Model 60-3, 38 spl. ...... +P OK ???

K-framer · #1 10-01-2015, 05:59 PM

I went roaming about today, feeling a bit froggy. I ended up in the LGS, where I had seen a couple of interesting revolvers a few days ago. Long story short, I came home with a model 60-3, chambered in 38 spl. (not .357 magnum). A little horse trading got the price down somewhat, to $400, plus tax (they were asking $449). VG condition, a few minor scratches (which will buff out), mechanically spot-on, no box or papers.
Oh, it is a "Ladysmith" version, if that makes any difference.

I was not even aware that model 60's were ever chambered in anything but 357 mag.

Serial # is : BDF14xx, so I would guess early to mid 1980's.

** EDIT: Wrong ! Just did a forum search, did not find an answer to the +P question, but I did find that the -3 version change was made in 1988. So, my gun is very LATE 80's, apparently.

This appears to be, essentially, a model 36, except in stainless.

My question: Is this gun rated for +P ? I probably wouldn't shoot much +P in it anyway, but it would be nice to be able to carry it loaded that way. I know that early versions of the model 36 were not +P rated (the "flat latches", I believe). But, as I am sure that this is a 1980's gun, it seems likely that it would be +P rated.

Just want to be sure.

I'll shoot some pics when I get her cleaned up.

murphydog · #2 10-01-2015, 07:14 PM

It is not "factory rated" for + P, that first occurred with the variant that replaced the -3, the 60-7. Factory + P .38 Special will put extra stress on but will not blow up your gun; many practice with standard loads, fire a few + P occasionally for function and zero, and get on with the rest of their lives

.

The model 60s were all .38 Specials until the J Magnum framed 60-9 of 1996, so over 40 years worth. Hope this is helpful.

scruffy · #3 10-01-2015, 07:22 PM

I bought a 60-3 new in '89 and still have it. It's the one revolver I'll never part with. I have fired mostly .38, but have also put well over a hundred or so .38+P's through it. I take good of it and it's as tight as it was new. I would not make a habit of shooting +P but it will not hurt the gun and +P would be fine for carry.

K-framer · #4 10-01-2015, 07:28 PM

Ah, I see. Thanks very much for the information ! Standard 38 special loads it will be.

The magna stocks and T-grip are only for show. Most likely, I will order a set of stocks from Altamont, as soon as I decide which one to go with.

As promised, here are some pics :

Kernel Crittenden · #5 10-01-2015, 07:30 PM

You can shoot +P in it. I wouldn't go nuts, like 1,000 rounds a month kinda thing. Higher pressure rounds will accelerate wear, so there is a price to pay. But it's a well made all steel revolver. It will be fine.

The Lady Smith M60-3 was product code 102309 (3-inch) and 102310 (2-inch). There were also differences in the grips and the style of box they came in. It was sold as a premium product, and had lighter springs and a smother tuned trigger. The QC was a little higher.

Today a LS likes yous will typically sell for a $50 premium (more or less) over an otherwise similar gun, so for $400 you did good.

markeb · #6 10-01-2015, 07:59 PM

You are doing very good on your Smith collection. I'm a fan of the magnas and the Tyler grip also. Now you need to find a 65 LS to keep the 64 HB and the 60 LS company.