Hello all from Florida. Novice here. Can someone tell me the difference between a 38 Special MDL 60-4 BBL Stainless and a 38 Special Air Weight. Obvious lower weight, but what else. My best friend has an Air Weight 3" barrel, 5 shot which I like. Don't know if they are still available as I could not find on S&W site. If not available, other than weight, would the 60-4 be a decent alternative? I want it for self protection, small size. Thanks in advance for your comments. Dancer

I own a M60 3 inch S&W and think it would be a fine self defence gun. Does weigh a little more but that means less recoil. If you are into 5 shot J frames the M60 would serve well

IF you can actually find a nice M-60-4, buy it. It is a great small defense gun and trail piece. An Airweight will not stand up to as much shooting, nor are most Aiweights even Rated by S&W for Plus P loads. They are a specialty niche gun, which I would buy only for pocket carry.

You will find the M-60-4 MUCH easier to shoot well, and it IS Rated for Plus P, which you will want for defense. I called the factory to ensure that the M-60-4 is so Rated. It is, as are subsequent dash numbers.

Expect about 75 FPS added velocity from a three-inch bbl. over a true snub. And you'll have a full-length extractor rod stroke.

oops-Wrong reply form 1st time. grover99 grover99 & texas star: Thanks for your reply. I only want the gun for pocket carry. I am out late driving home (12-2 am) by myself and would be a good target if I had a breakdown. Do they still make the Airweight? Couldn't find on S&W website. Thanks again. Dancer

Dancer, do you actually know where there's a 60-4 for sale? They're kinda hard to come by. The 60-4 will have good sights...an older airweight, depending upon the model (like a model 37), will not have very good sights.