Thinkin' of gettin' a S&W PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 60
- Thread starter jski
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redbullitt
Member
I have had a couple late model PC guns, but no early ones to comment on.
Both had issues and had to go back for service a couple times to get there where they should have been originally. Minor timing issues, fit/finish, and SW has an annoying habit of turning out cocked barrels. Just should not be an issue on a flagship level gun. Certainly should not be happening at their price point.
All that said, I love the guns. They are excellent, but they came with a few teething issues. Once sorted out they have been perfect. I suggest you carefully handle and examine yours before you buy it. I would not take one sight unseen unless it was simply not something to pass up. If you find one you are happy with snag it. You will love it.
Both had issues and had to go back for service a couple times to get there where they should have been originally. Minor timing issues, fit/finish, and SW has an annoying habit of turning out cocked barrels. Just should not be an issue on a flagship level gun. Certainly should not be happening at their price point.
All that said, I love the guns. They are excellent, but they came with a few teething issues. Once sorted out they have been perfect. I suggest you carefully handle and examine yours before you buy it. I would not take one sight unseen unless it was simply not something to pass up. If you find one you are happy with snag it. You will love it.
.308 Norma
Member
My Model 60 is not one of the Performance Center Pro Series versions. It's just a regular Model 60 - 15, and I stuck a pair of ugly, Pachmayer grips on it. I've had it for 3 or 4 months, and when we get over to the big city (Boise) this weekend, I'm probably going to trade it off.
I hope that didn't sound too negative. Because the fact is, I like the gun the gun a lot. I just don't think I can ever make it work well for what I bought it for, which was to serve as a bum around in the hills, creek fishing, trail gun. It won't handle the heavy, .357, cast SWC bullets I like to use for those purposes. They shoot high at 25 yards with my Model 60's rear sight lowered all the way down. That's IF, they'll even fit in the cylinder with .357 Magnum cases.
On the other hand, for your purposes jski, a Model 60 might work well. I'm sure some people will tell you those adjustable sights don't belong on a carry gun because they're not needed and they might get snagged on your clothing. But I wouldn't let those possibilities deter me if I wanted to keep my Model 60 for my carry gun. But I don't - I already have a Model 637 - 2, .38 Special for that. I know, I could load +P .38 Specials in my Model 60. But why? My Model 637 is a lot lighter, and it's +P rated too.
Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think Model 60s are probably pretty good guns for their intended purposes. They're just not intended to be good guns for the purposes I had in mind when I bought mine. When I come home from Boise this weekend, I'll probably have a different stainless .357 of some kind. It will have adjustable sights, at least a 4" barrel (6''- 7" preferably) and a larger frame. And I'll have no illusions of it doubling as a creek fishing/concealed carry gun.
BillBloggins
Member
While not a PC model 60, and also unfortunately possessing the Hill Hole, my model 60 was a great carry option. It is so minute you do not notice it all. I carried it with mid range .357 (as full pull magnums are not pleasurable to shoot out of this little dandy) and I also threw a speed strip in my pocket just in case the social situation demanded it.
Bad Ninja
Member
Mine as well isnt a Pro, just a 60-15.
Love it.
Easy to carry, solid, well made, works like a wrench.
Highly recommend adding one to your collection.
Love it.
Easy to carry, solid, well made, works like a wrench.
Highly recommend adding one to your collection.
Now admittedly I'll rarely use .357s at the range BUT I'd certainly like the option of using them in self defense. So the question is does this pup offer good performance with that choice?
Sometimes I wonder if .357 and carry are conflicting choices?
Sometimes I wonder if .357 and carry are conflicting choices?
Madcap_Magician
Member
Fortunately for us, Lucky Gunner did some extensive testing of .357 and .38 in 2" and 4" barrel lengths.
From those results, the performance is there out of short barrels for .357. Many choices perform well, including the Remington Golden Saber, which is not current tech, but is both less expensive and has a reputation for being a fairly mild load for caliber.
Catpop
Member
I've got a 1973 m60, but then only offered in 38 spc.(I think) Never had a minutes trouble with it. Maybe 2K through it, mostly factory loads. I don't think you'll go wrong.
I just bought my wife a 642, no hammer, for cc. Sale price $359. But flies so bad right now in Jack Neck, we havent been able to test it. DRATS!!
I just bought my wife a 642, no hammer, for cc. Sale price $359. But flies so bad right now in Jack Neck, we havent been able to test it. DRATS!!
Crowman
Member
I have the Model 60 Performance Center Pro Series revolver as my night stand gun. It shoots well and is easy to carry and handle. Love the night sight for dark encounters when things go bump in the night... For me, it is worth the premium. I changed out the factory wood grips for a set of Pachmyar Diamond Pro grips. The wood grips split the web between my thumb and index finger when shooting 158 grain JSP magnums. With the Diamond Pro's, I have little discomfort firing full house magnums. Right now, I have it stoked with .38 Special 158 grain JHP's to keep from over penetrating my house. Plus, they are easier to keep on target in a SHTF scenario; otherwise, I would carry heavier loads in the woods.
It is a great little gun.
It is a great little gun.
Crowman
Member
My model 60 PC Pro Series will chamber and fire both Grizzly Cartridge & Buffalo Bore hard cast 180 grain RNFP-GC. Should print a tad high. Mine is spot on with 158 grain JSP magnums. Prints low with 38 specials and light magnums.
Crowman
Member
Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think Model 60s are probably pretty good guns for their intended purposes. They're just not intended to be good guns for the purposes I had in mind when I bought mine. When I come home from Boise this weekend, I'll probably have a different stainless .357 of some kind. It will have adjustable sights, at least a 4" barrel (6''- 7" preferably) and a larger frame. And I'll have no illusions of it doubling as a creek fishing/concealed carry gun.
Take a hard look at the Ruger GP100 Match Champion. It is pricy, but really a super accurate and well balanced revolver. I have one that I use for spring / summer ridge walking. This is NOT a run-of-the-mill GP100. Ruger got it right. Sculpted and lightened barrel (front barrel lug milled off ahead of ejector rod, barrel sides milled flat), melted cylinder, hammer & trigger polished, shimmed and centered in the frame and a really fine trigger.
Mine has the extreme duty rough use fixed rear sight that is factory regulated to 158 grain bullets. It shoots dead-on with 158 grain hard cast SWC and JSP magnums. Prints a tad high with 180 grain hard cast RNFP-GC magnums, but easy to compensate for.
You can get it with adjustable rear sights, but I didn't want adjustables on a backwoods gun. KISS principle.
I replaced the factory wood grips with a Pachmayr Diamond Pro set because they fit my hand better. I carry mine in a Diamond-D Guides Choice chest rig with ammo slide on side strap and speedloader case in front.
Tacoma
Member
I've had two 3" model 60's over the years. Both chambered in 38 special vs 357.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of 357 mag out of these small guns. Recoil can make practicing a chore and quick (accurate) rapid fire a challenge.
Here is a pic of my recently acquired Mod 60 Pro. I got a deal on it because it was 38+P vs 357. I'm OK with that.
p.s. IMHO, the grips still need changing to something more hand filling.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of 357 mag out of these small guns. Recoil can make practicing a chore and quick (accurate) rapid fire a challenge.
Here is a pic of my recently acquired Mod 60 Pro. I got a deal on it because it was 38+P vs 357. I'm OK with that.
p.s. IMHO, the grips still need changing to something more hand filling.
JFrame
Member
I have the same experience with my 60 Pro. I'll either upgrade the tritium sight at some point or swap it out for a colored ramp sight.
Crowman
Member
I like my 60 Pro Series; however, I agree with all y'all's observation that the night sight insert in the front sight is pretty weeny. But...I keep mine as a night stand gun next to a 600 lumen flashlight, so won't monkey with it.
tubeshooter
Contributing Member
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I don't own the Pro version, just the regular 60-15. Very nearly bought one, though. They seem a lot easier to come across in the wild, at least in my neck of the woods.
I hear that the wood grip of the Pro series is good for shooting with. Some like having the night sights as well.
I like the gun I have, and I suspect the Pro is just as good. That being said, I don't use mine for carry. On paper it should be nearly ideal, but in practice a lightweight snub .38 is just so much easier to deal with. Shooting .357 won't be particularly pleasant, either. Good general field gun, though.
I hear that the wood grip of the Pro series is good for shooting with. Some like having the night sights as well.
I like the gun I have, and I suspect the Pro is just as good. That being said, I don't use mine for carry. On paper it should be nearly ideal, but in practice a lightweight snub .38 is just so much easier to deal with. Shooting .357 won't be particularly pleasant, either. Good general field gun, though.
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In lieu of the Model 60 Pro, I went for the 7-shot 686:
Same 3" barrel. I became concerned about how well the 23 1/2 oz Model 60 could/would handle .357 loads.
BTW, I must admit, I really like the unfluted cylinder. I like unfluted cylinders on the Freedom Arms single action revolvers.
Same 3" barrel. I became concerned about how well the 23 1/2 oz Model 60 could/would handle .357 loads.
BTW, I must admit, I really like the unfluted cylinder. I like unfluted cylinders on the Freedom Arms single action revolvers.
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