Is model 60-9 in .38 really just a .357?

[357-RevolverGuy]

I ended up buying this used model 60-9 (pre-lock) at a gun show for just around $380. This is the 2nd j-frame I now own, (the other being a 642.) The barrel is 2.125" and says ".38 S&W SPL" on the right side. The seller sold it to me for less than what the .357 versions go for, so I figured it was a good deal (tax free too, and he had the nice wood stocks on it.) It handled both .38 and the +P fine at the range. I really like this little revolver. Showed it to a friend a few days later and he noticed it looked very much like the model 60 in .357 Mag. He said he couldn't even tell the difference were it not for the barrel marking... So I did a little research but have yet to find anything on 60-9 models in just .38 spl. Is this a rare gun? Everything I have read says that Smith & Wesson introduced the 60-9 in .357 Mag frame, which was in 1996. I have checked the sites selling guns and have yet to see one like mine. Every 60-9 I've come across looks the same but is a .357. So out of curiosity I decided to put a .357 Mag round in the cylinder chamber, and what surprise me is that it was a perfect fit. It takes all 5 and closes just as though it were made for it. I'm afraid to take chances and try to fire .357 rounds out of my .38, for safety reasons of course, but if anyone out there has any sort of information on this or maybe a similar type of gun (.38 that can chamber .357) I would like to hear about it. Oh and I compared the cylinder to my 642 (which only handles .38) and the model 60 was definitely a little longer. Is my gun really a .357?? Maybe Smith labeled this one wrong.

I've attach a few pictures. Serial number on mine is CBZ21xx (I have put a red box over the last two digits in the pic, because I don't like sharing that info online.) I couldn't find another with a similar serial number either.

 

[mod34]

Starting around 1996, they discontinued the Mod. 60-9 in .357 and began offering it in .38 only. At the same time, they went to the "J-magnum" frame and cylinder. As this was a "conversion" year, I suppose it is possible that you got a .38 marked barrel with the .357 fixin's. This being said, they seemed to bounce back and forth for a while between offering the 60 in .357 and .38.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Mod34, I thought the model 60 was originally chambered in .38 spl from 1965-until 1996 when they changed to the J-Magnum frame and lengthened the cylinder. I know that in probably the past 12 years S&W only makes these in .357. I have yet to see one in .38 anymore, unless it was from before 1996. Do you think it would be safe to fire .357 from the one I've got?

 

[scooter123]

I think I would call the factory on this. Like Mod34 I suspect that what you have is a 357 Magnum model 60 with an older 38 spl. barrel mounted on it but considering the difference in pressure between the 2 loadings I would want some reassurance from the factory before trying it with Magnums. If you do decide to call make sure to tell them that the cylinder is currently bored for the 357 Magnum, the only distinct deviation is the marking on the barrel.

 

[mod34]

I think I would call the factory on this. Like Mod34 I suspect that what you have is a 357 Magnum model 60 with an older 38 spl. barrel mounted on it but considering the difference in pressure between the 2 loadings I would want some reassurance from the factory before trying it with Magnums. If you do decide to call make sure to tell them that the cylinder is currently bored for the 357 Magnum, the only distinct deviation is the marking on the barrel.

The problem with asking the factory is that with a .38 marked barrel, they are NEVER going to sign-off on OP firing .357 out of it.

 

[Alnamvet68]

This is one of those mysteries that seems to repeat itself with S&W...check the M 360J, marked 38 cal, but has all the .357 "fixin's."

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Sounds like a transition model. Beyond the question of whether you COULD fire .357 in it, I see no reason to ever try doing so, since the recoil in a gun this small would be substantial.

I would feed it +P .38 Specials and never look back. You did very well for $380.

 

[Joe_B]

I have the exact same scenario, only I purchased It used from a gun store. It is labeled 60-9 but says 38 special on the barrel.

 

[colt_saa]

S&W often runs model 60s in 38 Special. They just did a run of 3" 60 Pros in the last few months.

Rather than trying to guess if the 38 Special in your possession got the 357 heat treat or not, just shoot 38s from it.

If you want a 357 Magnum go and buy one.

 

[palmetto99]

That's a .357 barrel. I'm pretty sure that the full under lug barrel was never offered on a .38 spl J-frame. Does look like you have a very nice transitional 60-9. I've had mine since 1996 and it's marked .357 magnum. Having fired full house .357 rounds from it a few times, well, all I can say is I never really want to do that again. The recoil is substantial. With the right set of grips, I'm sure it might be better. Over the past decade or so, all I have run through it has been standard pressure .38 spl. They are great little revolvers.

 

[papajohn428]

That's a .357 barrel. I'm pretty sure that the full under lug barrel was never offered on a .3 spl J-frame.

So how do we explain the Model 60-4 I have in 38 Special with a full lugged barrel and adjustable sights?

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I too have a 60-9.Mine is labeled as a .357 though.I have to agree with the others though,you may think you want to shoot a magnum load out of your gun,but trust us ,it's not something you would do too many times.Just enjoy your M60 shooting what it was made for. Good Luck

 

[qballwill]

product code 102423 is a 2" 38 special reintroduced in Sept 1997. The serial number chart in SCSW 3rd shows CBN in August of 1997 which would easily put your serial number CBZ in the September range. The only 2 things I can see that go against this are that you measure your barrel at 2 1/8 inches and the cylinder chambers 357 rounds. That wouldnt be enough for me to try them out though!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Excellent gun and great price! I have j frame 357s and just like the guys already said they are not fun to shoot with 357s! Hot 38s work much better.

 

[palmetto99]

So how do we explain the Model 60-4 I have in 38 Special with a full lugged barrel and adjustable sights?

I stand corrected sir!!