Question on 60 Pro Series

[DeadWhiteGoose]

So I have a question. On Smith and Wesson's website the model 60 pro series is advertised as .357/.38. However, on gunbroker.com and other gun stores they are all labeled as .38spc +p. Even the engraving on the barrels say .38spc +p. So what's the deal? Are there different variations of the gun? Or am I doomed from owning one in .357? Thanks for the help

 

[Ranger98]

There are two versions of these revolvers,both are labeled 60-15.One is the 357,the other is the 38

 

[DeadWhiteGoose]

Ok good to know thank you. Better make sure my LGS knows that's what I'm looking for.

 

[K1500]

The .38 one is a Talo special edition, and I have no earthly idea why they would spec it at .38. Since they are the same size, weight, etc, I see no reason to buy anything other than the .38. I have the .357 and like it.

 

[TucsonMTB]

Ok good to know thank you. Better make sure my LGS knows that's what I'm looking for.

I presume you know that .357 Magnum revolvers will also fire .38 Special ammunition just as well as a revolver limited to .38 Special?

If you only plan to shoot .38 Special, you could ask your LGS to get you the best price, knowing that either version will do what you want.

Admittedly, the lower price version probably will be .38 Special, which maybe why you asked. If that is the reason for your inquiry, please excuse my foolish post.

From the standpoint of resale value, I believe the .357 Magnum version is probably the better choice. YMMV

 

[Smithbrother]

I picked up a model 60-15, 38 Spl +P Pro-Series the other day. Nice gun and the 3" barrel & frame size is perfect for concealed carry. The grip is just a tiny bit longer than service grips on a J-Frame and feels very good. I see no reason to shoot .357 out of a 3" barrel unless you just get a kick out of the recoil and flames. Using .38+P or +P+ will give you the same terminal ballistics as the .357 and your follow up shots will be easier. The rounds are also cheaper. I thought about this before my purchase and decided that the difference between .38 and .357 was meaningless to me. I looked at a 686+ at the same time but I just liked the Pro-Series design better. The trigger pull and balance of the weapon is nice but it does stage pretty firmly at 3/4 pull. The pull on my 640 of 20 some years is better.

 

[K1500]

Out of a 3" barrel, .38+P is does not give the same ballistics as a .357. That doesn't make it bad, but a .357 out of a 3" barrel is substantially faster than the same weight .38+p, no two ways about it.

 

[DeadWhiteGoose]

Yes I realize a .357 can shoot both. That's why I want it in .357. Why not have the option? Seems like an easy choice to make. 2x the possible ammunition for your firearm. And besides, Wont it look great with this?

 

[TucsonMTB]

That's why I want it in .357.

My bad. I read your original message as indicating you were on a hunt for the .38 Special version.

Sorry about that . . .

 

[Smithbrother]

Out of a 3" barrel, .38+P is does not give the same ballistics as a .357. That doesn't make it bad, but a .357 out of a 3" barrel is substantially faster than the same weight .38+p, no two ways about it.

The speed difference is slight and the terminal ballistic advantage immeasurable.

 

[DeadWhiteGoose]

My bad. I read your original message as indicating you were on a hunt for the .38 Special version.

Sorry about that . . .

Haha that is totally fine. I appreciate you trying to help me out though. A lot of new gun owners out there who do need that info.

 

[K1500]

The speed difference is slight and the terminal ballistic advantage immeasurable.

I guess well just agree to disagree. From ballistics by the inch...

.357 3" barrel federal 125gr 1255 fps
.38 3" barrel federal 125gr 831 fps

If you really think a jump from 831 to 1255 fps is slight...

 

[Smithbrother]

I guess well just agree to disagree. From ballistics by the inch...

.357 3" barrel federal 125gr 1255 fps
.38 3" barrel federal 125gr 831 fps

If you really think a jump from 831 to 1255 fps is slight...

+P+ it coming out at 1100, depending on manufacturer, but as e all now know - whether .45 ACP, .9mm, .357, 38 variant, .40 cal - they all have about the same terminal ballistics in human flesh with very small differences given their diameter and ability to expand. So I say again, if you want to see the BGs hair catch fire and loose your hearing for a brief second go with the .357. Otherwise there's no appreciable difference.

 

[Lomax Anderson]

I bet the 1130# black bear that was killed last year a 1/4 mile from our campsite would "appreciate" the difference...

I feed my 357 158 grain pills.

 

[K1500]

Well, to each his own. I have run everything from .38 wad cutters to 180 grain JHP .357 magnums out of my 60 pro. I am glad it can handle .357's when I need it to, especially when I use it in the woods, which I do quite frequently.

To me, a 3" barrel is long enough to extract a meaningful increase in velocity over and .38 spl loading, with the ability to accomidate heavier bullets when desired. Besides, with that no free lunch thing, a .38+p+ At 1100 fps will breath just as much fire and recoil as a .357 at 1100 fps.

 

[Vaman49]

I was kind of confused too when I starting seeing the .38 Special only version show up. I've got the .357 Magnum model so I get the best of both worlds I think. Maybe it's having the Talo name on it.

All I know is mine is a shooter....