Price for S&W model 60

Ray HP

New member
I am considering purchasing my first revolver. I saw a used .38 S&W stainless model 60 for $200. Is this a good deal?
 
In my neck of the woods, South Florida, a new Model 60 runs $400.00+. Depending on the condition of the used M60 it sounds like a good deal. Be sure to make all the usual checks, ie. crane to frame fit, etc., and shoot it if possible. Good luck and stay safe.

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"We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence upon those who would do us harm."...George Orwell
 
I'd advise against it. Why, you ask?

First of all, I have a S&W model 60. However, mine is the .357 version. Basically the same thing, but the barrel is a quarter inch longer, and it's slightly heavier. It also has a 3 finger grip rather than the 2 finger grip (though I had it changed out for free when I bought it).

I would say: why buy a .38 if you can get a .357 with basically the same size and weight? The option of shooting .38 or .357 is just very practical. Now, I do have a titanium .38 that is much lighter, but they don't make .357 versions of that.

Finally, unless you are planning on carrying it, I might look to a bigger gun. The J-frames aren't particularly accurate due to the short barrel, kick a lot due to the light weight, and are tougher to get a good grip on due to the small grip. If you want to stick with a revolver, I'd check out any 6 shot 4 inch stainless S&W, or the Ruger GP100.
 
If you have decided on a J-frame because it is smaller then $200 is a great price for a mod 60 if it is in VG condition or better. It isn't worth it if it is shot to pieces. I regularly see used 649's (Midwest Gun Exchange had dozens of them at the last Indy show) and 940's sell quickly at $250 in 85%-90% condition. I bought a 940 myself. NIB prices are in the $329-$349 range in Texas. As far as getting a .357 version, I wouldn't worry about it until you shoot one. All but one person that I know who has one carrys .38's in it.
 
My wife has a model 60 in 357 with which I can put 5 shots rapid fire into a spot you can cover with the palm of your hand at 10 yds. Very accurate. Very solid. I would say jump all over that deal if the gun is in good shape.


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"Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag and begin slitting throats." H.L. Mencken
 
Yes good deal. Almost as good as my finding a near mint 66 for $240 with all options. Heck I got $250 from my insurance co. several years ago when my 60 KBed.

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"In my opinion, anyone pushing through anti-gun legislation is a bloody traitor and should be sent up for treason" N.H. Stuart
 
Im curious MCSHOT. How did your 60 go Kboom? :eek:
It is one solid piece and I love mine. Somthing must have went wrong!
 
MP-5, My 60 KBed on an unknown round when I was at a friends camp and shooting all my loose stuff. I was just loadin and shootin when the gun felt light and my cheekbone area started bleeding. The top strap was gone and the cylinder split in half with the halves about 6' apart. S&W claimed an overpressure round although I think it was a case of detonation from too little powder. Some of what I was shooting were handloads but I paid little attention as I was shooting pocketfulls of ammo. I replaced the gun with a 686PP and S&W even returned the wood grips as they aren't made anymore. We had a blast shootin the 60 at pop cans at long range (125 yds). It truly is a great gun and I hope the 66 I'm picking up is as good. I will have to find the pictures and post them someday.
 
Jeff OTMG:

Make that two people! I carry my model 60 with .357 Cor-Bons. If I'm gonna carry .38's, it's gonna be in my lighter 342ti (which is actually nastier to shoot with .38's than the 60 is with .357's).
 
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