Model 60 3" Report After 400 rnds

[zogger]

I got back from my 3rd range trip with my new Model 60 3". So far I have put 400 rnds (mostly 38Spl and a few .357 Magnums). I like the gun alot.

Some observations:

1) .357 Magnums are tough to control out of this gun. I also have a 686 6" in which I shoot .357 Magnums, so I am used to shooting them. Much tougher in the Model 60 and stings the hand quite a bit. I think I will stay with 38Spl for my defense rnd.

2) The gun in a Garrett Industries IWB Silent Thunder Revolver holster is a joy to carry.

3) After 400 rnds and 200 dry fires plus some cleaning/lubes, the DA trigger is getting smoother. Contemplating changing the springs but I am holding off until I shoot many more rnds and get more familiar with the trigger.

4) I shoot it fine at 5-7 yrds but not so well beyond that. I have similar issues with other 3" barrel guns.

5) I think I will put some neon orange on the front sight. I need to pick up the sight faster. If that doesn't help. then maybe a new front sight.

6) I have not adjusted the rear sight as yet because I am not sure it needs adjusting. I might be shooting a bit left but this could be me.

7) I put on some Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips. They are a major improvement over the stock grips.

Comments? What has been others experience with the Model 60 3"?

 

[kthom]

I commend you for planning more shooting before you change anything. It will be good for you and for the revolver as well! The flo orange is good. I have settled on the flo green for myself. It seems that not much else is even close to that color so the bright green shows up well against most anything. I believe I see it better in bright daylight as well. I suggest you clean your front sight very well, then apply a light coat of white first and allow it to cure well. Then put down your florescent color of choice.The white coat underneath will give your top color it's maximum effectiveness. You have a great revolver!

 

[zogger]

I like the idea of a white "undercoat". I will also look for some neon green as well.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Bill In Texas]

I like the idea of a white "undercoat". I will also look for some neon green as well.

Thanks for the suggestions!

That's what I do with my sights!

 

[kthom]

The nice thing is that you can easily change the paint and get a different look very easily. Another tip you may know ... I have found that using a good sharp wooden toothpick to apply the paint seems to work very well. Just don't get a big gob of paint on the tip and just touch it to the metal till all is covered. That way you don't wind up with too much paint on the sight. Good luck as you go!

 

[zogger]

Another good idea about the toothpick. You learn something new every day...when you listen!

 

[mcoe74]

@zogger52, Thank you for the range report. I've been considering a 3" Model 60 for the past few months.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

A 3" Model 60 is in many ways the perfect handgun. A massive compromise that can serve many roles. It doesn't do any one thing brilliantly but is so good at doing everything competently.

 

[MetalMan]

A 3" Model 60 is in many ways the perfect handgun. A massive compromise that can serve many roles. It doesn't do any one thing brilliantly but is so good at doing everything competently.

I find myself carrying this 60-15, 3" IWB more and more frequently.

Age and gravity seem to make this a more comfortable choice rather than OWB carry of my K-frame snubbies or $OB carry of my 20-yr old Kimber Ultra Carry.

 

[lunger]

I bought a 3" 60 a short time ago. I posed how it was missing a sideplate strew, but I am over that.

So far after 100 38,s and a couple cylinders of magnums I am pretty satisfied .

My trigger seems to be smoothing also. I have been hitting pretty well at 10 yards. I like the 3" length.

I put a set of Hogue Monogrips I had on it. It does sting a little with the magnums,but still controllable . Ordered a set of Altamonts to try.

I bought this for a woods, hiking ,kit type gun. I am still looking for the right holster.So far I am pleased.

 

[lunger]

My 60 with Altamonts

 

[Texas Star]

Mine is a M-60-4, as I felt the platform was too small for happiness with .357 ammo.


I used bright red-orange nail polsh on the front sight, as with most guns. It works well, but I like the idea above of a white undercoat with brrght green on top. May try that.


I don't understand the accuracy issue. If you can't group all five rounds in a space that you can cover with your hand at 25 yards, you probably aren't a very good shot. The gun will do better. Mine loves Speer's 125 grain and 135 grain Short Barrel ammo. Thinks it's a target gun.


Are you maybe citing fast DA shooting results? Even that will improve as you learn to shoot well.


Besides the M-60-4, I've owned another and a standrd three-inch M-60 heavy barrel made for Jovino in the 1980's and a M-36 or two in three inch form.


I think the three-inch barrel is much easier to shoot well than a true snub. You gain a full lengh extractor rod stroke and about 85 FPS in velocity. The guns point well and have excellent balance.


These are superb small defense guns that have considerable field potential. I think they hit harder than .380 autos, too. And they shoot as well or better than the .380's I've tried.

 

[mike from st pete]

One of My Favorites

I have a 60-4 38SPL and find it is one of the best small framed revolver going. I also have a 60 no dash.
'J' frames are great for shooting 38SPL and I load 158 LSWC for both of mine. They hit POA with the fixed sight 60.

 

[labworm]

I'm keepin mine

 

[zogger]

My 60 with Altamonts

Nice! Do all three fingers fit on the grip? Also, exactly which grip is that.

Txs!

 

[zogger]

I don't understand the accuracy issue. If you can't group all five rounds in a space that you can cover with your hand at 25 yards, you probably aren't a very good shot.

You nailed the real issue...me! I am ok with my 686 6" using SA at 25 yrds, but the 3" I need more practice.

 

[Texas Star]

You nailed the real issue...me! I am ok with my 686 6" using SA at 25 yrds, but the 3" I need more practice.

Well, you're comparing two very different guns. No worries. Just get more used to the little one. Of course, it kicks more with comparable loads, and the lower weight and smaller size demand more concentration.


Try to concentrate on the target and front sight and put recoil as much as possible aside. I find it helps to sort of detach myself mentally and not dwell on the recoil.


Good luck!

 

[lunger]

Nice! Do all three fingers fit on the grip? Also, exactly which grip is that.

Txs!

Altamont Bateleur (they have some strange names) Super Rosewood. Smith and Wesson J Frame (Small) Round Butt Revolver Grips | Altamont Company

Yes. I have fairly large hands and can get all three on . Nice fit and feel good in my hand. Also seem to point well.

I haven't had a chance to fire it yet with them on. Too darn cold outside.

 

[Green Frog]

I'm with Texas Star and Mike from St Pete... the Model 60-4 comes about as close to an all around revolver (especially for carrying) as I've ever been able to find. Mine gets frequent CCW duty but doesn't get shot as often as I would like. I really need to reset My Star Progressive press to seat SWC bullets and load a bunch of range ammo for some seriously fun shooting.

Froggie

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Another vote for the 60-4, which is the model I have. Somewhere along the way mine acquired a red ramp front insert and action work that makes the trigger almost equal to my best K-frames.