Thinking of a S&W Model 60

[SaveFerris]

I want a small yet powerful gun to keep in the home yet also take camping and be able to stand up somewhat against the largest possible yet unlikely threats (bears).

Im not a big guy and the 686  just didnt quite feel right in my hands I tried the 3" model 60 and wow it felt great.

2 questions:

Would this gun hold up mechanically if i were to shoot 357 rounds out of it occasionally?

I considered the 3" Ruger (sp 100?) and the only thing i didnt like was the trigger was REALLY rough and the grips werent as nice as the S&W.

Is the Ruger really more durable? Would it be just as nice as the S&W after a trigger job and new grips?

[unspellable]

I wouldn't feed it a steady diet of hot 357's loaded with light bullets.  If you are only going to occasionnaly run 357's with 158 grain bullets through it, you'll have to have the help of an heir in order to wear it out.

[SaveFerris]

For most use it will have 38 specials of some sort and for bears, I was considering the Buffalo Bore ammo. They say its fine for any gun.

[unspellable]

For bears you will want a heavy hard cast bullet that has been hardened without using too much antimony.  This will give deep penetration.  (Too much antimony will make the bullet brittle and subject to breaking up.)

I hope you are talking black bears here.  I wouldn't want to shoot a brown bear with a 357.  It tends to make them angry.

[SaveFerris]

...I hope you are talking black bears here.

Me too!  :wink:  But i dont plan on carrying anything bigger than a 357 for now.

The 'buffalo bore' ammo is supposedly fine for bears. But hopefully the loud report that will drive them off if nothing else.

[Varmint Hunter]

Isn't your  S&W model 60 chambered for 38special??

Mine is?  :shock:  Where does the 357mag come in?

VH

[greenjeans]

Smith chambers the Mod. 60 in .38 sp. only and .357 and they both are called Model 60.

[SaveFerris]

The model 60 Im looking at is the 357 version, but I havent bought it yet. Everyone says the Ruger is so much more durable. But the S&W fits my hand better. decisions, decisions...

[35Whelen]

I don't know about now, but used to, the S&W Mod. 60 was the stainless .38 w/2" barrel, and the S&W Mod. 66 was the .357 w/2" barrel. I've NEVER heard of a Model 60 chambered for the .357.

[SaveFerris]

This is the gun im looking at. S&W website says its definately a 357.  It dosnt even mention a 66 on their site.
http://www.swfirearms.vista.com/store/index.php3?cat=293539&item=831412&sw_activeTab=1

[dawei]

I want a small yet powerful gun to keep in the home yet also take camping and be able to stand up somewhat against the largest possible yet unlikely threats (bears).

Im not a big guy and the 686  just didnt quite feel right in my hands I tried the 3" model 60 and wow it felt great.

2 questions:

Would this gun hold up mechanically if i were to shoot 357 rounds out of it occasionally?

I considered the 3" Ruger (sp 100?) and the only thing i didnt like was the trigger was REALLY rough and the grips werent as nice as the S&W.

Is the Ruger really more durable? Would it be just as nice as the S&W after a trigger job and new grips?

  Taurus® Mdl 617

[Graybeard]

I had one of the early Model 60s with 3" barrel and adjustable sights for a long time. When they offered the exact same gun in .357 Magnum I traded for one. Still have it and yup you better betcha it's "pre agreement".

I fire mine ONLY with full house .357 Mag loads but really don't shoot it a lot. I have but don't now. Mine wears a set of Crimson Trace Laser Grips and I can shoot better groups using them than the sights on it.

I use it mostly for a house gun these days but during hunting season it is usually with me as I walk into the stand each morning "just in case" I need to shoot something that wants to do me harm before I get there. Never needed it for that purpose yet but I believe in preparedness.

I suspect the Ruger SP101 has a bit more raw strength but is a lot heavier also.

[SaveFerris]

Thanks for the input!

GB--Does the Crimson Trace grips make the Model 60 much bigger? Is it still pratctical for CCW?

[Graybeard]

CTC makes two different grips for the Model 60 or any other S&W J frame gun. The original is a "boot grip" style with same dimensions as the grip that came on my M60. The one I have is a larger target style that is rubber coated. Yes that one is larger and it might make it less concealable to some. I find it just right. But they make both so you can have your choice.

[Chris]

I just bought one about a month or so ago...sweet!

...Chris  

[leverfan]

I've got a 3" model 60 in 357, and it's one of my favorite revolvers, ever.  Excellent gun, and it fits my hand, and my wife's hand, better than the Ruger.