S&W Model 60-18 .357 5 inch bbl.

[dennis228]

Have a chance to buy a NIB S&W 60-18 .357 with 5 inch bbl. for $650.00.
I like the way it handles and points. Its fairly light (approx. 27-28 oz) so I'm wondering about excessive recoil, as many consider the model 60 as a bit too light for full power 357's. Will the 5 inch bbl. help reduce muzzle blast and recoil? The five inch bbl. should help get the most out of either 38's or 357's. The 60-18's from my research are said to be very accurate. So does anyone own one or ever shot one? What's your opinion of the gun? Should I look for something else or could this be a good shooter? Might be a nice trail and woods gun but I would appreciate any advice or opinions.

 

[ClemY]

My 60-18 weighs 27.6 oz. with Pachmayr Decelerator grips. The grips are larger than the standard grips it comes with and make it much more pleasant to shoot. It is nicely accurate. Mine has a very nice trigger as well. I haven't used it as such, but it should make a very nice trail gun. It makes a nice set with the 5" 63-4.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have a 60-15 3" Bbl. .357 Mag with the stock grips. I've shot a cylinder full or two of full house .357 Mag but prefer .38 SPcl +P. I imagine the
pachmayr grips that are larger help make it more mangeable, I would also think the longer barrel would lead to a more complete burn of the powder
thus reducing muzzle flash. I've been thinking of ordering the Herrett
Jordan Trooper stocks, Herretts wants an outline of your hand so the grips
are matched correctly to your size hands. I have long fingers/hands but not
overly meaty I like balance of the 3" Bbl. but can see how a 5" Bbl
with fitted to your hands grips could make for a great backpacking gun for
most power delivered for the weight of the firearm - important in packing in
the backcountry. I've heard good things about the accuracy of the 5" models My 3 incher is good.

Randall