Model 60

I got a model 60 awhile back & love it! She does require practice to be able to shoot her & group! I was told to only use 130gr.ammo.My 60 is a no dash.Also have a question for model 60 owners.Mine is a2 ",while at the range I was stopped & asked ...is that a 60??Yep! Want to sell it? This has happened twice....anyone else have guys trying to buy your 60??
Jim

Yup,several times. Mines a 60-4/3in.. The only one I carry.

I have a 3" 60. It's my do-it-all revolver.

I've been asked if it's for sale once, right after I let someone shoot it!

I am curious as to why you were told to shoot only 130 grain ammo?

jinx said:

I am curious as to why you were told to shoot only 130 grain ammo?

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Me too, I have a bunch of it that was given to me and it was all FMJ and rather low powered. A good round to break in with but you need better ammo for serious self defense. Brass worked real good for reloading!

I have a 60, made mid 70s and its a very good CCW with the right ammo!

I've had people following me around gun shows wanting to buy my nickel-plated S&W Model 37 and my three inch Model 13. One guy asked me why I brought them into the gun show if I wasn't going to sell them. Like I was going to leave them in my truck? Seriously?

I've had a few people want to buy my 1987 Model 60 (no dash) "Chiefs Special".
Sorry boys...she's not for sale.

The model 60-7 is my choice of EDC/CCW and is stoked with either Buffalo Bore 158 grain SWCHP-GC +P or Speer 135 grain Short Barrel Gold Dot ammo.

If the original poster is referring to 130 FMJ ammo - I see that as just about the worst carry load and would not use that ammo at all (except for shooting at targets). I am NOT assuming that is what is being referred to-just wanted to mention that. For the average M60 owner who does not get out and practice with it as much as they should, I always recommend the Speer Gold Dots as they are still effective, reliable, accurate and can be handled by most M60 owners. While the BB load is a definite step up, it is not a pleasant load to shoot from a short lightweight small gripped gun and it's always better to hit a perp with a GD than miss him with a BB.

I own a Model 60 (no dash) that's currently wearing a pair of vintage S&W factory checkered "banana" stocks. I traded it away once for a Moodel 19-4 but was later able to buy it back. Now I have both and they're not going anywhere. I believe the Model 60 (no dash) can handle any configuration of .38 special ammo as long as it's not +P.

Thanks guys,
I honestly didn't know,I was told (by the guy who tried to buy her it was a no dash & couldn't handle heavier stuff than 130 gr)! I thought he was out of his mind ....but thought to ask ya'll!
She's a real pleasure to carry!
Jim

retiredbadge8091 said:

I own a Model 60 (no dash) that's currently wearing a pair of vintage S&W factory checkered "banana" stocks. I traded it away once for a Moodel 19-4 but was later able to buy it back. Now I have both and they're not going anywhere. I believe the Model 60 (no dash) can handle any configuration of .38 special ammo as long as it's not +P.

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It will handle +P also - just do not shoot them too often. A cylinder full now & then will do no harm.

Sayoc01 said:

Thanks guys,
I honestly didn't know,I was told (by the guy who tried to buy her it was a no dash & couldn't handle heavier stuff than 130 gr)! I thought he was out of his mind ....but thought to ask ya'll!
She's a real pleasure to carry!
Jim

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Jim,

Whoever told you that knows absolutely NOTHING about the S&W .38 Special!!!!! All S&W .38 Special Revolvers were designed AROUND the 158 grain Bullet in the turn of the LAST Century! Anyone who does not know that should NOT be giving advise. It is also a known fact that the .38 Special spec's were approximately 10-15% hotter back 60 years ago than they are today. Today's loads are watered down - for the most part.

Model 60-7, superior variant?

chief38 said:

The model 60-7 is my choice of EDC/CCW and is stoked with either Buffalo Bore 158 grain SWCHP-GC +P or Speer 135 grain Short Barrel Gold Dot ammo.

If the original poster is referring to 130 FMJ ammo - I see that as just about the worst carry load and would not use that ammo at all (except for shooting at targets). I am NOT assuming that is what is being referred to-just wanted to mention that. For the average M60 owner who does not get out and practice with it as much as they should, I always recommend the Speer Gold Dots as they are still effective, reliable, accurate and can be handled by most M60 owners. While the BB load is a definite step up, it is not a pleasant load to shoot from a short lightweight small gripped gun and it's always better to hit a perp with a GD than miss him with a BB.

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Since you own a 60-7 I thought I would ask. I had a 60 n/d and by chance replaced it with a very nice 60-7. Somewhere I remember reading the 60-7 is the best all around variant of all model 60's. I wish I could remember the source of where I read it but the one particular I do remember is that it can best handle the +P round the best. Other than that would it be that do to it being the last variant before the MIM parts and I.L. came into play makes it a superior variant? If you could elaborate or dispel this claim I would appreciate it. Regards

P.S. What type of grips do you prefer for CC? Mine came with the original magnas but thus far I haven't found any wood grips I care for. If you would suggest a wood or synthetic grip I would appreciate it. I am tempted to go with a pair of Ahrends but am more concerned about function than design, not that Ahrends don't supply both, I have never tried their "J" frames.

Leave the magnas on it and add a Tyler T-Grip or BK GRIPS adapter for around $30.

raylan007 said:

Since you own a 60-7 I thought I would ask. I had a 60 n/d and by chance replaced it with a very nice 60-7. Somewhere I remember reading the 60-7 is the best all around variant of all model 60's. I wish I could remember the source of where I read it but the one particular I do remember is that it can best handle the +P round the best. Other than that would it be that do to it being the last variant before the MIM parts and I.L. came into play makes it a superior variant? If you could elaborate or dispel this claim I would appreciate it. Regards

P.S. What type of grips do you prefer for CC? Mine came with the original magnas but thus far I haven't found any wood grips I care for. If you would suggest a wood or synthetic grip I would appreciate it. I am tempted to go with a pair of Ahrends but am more concerned about function than design, not that Ahrends don't supply both, I have never tried their "J" frames.

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For many many years I carried it with the original wooden Magna-grips and a Tyler T Grip. I always loved Ivory so about 3 years ago I decided to get a custom set of Ivory grips made but to a slightly oversized dimension. You might not notice the slight size differential by just looking, but when you hold the Revolver in your hand you can feel the difference. Not only do they look great but it eliminated the need for the Tyler T.

Some like the Uncle Mikes or Pachmeyer's, but I find them too sticky and they stick to my clothing on the draw. Many here do like the original Magna's with the Tyler T. Worth a try for $35 bucks.

IMHO the M60-7 is the BEST of the lot. It has all the REAL improvements but NO MIM parts, NO I/L, a wider front sight, a wider smooth trigger, a slightly larger top strap, and was specifically heat treated for +P ammo. If you are seeking out a M60, the M60-7 is the one to look for IMHO. I also like the firing pin on the hammer nose and the traditional cylinder retention stud rather than the newer integral one that is part of the frame. It is also not the newer larger version chambered for .357 Magnums which are ridiculous to shoot in that gun. Most who have shot Magnums in that gun never do again so why the heck carry more weight around since it is larger and heavier than the 60-7.

My M60-7 is pictured in my Avitar above.

I also Have & Carry a Model 60-7 & it's 1 of My Favorite CCW Guns Mine wears the S&W/Uncle Mikes Boot Grips & They work well for Me

My Model 642-2 is wearing the stock grips so far. Don't know whether to leave 'em, go retro with magnas and a BK Grip adapter, or dress it up.

I like 'em a lot. My EDC and my woods-roaming, knockabout gun.

S&W model 60 has always been one of my favorite guns. About 35 years ago when you walked into a gun shop and wanted to start a conversation, you just asked if they had a model 60 in stock. They were almost impossible to find at any price back then. I haven't see many of the older 2" .38 special ones for sale lately. As far as ammo, I have shot mostly 158 gr. in the ones that I have owned. LSWC for target, and LSWCHP for carry.

I find J frames loaded with standard pressure, 150+ grain bullets to be very pleasant to shoot, and very accurate as well.