New Model 60 question/Opinions?

[AT1984]

I was looking at a new Model 60-14 (not the Ladysmith model) at the PX. I noticed that the front sight had a VERY small gap underneath the sight (between the sight and barrel) I also noted that the sight was pinned with what appeared to be a spring pin, not the nice pin with the rounded ends. The locking bolt pin wasn't centered...it was pushed through one side of the barrel lug, more than the other.

These aren't available very often, here. It's actually the first I've seen. I mentioned these things to the clerk, and got a *meh*.

Should I forget about this one, or just quit being so picky and "pull the trigger"?

Thanks!

 

[OKFC05]

mentioned these things to the clerk, and got a *meh*.

Yep. Not familiar with the new interchangeable front sights?

 

[Maximumbob54]

This is your first time looking at the "new normal"???

 

[kaaskop49]

Re the crosspin on the locking bolt: a light tap with a brass tap will move it back to center. Have done this on a couple of my Js. Can't advise you about the sight..

 

[AT1984]

Other than the things I was (maybe) nit-picking, the 60 was really nice.

When I started looking for a Model 60, I immediately thought about changing the front sight, so yeah, I know it's not anything that can't be taken care of. I've looked at Trijicon and XS Big Dot sights.

I have an older 640-1 (no lock), and my wife has a 642 CT...I think I have the fever!

 

[AT1984]

This is your first time looking at the "new normal"???

The fit and finish on the 642 I bought in November is excellent. As far as Stainless J Magnums...yep.

Jacksonville, huh? I grew up in Oceanway.

 

[Maximumbob54]

The fit and finish on the 642 I bought in November is excellent. As far as Stainless J Magnums...yep.

Jacksonville, huh? I grew up in Oceanway.

USN transplant. I was USN for a decade and happened to get out here and ended up staying here. And I don't mean to constantly bad mouth S&W. It's just that literally every other one I've bought in the last few years now has given me trouble or had to be sent back for repair. To be fair, the M&P R8 was a used gun so maybe I bought someone else's trouble. BUT... I've handled so many in my favorite local haunts that I wouldn't ever buy. I want a 686+ 3" in the worst way and the last one I picked up and wanted to put on layaway was just silly with minor flaws. It's nothing that wouldn't make it not go bang but nothing I was going to spend almost eight hundred dollars on. Thus I'm getting a bad attitude at what is/was one of our premier US brands. One of the favorite sports on this forum is Taurus bashing and I have to say the few Taurus guns (And Ruger) that I have run great and right out of the box. And yet a cracked frame, action locking up, and an 18# trigger pull later I'm tired of having to put so much time, effort, and extra money into my new S&W's. I'm forgetting the ILS locking up my 637 for sure and I still say that's what happened to my 629 but that one had to be worked on anyways. I guess a couple of thousand dollars later and I see why so many guys crab about only buying older models.

 

[Cal44]

I bought a new M60 last year and noticed, after I got it home, that the barrel was "clocked" too far.

Sent it back to S&W and they fixed the problem

Everything else was in good shape.

Very nice trigger in both SA and DA.

I'm happy with it now.

Dave

 

[AT1984]

I bought a new M60 last year and noticed, after I got it home, that the barrel was "clocked" too far.

Sent it back to S&W and they fixed the problem

Everything else was in good shape.

Very nice trigger in both SA and DA.

I'm happy with it now.

Dave

You can bet I'll be checking that closely. I've read a BUNCH on these forums.

Maximumbob54: I happen to have a..ahem...Taurus Model 85 with a compensated barrel. 2 in, but looks like a 3 in. Ported, too.

 

[brio]

I recently bought the same gun, 60-14, new old stock. I was leary with the lock, however, I'm completely satisfied. The fit & finish are better than was on my 1981 66-2 snub. I've changed the sights twice already. First to a Hi Viz, which are nice, and now to the XS Big Dot. I thinking of getting a regular black ramp with red insert also. Hopefully I won't get into trouble here, but here's a link with great info on changing the front sight : XS Big Dot sight installed on a Smith and Wesson model 60. Good luck.

 

[Hondo44]

Buy it! At least those things are simple to fix.

As was said, a tap or two will fix the lock pin. I drive out all the roll pins on new Smiths and Winchesters and replace with solid pins. Just like we did with Colt's Gold Cup 1911s. Most did theirs before the roll pin on the rear sight self destructed.