60 vs. 649

[Candiru]

I'm thinking about selling/trading my Kahr PM9 for a S&W .357 Magnum snubby. I recently handled and shot a 649 and was impressed by how it vanished in the pocket compared to the blockier semi-auto. I'll be losing round count, but gaining versatility: I can carry .38 Special +P ammo for self-defense, then switch to .357 Magnum soft-points when hiking in areas where there may be cougars or bears. While I would prefer to just tote a Mountain Gun, my current budget limits me to something that can serve double duty.

As the title implies, I'm torn between the M60 and M649. Although I'll be doing most of my shooting double-action, I'd like the ability to shoot single-action. This narrows it down to these two models.

In the 60's favor is its classic lines and easy-to-handle hammer. The downsides I can see is that a hammer can print or wear through a pocket and has the potential to snag on the draw. I can see the 649 being easier to draw, but I would worry about a bit of debris getting wedged in the channel through which the hammer travels.

Therefore, I'm submitting the question to the knowledgable folks in the THR revolver forum. Are there any advantages or disadvantages I'm missing with either model? Which would you choose, if given the choice?

 

[TOADMAN]

S&W 640 is also a good option..

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I just picked up a used 649 yesterday. Wasn't really looking for it. My dad and I peruse the gunshops on Saturdays and this was in the used case. Asked to look at it. I doubt it's had one box of ammo through it. Got it for $350. I already have a 640, 642-1, and Taurus 650, but I've always wanted one of these humpbacks. This shop had a brand new one in the next case for $500, so I think I did pretty decent. Try several different models before you settle down. The best candidates are the 640 and 649 guns as they're virtually snag free for pocket carry. Chief's specials are good guns but that exposed hammer makes a world of difference if you think you might want to carry it in you pocket. With either of the guns you're looking at, you'll want to keep your pockets clean. That 60 will still accumulate lint and other debris inside just as the 649 will (only difference is that with the 60 anything jammed in between the hammer and frame will be easier to remove). When I carry my 642 (and so far that's the only one I've carried in a pocket), I make sure I never have anything else in that same pocket and I turn the pocket inside out and get all the lint out of it before inserting the gun. Actually I always designate my right front pants pocket as a gun pocket. If I'm carrying in a pocket that's where the gun will be. I don't want to reach down and need my gun and end up with my wallet or car keys in my hand!

 

[isp2605]

I've carried a 649 for 11 yrs and a 49 for 20 yrs prior to that. That's everyday, all day, usually in an ankle rig as my backup. I've carried them off duty and when working covert every place on your body you can imagine. I've never had a problem with any item wedging in the shroud and jamming it. They've been drug thru the mud and crud during searches, while I was on SWAT, while wading thru chest deep streams, and while belly crawling in mud and snow. I have no major heartburn with a 60 other than the hammer can get snagged from a pocket draw but I'll take a humpback any day.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Ive owned and carried a lot of M-36's over the years. A while back I bought a old M-49 I don't know why I didn't switch years ago to the the humpback. Lot faster from pocket as you don't need to waste time covering hammer with you thumb before you draw. Ive not had a problem with things getting were they shouldn't But then I only carry gun and holster in pocket period.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Ive owned and carried a lot of M-36's over the years. A while back I bought a old M-49 I don't know why I didn't switch years ago to the the humpback. Lot faster from pocket as you don't need to waste time covering hammer with you thumb before you draw. Ive not had a problem with things getting were they shouldn't But then I only carry gun and holster in pocket period.

 

[bubbygator]

But... as Michael points out, the hammer can be covered with the thumb on the draw. And the 60 is a more "classic" gun - with perhaps easier resell value.

 

[Marshall]

I have a Model 60. I carry it IWB daily, never a problem. Pocket carry? In jeans it works, slacks too but it's a little heavy for the thinner material. The right holster is the key. A smaller than factory grip is need too. I went with the Pachmayr Compact Pro, I like it. I would go with a 649 over a 640 though.

 

[PATH]

I fancy the Mod. 60 myself.

 

[SAWBONES]

Dedicated pocket-only carry? No question, get one of the non-exposed hammer models like the Centennial or Bodyguard or their Scandium/Titanium equivalent models.

Belt carry, either OWB or IWB? Then the exposed hammer models of the J-frame line become better options.

 

[Super Trucker]

I have carried a 649 in my pocket for a little over a year, the lint (debris)that gets into the shrouded area is easily cleared with a q-tip, it only takes about 5 seconds once a week, I also use a silicone cloth on the entire gun at the same time.

 

[BillinNH]

Although the 60 is a classic gun I prefer a bodyguard style over an exposed hammer for pocket cary.

Bill

 

[roo_ster]

I voted 649.

I own the Taurus titanium equivalent, the 651.

 

[Iggy]

I have a 36... Bought a spare hammer that was bobbed and DAO for $15.00

I've got both options.

 

[BackCountry]

If you would consider IWB carry, I love my model 60-15 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. I have tritium night sights mounted on it. It is slightly large for in pocket carry, but a very versatile gun. I carry for back country protection as well as in the city. The .357 rounds have very comfortable recoil and get back on target quick for follow up shots. Good for any large predators you may encounter. With a limited budget, or just wanting a firearm you practice with, carry and use for all purposes, this was the right choice for me. I use a clipdraw IWB and haven't had any problems with imprinting or the hammer getting caught up. I carry it 24/7 (or within arms reach while sleeping). Bagged six prairie dogs on sunday with it. Two of them over 60 yard shots! That's a 3" dia. target at 60 yards! Very accurate and versatile. The slightly longer barrel gives better sight picture, and higher velocities/accuracy. Another option you may want to think about...

 

[Marshall]

BackCountry, I would like to have the 3" version too. Glad to hear you like it.

 

[BackCountry]

I've put a good 4000 rounds through her and she is still like new. Strong enough to stand up to the abuse of heavy loads and lots of shooting...

 

[Marshall]

I shoot mostly 145gr Silvertips and 158gr Gold Dots through my 2 1/8" version with the same results. Stout gun. Funny how much different an extra 7/8" and adjustable sights make the two guns look. First time I saw the 3" Model 60 was at a distance, I would have sworn it was a K-Frame until I looked more closely.

 

[fastbolt]

I voted M649.

I've owned standard exposed hammer, shrouded hammer and internal hammer models ... and while I prefer the internal hammer models for dedicated pocket-carry, especially the Airweight, my older 649 Bodyguard is a great little revolver and I preferred it to the exposed hammer model after having carried both.

It does limit you on somes types of holsters, though, to some extent.

The shroud will collect pocket lint but it's easily checked & cleaned out (like when it's put away at the end of the day).

 

[BillinNH]

Jfruser says:
I own the Taurus titanium equivalent, the 651.

Hey, how do you like that thing? I've alsays been curious as to whether they are as good as the equivalent Smiths. I think a blued 3-inch .357 would be pretty nice.

Bill

 

[roo_ster]

My mini-review is located here.

I was vacillating between the Taurus 651 Total Ti (2" small frame, shrouded hammer, NO PORTS) & the Smith 642. Both have supporters & detractors. What finally brought me into the Taurus fold was that the factory trigger on the Taurus was better than the S&W. The .357mag capability of the Taurus is nice, too, as it is not nearly as punishing to fire them in the 17oz Taurus 651 as it is to fire them from a 12oz S&W Scandium snubby.

One thing that owners of titanium revolvers become believers in is GREASE. I use synthetic automotive grease:
extractor/cylander interface
extractor rod
under thumb piece
yoke/frame interface
front latch/frame interface
center pin/frame interface

Ti on steel, without grease to smooth the way, can be quite galling.

 

[Diamondback]

If I just had to choose one and I could find a good price on one...no question about it I would pick up a 49/649. In my opinion it is the perfect J fame...with a nice balance between size, weight, and accuracy ( many including myself report their little "humpbacks" to be the most accurate J fames they own ). If I wasn't going to shoot my bodyguard much and was more concerned about weight I would look into the M38/M638 "lite" versions. You can always pick up a nice used M36/M60 Chiefs Special at a later date...I come upon slightly used models all the time within the $240-$300 range ( the M60's usually fall into the upper range while with patience you can often find a M36 in terrific shape for not much more than $250...sometimes even less !)

-Best regards to all.

 

[13.45]

between the two, i'd go with the 649 because of its no-snag profile