New Model 60

[jnichols2]

A week ago I bought my first J-Frame, today I bought another.

Last week I chose a Model 637-2 Air weight. The voices on the internet warned me to NEVER shoot a .357 from a small frame revolver, so I figured I would only need .38 Special, and saved about $325.

After some practice, I was able to group 6-8" at 7 yards. I felt I was getting better as I shot more. I had no recoil issues with standard rounds, so I tried +P. They kicked a little more, but didn't break any bones, or cause what I would call intense pain. No need for an Emergency Room visit afterwards.

That night, I realized that I could probably handle some .357 from a stainless model that weighed another 5 ounces. Or maybe a Ruger SP101.

Today I went across town to a gun store that always had better stock. They had a SP101 and a Model 60. The Model 60 was very different from what I was expecting.

It had a 3" barrel, full three finger rubber Hogue grips, and weighed 24 ounces. It just seemed the perfect size and weight for the mighty .357, and I sort of fell in love with it.

Although smaller and lighter than my S&W 686, the SP101 was still too large for how I wanted to carry it.

If I choose, the Mod 60 will still slip into my pocket. In a Sticky holster, it just disapears, and doesn't feel noticebly larger or heavier than the Mod 637.

I don't feel at all bad about buying two guns. If I had bought the 60 first, I probably would have got an Airweight for deep conceal anyway.

I'll give it a try at the range tomorrow.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations on both new guns! I have a 637-2 and a Model 60 Pro with a 3" barrel. Love them both! I hope you enjoy yours! .357 rounds aren't bad out of the model 60 at all.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Congrats on both J-frames. The 3-inch M60 "Target" is the daring of many forum members, myself included.

I think pocket carry is a practical use of this gun. For me it is much easier to draw, since the longer barrel keeps the gun from disappear why down deep in the bottom of my pocket.

You might try a Crimson Trace laser grip to help with shrinking your groups. A laser grip can be really beneficial with finding faults in your technique, and the grip could be used on either gun.

 

[zogger]

I have the same Model 60 3". Love it!

Put on Pachmayr Diamnd Pro grips and CC in a Garrett Industries IWB Silent Thunder Revolver holster.

 

[jnichols2]

I just got back from the range. I took my 2" 637 Airweight to compare.
There just is no comparison. The Model 60 is just in a different class.
The Model 60 is far above the 637 Airweight.

It has a better trigger, better sights, and full size grip.
The extra 9 ounces, and 3" barrel, make all the difference.

Very accurate to 10 yards, 5" group, I will work on beyond that.
At 15 yards, SA was great, but DA sucked.

Double tap is fast with .38 Spcl, slower with .357 Mag.
But stayed on head at 10 feet.

.357 Mag is NOT "Brutal", didn't even wear gloves.
But, they are pretty loud.

I look forward to carrying this gun. I have no concern about controlling the .357 Magnum, even with arthritus in both hands.

 

[zogger]

Sounds great! Happy you enjoy the gun.

 

[AppStFan]

That's a fine looking J frame. It looks like a mini 686. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Baggy Wrinkle]

The perfect companion for the M60 3" is the M63 3" .22. I start out each range session with the M63 to ensure my technique is good then shift to the M60. Also, a fun plinking load for the M60 is a 158g LSWC bullet propelled by 4.0g of Trailboss. Very accurate out to about 25 yards.

 

[A.J.R.]

It looks like a mini 686.

Was thinking the same thing

 

[KSDeputy]

I have a model 637, like it fine. I am going to buy a model 60, but am going to get the short barrel one with fixed sights. I have never liked adjustable sights, especially on what could be a combat weapon if I choose to carry it. I do like the grips shown.

 

[jnichols2]

That's a fine looking J frame. It looks like a mini 686. I hope you enjoy it.

You're right. All I have to do is paint the sight orange, and it will be a mini 686.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

You could not have picked 2 better Js to start with. Opposite ends and they both cover all problems you will have at both ends.

 

[muddocktor]

I got the 60-15 like yours for my wife a couple of years ago and it is a perfect fit for her small hands. For protection use at the house for her, I have it loaded with some 110 JHP 38 Special +P rounds. For me, it's fine shooting even 357 Mag rounds but that is a bit too much recoil for my wife to handle. But for a small pistol and with a small set of grips, it's surprisingly comfortable in my hand, The rubber grips take a lot of sting out of it. I personally prefer my model 27s, but I don't try to conceal carry those large chunks of steel either.

 

[Cptslick]

I have the same pistol with additional Altamont grips and the holster is a De Santis TB

 

[kschmider]

I too have a Model 60-15 3 inch. I immediately ordered and received the wood Pro Stocks from S&W as I carry it IWB and the rubber grips would snag on my shirts.

I only practice with 38 Special and 38 Special +P. For carry, I load it with Speer Gold Dot 135 grain 38 Special +P.

I'm still getting used to shooting in DA only as it is a defensive revolver for me but the trigger and action have smoothed out considerably over the last year. I'm "reasonably" accurate with it at 5 yards.

Karl

 

[jnichols2]

I got the 60-15 like yours for my wife a couple of years ago and it is a perfect fit for her small hands. For protection use at the house for her, I have it loaded with some 110 JHP 38 Special +P rounds. For me, it's fine shooting even 357 Mag rounds but that is a bit too much recoil for my wife to handle. But for a small pistol and with a small set of grips, it's surprisingly comfortable in my hand, The rubber grips take a lot of sting out of it. I personally prefer my model 27s, but I don't try to conceal carry those large chunks of steel either.

I have large hands, and the grips aren't a "perfect" fit. But they are MUCH better than most small guns. Also, if they were any larger, they would print.

I guess that makes for a "best fit" for a carry gun.