Considering A Model 60?

[lunger]

Thinking of getting a 3" 357 to fill the role of a kit gun(what we old timers called them).That and it is something that I don't own. I do have other 357's.

I think it is down to the 60 or a Ruger SP or GP. Any other 3 inchers I am missing?

I would probably shoot 38's for practice or range use, but like the option of having a 357 in the woods. Also would like something a little lighter to pack around compared to what I currently own.

Will the 60 hold up to moderate use of 357's? I am not particularly recoil sensitive, but how bad are magnums?

I own both SW and Rugers , So probably could be happy with either. Currently leaning toward the model 60. Any input would be appreciated .

 

[texmex]

I have a 3 inch model 60-10 I bought back in the early 90s. It is still one of the best shooting revolvers I have. It is a lot of power in an easy to carry package. The grips they come with are pretty comfortable shooting 357s, especially 125 grain. It has had a steady diet of magnums through it and is still in great shape. My Dad and I used to elk hunt in Colorado every year. I bought it to have a fairly light, easy to pack trail gun with adeqate power. It was one of the best ideas I ever had.

 

[rockquarry]

I had a 3" M60 .357 about ten years ago. I shoot a great deal, but found my gun not at all enjoyable to shoot with magnum loads. The recoil was substantial. With .357 ammo, even with light bullets, these become quite specialized revolvers, really suitable only for experienced handgun shooters.

For the occasional handgunner, the .357 Model 60 is a poor choice if magnum ammo is to be used, except on a very limited basis. Couple this with the fact that snub nose revolvers are more difficult for most people to shoot anyway, even with the mildest of .38 Sp. ammo.

Now in defense of a 3" Model 60.357, the longer, heavier barrel adds a little weight which can only benefit the shooter. Whether that benefit is enough to matter depends on an individual's shooting skill.

 

[SilentKnight]

I own four J-frame revolvers. I use +P for carry. I train with 38. The J-frame Model 60s have endured thousands of rounds. Not a big fan of 357 in them as follow up shots are a little longer plus the flash is amazing in dark conditions. I have no complaints about S&W J-frames. When concealment is imperative, hard to beat for power and dependability... they do what they were designed to do. Good luck.

 

[crazyphil]

I have both the S&W Model 60 .357, on the left, altered to DAO.
Shown with TJ's gator holster, Culver's gator belt, and a Boker knife.
On the right is my Ruger SP101 (my EDC). Shown with Price-Western
Gaylord combat speed scabbord, Sparks belt, and Kershaw's Junkyard
Dog II knife.

I shoot 357s in both of them. I prefer to carry the SP101. A little
bit heavier and stronger. Either of them is a good choice.

P. S. Crimson Trace on the SP101.
The ammo is Remington's 125-Gr. Golden Saber .357s.

 

[muddocktor]

I bought my wife a 3" 60-15 and it's manageable with full bore 357 Mag rounds, but not as fun to shoot as my N frame 357's. The rubber grip that came on it does take some of the sting out of hot rounds but the trigger guard can come back to bite my middle finger if I'm not careful. With 38's in it the character of it changes 100% and is a fun to shoot revolver. If you reload (like me) you can load low end 357's that are still fun to shoot that don't punish you.

 

[petepeterson]

My 3" 60 is one of the last guns I would get rid of. I find myself carrying it more and more. Very versatile revolver.

I have Pachmayr Compacs on mine, which does thicken the profile a bit, but does wonders for the full-boat .357s, which I shoot pretty sparingly. My CCW load is 145-gr Silvertips.

I can't speak to the SP-101, which I'm sure is a well-made revolver. I can definitely recommend the 60, though.

 

[lunger]

Thanks for the replies. I was a little concerned with the durability , but shooting magnums occasionally I should be OK.

As said it would it would be a fishing , hiking and camping carry. Probably would not see a lot of range time. I have other 6" and 4" L frames and a couple of Rugers that do most of my target work.

So far I can't think of a good reason not to try one.

 

[KSDeputy]

I am going to buy a model 60 to replace the one I sold. I would like a 3", but I like fixed sights, so it will have to be the short barrel model. I bought mine new when they first came out, and it is the gun I most regret selling.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

...I would like a 3", but I like fixed sights, so it will have to be the short barrel model....

With a little effort you can find a 3-inch FS Model 60. They are fairly plentiful on the used market. It would not be hard to find and nice one, and you enjoy all the benefits of an older model.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

...I would like a 3", but I like fixed sights, so it will have to be the short barrel model....

With a little effort you can find a 3-inch FS Model 60. They are fairly plentiful on the used market. It would not be hard to find and nice one, and enjoy all the benefits of an older model.

 

[BAM-BAM]

A 3" 60-10 has been my "kit gun" for a decade plus........ think micro-686,

Mostly shot with .38s....... carry mostly with +P38s....... but also have carried often with .357s........ carried a lot and shot a little...... but there if I need it.

It's a gun you won't leave at camp or the cabin; like you might with a 4" K or L frame..... and you most likely will leave an N-frame behind !

I give the 3" 60-10 two thumbs up!!!!

 

[Bill In Texas]

I like mine alot. It was my carry gun for a while with the Speer GDSB 135 grain bullets. The only .357's that have been through it have of the 158 grain variety and it's not bad with those, even though follow up shots are going to be slow. With normal .38 specials it is a joy to shoot. It's a woods hiking gun for me in a Simply Rugged holster. Hope this helps!