The older used ones are higher quality overall, imho. You can't go wrong with a pinned barrel and firing pin on the hammer.
Model 60 or 642 for home defense?
- Thread starter fullthrottle
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The older used ones are higher quality overall, imho. You can't go wrong with a pinned barrel and firing pin on the hammer.
I got my wife a Model 10, 4", heavy barrel.......what a nice shooting .38 SPCL
Great trigger and even the grandson says, "Where is the recoil?"
However, the OP wants a new handgun (and who can blame a man for wanting a new one?).
In that case the Model 60 wins...
Great trigger and even the grandson says, "Where is the recoil?"
However, the OP wants a new handgun (and who can blame a man for wanting a new one?).
In that case the Model 60 wins...
Lew Archer
Member
Another vote for a medium frame Smith and Wesson with a three or four inch barrel, chambered in .357 (which gives the .38 special option) or simply in .38.
I would go with a fixed sight model, since you are new to all this.
As others have suggested, used guns in like new condition are to be had and, to most of us here, are more desirable than current production. That said, you can certainly find a new production gun that meets the above requirements.
Small frame guns are meant for concealed carry. They are hard to shoot well. They can be very effective in the hands of an experienced shooter. They are NOT good guns to learn on.
The medium frame .38/.357 with three or four inch barrel, in blue or stainless steel, is an IDEAL all around handgun and is partcularly well suited for HD.
Just remember...when revolvers ruled the law enforcement roost, not so long ago, the FBI issued 3 inch Model 13s, the NYPD issued 4 inch Model 10s and the LAPD issued 4 inch Model 15s.
Note the FBI preference for the medium frame gun, despite the fact that Agents primarily carry their handguns concealed.
Once you make your pick and have spent some time with it, and are happy with it, consider buying a second one as a spare.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy your new gun, whatever you choose, and never need it to defend your life.
I would go with a fixed sight model, since you are new to all this.
As others have suggested, used guns in like new condition are to be had and, to most of us here, are more desirable than current production. That said, you can certainly find a new production gun that meets the above requirements.
Small frame guns are meant for concealed carry. They are hard to shoot well. They can be very effective in the hands of an experienced shooter. They are NOT good guns to learn on.
The medium frame .38/.357 with three or four inch barrel, in blue or stainless steel, is an IDEAL all around handgun and is partcularly well suited for HD.
Just remember...when revolvers ruled the law enforcement roost, not so long ago, the FBI issued 3 inch Model 13s, the NYPD issued 4 inch Model 10s and the LAPD issued 4 inch Model 15s.
Note the FBI preference for the medium frame gun, despite the fact that Agents primarily carry their handguns concealed.
Once you make your pick and have spent some time with it, and are happy with it, consider buying a second one as a spare.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy your new gun, whatever you choose, and never need it to defend your life.
I picked up a model 67 as a home defense gun after my friend talked me out of a j frame. A 4" k-frame is easier to shoot. I also had a 2" model 15 about 10 years ago. Cool looking gun but hard to shoot well. it is cooler to hit your target with a 4", rather than miss with a snub.
Stainz
Member
If you like the size of the 3" 60 over a 4" K-frame, like the 64 or 67, consider the 60 Pro, SKU #178013. For $20 more, MSRP, than a standard 3" 60, you get some significant improvements, including a tritium Night Sight on the front and some really nice wood grips. Mine, bought new 1/11, had the best trigger of any new J-frame I've tried right out of the box. Don't expect the fine trigger of a tricked out K/L/N frame, but it is quite decent. Good luck!
Stainz
Stainz
Mule88
Member
also with the m-60 its a nice option to be able to shoot single action if you wanted to.
I went through much this same search for suitable 38/357 S&W revolver a few years ago. Mine was to be used for much more than just home defense. I settled on a M60 in either 3 or 5 inch barrel and bought a 5-inch barreled one used because I got an excellent deal. I would certainly support selection of a 3.0 inch barreled M60. I have never regretted the choice. I would have been just as happy with a 3,0 inch barrel.
There is one thing I ended up doing to my M60 that I would highly recommend -- get a set of Pachmayr Gripper grips for it. With these grips this rather lightweight revolver is much, much easier to shoot accurately and with comfort, including with 158 grain loads at 1200 fps. With the factory grips I shoot poorly, especially in any instinctive HD kind of shooting. Any factory 357 load is painful to shoot with the factory grips. With the Gripper grips I shoot this M60 instinctively (point shooting) almost as accurately as with any of my other revolvers.
All my basic practice shooting is with normal 38 Spl loads. My defense loads are either 158 grain soft lead bullets at 1000 fps or 158 grain SWCHP gas checked bullets at 1200 fps.
One last recommendation, whatever gun you buy, dry fire it lots, especially in DA mode. That will greatly smooth out the trigger pull and give you lots of practice in DA firing.
Niklas
There is one thing I ended up doing to my M60 that I would highly recommend -- get a set of Pachmayr Gripper grips for it. With these grips this rather lightweight revolver is much, much easier to shoot accurately and with comfort, including with 158 grain loads at 1200 fps. With the factory grips I shoot poorly, especially in any instinctive HD kind of shooting. Any factory 357 load is painful to shoot with the factory grips. With the Gripper grips I shoot this M60 instinctively (point shooting) almost as accurately as with any of my other revolvers.
All my basic practice shooting is with normal 38 Spl loads. My defense loads are either 158 grain soft lead bullets at 1000 fps or 158 grain SWCHP gas checked bullets at 1200 fps.
One last recommendation, whatever gun you buy, dry fire it lots, especially in DA mode. That will greatly smooth out the trigger pull and give you lots of practice in DA firing.
Niklas
Moonman
Member
Give the model 60 Pro 3" a look. Nice trigger right off, longer wood grips than a standard J frame size and they feel really good in the hand. I just installed these grips on my Model 63 22LR 3" too. The 60 Pro is stainless and heavier than the 442/642.
A really fine home defense revolver would be a 686 4". The 686 has weight, a smooth trigger, stainless, and a longer sight radius than the 442/642. (available 6 or 7 rounds)
A hand gun for home defense buys you time to get to the shotgun or rifle. An Airweight is NOT a beginners firearm.
Good luck with your choice, and choose wisely.
A really fine home defense revolver would be a 686 4". The 686 has weight, a smooth trigger, stainless, and a longer sight radius than the 442/642. (available 6 or 7 rounds)
A hand gun for home defense buys you time to get to the shotgun or rifle. An Airweight is NOT a beginners firearm.
Good luck with your choice, and choose wisely.
You will eventually want to consider two handguns!
I always have a J-frame in my pocket (11 oz 342). This is my backup gun and it's always there!
Primary weapon for home defense should be a medium frame revolver or auto (Glock 23 is my preference).
As for long guns for home defense (shotgun or carbine), they are fine if you have lots of time and can manage to barracade yourself in a room and use it to cover a single door. But....when you are working in confined spaces like a hallway and you need to maneuver, they have decided disadvantages. My rule is to have a long gun, but don't ever count on it! Always be ready to transition to your handgun...and always be ready to transition to your backup gun if necessary!
Ammunition of home defense is very important too. You don't want to kill the person in the next room or your neighbors....but we can go there in another post.
I always have a J-frame in my pocket (11 oz 342). This is my backup gun and it's always there!
Primary weapon for home defense should be a medium frame revolver or auto (Glock 23 is my preference).
As for long guns for home defense (shotgun or carbine), they are fine if you have lots of time and can manage to barracade yourself in a room and use it to cover a single door. But....when you are working in confined spaces like a hallway and you need to maneuver, they have decided disadvantages. My rule is to have a long gun, but don't ever count on it! Always be ready to transition to your handgun...and always be ready to transition to your backup gun if necessary!
Ammunition of home defense is very important too. You don't want to kill the person in the next room or your neighbors....but we can go there in another post.
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luangtom
US Veteran
I would suggest that for purely home-defense, the stainless-steel revolver is chosen. It will withstand numerous more rounds than the light-weights and it is more comfortable to fire.
However, if you are looking at liability-factors, then consider a stainless-steel Model 640, which is DAO. It is the best of both worlds. If you are not going to fire single-action for target-shooting, then consider the 640.
However, if you are looking at liability-factors, then consider a stainless-steel Model 640, which is DAO. It is the best of both worlds. If you are not going to fire single-action for target-shooting, then consider the 640.
M3Stuart
Member
+1 on the Model 60 3" pro series. I don't have one yet, but it is on my list.
sipowicz
Member
In my new book, "Nightstand Gun" I went with the model 60. In my next book...."Hey, I've got a gun on my ankle", I will be using the 642.
photoman
Member
I'm a big fan of the 642 but would recommend the 640 in your situation (assuming you're not willing to go for a 686).
Even with the 640, you will need to experiment with bigger rubber grips and lighter loads in .38 Special to start with. The big advantage to buying a J frame is having the option of concealed carry later on.
Even with the 640, you will need to experiment with bigger rubber grips and lighter loads in .38 Special to start with. The big advantage to buying a J frame is having the option of concealed carry later on.
raveneap
US Veteran
This is my Model 60. IMO, excellent in every way.
senecaap
Member
The best gun for an inexperienced new shooter is a fixed sight K Frame, a Model 10 usually (S&W made more of them than everything else combined) with a 4" bbl. They balance well, have great triggers and have enough weight for the .38 Special, so recoil is much more pleasant than in a j frame. The 2-3" j frames are not accuracy kings, they require much practice to even be passable, even from people (myself included) who have been shooting their whole lives. The Model 10 (or 13, 64, 65) are naturals, some having phenomenal accuracy. The strong suit of the j frame is concealability. If you are not carrying everyday (or ever) concealment is a moot point, get a normal sized gun that has a full sized grip, frame and barrel, and shooting will be easier on you.
If you are adamant about getting a new revolver S&W still makes them, but at $720 new versus a $300-400 for an older model with nothing whatsoever wrong with it, it seems silly. For that kind of money you could find a nice 29 somewhere. For your first purchase you may wish to avoid a police trade in, sometimes they are not as cosmetically appealing, but there is nothing wrong with used guns, you've just let some other sucker eat the depreciation. Plus parts for the 10 are easy to come by.
But anything is better than nothing.
If you are adamant about getting a new revolver S&W still makes them, but at $720 new versus a $300-400 for an older model with nothing whatsoever wrong with it, it seems silly. For that kind of money you could find a nice 29 somewhere. For your first purchase you may wish to avoid a police trade in, sometimes they are not as cosmetically appealing, but there is nothing wrong with used guns, you've just let some other sucker eat the depreciation. Plus parts for the 10 are easy to come by.
But anything is better than nothing.
99savage308
Member
Ooooook let get this straight? You want a home defense handgun. You are looking at a J-frame Smithy. One J-frame is a 38 spl light weight frame the other is a all stainless J-frame three fifty f...ing seven. This dude at the gun store says get the mod 60 three fifty f...ing seven and you are a virgin at the gun buying and shooting game and you are looking for a home defense gun. First the gun store dude is full of horse sh.t. The flash and ear spliting sound and the" What just hit my hand with a 2x4" feeling with the mod 60 you will have is not made for a "FNG". The mod 60 in 38 spl is a somewhat handfull to a Newby. That other light weight is a handfull to a Newby. If you want a home defense handgun,get a steel framed 38spl 4 inch barrel made by any of the gun makers out there. A Smithy sure but it is your money and your life be smart and safe.
Now that your thoroughly confused by everyone's sincere help. I found that when it comes to gun purchases most often they chose what they wanted from the beginning. It really comes down to the gun that feels best in your hands. Its my belief that a 357 out of a short barreled gun would not be a good choice. Lots of recoil, Poor ballistics, over penetration, children or loved ones in other rooms.
Short barrelled J frames are hard to master. It takes almost a religious conviction to master them.
The downside is a 442 or 642 is not a fun gun to take to the range. A Model 60 is a pretty sweet all purpose choice.
My choice for the bedside would be a 4 inch Model 64 or Model 10. You can find excellent exampes for $300 +/-. Others Models 15, 19, 65, 66 can fit the bill as well depending upon your budget.
I have he cousin of he Model 60, the 649 and it's more forgiving at the range. K frame or L frame are dream shooters.
I would seriously reconsider the Airweights, as a first gun choice. I would try to borrow one and feed the little beast a box before buying.
The downside is a 442 or 642 is not a fun gun to take to the range. A Model 60 is a pretty sweet all purpose choice.
My choice for the bedside would be a 4 inch Model 64 or Model 10. You can find excellent exampes for $300 +/-. Others Models 15, 19, 65, 66 can fit the bill as well depending upon your budget.
I have he cousin of he Model 60, the 649 and it's more forgiving at the range. K frame or L frame are dream shooters.
I would seriously reconsider the Airweights, as a first gun choice. I would try to borrow one and feed the little beast a box before buying.
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I've had a 642 for almost 20 years and I recently bought a M60 3" (I installed an Apex trigger). If I had to pick for home defense only, it would be the M60.
If you need home defense and a carry gun, it would be the 642. I bought a Hogue Monogrip for the 642 and it made a world of difference. I have shot 100-200 rounds at the range and no problems. Substantially better than the original grip, but a little larger.
If I only had one choice, it would be the 642. The Monogrip makes the difference for me.
If you need home defense and a carry gun, it would be the 642. I bought a Hogue Monogrip for the 642 and it made a world of difference. I have shot 100-200 rounds at the range and no problems. Substantially better than the original grip, but a little larger.
If I only had one choice, it would be the 642. The Monogrip makes the difference for me.
