Model 60 inforequest

[Protected One]

Was there a time when the Smith & Wesson Model 60 was a 38spl ONLY (and not 357 magnum)?

In other words, has it always been a .357 magnum?

 

[Toddler65]

I think the model 60 no dash through -8 were .38 special. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Sully8548]

Correct. In 1996 the 60-9 was the change to the magnum J frame in the 2" barrel. 60-11, 60-12, 60-13, 60-16 and 60-17 were all updated versions of the .38 special only.

 

[Edmo]

Was there a time when the Smith & Wesson Model 60 was a 38spl ONLY (and not 357 magnum)?

In other words, has it always been a .357 magnum?

Yes, there was a time when the model 60 was 38 Special only...

No, it hasn't always been chambered in 357 Magnum...

Here is my mid-80s model 60 no dash with a square grip.

It is chambered in 38 Special only and not marked +P like many of the 38 Special revolvers today. Additionally, the frame and cylinder are both slightly shorter than the current production J-frames.

Edmo

 

[arjay]

another mid 80s 38 special

same gun with factory grips

 

[H Richard]

Yes, and then they ruined it by making it big enough for a 357 round.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I tend to agree the J-magnum frame was a mistake. They made ALL J-frames larger so they could offer .357 capability to compete with the Ruger SP-101. Yet few people actually shoot .357 out of their J-frame. They changed 100% of J-frames for the 1% who wish to shoot magnums.

 

[DocB]

This one was purchased new by me in 1982. The perfect little gun. We couldn't even imagine this revolver in a 357 back then. Didn't want one when they came out. Don't want one today.

 

[eveled]

Lobster you touched on two of my pet peeves.

#1 .38 special guns that are .357 sized, especially the j frames.

#2 the SP101 should have been a 6 shot. Ruger was trying to compete with a five shot S&W, they made a gun the same size as a 6 shot Colt Detective Special.

38+p is plenty of power from a snub. I do shoot my airlight with magnums, and don't have any issues with the recoil, but don't think it is necessary. I would be very happy with it as .38 only, and a little shorter.

 

[NYlakesider]

This one was purchased new by me in 1982. The perfect little gun. We couldn't even imagine this revolver in a 357 back then. Didn't want one when they came out. Don't want one today.

I got my 60 mid 1970s. That was when the revolver was king (before the cops switched over to bottom feeders)

Tying to find any of Smith's top selling revolvers was difficult then. I got lucky, I found my 60 after only about 7 months of digging and diligently searching. I also got it it MSRP because I was a good customer! Laugh if you must but many dealers that did have them added 10 to 20% to the price, because they could get it..

Yes I still have it!

 

[scruffy]

My 60-3 purchased new in 1989. Great little Chief's Special that's been super reliable and accurate. Thousands of rounds through it over the years and it's as tight as day one.

21' mix of off hand single and double action:

 

[jcelect]

Mod 60s

Here are few of the unusual 60s in 38Spl!




jcelect

 

[Dale53]

My favorite Model 60 is the 3" barreled target sighted Model 60-4 (.38 Special, only):



This one of the finest little field pistols, ever! I carried it when I bird hunted with my shotgun. I used a crossdraw holster to keep it from interfering with my shotgun (and vice-versa). Many a sitting rabbit, grouse, or wounded grouse was harvested with this fine little handgun.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[KSDeputy]

The stainless model 60 I had right after they came out in stainless, was .38 spl. only. I have wished I had not sold it for many years.

 

[Edmo]

1.535" vs 1.590"

That is a whopping .055" of difference between the older J-frame 38 Special cylinder length and the new 38 or 357 Magnum ones. At least that is what my creaky old calipers show.

Not to make light of the fact that we didn't need a longer frame & cylinder to make 38 Specials work in a J-frame, it really isn't that much difference in length and weight.

Edmo

 

[eveled]

1.535" vs 1.590"

That is a whopping .055"

LOL! Certainly not enough to make any real difference. I did not realize it was that small a difference, thanks for measuring.

 

[mike from st pete]

S&W Model 60 no dash

And no pin in the barrel.
No matter the size difference, this opinionated owner agrees. "J" and "K" framed Smiths in 357MAG is a mistake.
I'm also a S&W Model 60-4 owner.

 

[dr. K]

Yes, and then they ruined it by making it big enough for a 357 round.

Agreed, if only for appearance. I like the smaller frame, simpler, classic-looking barrel with a no frills fixed front sight, and the exposed extractor rod. And I DONT want to buy a painted/clear coated 637 just to get that look. I say bring back the good ol .38 model 60s, 640s, and 649s.

 

[palmetto99]

I purchased a 60-9 in 1996 and it was my first J-frame. Only my second S&W. Once I had the action worked on, I loved it. It's not a pocket gun for sure, but I usually carried it IWB any way. I've purchased two .38 j-frames since then (a 36 and 60, both no dash) and I understand why folks may like them a bit better. BTW, I will agree that a .357 j-frame is a bad idea. Even being solid stainless steel, it is not great to shoot with magnum loads.

 

[gmiller0737]

My Model 60-7 is .38 Special Only I believe it is a Mid 90's Production It's a Great Carry Gun & I wouldn't want a .357 in a J Frame.