Question about a new smith model 60

[SNAKES14009]

I was wondering if anyone had any pearls of wisdom about the model 60. I picked up a new one. For personal defense in the home, car, and while bow hunting. I was wondering if there are any types of ammo to stay away from or anything like that. The only reason I picked one up is my home was broken into 2 weeks ago and they took all of my firearms. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Elvishead]

Get a Wolf spring shooter kit maybe? And some Hogue grips? Speed loaders?

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Is it a newer .357 version or an older .38 Special one? Is it a 1 7/8", 2.25", a 3" barreled one, or the new 5" loooong barreled one? Is it square butt or round butt?

Most are roundbutt snubs, but many variations have been made of the model 60.

Here's my adjustable sights .38 special model 60-1. Only 660 of these were made.

If it's a fixed sight one, it is factory zeroed for 158 grain bullets. Shoot those and grips of your choice should have it good to go.

 

[BlindJustice]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your other firearms.

In 1996 S&W beefed up the <Model 60 frame - some call it the
J-frame Magnum since the 60 has been chambered for
.357 Mag since that time. I have the 60-15 3" Bbl. with plain
ramp front and adj. rear sight. It has the wrap around
cover the backstrap grips patterned after a design by Uncle MIke's
I believe. There's room for my little finger at the base.

For SD/HD I limit my 60 to .38 SPecial
125 gr. Speer Gold DOt JHP +P
125 gr. Hornady XTP JHP @ 1,000 FPS NOT +P but cheaper thann the GD

I'd like to get some Safariland Comp-I speedloaders It's nice to have
the option of the .357 Mag. but firing some of that in my 686P with a 4" Bbl.
is as much recoil/muzzle blast/flash as I want to deal with and
why beat up the 60.

Looking for a carry rig/leather for the 3" Bbl. is a bit limited in
choices off the shelf.

 

[gb6491]

+1 on "Sorry to hear about the loss of your other firearms."

Congrats on a fine new one.

The "magnum" frame Model 60 will not fit in some model 60 holsters. I've found this particularly true of closed end models. That said, there are a lot of options. I like the Uncle Mike nylon IWB holster for concealed carry here in Arizona. The handle fits closer to the belt line (YMMV) and is more concealable for me under a light shirt. Draw is easy, but you almost have to undress to re-holster it.

In the field, I've settled on an Uncle Mike's cartridge belt and size 0 strap retention holster.

Polishing the rebound slide and corresponding frame surfaces significantly improved the double action pull on mine.

Lot of grips and adapters available to meet your needs. For the moment, I favor the Vintage industries boot grip.

Feed it what you want; full house, 158 grain Magnum loads can be stout.
I prefer Remington .38 spl +P, 158gr. lead, semi-wad cutter, hollow points for most carry situations.
Though I use speed loaders some, I mostly carry Bianchi Speed strips for from-the-pocket reloads.

I'm still loathe to change the front sight out, but I have an XS express night sight fitted for mine. I'm waiting on the correct drill bit to arrive and may try it for a while. I did deepen and open up the rear sight some years ago. If I had the green, I would have the Bowen high-visibility sights put on it.

You are going to like your Model 60

Regards,
Greg

 

[eflatminor]

I just picked up a model 60 too. I had some work done on it to include a trigger job, reaming of the cylinder holes and a nice bead blast to give it a subtle, even finish. I also installed some nice Houge grips.

Since it's a .357, I'm comfortable shooting .38 +P. Whatever brand/load works best in your gun.