Differences between 2 1/8" and 3" barrel?

[nolefan]

Hi there! I am about to take possession of my recently purchased S&W Model 60 with a 3" barrel. My problem is that I shot a Model 60 with a 2 1/8" barrel last Saturday and I did not like it AT ALL. It was just too much recoil for me (yes, I AM a big wimp) even shooting .38 special. I was in love with a Model 19 with a 4" barrel (best gun ever) if this gives some measure of where I'm coming from with this. So, is the 3" going to make a pretty significant difference over the 2 1/8"? I think it's 2 oz heavier as well.

I'm wondering whether to continue purchasing the 60 with the 3" barrel (it's still new in box and in possession of my dealer), or ask for the money to be put toward another gun. Also, would this make me a bad customer?

Any advice is much appreciated

 

[Standing Wolf]

I could be mistaken—wouldn't be the first time in my life—but I believe the three-inch model 60 has adjustable sights, whereas the shorter barrel is added to models with fixed sights.

I've been sending revolvers to the good folks at http://www.magnaport.com for years to have the barrels ported. I'm not entirely sure porting reduces actual recoil, but it certainly reduces perceived recoil for me. Reduced perceived recoil in my hand translates into a.) less impact; b.) enhanced accuracy, and c.) greater speed of succeeding shots.

The counter-argument is that ported barrels deliver significantly more muzzle blast and flash, which can work against the shooter in a self-defense situation, especially at night, especially if one must shoot with the gun held close to clothing.

I personally believe the counter-arguments are entirely legitimate; I still have my revolvers ported: as far as I'm concerned, it's all about accuracy, accuracy, and accuracy.

By the bye, if you don't care for the recoil in the model 60, you might try hand-loading some light target .38 special loads, either in .38 special or .357 magnum cartridge cases. They're dandy little guns and amazingly accurate.

 

[grimjaw]

nolefan, the only comparison I can make is between a S&W 640 2 1/8" and a Ruger SP101 3 1/16". The 3" barrel was much easier for me to handle with similar grips on both guns, and I performed better with the longer sight radius and extra weight (~4oz). I only shoot .38's out of my snub(-ish) revolvers, and even with those the Ruger was easier to control. Other people could shoot the 640 well, but I couldn't and had to switch.

jmm

 

[mitchshrader]

IMO

the three inch barrel is the minimum size for reasonable accuracy and controllability, for many folks. there's a reason that the FBI issue .357 (model 13) came in 3 and 4 inch barrel length.

now, carry ammo is your call, of course, but MY method is to train with what i'm going to shoot. as i don't intend to be shocked or surprised in a crisis, i keep mid power (38+P JHP) as my everything round. when it shoots, it hits like it did the last time. that's most comfortable to me. i never worried about maximum power, i worried about EVERY shot going precisely where i intended. still do.

i'd say shoot a full size, (158 grain) soft lead hollowpoint at about 1000 fps from a 3 inch barrel. if it's a +P+ .38 or a light load in .357 matters not much. shoot it a lot.

it's not a 95% one shot stopper, but you won't go blind and deaf and one-armed trying to hang onto it either.

 

[mnrivrat]

If your asking wether the 3 inch barrel is going to make much difference in recoil my answer is likely not much different . J-frame snubbie's are lighter and have more recoil than that K-frame model 19.

There is two things that help tame the recoil :

Choice of cartridge (lighter bullets at standard pressures) , and grip choice (rubber grip styles with backstrap coverage)

Bad customer ? Perhaps , if item was special ordered for you - but if putting the money on another gun I think most sellers wouldn't get upset.

 

[Sunray]

Change the grips. A 4" M-19 has a different grip frame than a Model 60. Pachmayr makes a good grip.

 

[only1asterisk]

The 3" will help some. The full lug barrel adds a couple ounces where it does the most good. Changing grips will help, but the grips on the 3" 60 may already be better than those on the one you shot. Magnaporting will help, but Standing Wolf went over most of the downsides. I'll add cost and time away from gun.

Before you do anything drastic, why not pick up a couple of boxes of cowboy loads (assuming you don't load your own) and shoot them for a while.


David

 

[nolefan]

Thank you all so much. You have been extremely helpful in my decision making process and I very much appreciate it.

You guys/gals know everything!

 

[Marshall]

7/8"

You can learn to be accurate enough with either, a little easier with the 3".