Goodbye 1911 - Hello Model 60 revolver

[carbuff]

The time has come for me to part with my final 1911. I am truly sorry to see it go but the condition of my arthritic hands will not allow me to rack its slide or disengage the barrel during field stripping.

I believe that a fine handgun should be used not simply viewed. Therefore, as I have done with my other 1911's, I am gifting the last jewel in my collection to a good friend. He is a fine handler of guns, an accurate shooter and has an appreciation of gun craftsmanship.

Things change in life and I have had the great pleasure of owning and shooting many, many fine 1911 Baer, Brown and Wilson pistols as well as a number of guns built for me by Ed Cameron.

In the future while at target range, I will look at 1911's owned by others and smile in appreciation for what they are.

In the future however, I will carry a S&W model 60 Chief's Special 3" revolver in place of my trusty Officer's ACP. Handling and maintaining this revolver will not require hand strength or dexterity. I chose the model 60 because of the pleasure I had owning and shooting a reliable, accurate and problem free S&W 686-4 revolver.

The model 60 conceal ability, size, and capacity to project heavy hitting rounds made it and easy choice for me to buy. Housed in a Bianchi 7 Shadow holster and loaded with fast and powerful rounds, I feel confident carrying it as my weapon of protection.

 

[Badkarma 1]

Although it is rather sad to hear that, I'm sorta in the same boat right now. No it's not arthritis that's bugging me (yet!) it's just so much easier to put a snubbie in my pocket than grab an IWB holster for my Commander and dress around it!
Now if somebody would build a snub .45 fiveshooter about the size of a model 10, oh yeah! Dale

 

[Texas Star]

If you have no trouble opening the gun or cycling it in double-action, I think it will serve you very well.

The small three-inch barrelled M-60 is one of the best ever in its logical role.

 

[Gunsandguitars]

Carbuff, I just can't find any fault in your decision making. I recently made the same decision due to injuries. They should mend, but it will take some time. the J frame Smith is a wonderful close combat self defense weapon.

I only wish I could find one with a 3 inch barrel.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Sorry about your arthritic hands and giving up your trusty and highly desirable 1911's. You have owned some premium models. Going to carry my Commander as long as possible.

You are still very well armed with that ancient S&W revolver. They've been doing a fine job of protecting folks for years just like the 1911 and will continue to do so for the next 100 years.

If and when the day comes I can no longer operate the .45 I'll probably be back to packing one of my 66's. If they get too heavy it'll be my trusty little 36 on my side.

 

[luangtom]

Life goes on, sir. I made this same choice over the years and am happy in doing so. I still get to the range with my revolvers and I carry either my J-frame M&P340 or 340PD daily.

I do admire my son's 1911's and his plastic-troupe of Glocks. However, he sees the necessity of my decisions and we still enjoy time at the range together.

Good luck and safe carry.............

 

[hogdoc357]

I am sorry about your hands and glad you do not have to give up shooting. My hands are fine and I choose to carry a S&W Model 60, Pro Series, .357 mag, 3 inch barrel, with wood grips. The sweetest revolver I have ever held in my hand. I like what Jeff Cooper said, "You are only out-gunned if you miss."

 

[Seven3]

My sympathies, Sir. The 1911 is close to perfection, and I would hate to part with mine. But the compromise you are making is rather common. I like to carry my 1911s when possible, but my J frames are the most commonly-carried guns in my collection. It sounds like you have a lot of years of shooting experience, so you are probably more proficient than most, and it is safe to assume that you have the skill to use that Model 60 to great effect. Best of luck to you.

 

[carbuff]

My thanks to you who have responded to this thread.

I appreciate your comments.

Best to all.

 

[sunday bill]

carbuff, I regret your hands have fallen victim to arthritis. It is indeed one of those ailments which can force folks to change habits, guns, lifestyles.

I remember one of the smartest men I ever knew saying that to assure sanity in our advanced age, we need to become involved in a recreation that will remain the same as most things in our lives change drastically.

I now realize that friendships and the owning and shooting of handguns are a few of my tickets to mental stability as I grow older. Dollars invested, importance of competition, style of handgun and caliber dwindle in significance.

Your comments cause me to feel we share outlooks.

 

[carbuff]

sunday bill, your comments touched a chord. At my age having been away from the Navy for fifty-six years and having been retired from business since 1994, past associations and friendships have faded away because of geographical distance and deaths.

However, the intervening years have brought new friendships and camaraderie to me with men and women met at target ranges and through internet forums. As a matter of fact, today the four individuals with whom I have the closest relationships are a direct result theirs and my participation in recreational shooting.

In a matter of days my eighth decade on earth begins. Shooting is one of the few physical activities in which I am able to still participate with some degree of ability and excellence. Moving from a semi-automatic 1911 to a model 60 revolver I hope will insure that I will be able to continue my enjoyment of this fine recreational sport.

The revolver also will enable me to carry protection for myself and wife.

 

[Sportsterguy]

A hearty congrats on your upcoming 80th birthday sir. If a man can count on two fingers the number of true friends he has he should consider himself a very fortunate man indeed.

May your shooting days continue to bring you enjoyment and friendship in your coming years. Us shooting and hunting buddies seem to stick together.

I do know that model 60 will protect you with ease and bring you peace of mind, plus be a fun revolver for your hobby.

 

[carbuff]

I received an email asking that I post a photo of the 1911 I am replacing.

Here it is. Click on photo to enlarge it.

 

[4inch357]

At least you are smart enough to do what you have to. I like your choice in handguns, it had to hard to part with that last 1911, I too love that platform. I'm only in my 50's but someday I could well be at the same place, I hope I have the sense to do the same.

 

[tommy F]

Nice Colt. I carry a 642 often and a 1911 more often as I shoot them better than Glocks. However I love my SW revolvers and shoot them most. I also agree on the 5 shot 45 in a K size. Traded into a Taurus 2" 45 ACP stainless. It works great and SW should take notice. Also works in in K 2.5 holsters.

Tommy

 

[ScottJ]

Now if somebody would build a snub .45 fiveshooter about the size of a model 10, oh yeah! Dale

Not to hijack the original poster's thread but this exists sort of.

Taurus PT745. 6+1 .45 ACP. I was shocked that it fits roughly in the same envelope as the SP101. Perhaps a bit more snug in the pocket.