I'm thinking of getting a model 60 .357 with the 2 inch barrel for carry. I've already owned an sp101 which I know most people will probably suggest over the smith. What are the pros and cons of the model 60. Also, would the golden saber be the best load or are there other lighter loads in .357.
model 60 .357
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tiberius
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They're both good guns. I have the M60 with CT Lasergrips and absolutely love it. The 60 is more compact than the Ruger and will probably not hold as well to full house loads. I practice mostly with .38's and just shoot enough .357's to maintain confidence. I currently have it loaded with Cor Bon 125's but will probably be switching to Speer Gold Dot 125's because I like the bullet design and they seem to be more consistent. There are more accessories for the S&W and to me it is a more “carriable†package, esp. if you are considering pocket carry.
Oh, mine has a 2.125" barrel.
Oh, mine has a 2.125" barrel.
Preacherman
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The SP101 is stronger than the Model 60, and is also more comfortable with full-house rounds: but it's also heavier and bulkier. For holster carry, this isn't a problem, but for pocket carry, it certainly is!
I prefer the SP101 myself, if talking about .357 Magnum, simply because I find the J-frames difficult to control under recoil with such a powerful round. However, I shoot a 442 and 642 with .38 Special +P and don't find any problem. I guess the best thing to do would be to shoot both with your chosen carry load and find out which one you shoot best. Buy that one, and dress accordingly.
I prefer the SP101 myself, if talking about .357 Magnum, simply because I find the J-frames difficult to control under recoil with such a powerful round. However, I shoot a 442 and 642 with .38 Special +P and don't find any problem. I guess the best thing to do would be to shoot both with your chosen carry load and find out which one you shoot best. Buy that one, and dress accordingly.
Poohgyrr
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FWIW, I load Gold Dot 125s in my 640-1. This snubby does have recoil, but is much more accurate than I expected, and makes me almost look good. 
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I carry a pre-agreement model 60. The recoil with full house loads was considerably less brutal than I expected, and the accuracy is much better than anticipated. It's not a match revolver, nor would I care to shoot it with hot rod ammunition all day long, but it's entirely adequate to the task of saving my life.
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