I've got lines on both a 60-4 and a 60-15, both with a 3" barrel that I intend to use primarily as a woods gun. I can't decide whether I want to limit mysel to .38 Spec. only with the 60-4 or go with the 60-15 which would accomodate the .357. I don't see myself much carrying .357 in the woods, because I don't want my ears to ring for 3 days if I end up needing to shoot a coyote or dispatch a deer, etc..
But, I will likely carry it concealed for self defense on occasion too, but again, maybe with .38+P for controllability rather than .357.
Any suggestions? Which would YOU get?

I much preferred the 60-4 as a trail gun. In my neck of the woods (N. NE) the 38Spl is all I ever needed (bear spray, if ever needed , for bear encounters). I had one for some time along with a Ruger SP 101 3" 357mag. Never used the magnum cartridges. Now , that said, I currently use a S&W 65-5 3 inch in 357mag. But, again, I use 38 Spl +P in it. But I like the way the 65 handles and I like the six shots in my woods walking gun. The 60-4 is a great companion gun though. Enjoy it.

I like the -4 but I guess it would depend on which you would feel more comfortable with.

IMO, the 60-4 is the perfect size and weight for a .38 Special revolver.

This thread may be helpful.

Questions about the S&W 60-4

Love my 60-4 and 60-10 w/0 lock! Carry my 60-10 all the time shoots snake shot well. Wallace

If I packed a .38 Spl instead of my 60-10 .357, I would definitely check out this ammo:
Buffalo Bore 38 SPL +P OUTDOORSMAN

I would not feel undergunned with the above at all.

Condition of the guns being equal, I choose 60-4 every time: pre-lock, pre-MIM, plenty of punch.

Take a look at Buffalo Bore's heavy .38 loads if you want something approaching .357 numbers.

EDIT:

Ha! Kestrel beat me to it...

What he said. Go with the -4.

-4 Would be My choice

I have picked the -4 as well. It's a great little do everything gun. Fun to shoot and accurate.

My normal carry gun is a 337-3 which is the AirLite Ti version with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. I carry it a LOT. This way the 60-4 can interchange in my holsters and with my ammo. If I want to go out and do a fair amount of shooting, I take the 60-4 as it is certainly more pleasant to shoot. If I am in the country or woods it is the 60 that comes along. If I am in the city it is the 337 I choose. Works out real well for me and I just don't need the extra you get out of the 357 for my usage.

ward

+1 for the -4. Plenty of ammo choices.

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USN Submarine Service '66-'71

If you have both to compare (and especially if you can shoot both of them) before buying, that would be best; one may "speak" to you to buy it.

You can always use whatever .38 Special load you want in the .357 version as mentioned above.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Just have to repeat the quote(not mine) again:
Bullet placement is king, penetration is queen, everything else is angels dancing on the head of a pin. This is particularly true of 3" barrels. The additional oomph you get out of the .357 is far exceeded by the additional bark, flash and push. You can get all you need out of the 3" barrel with Buffalo Bore or other specialty .38 Special loads. If we were speaking of an N frame 4-6" barrel, things might be different. I would rather well place a couple of substantial .38 Special loads, than have to relocate my target after a .357 shot.
I too have the 337-3 as well as both 60-4, and 60-10. I think I have fired about 25 rounds of mag ammo before deciding on a heavy .38 Special load for all three.

Thanks for everyone's recommendations on this subject. I'll go with the 60-4....or now maybe the 337-1 or -3. I like the idea of a light weight revolver, but don't like the thought of being limited to 125 gr. jacketed bullets in the 337.
Heck, maybe I'll get both!

OK, I've got a brand new-in-box 60-4 on its way to me. (I'm almost ashamed to admit how much I paid for it on Gunbroker, but given that they don't pop up too often I'll just have to live with it).

I still might try to snag me a 337-1 or 337-3 at some point, though.

I went through the same process a while back and ended up with the -4. It's a great gun and I am very pleased with my decision. Here it is with the stocks it came with...have since been replaced:

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Joe

A little more eye candy for Tom while he waits for his prize.

This one has had trigger work and a red ramp added. The grips are from the current M60 Pro Series.

I won't tell you how many silver dollars it cost me, but that's the only one I had left after I pried the 60-4 away from the previous owner.

Thanks, Lobster. That's cruel teasing me like that, but thanks anyway.

BTW, what holsters are you guys using?

My 60-4 is not used for daily carry. It rides in a Maxpedition shoulder pack when I take it to the woods. Otherwise accompanies me on each range trip and resides in one nightstand with an old 6-shot Victory Model in the other one.