Hey all. I have been contemplating adding a 357 to my carry regime. I have looked at the Colt KC and even the Kimber K6. Both in 2 inch. The 6th shot would be great but I already have all the accessories and holsters for j frames. The appeal of the m60 is the ability to change the front sight.

Anyone care to share their thoughts or opinions on this model. I realize 357s will be nasty, but don’t intend on shooting a lot of these. Thanks

Assume that you're talking about a Model 60-14.

Be aware that the dimensions of the frame and cylinder of the .357 Magnum are different than for the standard Model 60 in .38 Spl....so, a "J-Frame" holster may not fit this particular revolver.

If you're talking J frame snub, you may be thinking pocket gun?

I find my 357 J will fit in my pocket, but it's a bit too heavy and somehow the 38 J's of yesteryear just worked better in a pocket. (Carried IWB/OWB no real difference between the two for me.)

Full-boat 357's are always too much for me in the J. I have to make downloaded versions... used to shoot 15g of 2400 in a 681, but in the J I can only handle about 12.5g and even then I'm not shooting it to the same standard.

I've also come to the conclusion that 357's really need to be in a 3-4" barrel for the ballistics to be worth the extra kick. The short barrel of a snub impacts velocity quite a bit.

So to wrap, I really only consider my J's as 38 +P guns. If I want a small 357 I want something heavier and 3"+, and would look at something like an SP-101... but probably just move up to a K.

For me, standard .357 magnum ammo shoots no problem out of my model 60-9 2.125". Love it. I don't shoot it much however. Just use for occasional carry and home defense.

My choice to this dilemma is a Colt KC 3". Halfway between a K frame and a J frame 6 rounds, better trigger, grips and sights.

Just re-acquainted myself with my LadySmith variant of the Model 60 .357 snub. What a pleasure! I fired Blazer .357 medium loads, full bore .357 158gr LSWC, 110gr .357 JHPs, and 125gr JHP magnum loads. No problems and much easier to shoot than the 340 models. It is, IMO, too heavy for pocket carry: I have a belt scabbard for this gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I don't have a Model 60, but I do have a Model 640-1. I put Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips on mine for better concealment, but that is the only modification I felt it needed. I find it easy to conceal in a pocket holster. Yes, it is heavier than an aluminum frame revolver, but the trade off comes in better recoil control and durability. It is a handful with full power 357 Magnum ammo, but much easier to control with 38 Special +P loads.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I’m with you 100% on the front sight. Pinned, I presume? In my opinion, the worst idea S&W ever had (on their larger revolvers) was to make barrels with integral front sights, and their best idea was the DX-type front sight, which is easily user changeable.

If the M60 is your cup of tea, I think you’ll be happy with the new ones. These days, I’m more interested in the Centennial version, but if you’ll mostly carry the gun in a belt holster, the M60 should be fine. I wouldn’t walk across the street to pick up a Kimber or a Colt.

The Mrs. has a 60-14 Lady Smith loaded with .38 Spl. I shot a few cylinders with .357 and it is a handful. No complaints except for the you know what which has been remedied. I put on a CT laser grip for her convenience. It's now an ady Smith.

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Inconsistently consistent

I recently acquired a model 60-14. I took it to the range and fired 38S&W specials out of it with no problem. I then fired some .357s to see if I could get back on target for a second shot. I found that the revolver shot very well and the second shot of .357 was not a problem. In fact, I could fire a whole cylinder of .357 with no problem. If I decide to carry it I will load it with .357.

Thanks for your info to all. I truly appreciate it. I think I may take a second look at one I found last week. The more I think about it I really don’t think I need to spend another $300 for 1 more shot.

I have a 60-4(3 in bbl) and a 60-1(2 in bbl adj sights) in .38 spl. That I really enjoy shooting.......Personally I wouldn't own one in .357.

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S&W Accumulator

If you plan on carrying it a vintage M65 with a 3” bbl. Is just about perfect. That’s my Woods gun and while I’d not set out to hunt with it, it’s a great gun for woods walking and hiking because it’s comfortable enough to always have it with you and sure beats the 44 Magnum you left at home because it’s so large and heavy. My personal J frames are relegated to 38 Special and believe they are just too small and light for shooting Magnums.

If you’re going to load out with magnum loads, you should get a 3’. Otherwise perhaps a better option maybe a 640? Unless you really want an external hammer? I’m quite happy with my 640 & the effectiveness +p offers.

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"Non sibi, sed patriae"

I shoot snubnose guns a good bit. I had a 3" J-frame .357 some years ago. Very hard kicker if using .357 cartridges. With magnum ammo, these guns could be used to their potential only by an expert shooter. More manageable with .38 Special ammo, but +P recoil may be more than casual shooters want to deal with.

2" .357 with .357 ammo? Maybe for the pros, but I'm not one of them.

Well, I'm not a pro either but I love my Md. 649-3 in .357 with a 1-7/8 inch barrel. I bought it new in '96 and it has been my most carried gun since. Very accurate and easy to pocket carry and easy to conceal behind the back with a vintage Bianchi clip holster. I love it! Yes, it is heavy but that makes it manageable (at least for me) when using standard .357 loads. If the humpbacks are not your style then go for the Md. 60 you are considering.

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I'm gonna grow fins.