Model 60 Pro Series

[cluttonfred]

Hello, all from a new member to the list?

I am a fan of the Smith & Wesson J-Frames. I came across this model, new to me. Anyone know anything about it or have any thoughts on its pros and cons as a general range, field and home defense gun?

Model 60 Pro Series (link to .pdf spec sheet)

Thanks and regards,

Matthew

 

[Owen Meany]

Salutations, Owlnmole!

I am a fan of the Smith & Wesson J-Frames.

You are not alone. I also am a J-frame fanatic, as they are the only class of firearm that I have yet found that perfectly serves my needs. Of course, more rounds in the cylinder would be nice, but I and many others contend that this is not a deal-breaker when weighed against the J's numerous advantages. If you haven't already, see the thread titled "S&W: Only Five Rounds?" over in the General Gun Discussions subforum. Much good input there on why "5 for sure" IS enough (as well as worthwhile opinions from those who argue otherwise).

I came across this model, new to me. Anyone know anything about it or have any thoughts on its pros and cons as a general range, field and home defense gun?

New to me as well. Provided the gun wasn't intended for concealment, the extra inch of barrel would be warmly welcomed by many for its handling characteristics, not to mention the accompanying increase in bullet velocity from the longer barrel. We always hear 4" bandied about as the minimum barrel length from which "real" .357 Magnum bullet speeds may be obtained, but 3" is surely better than 1 7/8" or 2 1/8", albeit by how much I don't know.

Maybe someone will be able to point to some chrono data of .357 (or .38, for that matter) loads from a 3" barrel. If I've ever seen velocity numbers for .357s from that barrel length, I've forgotten what they were. It's fairly easy to find data for loads from 2" barrels, but 3" seems uncommon.

I like the slab-sided barrel and the long ejector rod. Not so keen on the exposed hammer, since I don't shoot J-frames single-action and so gravitate towards the snag-proof Centennial models.

Regarding the applications you mentioned, it would appear to be a very enjoyable range gun with .38 Specials. As for field use or home defense, even using .357 loads I can't really think of any reason to limit oneself to five rounds of a caliber that is undisputedly anemic out of such a short barrel. It might have a place in the field if nothing larger could conveniently be carried.

And, as always, there is the possibility of the gun's simply being "right" for a particular person, all rationalizing about caliber and capacity aside. If it feels that way, then that's the gun to have (a bold statement in this place, to be sure )

So, you going to get one?

 

[Bailey Boat]

With the exception of the shroud shape and the grips it's basically the same 60-10 that I've had for several years. .357, 3" round butt J frame adjustable sights.... Nothing really new, just a re-do of an old favorite......

 

[don95sml]

I haven't seen this model before either. The night sight on the front doesn't do anything for me, but the special grips certainly look attractive and probably would feel great. Still I wonder how the cost compares with my older model 60 with a 3" barrel, adjustable rear sight, and aftermarket Hogue rubber grips, all of which are still on the market.

 

[jfh]

After getting a 640 and an M&P340 last May, I too became a j-frame devotee. I picked up a 3" M60 (HB, adj. sights) as well, with the adjustable sights, and later a slightly-used 442.

While I like the overall package of this gun, I have been turned off by the 'angular' shape and detail of the ejector shroud. It's not so bad here, but on the bigger frames, it's downright ugly and distracting to the classic revolver shapes.

Actually, the j-frame I would buy in a flash would be a 640-3" Another thread around here has a picture of it, as a Centennial from the 70s offered to LEOs, IIRC, in a magazine ad. That version should be next month's PC offering.

Jim H.

 

[KNOCKDOWN]

Model 60 Pro Series "Small Hunter"

I recently purchased the same model 60 Pro Series. A limited number were sent out with the words "Small Hunter" engraved on the side plate. ( I'm told it was an error ). It also has a recessed target crown. I purchased this "small hunter" for $645 locally.

 

[DoNoHarm]

OMG!

KNOCKDOWN, where'd ya score that? Not near me, I imagine. . .

I'm v. excited about that little guy, but haven't seen it around SE Michigan yet.

Owlnmole, I can't speak for this gun, but I LOVE its big brother (686 pro).

 

[BlindJustice]

The Pro Series 60 msrp is only $40 more than a regular 60 3" Bbl. with
plain ramp front - only diff is the angled lug, grips, and chamfered charge
holes. THe angled underlug fwd of the extractor only removes .6 oz from
the overall weight. I've got a 60-15 3" Bbl.

Speer offers a .38 Spcl +{ 135 gr. Gold Dot JHP
for 'snubbies' supposed to have less muzzle flash.
On their web site they state
1 7/8" = 875 fps
2 1/4" = 915 fps
3" = 980 fps

I have yet to find this 135 gr. load in the gun shops in
Lewiston which are within a mile of the CCI/Speer
plant, they do carry the 125 gr. Speer GD .38 Spcl +P
that's rated at a nominal 1,000 fps. I buy it 20 rounds
for about $13 - I use it in my 60 - it has manageable
recoil, with some muzzle flash.

I tend to shoot the 60 DA 95% of the time.

 

[Rob1035]

Old thread, but I fondled a 60 Pro in the fun store today, and while its a nice revolver, I *loved* the grips, and would love a set for my J-frame.

I emailed S&W and received no response, anyone know if the grips are available without having to buy the 60 Pro?

 

[jfh]

Rob1035: Like you, I really like the M60Pro grip--and when I inquired with S&W CS about its availability, the answer was "not yet"--e.g., they're not ahead of production needs.

However, I *think* it's a grip made by Pachmyr, and there may be a non-branded version.

Jim H.

 

[TexasBill]

Model 60 Pro Grips

I have the regular Model 60-15 with 3-inch barrel and I also like the Pro's grips. I called S&W and they are available for purchase. The P/N is 41174 and the price is about $55.00 including FedEx Ground Shipping.

 

[TexasBill]

Received the Pro grips yesterday; they feel great and the revolver looks great. Also found a real leather holster that fits and is perfect for the range. It's a Hunter 4500, Size 1. Will still probably get a custom holster made, but this works for now.