09-2016, 09:30 PM
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If your getting both for $800 its a good deal, if thats just for one gun thats alot IMO.
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Old 12-09-2016, 09:33 PM
therousehouse therousehouse is offline
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OK...It's only for one gun, the model 37 so it looks like I would be paying too much. Will have to rethink...guess I was streching because of NIB condition with box and paperwork. Thanks again...the members on this fourm are first rate in every way.
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Old 12-10-2016, 04:20 AM
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Buy the Model 60, if in good condition. Pay about $450-500, at most $600.


The Model 37 is not meant for frequent firing, and may crack the frame if shot much and will recoil a lot more. Using Plus P ammo will wear the alloy frame sooner. S&W does not warranty their light alloy frames for Plus P. (Except for a few recent ones.)


Unless you have a very good reason to the contrary, the Model 60 is THE best snub .38 and was the first handgun to be made in stainless steel, a vast advantage over blue and nickel guns.


Try to buy a Model 60-7, made in the early 1990's. It had internal changes to add endurance in the yoke area and is warranted for Plus P ammo, although that should be fired in moderation, not for routine range use.


Ignore the advice here to get an old flat latch gun. That older type of cylinder release appeals to collectors and nostalgia buffs, but the newer guns have better metallurgy.


The Model 60 has a conventional hammer that can be cocked for more precise shooting. Avoid the double-action only models, like the Centennial. They are useful only at very close range. A novice like you clearly are needs to learn SA fire first, anyway.


The aluminum framed guns are useful solely because of their light weight for pocket or purse carry. Use an inside waistband holster or conventional belt holster when possible. A Model 37 or 38 is a specialty item, for occasional use when the gun has to be pocketed. It's NOT a good basic snub .38.

Last edited by Texas Star; 12-10-2016 at 04:31 AM.
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  #11  
Old 12-10-2016, 08:04 AM
alwslate alwslate is offline
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I have both models and the 37 has been carried more because of it's
lighter weight but if I could only have one it would be the 60. The 60 is
a rugged stainless J frame that will easily outlast you with minimal
care and the 37 could develop a frame crack without warning. And $800
is way too much for any 37 regardless of condition or type of cyl
latch. As said above negotiate a good price and buy the 60.
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  #12  
Old 12-10-2016, 08:39 AM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
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37's are great for Ankle carry, 36's and 60's take the cake for every thing else! I carry a 49 every day in my pocket (49's have a shrouded hammer but still allow single action, used to be call "Bodyguard" for good reason!) With practice, all J-frame guns can shoot very accurately. That being said, my brother has a 37 I can't hit squat with, I have a 36 that shoots almost as good as my 49.

Ivan
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  #13  
Old 12-10-2016, 11:33 AM
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Ivan (and anyone else that carries a Bodyguard), don't forget to periodically check the hammer track for pocket lint. It can build up enough to prevent the gun from firing.
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