lady smith 65 and 60

[steamloco76]

Another option is available. The model 66 and 686 can be easily converted to fixed 'tactical' sights for about $70 with a replacement back sight from Midway or Brownell's. Installation is a one screw drop-in affair that is easily reversed as long as you don't lose the original sight!

 

[geewiz]

Another option is available. The model 66 and 686 can be easily converted to fixed 'tactical' sights for about $70 with a replacement back sight from Midway or Brownell's. Installation is a one screw drop-in affair that is easily reversed as long as you don't lose the original sight!

Interesting. I'll have to check that out

 

[Stainz]

The 3" 60 Pro, SKU 178013, is currently available - ~$650 new (MSRP $779) at a decent gun store. Below is mine as it came - bought new in January:

Compared to the 60LS, it is just over an inch longer, nearly two ounces heavier, has a Tritium 'Night Sight' on front and an adjustable rear sight, and comes with a larger and 'grippier' wood grip. The trigger, right out of the box, seems better than other new J-frames, too - a possible offshoot of it's being a 'Pro' model. It carries an MSRP of only $20 over the 60 LS's MSRP of $759.

In-use, with Remington R38S12 +P .38 Spcl 158gr LHPSWC's, even my wife enjoys shooting it. Just like the 'as-new' 4" 64-8 security guard trade-in I bought as a 'house gun', which she also enjoyed shooting, she decided on her favorite - a 2" 10-11 I bought new over eight years ago - over it! Go figure. But, she is the CEO... guess I'll just have to keep buying new firearms - for 'house guns'... and, when, er, 'if' she doesn't like them, er, it, I'll just have another plinker. Tough life, huh?

Seriously - get her 'what she wants' - everyone will be happier.

Stainz

PS A good used, aka 'security guard trade-in - even a DAO, 4" 64 - or 10 - is a great house gun. Neat/fun plinker, too!

 

[geewiz]

stainz
That's a nice looking model 60. I was considering those but today she held one and it my be to small for her frame wise. Maybe. Got a chance to get a sp101 in my wife's hands along with a gp100 and 686 at the lgs. She didn't like the feel of the gp100. Couldn't get a comfortable grip on it were the trigger or hammer felt natural. So that leaves the sp101 and 686. She definitely liked the feel of the 686 even though it was the 4" barrel. Weight wise it felt A bit heavy but not to bad. Thats why I've had her looking at the 3". She liked the smooth trigger and hammer feel. She also did like the sp101 3" and the feel very much. She felt a bit cramped getting to the hammer but she adjusted to it. A larger grip may help that. Both had nice triggers with the s&w being lighter. Both were smooth. She liked the sights on the 686 much better and didn't care for the fixed sites on the ruger. I like the simpler ruger sights myself but I agree that the 686 sights would be better for her. I found a 3" 686 down the road so I'm going to have her try that out. But first I'll have her try my friends ladysmith 65 and see how she does with that. She did start feeling more comfortable with the 4" as she held it longer so that would be next if she is uncomfortable with the 3" 65 ls. She spent a whole hour trying out and comparing the feel of the pistols. Fun to watch her do that. And proudly reminding me every 5 mins who will own this gun. This one may not get to go to the range without her presence I can tell you right now. I think she is going to go with the s&w.

 

[sourdough44]

Well, you sure do get some points for trying out a bunch of sizes with her. I have a model 60 & 65, the 3" 60 sure is handy. Then one can step up a bit with(in my case) the 4" Model 65. For around the house the 65 should be great. The 686 is a handful of gun, plenty to absorb recoil though.