M60 .38 Question

[TMan51]

Last year I picked up one of the Talo Performance Center .38's with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. It is a very nice combination of features, and I wanted a .38 so equipped for a trail gun.

My hunting buddy has an identical M60 in .357, there is no visible difference between the two.

Is the only difference the chamber dimensions, with the same metallurgy?
I ask because if that's the case, then my M60 could potentially handle +P .38's forever.

 

[gnystrom]

I googled the gun and without a picture, I have no way of knowing if this is it but if it has the Pro Series with sided barrel it lists it as +P.
Smith & Wesson Model 60 Pro Series 38 Special Talo Edition 178064 - Cove Creek Outfitters

 

[jimbo728]

Good Morning TMan.
I believe chamber dimentions and possibly factory fitting are the only differences and that the metallurgy is the same.
+P .38 Special is OK to shoot but in my 60-3 I prefer to do most of my practice with .38Spl. Thats just me. A steady diet of +P will only increase the effect of normal wear and tear as any higher pressure load will. From time to time i shoot a little bit of +P just because. As a defense revolver it is loaded with +P. My 3" M 60 chronys 935 fps with 125gr Winchester +P . My .38 158 handloads run about 780fps.
Hope this helps.
Jim

 

[Green Frog]

I have a Model 60-4 that I’m planning on keeping as long as I can continue to shoot a handgun. It has 38 Special +Ps in it for self defense work, but there is no reason to beat up myself or the gun once I tried it out with the load in question. At halitosis distances POA & POI are close enough with practice ammo and the +P stuff so that it doesn’t matter. I do regard my guns as tools rather than investments, but I still respect them and don’t abuse them unnecessarily.

Froggie

 

[murphydog]

Any current production .38 Special model 60 is “+P rated”, up to 20 from 17K psi. I have the impression that many factory loads listed at +P do not get to that pressure level, so with that and the lifetime warranty feel free to shoot them all you like and can afford.