Model 60 question

[John Hill]

I have a stainless mod 60 5 shot 1 7/8" barrel that I have had for about 35 years. It has an exposed spur hammer. I want to have a concealed carry. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this pistol compared to a "modern" revolver with a protected hammer? Which models would be preferred?
John

 

[shouldazagged]

Some people will say the exposed hammer gives you greater versatility because you can fire it single action with a much lighter trigger.

I don't want that option for concealed carry. It's far too easy to pop a cap you didn't mean to in the stress of the moment. I prefer the concealed-hammer Centennials, which also won't snag on the draw.

The 60 is a fine little revolver, a classic. If it were mine I'd have a smith bob the hammer or convert it to DAO; but YMMV, and lots of very knowedgeable folks here will disagree strongly with my view.

 

[Old cop]

I agree w/the previous post and would bob the hammer but would not convert to double action only. Once the hammer is bobbed there is really no reason to do that, save your money & buy ammo for practice. The M60 is an excellent CCW, albeit a bit heavy for pocket carry.

 

[cololab]

I carried a 60 for years as a backup and undercover gun. The weight didn't bother me and, depending on how you plan to carry it, the hammer spur may or not present an issue. I personally wouldn't go to the extra expense of converting it to DAO only.

 

[HayesGreener]

If you like the size It's a fine revolver for CCW if you carry it in an owb holster, shoulder holster, or ankle holster. If you carry it IWB or in a pocket you run a risk of getting the hammer snagged on clothing at the wrong moment. I for one like the hammer spur to snap my thumbsnap around but I am a very old law dog from the revolver era who is set in his ways where revolvers are concerned. I would not feel under gunned with a model 60 on my hip. All that said, I have been carrying semi autos on (S&W and SIG) and off duty and in retirement for 26 years and counting.

 

[walkin' trails]

I go with the crowd that says the little 60 is a good CCW gun. For many concealment applications, the hammer spur gets in the way, however. If it bothers you, have a reputable smith bob it. I've heard some frown on that modification claiming that it takes weight from the hammer and raises the risk of light primer strikes, but I've never had that happen to me personally or know anyone else who experienced the problem. I would suspect that the hammer bob horror stories were caused by poorly executed action jobs - a J-frame can be tricky. I also like the concealed hammer pistols such as the 640s, and really don't car much about the single action capability in that type of pistol. I really have to stress that anyone carrying a J-frame for self defense should practices profusely by dry firing in DA mode as much as possible. You'll really develop a feel for the trigger and will master the gun.

 

[chief38]

OK I guess I'll take the other side of the coin here. I have carried my M60-7 for many years and it is still in its original configuration with full hammer and both single & double action modes. When I carry in a belt scabbard there is no issue what so ever and when I pocket carry I trained myself from the get-go to simply place my thumb over the hammer spur while drawing the gun from my pocket. This practice soon became second nature and now it is automatic whenever the gun is taken out of my pocket.

I never felt comfortable giving up the option of being able to take an aimed shot in single action mode should the need arise. It is difficult (even with practice) to consistently place accurate vital organ shots at lets say 30 - 40 feet in DAO mode. While most gun fights admittedly do not occur at this distance, I want the OPTION to do so if need be. I can hit much easier at 30 - 40 feet with one hand in SA mode than in DA.

I can tell you first hand most people I see shoot 2" snubs with stiff +P loads can't hit very well with TWO HANDS in DA mode - no less one hand. Before you go converting your revolver to DAO and cutting the hammer spur, try it! If you are that good that you still shoot very well - one handed, then take a look at the Bodyguard model which covers the hammer spur but STILL allows cocking for a SA shot. To me that is the answer of you are concerned about hammer snag.

 

[John Hill]

I knew that Y'all would give me the right info.
I have an OWB holster that I used for open carry when I camped. It has a top strap that seems to catch the hammer when I draw it, particularly when I do it in a hurry. I assume that there are newer and better OWB holsters that use friction to hold it securely but don't know which one to look for.
John

 

[Pef]

I knew that Y'all would give me the right info.
I have an OWB holster that I used for open carry when I camped. It has a top strap that seems to catch the hammer when I draw it, particularly when I do it in a hurry. I assume that there are newer and better OWB holsters that use friction to hold it securely but don't know which one to look for.
John

I use a Galco Concealable Belt holster for my j-frames OWB carry. Type in "galco concealable belt holster j-frame" on amazon and it will come up. I do use it concealed (untucked shirt), however, as it is only "friction retention".

 

[alwslate]

I have a 60-7 that I cut the hammer spur off of myself. You don't have
to pay some "smith" to do it. A small fine tooth hacksaw blade or a
cut-off wheel in an air tool or Dremel and smooth with fine files and
stones or paper. Tape the gun to protect it. I would not convert it to
DAO, you can hook your thumb over the front of the hammer after
starting it back with trigger pressure for single action fire. If you're
worried about lightning the hammer don't cut the spur flush with the
back of the hammer, leave a little nub. I have never had a missfire
with my 60 and for carry I just don't see any downside to bobbing
the hammer. My 60-7 is a keeper.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Please consider not bobbin' the hammer. If you ever decide to sell this will greatly decrease the value, especially since yours is 35 yrs old. Those are getting hard to find. I would suggest you find a good concealable holster. You obviously won't be able to pocket carry as the hammer could get snagged but there are several good IWB or OWB that will let you conceal the model 60. I personally carry mine in a Crossbreed Supertuck. It can be carried any position IWB. Very comfortable and hammer doesn't get in the way or rub up on anything.

 

[chief38]

I just want to add one bit of advise concerning bobbed hammers and modifying for DAO.

If this is to be done, might I suggest that instead of cutting the original parts, you acquire another set of parts to do this with so that IF & WHEN you decide to either convert it back or sell it, it will be Factory original once again. Just a suggestion of course............

 

[shouldazagged]

I actually suggested bobbing the hammer OR converting it to DAO, which is a more expensive job. At a time years ago when I couldn't afford a Smith J-frame, for a while I carried a clone, a Rossi 87. Pretty satisfactory little gun--not the equal of a Model 60, but not bad at all. I had a smith bob the hammer, and it never failed to fire. No light strikes, no problems. The gunsmith who did the work told me that it was his experience that light strikes from bobbed hammers were more likely in Colt snubbies than Smiths or their copies.

As for being able to take shots out to 40 feet, I see the point; but it looks to me as if shooting an assailant that far away might be hard to defend in court as self-defense unless he was actually firing at me at the time. Just a thought.

 

[John Hill]

I think that I will take the advice of 357-RevolverGuy and get the Super Tuck and leave the pistol in original condition. If, after a while, I don't like to carry it, I will offer it for sale and get something else.
Thanks for all of the good advice and help.
John

 

[snubbyfan]

I knew that Y'all would give me the right info.
I have an OWB holster that I used for open carry when I camped. It has a top strap that seems to catch the hammer when I draw it, particularly when I do it in a hurry. I assume that there are newer and better OWB holsters that use friction to hold it securely but don't know which one to look for.
John

I have this one I send ya for $40 including shipping in the contiguous united states. Its an owb concealment holster with molded in retention.