OP
Model 60 or Model 64?
- Thread starter fat tom
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Tom
The revolver shown in Post #19 was wearing the post-1953 stocks when I bought it. They are nice stocks, but incorrect for an S prefix revolver. They have since been replaced with correct sharp-shouldered Magna stocks and the gun looks a lot better! No pics with its new shoes, but it is sitting here next to me as I write this. It says it feels better . . . (who says guns can't talk?).
The revolver shown in Post #19 was wearing the post-1953 stocks when I bought it. They are nice stocks, but incorrect for an S prefix revolver. They have since been replaced with correct sharp-shouldered Magna stocks and the gun looks a lot better! No pics with its new shoes, but it is sitting here next to me as I write this. It says it feels better . . . (who says guns can't talk?).
I have both and obviously the Mod 60 is more concealable but I like the 2" 64 better if clothing permits. I live in cold country requiring heavy jackets in winter so what I would really like is a 3.5" 27-2. Take VM's advice and buy em both.
Steve
Steve
buckeyejake
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Get the sixty , for sure .
Jake
Jake
66Park
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I used to own and carry both. Mostly the M60. It just conceals much better.
DAinTX
Member
You can't go wrong with either. To belabor a point: the J carries a little bit better in warm weather/light clothing; the K handles a little bit better and works fine under jacket, sports coat, blazer, or suit. Value and "desirability" are both going to be close with these two models. Again...you just can't go wrong here.
I've never cared much for any J frame.
I'd get the 64.
I'd get the 64.
I prefer blued guns when you're talking about vintage stuff, but stainless has one advantage - it would be a vintage gun that I wouldn't be so concerned about carrying since the finish is so durable. So that would make the model 60 preferable, as it's much more concealable as a carry gun than a 64. If the wood grips were in great shape, I'd save them and put on a set of aftermarkets.
A two inch 64, however, would be fairly concealable, however, and have the advantage of an extra round. Best of luck.
A two inch 64, however, would be fairly concealable, however, and have the advantage of an extra round. Best of luck.
Concealment is different for everyone, I suppose, but as a rule a 5 shot Model 60 is far easier to hide than a 6 shot Model 64, even if they're both snub-nosed. . The new, longer barrels on M 60s do change that, however, but I'm thinking about snubbies in the true sense of that term, not small framed guns with long snouts.
Concealing a Model 64 short barrel is no different than concealing a snubbie Model 10 - NEVER as easy as hiding a J=frame.
As for value, my recently acquired/"previously owned" 4" barrel Model 64s both cost less than any of my recently acquired/previously owned stainless or alloy J-frames. A snubbie Model 64 would probably cost 100 bucks more. I still wouldn't be carrying it daily.
***GRJ***
Concealing a Model 64 short barrel is no different than concealing a snubbie Model 10 - NEVER as easy as hiding a J=frame.
As for value, my recently acquired/"previously owned" 4" barrel Model 64s both cost less than any of my recently acquired/previously owned stainless or alloy J-frames. A snubbie Model 64 would probably cost 100 bucks more. I still wouldn't be carrying it daily.
***GRJ***
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dcopper
Member
JP@AK Sure would like to find one like yours, My birthday 12 Sep 1947! That would be awesome! OP needs to buy both!
Oh Geez! put a Mod-37 or 38 in your pocket. Mike 2796
They are out there! Look for one somewhere between S926xxx and S942xxx. In my database I see lots of them in that range that shipped in September, 1947. There are also a few in that range that shipped in August, but most of them on my list around those numbers shipped in September. Lots of 6" and 4" examples, but also 2".
I have several Model 60s and two Model 64s. One of the 64s and three of the Model 60s are New-Unfired.
The Model 64 I carry on occasion is a used LE Trade in that has CDC stamped on the lower portion of the frame just below the Cylinder.
It has the best trigger job of all the S&W Revolvers I have.
I have no problem carrying a Model 64 or a 65 on a good belt with a good holster.
Back in the Olden Days when most of us were carrying a revolver on the street, stainless steel was a great thing to have, especially for my Model 60 two inch that I carried in an ankle holster as a back up for my belt gun. I wiped it down every end of shift, but I didn't have to worry about it like I did when I carried a Model 36.
Rule 303
Jungle Work
The Model 64 I carry on occasion is a used LE Trade in that has CDC stamped on the lower portion of the frame just below the Cylinder.
It has the best trigger job of all the S&W Revolvers I have.
I have no problem carrying a Model 64 or a 65 on a good belt with a good holster.
Back in the Olden Days when most of us were carrying a revolver on the street, stainless steel was a great thing to have, especially for my Model 60 two inch that I carried in an ankle holster as a back up for my belt gun. I wiped it down every end of shift, but I didn't have to worry about it like I did when I carried a Model 36.
Rule 303
Jungle Work
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My first carry piece was a M10 RB 2" (blued version of the M64) and after a year or so I gave it up and got a M60 to take its place. Yes the K frame holds one more round. Yes it is a little easier to shoot with stiff loads The problem was it was just too heavy and too large for Pocket carry which I do often. If you wind up leaving the gun home because it's too uncomfortable or too heavy it certainly does you no good if needed.
For someone who is a NON - LEO, the M60 is just about the perfect combination of size, weight, convenience and stopping power and I felt all this was worth giving up one round for. I still do.
While I think S&W Revolvers are #1, another viable option would be the Colt Detective Special. It's only 2 ounces more than a M36/60, only slightly bigger, holds 6 rounds, very reliable and great quality and is still a lot smaller and lighter than a K frame. They don't make them anymore but they are still available all over. While slightly larger and heavier than the S&W J frame M36/60 the Dick Spl. can still be carried in a pocket (obviously not as comfortable as the J - but still doable). Changing grips on the Dick Special helps conceal it in a pocket and there are several different sizes that will fit. Just saying.............
For someone who is a NON - LEO, the M60 is just about the perfect combination of size, weight, convenience and stopping power and I felt all this was worth giving up one round for. I still do.
While I think S&W Revolvers are #1, another viable option would be the Colt Detective Special. It's only 2 ounces more than a M36/60, only slightly bigger, holds 6 rounds, very reliable and great quality and is still a lot smaller and lighter than a K frame. They don't make them anymore but they are still available all over. While slightly larger and heavier than the S&W J frame M36/60 the Dick Spl. can still be carried in a pocket (obviously not as comfortable as the J - but still doable). Changing grips on the Dick Special helps conceal it in a pocket and there are several different sizes that will fit. Just saying.............
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AZretired
Member
For the choice between the 64 and the 60 I prefer the 64 in a snubby. The 60 is too heavy for pocket carry (IMO) so I carry a 642 or a 638. when I belt carry I carry a 2" 64.
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