Three-inch Model 60 .357

[Hutch]

I have long been a fan of 3-inch K and N-frame revolvers, but never really saw the point of a 3-inch barrel J-frame. A three inch barrel kinda makes pocket carry (my choice for 2" J) a little problematic.

Then I got a 3-inch M60 in .357 with full lug and adjustable sights. Oh my.

GREAT little carry gun around the hacienda. I stagger the loads so that first up is a shot cap, followed by 2 .38 +P, followed by 2 .357 125JHP. What neat, compact, unobtrusive package. I've ordered a new holster just for it, that has snaps on the belt loops, allowing easy on, easy off. This just might be the ticket. I have limited range time with it, but if it shoots anywhere near as well as it totes, a lot of other revolvers are gonna lanquish in the safe.

 

[WJR]

Hutch,

Post a picture of it.

Still enjoying that 686??

WJR

 

[cpirtle]

I stayed in Opeleika last time I came down for an Auburn game, nice area.

I have a 60-pro and couldn't agree with you more. They are nice to carry and IMO balance a little better than the shorter barrels.

I don't use mine for pocket carry but I have a couple of holsters that are long past due from Rafters, should have them soon.

 

[Whole Hog]

l also pocket carry a couple different 2 inch J-frames, but last year I acquired a 3 inch, adjustable sight Model 60 in .38 Special that has become one of my favorites. The size and balance seem to be just about perfect and shooting +P 158 grain SWCs is a piece of cake. I don't actually carry it very often, but I have a Don Hume paddle holster that works well when I do. I think "neat, compact, unobtrusive package" sums it up nicely.

 

[gripper]

A while back I noticed someone offering a Model 60 .357 with a 5-inch barrelBear in mind; I LIKE that barrel length asnd wish it was a standard offering on GP100's ,L and N frame S&W's;but I was somewhat suprised to see one on what I had considered to be a "pocket rocket".Is this a standard offering from the folks at S&W nowadays???

 

[Gator]

I recently found this one, a 60-10. It will make a handy little camping gun, once I find the right holster.

 

[Walkalong]

I play baseball in Opelika sometimes. I like 3" guns, although I only have a 2 1/2" .357.

 

[Hutch]

BIll, I still have the 686. The li'l 60 kinda reminds me of its kid brother, what with the full lug and all. Mine looked juuuuuust like Gator's, until I swapped the grips for something a little more "square-buttish". Gator, I think this li'l rig just calls for an easy-on, easy-off holster or a paddle holster. Off to find a pic of the one I ordered...

AHA

Here ya go.... But mine will have a 15-degree forward rake.

 

[markk]

An interesting little article on the 3in. M60 can be found here...http://www.snubnose.info/docs/model60-15.htm

 

[Hutch]

Good catch, Markk, and good reading. Mine is a -10, w/o the lock. I have not really wrung it out for accuracy, but I did, oddly enough, use it to cronograph some Cowboy Action ammo I was making. 4.0 grains of milsurp 102 (AA #2 equiv) and a 158gr LRNFP clocked 775fps, EXACTLY what I was hoping for. I figure another 2 or 3 inches of barrel would move it to the mid 800's. Just felt like sharing...

 

[Gator]

Hutch, that holster looks good, I like the snaps on the belt loops. Who did you order it from?

 

[WJR]

Very nice, Hutch.

One of these days, I am going to have to catch up to you to see that one and the ole 686.

Take care and God Bless,

WJR

 

[k9stang]

My local toy store had 5 of these model 60's in the used case a week ago. I have been trying to decide beween one of those or a sp101.

 

[Hutch]

k9stang, I just like the S&W better than the Ruger. It's a Ford vs. Chevy thing (or, as I'd tell you, Hyundai vs. Lexus). Gator I ordered the holster from Sideguard. I'll find the thread where he posted some pictures of his work. He had some that had a very attractive dye job, kinda stippled, that caught my eye. More later.

 

[Brian Williams]

Here is my 60-4, it is not a 357 but a 38. I have a S&W 940 cylinder for it and 9mm +p gets very close to factory 357 loads.

 

[Rmart30]

I love my model 60 3". Mine was a dept of corrections trade in and in great shape.

 

[jfh]

Now if they'd just do a 640 run with 3" barrels....

In Scandium. I guess that would make it an M&P340-type.

Jim H.

 

[don95sml]

gripper said:

A while back I noticed someone offering a Model 60 .357 with a 5-inch barrelBear in mind; I LIKE that barrel length asnd wish it was a standard offering on GP100's ,L and N frame S&W's;but I was somewhat suprised to see one on what I had considered to be a "pocket rocket".Is this a standard offering from the folks at S&W nowadays???

I believe this is still a cataloged version. When it first came out, I couldn't imagine a good use for a 5" barrel on this gun. However, I guess it might be a nice choice as a range gun for a female or anyone with small hands. I would vote with the others above who think the 3" barrel is the most useful model 60. The adjustable sights make it amazingly accurate. Mine usually resides in the driver's side door pocket of my car (in a cheap padded holster).

 

[ldp4570]

60-4

I have the little 60-4 too in .38spl. She makes a great field gun. I keep her loaded with 158gr SWC +P, and carry an extra box of 148gr WC for small critters. I just don't see the need for .357mag. in such a small gun. No need to take the fun out of shooting her. She rides either in a Bianchi #5 OWB or in a Bianchi #3 IWB.

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[Dienekes]

My working partner and I each got one of the 60-4 .38 Spls. back around 1993. I found mine to be very well made; all I ever did to it was to smooth the trigger face for better DA work. The action was fine as it was.

When the .357 version came out I sprung for one of those, sold off the .38. the .357 was a fine little gun, and it chronographed out 125s an an honest 1350 fps which amazed me. However the DA was lousy in comparison with the previous .38 version; after two trips to S&W it was still lousy to my way of thinking. I was able to trade the .357 for the .38 and got it back. I still have it and am keeping it. Great little gun.

The .357 was eventually blown up by a double charge or overload by its new owner.

That general configuration is one of the best S&W ever came out with, IMHO.

 

[Srigs]

Hutch,

I'm glad you still like the original holster you got from me. I hope it is serving you well. I'm making one like it for a customer for a 3" Model 60 right now but LHed.