S&W Model 60

[BOUTYM]

Thinking of picking up a model 60 2 1/8. Any thoughts on this particular model? I was considering a 3 inch, but want to keep it more pocketable.

[trooper113]

Originally Posted by BOUTYM

Thinking of picking up a model 60 2 1/8. Any thoughts on this particular model? I was considering a 3 inch, but want to keep it more pocketable.

I had a M60 at one time....pretty heavy for pocket use. I now have an ultra light, hammerless version of the J-frame revolver...a 342. It's made of Scandium....really light, but fairly heavy recoil with serious loads. I don't think my particular model is now available. You might look at: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...category=15703

Aluminum alloy frames are quite a bit less expensive than Scandium frames, but not as light. Stainless is also cheaper, but heavy.

[toybox99615]

that is my carry piece. I believe the new model 60 is just a bit bulkier.

As far as pocket carry goes: it seems a bit more of a problem to get a pistol out of most pockets. Even the pros on the self defence shows the pocket as the worst choice for a place to carry. A concealed carry holster is probably a better alternative.

[chuckfw]

I've got a chiefs special 36 that is engraved and nickle plated, makes for a nice little pocket gun when wearing a coat so you can carry in a coat pocket. same gun, but not stainless like the 60. The only bad thing about them is the sharp hammer will catch on clothing pretty easy. In the older days, some guys would remove the spur on the hammer so they could get a decent draw from their pants pocket, , but you will decrease the reliability if you do. I also have a 638 lightweight that won't get "hung up" on clothing. All in all, they are good guns and the little bit of weight on the 60 is well balanced. Check around, some gun shows will turn up a good tight one that hasn't had +P ammo in it, they weren't designed for the +P (even tho it will handle a few rounds if it).

[Retrax]

I have a S&W Airlite 360SC in .357 Magnum. The .38 special revolvers are a lot less in price, but I wanted something that would use magnum loads. The entire gun doesn't weigh much more than the ammo! This gun is so much lighter than my Glock 27, I hardley know it's there. After lugging around Glock 22 all day long (along with a bunch of other stuff on a belt) I have come to appreciate light wieght carry.

[Thealien]

I have a Charter arms .44 bulldog pug. It is a lightweight 5 shot rubber gripped with a factory bobbed hammer. It is a great pocket pistol too bad they don't make it any more. I bought mine used 15 years ago for $160 and wouldn't sell it for 3 times that.

Not trying to change your mind just saying pocket carry is doable. I try to be very aware of my surroundings and if I have to I keep my hand on the butt of the pistol ready for quick deployment. In colder weather jacket pocket carry is an option and if I had to I would shoot right through the pocket. I personally don't like the jacket pocket carry as it is easier to lose/have someone steal ( we used to try and steal each others guns while out in public, be surprised how easy it is out of a coat pocket).

Go to a gun shop and stick a few in your pocket (tell the clerk what you are doing).

[Captain Bligh]

I have a pre-lock .357 Model 60. It's a great gun, but too heavy for pocket carry, IMHO. I carry mine IWB.

It's one of the guns I would never part with.

[BluegrassBoy]

I have a few random thoughts.

First things first. If the price is right, you can't go wrong with a Model 60. Buy it.

Nothing wrong with Bulldog Pugs either. It's not as smooth as a S&W and not a collector piece. But if you ever had to ditch it you're not throwing away as much $ either.

I applaud your consideration of a revolver over a semiauto. Reliability is important. I love shooting .45 autos but have had a lot more misfires with semiautos than wheelguns.

I think the "bigger (caliber) is better" theory has limitations when considering something for possible concealed carry. One of my favorite calibers is the 44 special. But as always The Most Important Thing is shooting ability and shot placement - not the caliber.

From my friends in other states I HEAR that for CCW you'll be carrying a lot more than you're actually shooting - generally carrying a .357 is heavier and less comfortable than carring a .38 (see Disclaimer below)

When it comes to small light guns, the extra recoil of a .357 can be a little painful. (But I would expect this to offset at least somewhat by the adrenaline factor of actually being in a firefight!)

Model 60s etc. come with hammers which can get snagged on clothing.
But once drawn, it can be shot Single Action style for (possible) greater accuracy.
Balance this consideration against a hammerless gun (eg. S&W 442) which is DAO.
A third alternative would be to have the hammer bobbed.

My bottom line recommendation with guns is like motorcycles.
1) All are good for something.
2) None are good for everything.
3) It's best to get several of each.

DISCLAIMER.
Illinois does not have CCW.
Our legislature has made it clear they don't think we're trustworthy.
So no one here carries concealed weapons.
Because to do so is against the law.
This is also why our crime is so low.

[BOUTYM]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Going to visit a few gunshops and try some different models. I'm looking for something fairly easy to conceal, but want to stay away from the autos. I've carried concealed in the AF as flightcrew, but that was a joke. Only the other aircrew members were supposed to know who was armed, but it was easy to tell. You just look for the guys wearing flight jackets in 80 degree weather. I tried a few times to carry it the lower leg pocket of my flight suit, but that didn't work out well either.