Model 60 or Model 64?

[fat tom]

I'm not a stainless guy. So,for those of you who are,which would you prefer for carry and why? Which of the two is the more desireable to Smithophiles? Which is more valuable assuming that the guns in question are both .38 no-dash snubbies and NIB?
f.t.

 

[mg357]

I would prefer the S&W Model 64 i currently own a Police trade-in model 64-5 and i love it very much.

 

[Hapworth]

I'm not a stainless guy. So,for those of you who are,which would you prefer for carry and why? Which of the two is the more desireable to Smithophiles? Which is more valuable assuming that the guns in question are both .38 no-dash snubbies and NIB?
f.t.

Everything being equal, I think a very slight value edge goes to the Model 64.

As for which I'd prefer to carry? Presuming we're talking about daily, concealed carry -- Model 60 all the way. You just can't adequately concealed carry a 64 year-round on every occasion unless you wear a nightshirt exclusively, but a 60 you can easily.

 

[gmiller0737]

For CCW The Model 60 would be My Choice Reasons:More Easily Concealed & Lighter,In fact I often carry My Model 60-7 IWB

 

[Marshal Tom]

What are you trying to accomplish

Hi, my friend. What are you trying to accomplish? I carry an M&P 340 all the time now and love it. I also carry a Shield .9mm on the bike and at church. I would consider an M&P as an everyday carry over a 640 or any of the other stainless models.

 

[RussellD]

I have both. Easier to shoot the k frame well and see the sights. Easier to tuck the model 60 into a pocket holster in warm weather.

There have been a lot of very nice police trade in model 64 snubbies on gunbroker lately at very attractive prices.

 

[VM]

ft - buy em both and quit messing with us!
You are on a new year roll.
Seriously, put the 64 in a belt holster and the 60 as a BUG in a ankle holster.
If you've blown your gun funds, send me a PM and I'll buy some more Mercury's

 

[shawn mccarver]

I would prefer the 64 over the 60. Conceals about as well (both are too heavy for the pocket, so if a holster of some kind is required, might as well have the K frame), shoots better for me because of the smoother K frame action, and holds one more round.

 

[Chukar60]

+1^, I have a 3" 60-10, a 21/2" 19-3, and a 21/2" 66-1. 90% of what I shoot is 38 even when I am carrying. I just shoot the 38's much better in rapid fire.
The 60 is a 3" but even if it were a snub, it would not conceal much better than the 2.5" K frames.
i never carry the 60 anymore. It does not conceal any better than the K frames and that one extra round may come in very handy.

 

[JP@AK]

Okay. I will weigh in.
My current carry piece is a Model 36 from 1964. I've never owned a Model 60, but as you know it is the same gun, except for the material it is made of.
However, I carried a Model 64 2" in a shoulder holster daily for nearly 10 years. Occasionally, it was carried IWB in the kidney position, but since I was driving a lot in those days, it mostly rode in a S&W shoulder rig. I'm not a big guy, but I had no problem with daily carry of the K frame.
So it really comes down to what you personally prefer. The advantage of the Model 64 is one more available shot, and I don't find the size or weight to be that big a deal.

And, of course, the standard answer around here is buy them both! Then you can alternate carrying them until you figure out which one you like the best. Then the other one can become your backup or home defense piece.

Now you've been enabled. Go do your thing.

 

[fat tom]

Thanks for all of the replies thus far. Nearly all of them bolster my own opinions. Last question,is 1K too much to pay for both? Keep in mind that at my age,I don't want to buy ANYTHING that I can't recoup my money quickly if the need should arise.
f.t.

 

[M29since14]

I think that's too much, but I am living in the past when it comes to prices. And (probably like you) I can be selective about what price I buy at because I already have more revolvers than I will live to wear out.

I would buy the 60 and be done with it. A 2-inch K-frame doesn't make a lot of sense to me as anything other than a conversation piece. If it were a 3-inch gun, that might be different. JMHO. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Hapworth]

Thanks for all of the replies thus far. Nearly all of them bolster my own opinions. Last question,is 1K too much to pay for both? Keep in mind that at my age,I don't want to buy ANYTHING that I can't recoup my money quickly if the need should arise.
f.t.

You described them as "NIB"; if by that you mean the guns, unfired save for factory tests, correct serialized boxes, unopened cleaning tools and all original factory papers -- then $1K is perfectly fair.

 

[fat tom]

That's what I mean. Thanks!
f.t.

 

[kf4ocv]

Okay. I will weigh in.
My current carry piece is a Model 36 from 1964. I've never owned a Model 60, but as you know it is the same gun, except for the material it is made of.

Just wondering? What is the model 60 made of? I have a 36 in nickel.

 

[fat tom]

Stainless.
f.t.

 

[JP@AK]

Just wondering? What is the model 60 made of? I have a 36 in nickel.

As Fat Tom stated, the Model 60 is made of stainless steel. The Model 36 is the same revolver made of carbon steel and finished either with nickel, like yours, or blue.
The Model 60 was introduced in 1965 and was the very first all-stainless revolver made by anyone, anywhere. An historic milestone that changed the industry forever!

 

[Biggfoot44]

For many many years I bought into the prevailing wisdpm that 2in K Frames were pointless and silly. Until I used one ! Lust at first fondle , and still enamored with them , with a M10 and a M64 .

If you specifically wish to carry in pants pocket or on ankle , a M60 would get nod. For belt carry , a K Frame with Magnas or Boot grips will conceal at least as well as a J Frame with oversize grips, but will shoot as well as a full size.

 

[JP@AK]

2" K frame useless? Merely a conversation piece? Hardly! Why anyone would think this - if he ever owned, carried and/or shot one is beyond me.
Here is one I'm rather fond of. I've shot it a fair amount and carried it some. It dates to September, 1947, and is still giving good service.
Go ahead, try to take it away from me . . .

 

[perfectcircle1]

I shoot a 64 2 inch up to 45 ft as good as any 4 inch. Short barrel=no accuracy is a myth..