What's the best Model60 dash to look for?

[SWP357]

I just bought my wife a new 60 2" and am taking a liking to it.
She's is also, so it seems it's not going to be readily available to me. I'm wondering what you guys think is the best dash I should hunt for. I have a 65-2 3" and a new 686+ 3" but the 60 seems like it would fit a lot of CCW situations. Any thoughts appreciated, I always seem to get good input here!

 

[Robinett_11B]

From my research and experience...I've found that I, along with many others, prefer the no-dash Model 60's and the Model 60-7's. The no-dashes are the classic SS Chief's Special design, while the 60-7 incorporated better heat treating (making the gun rated for +P) while still retaining the original Model 60 dimensions. The 60-7, IIRC, was the last variation before they jumped up to the J-magnum frame.

Top is a 60-7....bottom is a no-dash M60

 

[cjtraining]

I concur w/ Robinett 11B about the M60 with no dash. However, I prefer the M649 for BUG/OD/CCW. It's basically the same gun but it has a shrouded hammer, easier to conceal and draw.

 

[Robinett_11B]

I concur w/ Robinett 11B about the M60 with no dash. However, I prefer the M649 for BUG/OD/CCW. It's basically the same gun but it has a shrouded hammer, easier to conceal and draw.

Oh yeah, +1. For concealed carry, I'd much rather have a no-dash Model 640...same idea as the shrouding on the 649, just taking it a step further and internalizing the hammer thus rendering the 640 a DAO gun.

YMMV though, and the Model 60 would still make a great CC gun

 

[Frailer]

The solution to your problem is a simple one. Just purchase your wife an "upgrade" (a 60-7 Ladysmith), and assume ownership of her current Model 60.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

60-7, for the reasons posted above. The next one in the line was the 60-9 and in .357 with MIM parts...yuck!

 

[TDC]

Another vote for the no-dash Mod 60. You may as well add strong collector value to your CC purchase, and probably buy it for less than later 60 models...

 

[redlevel]

No dash. One in my pocket right now.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

My vote is for the Model 60-7 - the wider ramp front sight is easier to pick-up. Here's mine wearing Crimson Trace (LG-205) grips along side my 642-1 (moon clip conversion) with CT LG-405 grips.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Chop]

I vote for the 3" Model 60-4 in .38 Spec. or the 60-10 in .357 Mag.
Chop

 

[SWP357]

Was 60-10 the first year in 357? That's what I'm after is 357.

 

[deanodog]

60 no dash.

 

[CAV 1SG]

I'm still partial to my 60-3.

 

[Broadside]

CAV 1SG,

Where did you get your grips? Are they factory? Thanks!

 

[labworm]

Another 60 no dash

 

[TDC]

Denodog and labworm,

I noticed from your pictures both your no-dash Mod 60's have unpinned barrels. The one I pictured has no pin as well and was a very early "transition" gun purchased by me in 1979.

Have either of you dated or lettered your guns? I'm curious as a "no pin-no dash" Mod 60 is an unusual gun and they may have all been manufactured at about the same time....

Thanks!

 

[labworm]

I was told here at the S&W Forum that mine was manufactured in 1986-87.

 

[Larry from Bend]

This Dash-1 is very versatile.

 

[ar15ed]

another 60-7 fan checking in! i love the wide front sight! a "no-dash" would be fine, too!

 

[GRIZZLYBEAR]

I like M60 dash nothing.

 

[SWP357]

ar15ed, is that -7 a 357 or are my eyes deceiving me?
I'm WNC also, Murphy...
Nice guns you guys, Thanks!

 

[ar15ed]

it's a 38. murphy is REALLY Wnc! i'm in asheville.

 

[stonehorses]

I like the 3" M60.

labworm, nice stags!

 

[Az Rick]

I like my no dash. Had one back in the mid 70's, got this one a short time ago. I changed out the grips to keep them nice and like the Hogue Bantams for carry. It handles +P just fine, although I practice with regular ammo.

 

[labworm]

I like the 3" M60.

labworm, nice stags!

The stags, from Executioner look good but they really fit and feel great in my hand.

Also have a 3" M60 like yourself, which is also one of my favorites.

 

[Frailer]

Was 60-10 the first year in 357? That's what I'm after is 357.

The 60-9 was the first Model 60 in 357. If you're looking for a gun with fixed sights and without the internal lock you're limited to the -9 or -12. I don't know how many of the latter were made, but I've never seen one.

IMHO the 357 in a J-frame is of very limited utility. The ratio of additional power at the business end to added buck and roar on the shooter's end is just too small for me. I own a 640-1, but I only shoot 38s in it.

 

[MSR_Gal]

Was 60-7 available with 3" full lug?

I like the sound of the 60-7. Better frame heat treat for +P and still MIM-less. I want to find a 3" full lug barrel M60 with adj sights. Was this available in the 60-7? I can live with .38 spcl and +P only.

But I don't mind a MIM cyl. latch. Its easily replaced anyway. I just don't want MIM trigger or hammer. Were any later 60's made in .357 that only had a MIM cyl latch but no other MIM parts?

 

[lanceman193]

For holster carry I'm with Chop. Give me a 60-4 three inch, which means target hammer and trigger, or a 60-10 three inch in 357 mag. Both guns have adjustible sights. For pocket carry I like a pinned 1 7/8 fixed sight, which is a no dash.

 

[clang444]

60-10 - it's like a mini 686.

 

[Bud11]

As a newbie thinking about getting the 60 (3") as my first gun, how many "dashes" are there? I know it changes as they make model changes, but what would a new one at my local dealer be as far as dash number? Just curious. Thanks Bud