I find this revolver intriguing. I've been wanting to add a wheelgun to my collection But have never been a huge fan of snubbie revolvers.  I came across this though and it intrigued me.  Its made from a J frame but has a 3 inch barrel, and a bit longer grip. Anyone have one of these.  How do you like it if so.

I have the 60 Pro, same gun, slightly different look. It is very nice. I don't try to shoot full power .357 in it, but prefer slightly milder loads. I have Pachmayr Gripper grips on mine. Works very well.

Lusted after one for a long time.  Took advantage of the recent S&W military discount program and ordered the Pro model.  Can't wait to get my hands on it.  Get one.

I'd take a pre-lock one any day.

10 opinions/observations . . . .

1.) Rather than a Model 60, I would look for one with a bobbed hammer, or a hammerless version. These are carry guns and should be relatively snag-free.
2.) I REALLY like wheel guns and have several of them. I prefer them to autos.
3.) I have a M 638, but only out of desire for something small and light. I generally don't like J frames that much
4.) J frame triggers are not nearly as nice as K/L frame triggers. Never will be, due to the difference in spring type
5.) the triggers on K/L frames are wonderful . . . or can be.
6.) Shooting magnum loads out of J frame will NOT be fun. Shooting a K/L is a joy
7.) 3 inch barrels are cool . . . they also provide more positive extraction of spent shells
8.) I would hate to think that someone would judge revolvers based on J frames. They don't suck, but the K/L frame guns are SO much nicer
9.) I would recommend a K/L as a first wheelgun
10.) You shouldn't listen to me. You should do what YOU want to do. If the 3-inch M60 appeals to  you, then get it.


Oh yeah, one more . . . PRE-LOCK all the way!

can you make some model recommendations in the K/L frames?

I always liked that model, but never found a deal on a used one.  The grips are fugly.  Needs more wood.

Make sure you find a good one.  I had a chiefs special that was covered with terrible machine marks.  It worked fine, but was not worth premium pricing.  I only paid $125 for it and traded it for an $800 frige in a divorce deal.  

As far as L frame, the 686 is hard to beat.

K frame would be a 66 or 67.  I have a 686 and a 67, and I love them both.  Look for vintage guns.  The newer ones with locks are garbage.  I think some of the newer 67s are potmetal with steel liners.

Model 65 if you like fixed sights the way I do.

Those grips are so stinkin small.  Are there decent replacement grips that add a bit of girth them?  Thats one of my gripes about old school revolvers.

Putting larger stocks on a concealment gun sort of defeats the purpose of a smaller gun. A Tyler T grip adapter will fill the area behind the triggerguard and add a little more grip area.

Someone else already recommended the 3-inch barrel Model 65. That is one of my favorite handguns. I have one and will pick up another someday. It's a great carry gun –– just slightly larger than the Model 60 you are looking at, but six-shots and a much better trigger. Just a great, great package.

Otherwise, the Model 19/66 is a classic. You don't want to shoot a steady diet of magnums out of it, but otherwise it's really sweet. As someone else mentioned, the L-frame 686 is a really nice revolver. I have three of them, including the 3-inch barrel CS-1 in my avatar photo. Really, any of the K or L frames will be nice. It's just a matter of what features you want. I posted a list of model numbers in another thread recently so I'll include it here to help you sort through the options. Just one other thing. A lot of guys really like the old N frames (Model 27 and 28). They sure seem nice, but I've never owned or shot one so I'm not qualified to comment. I have owned a mess of medium frames and they've all been nice. Also, I've owned a few J-frames, too. They have their place, but they're not as nice to shoot as the K & L frame guns. My usual carry gun is a J-frame 638.

Here's a quickie breakdown of S&W medium frame .38 and .357 magnum revolvers . . . the common ones anyway. These are all the old pre-lock models. Some of these are currently available from S&W, either under the same number or a new number assigned to the current "Classic" lineup. Incidently, the K and L take the same grips, but the frame/cylinder is beefier on the L. Also, the L's generally have a full underlug on the barrel. With K frames, they say to shoot mostly .38 special, with occasional magnums. The L frames are designed for pretty steady magnum use.


K FRAME S&W Model #s
.38 special/Blue
fixed - 10
adjustable - 14, 15

.38 special/Stainless:
fixed - 64
adjustable - 67


.357 magnum/Blue:
fixed - 13
adjustable - 19

.357 magnum/Stainless:
fixed - 65
adjustable - 66


L FRAME S&W Model #s
.357 magnum/Blue:
fixed - 581
adjustable - 586

.357 magnum/Stainless:
fixed - 681
adjustable - 686

Tons of grip options . . . wood, rubber, you name it. Small, medium, large, whatever you want.

Love it.  I originally bought it to pack while hunting and now use it as a carry gun OWB too.  The smaller grip is a benefit for packing around.  It is not a range gun, so I don't care if 357 kicks like a mule in it.

It must be a favored model since I keep getting people wanting to buy it from me.

I have a no dash Model 60 38Spl. and it was very unpleasant to shoot with the small wood grips.  I have Hogue Bantam grips on it now and it's much nicer to shoot.

I would like one, just to shoot 38 specials out of for fun.  It's something smaller than a K frame, but with a longer barrel than 1 7/8"-2", but....the price on those three inch, adjustable sight models drives me away from them every time.

I have this exact same pistol. I have not shot it a lot, but I do like it. I like the convenience of the 3 inch barrel.

This pistol was my Dad's and I got it after he died. Needless to say I will not be getting rid of it. It will be my son's one day.

Love it. J frame with full loads isn't as bad as you might think. At least in a all steel 3inch J frame. I'd buy it with confidence and have fun with it.