Add me to the list. The pre magnum Model 60 was/is, for me, the perfect revolver for woods travels, fishing companion, and just for walking the dogs in the woodlands up behind the house. Also, for the compact house gun for the "noises in the night". The .357 should have/deserves it own special full sized revolver frame IMHO.
Model 60 inforequest
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Green Frog
Member
I liked Dale53's Model 60-4 so much he was afraid I might run off with it,so he found one for me out of self preservation. It is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Thanks again,Dale! 
Froggie
Froggie
Dale53
Member
Green Frog;
You are MOST welcome, my friend!
Dale53
You are MOST welcome, my friend!
Dale53
OP
Protected One
Member
another mid 80s 38 special
same gun with factory grips
Your 38 spl in the first picture looks EXACTLY like the one I will be picking up tomorrow!
Smith & Wesson told me it was made in 1987.
How happy are you with yours and is it your edc?
Model 60 in 38 special only
I purchased my model 60 in May of 1971. That was when I joined the police dept. I paid $96.00 for it. I still have it in the box, shot plenty of ammo out of it. Carried it for years in an inside the pants holster. I even have the polished grip adapter.
I purchased my model 60 in May of 1971. That was when I joined the police dept. I paid $96.00 for it. I still have it in the box, shot plenty of ammo out of it. Carried it for years in an inside the pants holster. I even have the polished grip adapter.
THE PILGRIM
Member
I think I bought my 60 no dash in 1967.
First stainless revolver that I ever saw!
First stainless revolver that I ever saw!
Boogsawaste
Member
60 from '80 or '81 38 special.
Also a fan of the J magnums.
640-1
Also a fan of the J magnums.
640-1
I like it,it's a neat little gun.I don't carry very often,but there's an area I like to kayak in where guns and dogs aren't allowedAfter a run in with a pitbull last year,it goes with me.
OP
Protected One
Member
Having a gun with you is rule#1, but after reading some of the stories in the concealed carry section about pit bull attacks, are you sure a 38spl is enough gun?
kthom
Member
Protected One,
Just as with human pit bulls, a great deal depends on where that bullet lands, regardless of caliber. A good self defense round in .38 Special should handle either one, especially if neither is feeling no pain because of drugs or adrenalin OD. There is never a guarantee with any of them, and the animal or predator may be dead and just not know it yet. Keep shootin' till everything stops moving!!! But do your very best to make sure every hit is as good as you can make it.
Just as with human pit bulls, a great deal depends on where that bullet lands, regardless of caliber. A good self defense round in .38 Special should handle either one, especially if neither is feeling no pain because of drugs or adrenalin OD. There is never a guarantee with any of them, and the animal or predator may be dead and just not know it yet. Keep shootin' till everything stops moving!!! But do your very best to make sure every hit is as good as you can make it.
raylan007
Member
BIGGER is not always BETTER
The need for a .357 caliber is part of the bigger is better mentality. Why spoil a perfect "J" frame when so many other more practical options exist. I wonder how many folks who have opted for the .357 caliber have fired .357's more than a few times, if that. I picked up this nice 60-7 for $450 and put some boot grip Altamont's on it. If a .38 was good enough for Joe Friday it good enough for me. "Just the facts mam, just the facts"
The need for a .357 caliber is part of the bigger is better mentality. Why spoil a perfect "J" frame when so many other more practical options exist. I wonder how many folks who have opted for the .357 caliber have fired .357's more than a few times, if that. I picked up this nice 60-7 for $450 and put some boot grip Altamont's on it. If a .38 was good enough for Joe Friday it good enough for me. "Just the facts mam, just the facts"
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Boogsawaste
Member
**Hand raised**
I don't mind 357 out of little guns at all. I realize some are recoil sensetive and I kept reading how brutal j magnums were before I got one. My first time at the range with one I was nervous because of all the internet talk about feeling like getting hit in the hand with a hammer etc. First time shooting I actually chuckled. Maybe my hands and wrists are used to punishment as I rode bmx for well over a decade but there was no pain involved. Last weekend had my dads sp101 out and shot around 50 158xtp's over 15.9 grains of w296. Do they kick and make follow up shots harder? Sure do! Do I carry a 38+p? Sure do! But I like options and I like both size j frames. Of course, everyone who doesn't like them is entitled to their own opinions too.
**Steps off my soap box**
OP
Protected One
Member
Arjay. I got to take a look at the gun today. It had some wear marks and slight insignificant rusting, but one thing that concerns me is the hammer won't stay cocked for single action shooting. Is this gun a double action only revolver or is there a potential problem?
**Hand raised**
I don't mind 357 out of little guns at all. I realize some are recoil sensetive and I kept reading how brutal j magnums were before I got one. My first time at the range with one I was nervous because of all the internet talk about feeling like getting hit in the hand with a hammer etc. First time shooting I actually chuckled. Maybe my hands and wrists are used to punishment as I rode bmx for well over a decade but there was no pain involved. Last weekend had my dads sp101 out and shot around 50 158xtp's over 15.9 grains of w296. Do they kick and make follow up shots harder? Sure do! Do I carry a 38+p? Sure do! But I like options and I like both size j frames. Of course, everyone who doesn't like them is entitled to their own opinions too.
**Steps off my soap box**
Right there with ya' brutha'. Standard 357 loads in my little steel J are just fine. I've even shot some of the "hot" 125gr loads in it. Not near as easy on the hands and wrists as 38's but not nearly as punishing as I had been lead to believe either. And 357's in a K-frame? Piece o' cake man, I can shoot 'em all day - even with my poorly-healed and arthritic right index finger metacarpal...
Kitchen table trigger job?
Are there any real gunsmiths in your area? Shipping is pricey!
OP
Protected One
Member
Yes, there are some good gunsmiths in the area but I was hoping to not have to go to them.
Does anyone know if Smith & Wesson made some double action only 38 spl Model 60's?
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As others have said, it was originally introduced as a 38 Special in 1965. To my old, traditional eyes, the original 38 Special version of each of the three frame types in the J frame guns (Chief's Special, Bodyguard, and Centennial) are more pleasing to the eyes, and more functional, than the extended J frames chambered in .357 Magnum. I do not use .357 Magnum ammo in any J frame, so I would prefer it if they would simply get back to the originals. Just my two cents.
DAO
There were limited runs of the 2" & 3" DAO guns made in the late 80s! These all had bobbed hammers. If you are looking at a gun with a hammer that will not latch in single action, don't buy it! ! ! This gun will need a new hammer and trigger. The single action sear is worn or has been tampered with. The hammers and triggers are case hardened which is only a few thousands deep and if that hardening has been removed the metal is soft which means the sear can't be repaired.
jcelect
There were limited runs of the 2" & 3" DAO guns made in the late 80s! These all had bobbed hammers. If you are looking at a gun with a hammer that will not latch in single action, don't buy it! ! ! This gun will need a new hammer and trigger. The single action sear is worn or has been tampered with. The hammers and triggers are case hardened which is only a few thousands deep and if that hardening has been removed the metal is soft which means the sear can't be repaired.
jcelect
