back up gun for someone carrying a s&w model 60

[mg357]

Dear Smith and Wesson forum. I have a question for my fellow Forum members What would be an appropriate back up gun for someone carrying a Smith and Wesson model 60 .357 magnum revolver with a 3 inch barrel? The reason that i am asking is because i hope to be able to conceal carry some day and the model 60 would be my primary carry gun and i was just wondering what would be a good backup gun to supplement the model 60. sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud member of the Smith and Wesson Forum.

 

[Chuck Jones]

a velo-dog?

...or better a NAA Mini?

North American Arms


/c

 

[ENGINE18]

How about a Airweight/Airlite .38/.357 J-frame?

 

[kimberst245]

IMO, a second model 60 would seem to be the best option.

 

[Dump1567]

How about a Airweight/Airlite .38/.357 J-frame?

This,
or a Ruger .380 LCP if you want something smaller and lighter. I carry mine from time to time in a Fobus paddle holster and I don't even know it's there. It's seems to take-up about as much room as a spare magazine.

 

[Big Lou]

14 of my 28.5 years I spent on the job, I worked undercover narcotics. I've carried model (s) 36, 37, 60, 649 and 940. All excellent choices.

In late 89 or 90 (can't remember, getting old). my partner & I both purchased 342's. It was an instant hit in the office. Every Narc who handled it went out and got one. Concealed hammer, very light weight and neat lil Uncle Mike grips that fit your hand. It was a winner. I carried that gun everyday in my pants pocket. (A word of caution here, never carrying anything else in the same pocket, no keys, extra ammo, coins, pen, etc. nothing! Just the gun.) Outstanding weapon. Perfect for it's intended purpose. Up close and personal.

I still have and carry it almost everyday since I retired in 07. Matter of fact, it's the most carried gun I own. It's been back to the factory twice for refinishing, Each time the factory did an excellent job with quick turn around. Can't beat the price, free.(with the exception of one way over night fee on my end).

I know the 342 isn't made anymore, but the newer versions are and will work just great. 442, 642, etc. The conceal hammer makes for a perfect, safe carry and quick draw when needed. I give it the highest recommendation. I'm not still on the job but my 342 is.

Good Luck!

 

[scooter123]

Since you writing a piece of fiction, why not spin it so that it will appeal to a TV producer. Specifically, add a comment about needing more firepower and have your subject whip out a 4 inch 500 Magnum. If it's a night scene, the gases venting from the ports should be spectacular.




PS; yeah I'm a bit twisted, always loved it when Hawk would pull out his model 29 on Spenser.

 

[David LaPell]

A Model 37 or a Model 36 maybe. For creative purposes, a Lemon Squeezer.

 

[Alk8944]

All depends on what the "Back-up" is expected to accomplish. If the intent is a "New York reload" then another, similar revolver would be appropriate. There are other times a .44 Mountain Gun would be more in line.

 

[moosedog]

A model 60 was designed to be a back up gun. Get something bigger caliber, or bigger capacity for a primary carry gun.

 

[old bear]

A model 60 was designed to be a back up gun. Get something bigger caliber, or bigger capacity for a primary carry gun.

Moosedog, I wondered how long it would take for someone to state the obvious.

 

[Frizzman]

I'm not too enthusiastic about a 5 shot snub for a primary weapon but when I do carry either my M60(no dash) or 640-1, I usually combine that with a 337 I got in a trade a while back. I had the hammer bobbed and a tritium Big Dot front sight put on it by a local revolver smith and usually carry it in an ankle holster for easy access when seated or driving. I carry a couple of Speed Strips with .38's. I don't feel completely naked with that combo.

 

[rz625-8]

OR,carry 4 extra hks M36 Speed loaders in your pockets

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

OR,carry 4 extra hks M36 Speed loaders in your pockets

Or, even better yet, carry four Safariland Comp I speedloaders in your pockets.

 

[4-Screw]

A Model 60 was my dad's back-up gun in the 70's when he was a policeman....a reasonable back-up gun IMHO.

 

[lanceman193]

Ruger .380 for back-up

I think the Ruger .380 is perfect for any back-up purpose most are likely to encounter. I carry in a pocket holster and forget it is there.It is very easy to shoot and perfectly(so far) reliable.

 

[roundgunner]

I think if you are going to carry a back up to a 5 shot it should be the same caliber so reloads will work in either. I think these would do just fine.

Model 60 2” 357

And a 340 SC 2” 357

I think I would set them up with Crimson Trace grips too.

 

[sub-moa]

Back in the early '70s, when working plainclothes we were required, by department edict, to carry the department issued 158 RNL , just as everyone in Uniform Patrol did in their M10s. I did by using an M36/60/49 as my "Duty Weapon"...with an M19/P35/1911/other(s) as my BUG ...

 

[luis]

A gun regardless of caliber on your person when you need it is more valuable than a bigger gun left at home. From a law enforcement point of view, the primary and backup should use the same ammo.

 

[ARMinSC]

60 back-up

Beretta Tomcat .32