I have a Model 36 no-dash that I shoot pretty well at personal distances. The tall front sight blade that is common on the J-frames with a 1 7/8" barrel really helps in point shooting.
I'm considering getting a Model 60 with the slightly longer 2 1/8" barrel. But I notice that the front sight blade on that model seems a lot shorter than the 36.
And that's my concern. I don't want to loose the good tall sight picture I have with the Model 36. (I haven't found a 60 in a shop to check for myself.)
My question is whether the rear sight channel in the Model 60 is somehow deeper or something, so that it gives a similar sight picture. Or will the front sight on the Model 60 indeed appear shorter, and not stand out as much, when I sight down the barrel.
Hopefully someone who has both guns (or facsimiles thereof) can answer this.
Thanks

I'm fairly sure that the 2 1/8" bbl Model 60 you are referring to is chambered in .357 Magnum whereas the older M36 is .38 Spl. only. The newer Revolver, while still referred to as a "Chief's Special J Frame" has been beefed up to handle the .357 and is a bit different than the original Revolver chambered in .38 Spl. (which is a TRUE J Frame). They are not the exact same Revolver Frames.

The newer models have a 1/8" width front sight and a wider rear sight track, whereas the original sights on the M36/60 were 1/10" wide and a bit taller and have a narrower sight channel. While the new gun is chambered in .357 and is slightly larger and slightly heavier, I am of the opinion that it is almost useless! That is because .357 ammo out of a "J" Frame is very much more than almost anyone is willing to deal with as far as recoil goes! I personally know of no one who actually practices and carries .357 Magnum ammo in a 2 1/8" J Frame for what it's worth.

I bought my M-640 because I prefer the looks and feel of that model better than I do the "standard" J frames. I own and use both, but the M-640 configuration just makes me smile more! Use whichever one you like and shoot the best. Both are plenty accurate in practiced hands, and both are good revolvers!

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So long ... Ken

Thank you both. The reason I am considering the 60 is for the reasons kthom bought his. I have no intention of shooting .357 out of a J-frame. And chief38, thanks for explaining the technical differences in the sights.
I've gotten used to the sight picture on my 36 and do fairly well with it. I am just wondering if I would get similar results with a 60. I don't want to buy something that is "prettier" if I don't shoot it as well.

Below pics are my Model 36 no dash (1965), and Model 60, also no dash (1984). Both are 38 Spl only and were EDC's until my 637 came along and is carried with +P.

All shot exactly the same and honestly, I never noticed any difference in sight picture, target alignment, recoil recovery.

I do have a Model 36-1 (1976) with a 3 inch heavy barrel, and this gun does point, and shoot differently than all above. It is a nice gun in 38 Spl, but all EDC practice, and daily carry is confined to the above just because of familiarity with each gun.

My Model 27-2 with 3-1/2" bbl is the shortest wheel gun I have in 357 Magnum, and that one, while fun to shoot, is a bit of a bear-cat to control with full house Maggies aboard, so it is not a contender for EDC in my opinion.

Hope some of this helps your situation on getting a Model 60.

Attached Images

	M 36-G.jpg (59.4 KB, 71 views)
	M 36-B.jpg (91.6 KB, 74 views)
	Model 60-A.jpg (63.4 KB, 73 views)
	Model 60-B.jpg (64.1 KB, 69 views)
	S&W Mod 36-1 b.jpg (36.8 KB, 67 views)

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I don't think you'll notice any difference in sight pictures, except perhaps a slight improvement from the wider blade / notch. When sighting from eye level, you can't see much more than the rear notch depth anyway. You can't do this type of visual comparison because differences in the rib and sight base. Trust S&W to know how to give you the sight picture you need. To meaningfully compare front sight heights, you'd really need to compare from say, the bore center line.
I own M36 no dash (1 7/8) and a 36-1 (3"HB)

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

All good points and all very helpful. Thanks again all.

I have a 60-14. I usually carry .38 spec p+ but also will use .357 mag critical defense. Really bought it with intention of using .38 spec P+ most of the time
Recoil management is grip with backstrap against the meat of the hand not in the web. Have barrel inline with wrist and elbow .
Be sure to use alot of trigger finger and follow through, this keeps your finger tight against the trigger and not hit the front of the trigger guard on recoil.
This prevents having you trigger finger smack up against the inside of the trigger guard. I only did that once when first trying out some .357 mag ammo.
I only use .357 mag during winter when heavy coats are worn.

I have a 3" 60-10 .357 with adjustable sights...... think micro 686.

The front sight has a nice coat of florescent red model (over a white base coat) ....... great flash sight picture for my 66 year old, far sighted, eyes!!!


Tend to load .38s or +Ps hollow points when I am in urban/suburban areas...... 158 soft point .357s when woods carrying; and only carrying for emergency short range shots

IMHO a 2" J frame is a close up and personal defense gun - nothing more. While I have and still do shoot mine occasionally at up to 50 feet, 90% of the time I practice at 5-7 yards were most "trouble" occurs.

Since no one I know actually carry's .357's in a J, I see little reason to carry and deal with extra weight and bulk. The standard J Frames will recoil slightly more, but not enough to carry more bulk/weight on a daily basis.