Would you recomment this trade?

[Protected One]

You should.
Conditions being equal, from a dollar standpoint, I think you're ahead regardless but if the 60 is a pre-lock, +p rated, etc, etc. model... even more so.

It is DEFINITELLY pre-lock!

 

[ralph7]

You are correct! I Just got off the line with S&W customer service. Wanted to find out if the gun was rated for +P ammo.
They said not if it was built before 1995. I've got to get the serial number to verify construction date.

Regardless, the more I think about this deal the better I feel.

Please take that info with the proverbial grain of salt.
If you do a search on "plus p" ammo here, prepare for a long read.

 

[G-Mac]

I'd rather have a .38 Special Model 60 than one in .357. That's the way they were meant to be.

 

[jtcarm]

You are correct! I Just got off the line with S&W customer service. Wanted to find out if the gun was rated for +P ammo.

They said not if it was built before 1995. I've got to get the serial number to verify construction date.



Regardless, the more I think about this deal the better I feel.

Post 1995, I think that would have to be Model 60-9 or later. Just check the dash number under the crane.

Pre-lock would make it a -15 or earlier.

 

[mistermills357]

Think It Over, It Ain't A No-Brainer.

A friend and I went shooting yesterday. For the second time he got to shoot my Shield 9mm, and loved it both times. He has a S&W Model 60 (bought it 5yrs ago from his LEO partner).

I mentioned to him that I was planning to buy a Ruger SP101 because I wanted .357 and they are cheaper than Smiths. Today he made the following proposal to me and asked me to think about it; He will trade me the Model 60 with a holster and ammo straight up for the Shield and a holster (he can get ammo on the job). This way we both get a gun we want without either having to spend any money.

I've got my Shield 9 broken in and set up like I like it, but I do have other semi-autos that could serve as my edc untill I get another Shield...which I certainly would do. Seems like a "no brainer".

What do you guys think?

I believe that you should test fire the gun, and check for heat build-up. Let's say 12 rounds, as fast as you can pull the trigger. My nephew had his S&W snub .357 bind up on him, after a few cylinders of shooting.
The consensus was, that it was probably heat-related. So that is a caveat emptor for you to consider.
However, if the gun stands up to fast firing a few cylinders, it would be a good deal, for you and him to trade.
PS: I don't think that binding would ever be a problem on the Ruger, it is very toughly built.
You knew that already, but it was worth a mention.
(PSS: I have assumed that the M60 is a .357 Mag and not a .38 Spec.)

 

[redlevel]

I'd do that trade in a New York minute, and everybody knows that ain't but 30 seconds. Especially if it is a pre-lock, even pinned, .38 special. You can shoot all the plus-p you want to. The one in my pocket right now is loaded with Buffalo Bore Heavy +P.

 

[Protected One]

Pictures

Here are a few pictures. It is a No dash Model 60. Built in 1987.
What can you tell (if anything) from the pictures about its condition?
I know it's in good "working order because he fired about 50 rounds through it at the range, without incident.
I was busy with my Shield 9, a Kahr CW40, and Hi-Power and did not shoot the revolver at all.

 

[SpinyNorman]

You chose... wisely.

 

[Saudade]

Eeyow!! Better hope your friend does not subscribe here!!

A pre-lock Smith is waayyyy better than a Shield. Shields run about $350 (or less) these days. Try getting an decent pre-lock Smith or even an SP101 for that price.

 

[alleycat7002]

Revolver worth way more.i trade for it in a minute...some those were police trade ins.keiser had a ton of them in2010

 

[kthom]

You are welcome to your feelings, CaptRon. Seriously! As I've said, I have nothing at all against the Shield. I have one. My wife has one. But all things equal, given the law of averages, it's my considered opinion that the Model 60 shown here will still be plugging away when the Shield has high centered along the way. Yes, it can be fixed, and both guns will last for a very long time if they are well maintained and not just shot to death. It's just very hard for me to conceive of the M&P Semi Autos being shown and coveted after when they are as old as the fine old hand ejectors we continually see here. And it's especially hard for me to believe that they will hold value or appreciate in value as have the old revolvers. Both are tools, and if tools are used, they will wear out, but for me, the older Smith and Wesson revolvers are a lot closer to a good hammer in comparison to the Shield which is more comparable to a good electric drill. Use them both for the same amount of time and which is most likely to still be going strong in another 25 or 50 years!!!

Protected One, I sure don't see anything wrong with the Model 60 you show here. There are a few scuffs and handling marks present, but that's what gives it character and doesn't keep you from using it for what it was and is intended to be used for. Use standard pressure ammo for your practice, fire enough of the +P stuff to get used to it and find out where the bullets land. Then enjoy shooting it and carry the +P stuff for serious social encounters. I wouldn't blame you at all if you get yourself another Shield, but that will be easy. Getting another no dash Model 60 will take some patience or luck to find, and I guarantee you that it will cost more than you have in this one!!!!! I have one just like it that was made in 1978. I would not swap it for two brand new Shields, and I like the Shield!

This is, of course, just my own personal opinion, and it does not carry any more weight than any other personal preference posted here. I'm just glad we all have a gun or two (or more!!!). I trust my Shield and I'm glad to have it, but my revolvers make me smile just thinking about them. That's worth a lot of money in my world!!

 

[Protected One]

You are welcome to your feelings, CaptRon. Seriously! As I've said, I have nothing at all against the Shield. I have one. My wife has one. But all things equal, given the law of averages, it's my considered opinion that the Model 60 shown here will still be plugging away when the Shield has high centered along the way. Yes, it can be fixed, and both guns will last for a very long time if they are well maintained and not just shot to death. It's just very hard for me to conceive of the M&P Semi Autos being shown and coveted after when they are as old as the fine old hand ejectors we continually see here. And it's especially hard for me to believe that they will hold value or appreciate in value as have the old revolvers. Both are tools, and if tools are used, they will wear out, but for me, the older Smith and Wesson revolvers are a lot closer to a good hammer in comparison to the Shield which is more comparable to a good electric drill. Use them both for the same amount of time and which is most likely to still be going strong in another 25 or 50 years!!!

Protected One, I sure don't see anything wrong with the Model 60 you show here. There are a few scuffs and handling marks present, but that's what gives it character and doesn't keep you from using it for what it was and is intended to be used for. Use standard pressure ammo for your practice, fire enough of the +P stuff to get used to it and find out where the bullets land. Then enjoy shooting it and carry the +P stuff for serious social encounters. I wouldn't blame you at all if you get yourself another Shield, but that will be easy. Getting another no dash Model 60 will take some patience or luck to find, and I guarantee you that it will cost more than you have in this one!!!!! I have one just like it that was made in 1978. I would not swap it for two brand new Shields, and I like the Shield!

This is, of course, just my own personal opinion, and it does not carry any more weight than any other personal preference posted here. I'm just glad we all have a gun or two (or more!!!). I trust my Shield and I'm glad to have it, but my revolvers make me smile just thinking about them. That's worth a lot of money in my world!!

Thanks for the comment, sir. They are much appreciated! The marks don't bother me because I, like you, think the added character to the gun.

I talked to Smith & Wesson this morning, gave them the serial number and was told the gun is a 1987 model...and NOT designed to handle +P ammo. Sounds like you've had no issues with your 1978 model though!? Regardless, for all the reasons you stated (and more), I am eager to take possesion of it this saturday!

The holster in the picture is also part of the deal.

 

[Murdock]

It is a No dash Model 60. Built in 1987.

No. The M60-1 was fielded in 1969, so your ND hit the street before that.

 

[bedbugbilly]

Personally, I think it's a fair trade. I usually carry a Model 36 snub - not a whole lot different than a 38 Model 60 only mine is blue - they carry well, shoot well and are reliable for a SD gun.

The only thing else I'd add is if you like your
Shield - unless your friend is really "set" on "yours" - then if you have the $ - go buy a new Shield 9mm for him. If he's set on yours, you can always buy another Shield.

I just purchased a 9mm Shield about a month ago - I love it but we are still "honeymooning". Once I am fully schooled on how she shoots, etc., then I'll use it to switch off once in a while with my 36.

All things considered . . . there's nothing like a good J frame. I have the 36 snub as well as a 3" 36 - they both carry well. A .357 J frame? Yea, some guys can handle it but I'm older and my hands can't take the recoil of a .357 in a J frame size revolver. Without starting a "debate on calibers" - a 38 will do the same as a 9mm as far as stopping someone.

 

[kthom]

bedbugbilly has an excellent suggestion, I think! If you like your Shield and your friend would accept a new one, buy him one and keep your own. If he wants yours, I still say no problem even though you may have a bit more money invested in yours. Looks like a decent holster with the deal, and that sweetens the pot.

There is a long standing controversy about the +P Ammo. I am absolutely opposed to the +P+ stuff that was available for a while, but there is a lot of variation between the older loadings and that found on the "new" ammo market today. I am also just as comfortable with either the .38 Spec or the 9MM with today's ammo offerings. I am particularly pleased with the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain ammo made specifically for short barreled revolvers, but I still also like the old FBI loading with a 158 grain LSWC hollowpoint bullet. It has a long standing proven track record. It is still available today. One source is Buffalo Bore Ammo. They also sell a straight up wadcutter round in .38 Special that is loaded to regular velocities rather than the practice or target wadcutters available. I personally think that a straight wadcutter round loaded to allow good penetration is maybe one of the best personal defense rounds one could have. At close range, that big old flat faced bullet would sure make a smack when it hits and create a full caliber wound channel. Lots of options out there. Good standard pressure rounds loaded with a purpose built bullet for personal protection will do the job if it lands where it will likely do the most good. As I said, I don't fire many rounds of +P through my J Frames. It doesn't take many to test them for yourself. But I have no qualms about safely carrying them in the guns for EDC. Much as I love my guns, they have a job to do for me. No doubt the heavier loads will perhaps increase the likelihood of wear and tear, but a minimum amount will likely not ever be noticed in your lifetime of use. I've been doing things this way since the mid 60's and have never had any issues with this practice. Everybody has to make their own choice about it though, so let your conscience be your guide!! You've got a great revolver there. Congratulations!

 

[Protected One]

I got to take a close look at the gun today and discovered that when I cocked the hammer to fire it single action, the hammer wouldn't stay cocked. It appears that this revolver is either double action only or there is a problem with it mechanically.

Both previous owners are LEO's. Are police known to have modifications made to back up/off duty revolvers action so that it only shoots double action?

Thanks guys!

 

[Protected One]

Well, sadly I won't be making the trade for the revolver. It turns out that the hammer won't lock back for single action fire, thus indicating that the gun is not functioning as it's designed. Seems it has been modified by someone.

I thought for a moment that perhaps S&W had made some DA only models but in speaking with a relired LEO friend he pointed out that if the gun has an exposed hammer IT IS SUPPOSE TO SHOOT SINGLE ACTION. He advised against the deal because if I ever use it in a defensive situation, the fact that it has been modified could work against me. Too bad, because I was REALLY looking forward to carrying the thing.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Well, sadly I won't be making the trade for the revolver. It turns out that the hammer won't lock back for single action fire, thus indicating that the gun is not functioning as it's designed. Seems it has been modified by someone.

I thought for a moment that perhaps S&W had made some DA only models but in speaking with a relired LEO friend he pointed out that if the gun has an exposed hammer IT IS SUPPOSE TO SHOOT SINGLE ACTION. He advised against the deal because if I ever use it in a defensive situation, the fact that it has been modified could work against me. Too bad, because I was REALLY looking forward to carrying the thing.

Sigh . . . .

 

[MyDads38]

Better to find out BEFORE the trade than after. Sorry it didn't work out this time, but you never know what may come your way in the future!

 

[GerSan69]

Holy cow... Hundreds, if not thousands, of revolvers are DAO on purpose. NYPD and others wouldn't allow their cops to carry anything but DAO. They aren't built to be target guns. In the heat of a gunfight, you don't pull back the hammer - ever.
Not to mention, that 60 is worth ~$175-200 more than the Shield. You didn't need that money anyway, right?