3" or 5" 357 model 60

[arizonarotors]

I'm thinking I might want a Pro Series, model 60 with 3 inch barrel and adjustable sights.

Bud's has them for a little over $600.00

I've also considered a 5 inch model 60.

Just seems like a neat little J frame revolver in 3 or 5 inch.

Any first hand experience here?

Regards,

Jim

 

[Injunbro]

I have 3 M60's w/ 3" barrels (all slightly different). IMHO they are the best of both worlds, small enough to conceal but w/ an extra bit of distance between the sights to assist accuracy. My 3" heavy barrel will outshoot any other handgun I've ever held.

 

[mike from st pete]

The three inch for me. I have one TH & TT, full lug barrel, adjustable sights. Just a 38SPL. Three inch is my favorite barrel length.

 

[steamloco76]

I've owned both. I sold the 5 inch on this forum a while back. The 3 inch J frame .357 is a great compromise between sight radius/ velocity and ease of concealment. Get the 3 inch, you won't regret it.

 

[photoman]

The 3" with adjustable sights would make a great belt gun.

 

[arizonarotors]

Thanks guys,

I'm going to drop the hammer (figuratively speaking) on a 3" model 60.

Bud's has a 3" model 60 with adjustable rear and "HiViz" front sight for about $584 but I find the sight ugly.

They also have a Model 60, 3", full lug, adjustable sights, for $601.00 and a Pro series with wood laminate grips for $16.00 more.

The full lug looks more attractive to me.

Are there advantages to the pro series other than the grips. It looks like the lug is machined down to save an ounce or so but I've never seen or held one.

Comments?

Thanks.

I'll check back tomorrow and then make my final decision.

Jim

 

[chief38]

My 3" is a very handy revolver. I think you made the right choice.

 

[sourdough44]

I have & like the 3", very nice.

 

[turbo38gn]

I've got a 3" Pro Series 60, it's a great gun. An absolute tack driver. Pretty nice looking with those wooden custom grips.

 

[JDW250]

I would personally go with the 3" for all the reasons others have stated. It's just a great barrel length. However, it really depends on what you want to use it for. If you plan on using it for hunting, then you will need to check your state/local regulations. Here in Iowa, you can't hunt with a handgun with less than a 4" barrel. And personally, I wouldn't select a J-Frame for a hunting handgun. That then brings me back to the 3" for a M60. I personally have the 2" M60. But it serves me well as my primary carry gun.

Also, you may want to check out some of the online auction/sales websites. I know buying over the internet can seem a little daunting, but I have had decent success finding what I was looking for. But for me, I like used pre-lock S&Ws & the local used handgun market isn't very good. So I am more or less forced to broaden my search scope to find what I am looking for. For example, there are a few pre-lock 3" .357 M60s (-9 through -13) on Gunbroker right now for less than $500. I would set a price point, be patient and wait until you can get one for less than that amount. It only took me a few weeks to find one at a price I was willing to pay with the attributes I was looking for.

Most of all, good luck, have fun & be safe!

 

[markeb]

I purchased a 60 Pro last year, and it is a great gun. It has a good kick with 357's. I use 38 plus P defense ammo for PD and 38 special for practice. Go to Smith&Wesson's web site for a 360 view and specs of the gun. You won't regret your choice.

 

[wyatte]

I have never owned the 5" model, but I do have the 3" model 60-10, and I think it's the perfect barrel length for that frame size. This is the third that I have owned, because I keep coming back to it. Great gun. wyatte

 

[SuperMan]

I have two of the pre-IL 60-10s. One is standard and the other is a Lew Horton special that was Mag-Na-Ported. Both shoot great.

Have only handled the 5" models but to me they just don't balance as well as the 3" guns. I have shot these guns side by side with a 3" Model 65 and found little difference in the recoil or speed of recovery when using .357 Magnum ammo. To me if I want a longer barreled .357 I'll buy a 27 5"...

A friend bought a 60-15 and had me remove the IL and put in one of Bullseye Smith's Plugs...looks much nicer and no worry about the gun locking up on you... I would take JDWs advise however and look for a nice used 60-10. I just picked one up for $475 and sold it to a friend who has been looking for one since shooting mine. I use mine for backpacking, fishing, canoeing and anything else around water....

As to grips, find something compact, recoil absorbing and that really fit your hand well...I use the Pachmayer Compacts on all my Js but they don't fit everyone....

Bob

 

[H Richard]

3" is the nearly perfect size weight balance ratio for a J frame (to me).

 

[arizonarotors]

Ordered my model 60

I just sent my order to Bud's.

I ordered the Pro Series 3".

I don't know how long it will take Bud's to ship but I hope it's not too long.

Thanks for all the input.

Jim

 

[Stainz]

You'll love your 60 Pro! Congratulations - and don't worry - it'll be here before you know it. Mine has a home:

I have fondled several 5" 60's - but never A-B-ed it with my 3" 60 Pro. I do have their near equivalents in the .22 LR J-frame 3" & 5" 63's, however:

I had the 5"-er for fifteen months when I bought the 3"-er, nearly a year ago. The 3"-er see's a lot more range time, the balance especially being so good. I think you'll be happier with the 3" - 60 or 63 - than the 5" of either caliber. Of course, I have no plans to say goodbye to my 5" 63 - and I know a store that still has a new 5" 60 for ~$600, if I ever hit it big! Right now, I am enjoying my J-frames - and, obviously, love that wood grip on the 60 Pro, too.

Stainz

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

I'd like a 640-1 with a 3" barrel.

 

[Three44s]

Oh .......... the gun porn!

Just don't know if I can STAND IT!!!

Very nice Stainz .......... very nice!!


Three 44s

 

[turbo38gn]

You'll love your 60 Pro! Congratulations - and don't worry - it'll be here before you know it. Mine has a home:

I have fondled several 5" 60's - but never A-B-ed it with my 3" 60 Pro. I do have their near equivalents in the .22 LR J-frame 3" & 5" 63's, however:

I had the 5"-er for fifteen months when I bought the 3"-er, nearly a year ago. The 3"-er see's a lot more range time, the balance especially being so good. I think you'll be happier with the 3" - 60 or 63 - than the 5" of either caliber. Of course, I have no plans to say goodbye to my 5" 63 - and I know a store that still has a new 5" 60 for ~$600, if I ever hit it big! Right now, I am enjoying my J-frames - and, obviously, love that wood grip on the 60 Pro, too.

Stainz

Man.... youu have got it going on!!! And you even own a Governor. I love it, we just got them approved to sell in Mass, that's on my list along with the M&P 45c they also just approved for sale.

 

[arizonarotors]

Thanks Stainz,

Those pictures will keep me going for a few days,

I always CC using an IWB. I'll be contacting Tommy Theis today to order my holster.

Jim