Ditto on the 3" 60 with adjustable sights. Mine, in 357, is my favorite woods gun and is usually stoked with .357 125 Golden Sabres. This load (as well as the .357 Gold Dot 135s) are quite manageable in the gun. The full lugged barrel helps a lot, as do full-sized enclosed back grips.
I need a lightweight "woods gun" and all-purpose gun...
- Thread starter Triggernosis
- Start date
For those who missed out on the 60-4s, there's always the 60-10. It's the same full underlug 3" barrel with target sights but also capable of .357 magnum should the situation warrant.
P.S. the Hogue grips greatly improve handling with magnums.
edit - while I was uploading the picture InTheWoods told you much the same!
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Seems to me that when you get a gun "light enough" to carry and wimpy enough recoil that it is still "fun" to shoot you've got a firearm that is pretty worthless on anything other than tin cans or sheets of paper. Especially a revolver. Maybe you should consider a Kel-Tec P32 - something you can conceal while swimming.
Honestly, the best wimpy-cartridge, carry weapons are autoloaders. Revolvers are best when you need a cartridge not chambered in a semi-auto. If you are willing to tote around a 2.5lb 38spl, why not get a 9mm Glock instead? (superior in all ways).
OP
Triggernosis
Member
oldwoodsloafer
Member
The 3" M60 is a great choice when fitted with a set of Pachmaur Gripper stocks. As far as ammunition, it takes everything from semi-wadcutters for small game to 135 gr. +P for "serious" targets.
For a real Kit Gun, find one of the small lot of 2" barrel adjustable sight Model 60's S&W made in the mid 80's. Replace the standard hammer and trigger with target parts to get a compact, accurate piece.
The shorter barrel does require more practice. It's a 60-1 and not +P rated, so defense ammo should be chosen with care.
For a real Kit Gun, find one of the small lot of 2" barrel adjustable sight Model 60's S&W made in the mid 80's. Replace the standard hammer and trigger with target parts to get a compact, accurate piece.
The shorter barrel does require more practice. It's a 60-1 and not +P rated, so defense ammo should be chosen with care.
Catshooter
Member
Kahr PM 45. Pocketable, if your pockets are on the larger side. Twenty four ounces with six 260 grain semi-wadcutter handloads on board. Very accurate.
Cat
Cat
You are all missing the boat
The gun that most fits this bill is the 632 powerport in stainless .327 magnum. It way out performs any .38 special +P, is close to .357 magnum performance and has a little sharp push for its recoil. Try one, if you disagree with me i will buy yours from you (at an appropriate discount of course).
The gun that most fits this bill is the 632 powerport in stainless .327 magnum. It way out performs any .38 special +P, is close to .357 magnum performance and has a little sharp push for its recoil. Try one, if you disagree with me i will buy yours from you (at an appropriate discount of course).
Combat_Diver
US Veteran
I'm considering the M60 Pro with adj sights. Came reclose ordering it in Dec but ordered a 442 Pro first. The 632 Carry Comp with its 3" adj sights, matte black stainless steel, 24 oz, 6 rounds of .32 (ACP,S&W, S&W Long, Mag & Federal) to choose your power level would also make a great woods gun.
CD
CD
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Based on your stated requirements, you would likely be very pleased with a S&W Model 60 Chief's Special Target (3" underlugged barrel with target sights in .38 Special). JMHO. Sincerely. brucev.
I currently hike/mountain bike/kayak with my 637 38+p.
I bobbed the hammer myself and added a lanyard ring as well.
Bobbing the hammer gives me a snag-free draw but allows me a single action shot if I need it. The lanyard ring is a must for kayaking.
I forge custom knives and do a decent amount of metal work so I wasn't afraid to do some after-market work since It's also a keeper.
At 14oz you can't go wrong. The gun that's too heavy is the gun you leave in the safe. Some might think the 2.5 barrel is short, but with practice, you can get pretty good. Should work plenty well for "2-legged" predators.
My other recommendation is a 4" model 18. When I'm camping, it's with me. It's a little heavier than the 637 but offers more flexibility of use with a load that isn't too much gun but also can signal, hold snake shot, or just plain fun for plinkin'.
I bobbed the hammer myself and added a lanyard ring as well.
Bobbing the hammer gives me a snag-free draw but allows me a single action shot if I need it. The lanyard ring is a must for kayaking.
I forge custom knives and do a decent amount of metal work so I wasn't afraid to do some after-market work since It's also a keeper.
At 14oz you can't go wrong. The gun that's too heavy is the gun you leave in the safe. Some might think the 2.5 barrel is short, but with practice, you can get pretty good. Should work plenty well for "2-legged" predators.
My other recommendation is a 4" model 18. When I'm camping, it's with me. It's a little heavier than the 637 but offers more flexibility of use with a load that isn't too much gun but also can signal, hold snake shot, or just plain fun for plinkin'.
OP
Triggernosis
Member
Case, any chance we could get some pix of your 637 ? - I'm particularly interested in how your bobbed hammer and lanyard loop look.
Tom,
I'll post you a pic when I get home tonight (Currently at work).
I'll include the lanyard chain too.
Seriously, I carry this more than any other gun I own because it goes in my pocket and feels great. When I kayak it is small enough to clip onto my vest and fit in the vest pocket.
Nothing wrong with the model 60 3 inch. A very good gun. But for me, even that is too heavy when I need to travel as light as possible. A 14oz gun with 38 +p power is a nice thing to have.
I'll post you a pic when I get home tonight (Currently at work).
I'll include the lanyard chain too.
Seriously, I carry this more than any other gun I own because it goes in my pocket and feels great. When I kayak it is small enough to clip onto my vest and fit in the vest pocket.
Nothing wrong with the model 60 3 inch. A very good gun. But for me, even that is too heavy when I need to travel as light as possible. A 14oz gun with 38 +p power is a nice thing to have.
smiffundvessen
Member
Short of an extended backpacking or mountaineering trip where every 1/2 ounce counts (yes, I trim the handle of my toothbrush), the 3" 60-15 goes with me everywhere. Twenty-four ounces rides on the belt fine. If I wish to carry in town (rare, I don't like town much), it tucks nicely in the IWB holster. You can load it up or down, whatever you desire. A fine revolver for general all-around use in the sticks, especially if you return home each evening.
OP
Triggernosis
Member
Case, I know exactly what you mean about the weight. I'd actually prefer the weight of the 637....but so wish it had adjustable sights and a 3" barrel. I'd build one like that if I could get a 3" lightweight barrel. There must be a reason why S&W has never made one with a 3" barrel.
Actually, maybe I'll call the S&W custom shop and ask them some questions. You never know what I may come up with.
Actually, maybe I'll call the S&W custom shop and ask them some questions. You never know what I may come up with.
Tom,
Here is another good source of reading...
The Snubnose Files
Contains info on the popular 3" model 60 mentioned here as well as the 637 and many other lightweight choices.
Here is another good source of reading...
The Snubnose Files
Contains info on the popular 3" model 60 mentioned here as well as the 637 and many other lightweight choices.
Not sure why you need adjustable sights on a close range defense gun. My 637 is pretty accurate up to 10 yds in double action. But if you are looking at more of a camp/woods gun that is light the following link has a review on the S&W 317 which has the 3" barrel and light weight you referred to above.
Smith & Wesson Model 317 .22 Kit Gun
Again, it's a .22, so obviously a good gun for plinking, squirrels, signaling etc...but not big on defense.
Smith & Wesson Model 317 .22 Kit Gun
Again, it's a .22, so obviously a good gun for plinking, squirrels, signaling etc...but not big on defense.
rpg0123
Member
I was thinking model 60 as well. 3" barrel. Keep in mind there are milder 357 loads out there nowadays. Rem Golden Saber for example out of a gun this size is not bad at all and packs some decent heat.
Back in 1972 I bought one of the first Model 67s, 38 Special, 4", K frame, stainless steel, purely for the purpose of a woods/backpacking gun. Back then there weren't as many interesting/useful handguns to pick from, but I wanted something that was reasonably light, rust-resistant, accurate, and pleasant to shoot. The 67 worked on all counts and I still have and use it.
OP
Triggernosis
Member
I'm looking for both a defense gun as well as a plinking gun/small game gun. Something I can carry concealed if I need to, but also with enough range (i.e. barrel length) to shoot at a beaver or rabbit 25 yards across the marsh.
I had a 317 that I sold for a loss last year. It had several issues and was returned to S&W 3 times without successful resolution of any of the issues. I loved that gun, but .22 just isn't enough for self preservation if the need arises.
BTW, I just got off the phone with S&W and, basically, there ain't no way I'm getting a 637 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights as they aren't planning to make one, nor will they do a one off for me regardless of the price I'm willing to pay.
I had a 317 that I sold for a loss last year. It had several issues and was returned to S&W 3 times without successful resolution of any of the issues. I loved that gun, but .22 just isn't enough for self preservation if the need arises.
BTW, I just got off the phone with S&W and, basically, there ain't no way I'm getting a 637 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights as they aren't planning to make one, nor will they do a one off for me regardless of the price I'm willing to pay.
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