Thanks again for the many who responded to my recent postings for my new gun search. Very very helpful.

Last evening another co-worker called around & found a deal for me: an hour's drive from me; they had one gently used model 60 357 mag/.38 for a very good price, plus 10% off, as the place was holding an event this morning. Went out this morning to get there when they opened (& got back to work on time!) Exactly the gun I posted about that I'd fallen in love with this past Tuesday.

Wanted to let those who responded/helped me out know that I found my gun. It will never see the 357 mag, but good to know it's there, for resale if I ever do, which I kinda doubt.

Am looking forward to firing it @ the range, when my training supv finds a time for that. Dry-fired a few times for feel, but don't want to hurt the the pin, so will resist that impulse (w/my old revolver, had bought plastic dummies for dry-fire practice, but they stuck in the cylinders, so won't do that again).

Just wanted to let you'all know I did find my new treasure.

Good on you!

I know you will enjoy owning it.

Bill

Congrats on the purchase. What kind of duty are you going to be carrying a M60 for?

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

I wouldn't worry about dry-firing it, I've never seen a centerfire handgun that could be damaged that way. Rimfires are a different story.

Which barrel length did you get? I recently picked up a 60-4 that has become an instant favorite. Normally I'm not a huge J-frame fan, but this one is different!

Some fire and rescue agencies slow for duty weapons. Usually it's only revolvers though. I think in Florida armored car personnel can only carry revolvers less than six rounds. I saw an armored car driver in the grocery store carrying a 2" model 60 on his duty belt.

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24-3, 29-3, 60-1, 66, 442, 581

Huh. I've heard about some EMTs being armed now but it seems like an odd choice of weapon, especially given the lack of security holsters available for J frames. With the circumstances, venues, and "customers" they deal so closely with I'd think that weapon retention would be at the top of the list of considerations when it came to arming yourself.

I can't even comment on some of the crazy stuff I've seen armored car guys carrying.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Congrats on the acquisition. Train consistently and consider taking a quality defensive revolver course.

You may have regulations to follow regarding ammunition; once you know them, run a search in the ammo forum here -- lots of informative threads on the better defensive rounds.

If dry-firing caused damage to modern revolvers, half the threads on every gun board would be about damaged revolvers.

Dry-firing will NOT hurt that revolver.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Welcome to the forum!

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But then, what do I know?

Contrary to what you are hearing about dry firing, I have broken three firing pins over the years. Two were hammer mounted and one was in the frame. Occasional dry firing won't hurt but extensive dry firing can. It's that simple. A set of snap caps is a good idea if you are going to be dry firing extensively. I was a competitive shooter for many, many years.

Just a thought...

Dale53

Firing pins sometimes break even when you are LIVE firing.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Groo here
Never say never .
I have a 60-Pro with Pachmayr grips that shoots 357 very well.
Fast becoming my fave around the house/out in the field gun.

There is another benefit in that you can couple dry-firing with reloading drills.

Hmmm..I think I got skittish w/dryfiring & snap caps when the pin on my old revolver kept breaking, but the, it was a very old gun.

CC145, I'm on the Community Response staff for a large retirement community. We have a wide variety of duties & are EMT-Bs. Everyone else carries semi-autos of one variety or another, but I like revolvers.
PapaJohn 428, my 60 has a 3" barrel.

Will be on the lookout soon for a retention holster, saw some on Uncle Mike's.

Hapworth, my training supv is a NRA certified instructor, so I get training & courses several times a year.

I think I'll be very happy w/this purchase.

TJ, you were lucky to find such a cool revolver, I think the 3-inch barreled guns from S&W are about as good as it gets. I buy every 3" revolver I see.....even those from Ruger and Rossi, as well. I just can't help myself.



I need to get a new family portrait made......those are just the ones I had out of the safe.

Please keep us posted as things progress, and I'll be watching to see what kind of a holster you wind up with.

Thanks, PapaJohn! I think I DID get lucky w/my gun. My training supv will have to figure out a time for us to get to the range w/it (& my Chief has on his list to order range .38 ammo, since he has none of that in storage right now). A holster will take some shop-looking, but is on the agenda (the universal I have is inadequate & sits too high on my belt). Also need to get speedloader & speedloader holster, since unfortunately I sold both w/the old revolver.

QUOTE:
"Originally Posted by Dale53
A set of snap caps is a good idea if you are going to be dry firing extensively. I was a competitive shooter for many, many years."

What about Knocking out the primer in an empty casing and filling it with silicone? It's only a little softer than plastic. I've done this for revolvers and it seems to work fine.

That's a good idea, CorgiS&W, I put that on my idea list, plus snap caps on my to-buy list. I'd tried both empty casings & snap caps on my previous (very old revolver) & both stuck in the cylinder, but this new baby is a whole new ball game.

I just cleaned my new baby, properly. There wasn't much residue in the barrel; previous owner was very good, but just not as picky as me re cleaning. Did 3 patches 'till came out clean. What I have in my cleaning kit is a "Kleen Bore Formula 3", supposedly "cleans,lubricates,prevents rust". Is this adequate, or should I really get separate cleaning solvent/separate oil?

And, w/cylinder: my old instructor told me never never oil the inside of the cylinder, as can collect dust/etc & prevent smooth firing. That i can fully understand. So: just a solvent to clean? On my new gun just now (& w/my previous "antique") I swiped just a little bit w/the bore brush w/the above mentioned 3-in-1 (after used up pretty much on the bore), as there WAS residue. Then I put patches thru several times to clean out that bit & hopefully wipe out any oil.

Advice always appreciated. Treated my previous old revolver very well, want to give this new/used the best I can do.

Sounds like you have a good handle on all of this.
As far as cleaning I only use one thing: Hoppes #9. Works great, and I can also use it as aftershave.
Jim

Thanks, P&R, I put that in my notes. Aftershave?? I presume, then, I can dab ab bit behind my ears & elsewhere for "body ambiance"...!

Do so at your own risk.
That smell will attract the guys like flies.
Jim

Cool gun, looks like a shrunken Model 67. I would not mind having one of those.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

I have broken only one firing pin over the last 40 years and that was on a Rossi snubbie (and it broke just after I sold it to a friend). I cannot count the amount of dry firing I have done with modern revolvers. Still, I use a set of snap-caps just to be careful.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Always need to throw in my 2 cents on dry firing revolvers....

I have broken 2 hammer nose's (pins) on my model 19 dry firing WITH SNAP-CAPS.

And I have broken the hammer nose (pin) on my Model 10 dry firing WITH SNAP-CAPS.

Now I only dry fire my 1911, and even then it breaks the firing pin spring after awhile.

P&R, I'll try it...you never know, some o' guy might like some 'ol gal w/a bent towards nice revolvers & horses!

BTW I liked your "family portrait", the last one w/the wooden handle sure is pretty.

My baby is all packed up in it's case, ready to go back to work tomorrow. My training supv wants me to carry it, even 'tho don't have ammo yet, for "looks". This job requirement is a great deal about deterance (neighborhood surrounding the job area is a bit funky)..but the night guys are vested, 'cuz you...never know.

Hmmm, fredg19...I'd "macgyvered" an old ice cream scooper (anyone remember those, w/the little "trigger"?) w/duct tape to simulate trigger pull & strengthen my trigger finger; gonna pull it out.

Snap caps still on my list 'tho...maybe.

Will see what happens. Have a gunsmith close by!

***??!!!! Who the hell do you work for that wants you to pack an empty gun you're not qualified with in an unsecure holster while on the job in uniform??? Never mind the fact that they're okay with you carrying a J frame on a duty belt! No offense to you, swTJ, but all of that is all kinds of *** backwards, stupidly dangerous, and a huge liability. Somebody needs to rethink that whole program. And you need open your mouth and advocate for your own safety, because none of this is a good idea.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Ouch, WC145.....

Taking your post to heart & will bring it up w/training supv really quick. I never thought it was a good idea to carry empty, it was just was I was told to do w/the borrowed Ruger semi-auto.

This is the first gun I've been able to afford (took alot to get here) & I like it alot. But the procedure does need to be rethought, & I will bring it up.

A "wet blanket" is always a good reality check.

WC145 makes a good point, what good is an empty revolver? I work in the N. St Louis Ghetto, where you have to have five felony convictions to be a resident. (Just kidding........mostly.) Those folks are experts at detecting holes in defensive strategies, and while I know stupid rules are just stupid rules, I'd push for qualification with the new gun ASAP. I'm assuming you can't carry it loaded until you've qualified with it........right?

The odds of needing that gun are pretty small, but if you need it, you need it NOW, with bullets. Murphy is alive, well, and sneaky as hell. Cover your six!

As for cleaning, I use a ton of Hoppe's, but I wipe everything off when I'm done, and only use oil on the internals. Rust isn't a big issue here most of the time, and stainless steel is a godsend.

Talk to the boss about getting qualified. Seriously. Like today!

PopaJohn,that was always the rule until the new Chief (who's an able administrator/mngr...but the guy's not a "Chief"..yet, maybe never; he's just not a leader. My training supv is doing what he's told, do did what I was told. But, am going to email training supv. (We're on opposite shifts).

Thank you, & WC145. The "procedure" toward me was sloppy. I'll fix it.

That is a Jim Dandy acquisition!

I don't care what stupid stuff they tell you to do; apparently this job has some risk to it and they acknowledge it. If they want you to carry an unloaded gun that you haven't qualified with; that's their problem. Get some 38 rounds and carry a loaded weapon. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to return home safely at the end of your shift. I'm retired law enforcement; I've been there. Stay safe, sister.

You sure you don't want to resell it??? My LGS is having Major problems getting me a model 60, even though they said they one on back order for me...
I'm starting to get really discouraged.

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Still just a kid at heart

Ok, I hollered & have been given some .38 +P to load 'till I can get my own box (range ammo is on order per Chief). Was told by training supv this morning via text/email that my revolver qualification is good thru mid-March, as have already qualified on revolver this previous March. he knows I know how to handle a revolver & am a good shot (that's, & the ammo now in my revolver, to reassure those who expressed concern for my safety). That's where it is so far.

WC145, as for carrying a J frame on a duty belt: this is the best I can do. This gun fits my hand. If I need to pull it for my protection &/or the protection of a resident, I know my grip will go right-on & my finger reaches the trigger just right. I shoot very well, at the range, w/both my old revolver & the semi-autos I've tried. What else is needed, besides the response & action? I paid very close attention to your post message, believe me.

Wildenot, no I won't resell. As for discouragement...dang, having trouble finding a holster that is appropriate. Will have to look in other areas. Shouldn't be so hard to find a decent synthetic retention holster for a popular revolver; will keep looking.

BTW training supv wants to schedule me for tactical revolver class sometime this Spring. Will ask him for a refresher on Defensive, even if I have to pay for it myself.

swTJ,

You're probably going to have trouble finding a retention type duty holster for your 3 inch m60. I suggest looking for a concealment style with at least a thumb break retention strap. Here is a good example. Yes, I know it's leather. Also, you'll have to open up the belt slots a little to fit on a duty belt.

Product: RH Black Leather Thumb Break Scabbard For J & E 3" Bbl

The "Gun Angels" have another success story! They're kinda like "Parking Lot Angels". I ask the "PLAs" for help when I'm turning into the lot of the always crowded LGS. Almost always there's someone vacating a spot just as I pull in.

I've been asking the Gun Angels to help me find my Model 63, with a 5" barrel. Nothing yet. But looks like they, or someone else upstairs who's nice, guided your Model 60 right to you. In an expeditious manner too boot!

Very very happy for you, swTJ. Bet it'll be just as loved and well taken care of as your hoofed charges.

Thanks, Realgunner, I copied that to save. It is being difficult to find a holster.

Good news is now loaded as of this morning w/.38+P. Feels much better. Thank you WC145 for kicking my b..

Thanks, Isis! I hope you find what you want really soon. I love this gun, have never had one before that "fit" me. I realize that carrying a bigger frame (like I did before) is "better", but what use is it if my hand doesn't fit (I tried several different grips) & it's a struggle to reach & pull the trigger? GAs did send this one to me...just like the Horse Angels sent me the place where I can go for that. All good.

Whatever works. I'd be skittish about the possibility of mixing one of those dummies up with a live round. The A-Zoom caps are a dark re, harder to confuse them with live cartridges.

I think I'll get snap caps again, but not the absolute cheapest that I did before, as maybe cheap was the reason they stuck in my old revolver's cylinder.

Was going to get a speed loader & case, my my training supv wants me to get a strip loader (& case) instead. Haven't used a strip loader before, but will be taught.

First thing to purchase right now is a decent holster. Between here & a couple of knowledgeable guys at work, have a few options.

I feel much better loaded. Was very uncomfortable w/the other "directive". Thanks again for the comments about that.

Am looking forward to my first range time w/the 60.

What holster are you using now? Open carry on a 2 1/4" duty belt?

I would not feel under gunned with a J frame. While I'd rather carry an N in 357 or 45acp that's not always possible. I shoot my J frame just as well; it just shoots smaller boolits (38spl) and one less.

I've had good luck with A - zoom snap caps. The plastic Pachmayr caps always break and they can and do get stuck in chambers. Haven't broke a firing pin yet but I don't dry fire a lot. I use airguns a whole lot these days for cheap practice. The triggers suck, so the real firearm triggers always feel like a dream in comparison.

Do a Google search for Massad Ayoob's videos, he has some great training tips, including reloading quickly with Speed Strips.

I've long maintained that the snubbies are guns for the experts, I trained cops for a couple years but never felt proficient enough with the shorty barrels, yet a 3" barreled gun seems as easy to hit with as a bigger gun. I think the K-frames are the easiest guns to shoot, but a 3" M-60 is an excellent compromise between size and utility.

I always feel better when I'm loaded too.

Realgunner, I have a 2" duty belt. The holster I have @ present is a "universal" nylon loaner from co-worker that I'd borrowed to carry the Chief's Ruger semi-auto. Not good, can't wait to get rid of it.

Rick A, put A-Zoom snap caps on my list, Isis had mentioned that also. It was Pachmyr that I'd previously gotten, won't make that mistake again. Thank you for the J-frame reassurance.

PapaJohn,"3" M-60 excellent compromise"; I sure hope so. The K-frame was just too big & heavy for my hand, I never would've given up my old model 10, except for that.

Range date is in the works. Soon. I made sure of that.

PWL makes a nice holster for the J-frame. This is a 120/TS

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A quality holster, but a little too inviting for an attempted gun-grab when carried exposed, don't you think?

You mentioned previously a preference for a synthetic, molded, multiple secure retention holster. Though for revolvers I'm partial to leather, if you're firm in this set-up, a couple options:

Contact Dale Fricke Holsters; they specialize in kydex. I have first hand experience with them and they make a superb product at a reasonable price and are a pleasure to deal with. Suggest the Gideon Elite holster for your stated purposes. Call and discuss a retention strap modification; Mr. Fricke's receptive to specific needs and modifications.

Dale Fricke Holsters - Custom Kydex Holsters and Mag PouchesDale Fricke Holsters

Alternately, for leather, several options for a good, strong side, outside the waistband holster with a retention strap specifically built to the 3" Model 60 specs, to include in no particular order:

El Paso Saddlery "Tortilla": #77 "Tortilla" Holster

Lobo Gun Leather Model 5: Lobo Gun Leather - 20. MODEL 5 BELT HOLSTER

Ritchie Leather Co. CQ-CR with thumb break: Close quarter-quick release / thumb break (cq-qr/tb) - Product Details

DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard: Thumb Break Scabbard

Bianchi Shadow II: http://holsterfinder.safariland.com/.../Details/10223

Carry a unloaded revolver for looks? Speed strips instead of speed loaders? I your Chief Barney Fife?

Did not notice the 2014 date

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Wheel guns are real guns too.

Did not notice the 2014 date

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Wheel guns are real guns too.