S&W Model 60-18 durability

[Storm]

Last year, as an impulse buy, I bought a S&W Model 60-18, a J frame .357/.38 Special 5" barrel gun. It's an odd gun, but I find it to be very appealing. It also offers a good gun for guest shooters with small hands. While the stock wood grips are very rpetty, with Hogue Monogrips it fits my medium large hands very nicely. I have considered trading the gun, but there's just something about it that prevents me from doing so.

My question is with regards to it's ability to withstand magnum loads. This is the only Smith J Frame magnum that I'm aware of. What is different about it from a standard J frame that makes it suitable for magnum loads, and, how will the gun hold up shooting magnum loads?

My 60-18 will mostly see use with .38 Special, but I'm very curious how this small and light frame will hold up to the use of magnum loads. I'm also curious about the two part shrouded barrel assembly. Has their been any issues with that?

 

[don95sml]

I have a model 60-15 with a 3" barrel, rated for .357 magnum. It is used as my car defense gun, carried in a cheap holster in the door pocket next to the driver. It is loaded with Winchester SXT Personal Protection .38 Special +P 130-grain hollow points. Like you, I replaced the original grips, which I believe were Uncle Mikes, with Hogue rubber. On the range these rounds were quite accurate and easy to handle. I've never used magnum rounds, but have no reason to doubt that the gun can handle them - it's more a question of how many rounds your hand can withstand.