S&W Model 60 (no dash) Date of Manufacture / Carry Ammo

[bcjwriter]

I just purchased a Model 60 (no dash, .38 special only). I have two questions:

I was wondering the date of manufacture, serial number is AWUxxxx. It also does not have the pinned barrel.

What type of ammo for self defense is good for this pistol. I've gotten some advice for the Hornady 110 gr standard pressure. (I'm having a hard time finding any here locally, so I'm looking for options...)

 

[bcjwriter]

Got a reply from S&W, it was 1987...

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I just purchased a Model 60 (no dash, .38 special only).

Congrats. Hope you enjoy it.

What type of ammo for self defense is good for this pistol.

The one you consistently shoot well.

Everyone is different. Try a bunch to find the one that works best for you.

 

[murphydog]

A well-regarded load, and currently available (but relatively expensive) is the Speer 135 gr Short Barrel +P, the choice of the NYPD back in the revolver era.

 

[chief38]

A well-regarded load, and currently available (but relatively expensive) is the Speer 135 gr Short Barrel +P, the choice of the NYPD back in the revolver era.

Agreed.

Buffalo Bore ammunition also makes #20A 158 grain, +P lead SWCHP-GC that out of a 2" M60 will do an honest 1,025fps and is one of the better loads if you can handle the painful recoil after multiple shots. The Speer GD 135Gr. mentioned above is a bit easier to handle and will fly at about 860 fps out of a 2" tube.

While I no longer use a M60 as a CCW/EDC gun (current choice for 5 years has been a Sig P365), when I did I preferred a minimum of 135 grain bullets and found the BB 158 grain to be incredibly accurate, POA=POI.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

What type of ammo for self defense is good for this pistol. I've gotten some advice for the Hornady 110 gr standard pressure. (I'm having a hard time finding any here locally, so I'm looking for options...)

It depends on your shooting background and overall health.

On the Ammunition Section here you will get twenty plus opinions. Buy whatever is at your Gun Shop and shoot it. Fifty (50) shots will give you an ideal what works for you.

People with Arthritis issues will select something different from a strong, healthy young man. This is a good starting point for anyone.

 

[ImDrRich]

I like wadcutters for short-barreled revolvers. Makes a good defense load.