Model 60-15 with Polygonal Rifling

[Eluveitie]

Hi folks! I hope I picked the right sub-forum.

Yesterday I came across this 5-round S&W Model 60-15 in .357 for half the regular price. Its a all stainless gun that looks almost new.

When I took a closer look, I saw that it has a polygonal rifling (I think S&W calls them ECM barrels) and I searched about it, but even after hours of google search, I never found anything about the ECM barrel on a Model 60. Is that something rare?

I tend to use it as a sidearm when hunting, how does the barrel likes +P ammo?

Also, has someone sights recommendation? It has now the regular all black iron sights. I would prefer to have a 3-dot or something with white markings at least.

Cheers!

 

[bobsguns]

Different manufacturers employ varying polygonal rifling profiles. H&K, CZ and Glock use a female type of polygonal rifling. This type has a smaller bore area than the male type of polygonal rifling designed and used by Lothar Walther. Other companies such as Noveske Rifleworks (Pac Nor) and LWRC use a rifling more like the conventional rifling, with both of each land's sides being sloped but having a flat top and defined corners; this type of rifling is more a canted land type of rifling than polygonal rifling.

To my knowledge, S&W has never used polygonal nor hexagonal rifling in their pistols. Ever.

As for sights, there's multiple options out there for a different rear sight blade. Just google Smith sights & go from there.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I don't remember when it started, but all S&W revolvers (except some PC models) use ECM rifling - not new, not rare.

 

[lunger]

A 3" 60-15 is my wood carry when I can still make it to the woods.

I would not worry about the riffling . Mine is very accurate . I doubt you'll shoot enough +P to effect it. 357's are a hand full .

Mine still has the original sights but I have considered painting the front.

 

[bobsguns]

On the sight issue, I find as I get older, the Hi-Viz designs appeal to me more & more. I have them multiple guns, all factory OEM. Love these things!

 

[Alk8944]

O.P. you are badly mis-informed. Recent S&W revolvers are rifled by ECM(Electro-chemical machining) or EDM (Electrical Discharge machining). The form of rifling is still "Ballard", just like they always have been. It is the manner of rifling, not the pattern. The lands may not appear as sharp or well-defined as rifling cut by conventional mechanical methods.