Considering a current production model 60 2.125" barrel .357

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wellthought1

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Hello all,

I'm considering purchasing a current production model 60 2.125" bbl .357 magnum. I'll very likely be selling my 686-4 4" to finance the purchase. I'm not concerned about MIM parts anymore. I've done enough research on this forum to conclude that MIM is truly a non-issue. However, should I be concerned about the internal lock? Also, I've read of something called "the plug" that apparently fits over the lock hole. Can anyone elaborate on these concerns?

Any other comments about the current production model 60 are much appreciated.
 
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I've been very happy with my 2015 vintage Model 60-15 (3"). It's been a great shooter at the range and some times EDC in a Milt Sparks VMII.

While the lock is not a cosmetic preference for me, it has not impeded function in any way.

The "lock delete plug" (available from the forum) is an easy install if the lock bothers you to any significant degree.

As removal of the lock may void the warranty. you may need to re-install the lock, however, if the need ever arises to return the gun to the mother-ship for service.
 
I have had no problems with MIM parts and as an eleven year employee at an indoor range, we have never seen a lock failure of any kind. While you are exploring 640's, take a look at the 640 Pro Series. That is a very nice gun. Mine had an exceptional trigger and great sights from the factory.
 
wellthought1 said:
Does anyone know what dash number the current production model 60 is?
Click to expand...

Per Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd Edition:

M60:1965 Introduction of first stainless steel revolver.
1968 delete diamond grips
M60-1:1972 3" Square butt, heavy barrel version.
1982: Delete pinned barrel
M60-2: 1987 2500 produced as 2" DAO for NYCPD. It is believed that all were returned to S&W and sold to the civilian market, most convered back to traditional DA/SA operation. Some were also rebarreled to 3"
M60-3: 1988 New yoke retention system
M60-4: 1990 Limited production of target model with full underlug.
M60-5: 1990 DAO produced for NYCPD
M60-6: 1989 LadySmith version
M60-7: 1990 Sight width increase to 1/8", and heat treat package
M60-8: 1990 New width sight and heat treat package for NYCPD guns.
1992: discontinue 3" barrel
1994: Rosewood laminate grips on LadySmith. Change extractor; introduce synthetic grips.
M60-9: 1996 Change to J Magnum frameand cylinder for all fixed sight 2" frames in .357 Magnum
1996: discontinue .38 Special
M60-10: 1996 Target version in .357 Magnum
M60-11: 1996 New frame design for .38 Special version
M60-12: 1996 New frame nose cut
M60-13: 1996 New frame for .38 Special Target Version
1997: .38 Special reintroduced
1999: .38 Special discontinued
M60-14: 2001 LadySmith with ILS
M60-15: 2001 3" Target with ILS
M60-16: 2001 .38 Special 2" fixed sight with ILS
M60-17: 2001 .38 Special 3" Target with ILS
M60-18: 2005 .357 Magnum 5" Target with ILS w/ 2 piece barrel.
 
The Model 60 in .357 is a fine little revolver. Its main role is as a self-defense, carry piece unlike your general purpose 686. I own the .357 60 in the LadySmith model, identical to the regular model, except for finish. It is a strong gun that handles .357 loads well. Recoil is 'up there,' of course, so I carry the 110gr JHP .357 loads as they do not kick as heavily as other magnum rounds. This 60 WILL require practice to handle well.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
Does anyone know approximately how many rounds of hot .357 magnum that a current production model 60 will last? I had a pre-lock, pre-MIM model 60 2.125" .357 magnum about 26 years ago that I regretfully sold. I didn't fire it all that much but carried it a lot. Now, I want another one.
 
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