Smith & Wesson Debate, Anyone?

A

Ala Dan

Member in memoriam
Criteria: The "vintage" Smith & Wesson model 60 "Chief's
Special" in .38 Special, vs. "the new kid on the block" or
the model 60 in .357 magnum. Please limit all responses
to these two weapons only.

Knowing good and well the capeabilities and disavantages
of both the .38 Special and the .357 magnum, which gun
do you folk's think is best suited as a CCW weapon and
why? Please refrain from making this a caliber type
of discussion. What I'm looking for are response's as to
quality, smoothness of action, finish of internal part's, etc.
for both weapons; and which do you prefer?

This hold episode came to light recently at my workplace,
as a co-worker had his original model 60 Chief's Special
in .38 caliber stolen in a home burglary. Well, his insurance
company rep want's to replace it with a new .357 magnum
model 60; with the agent saying something like, "Well, its
the same gun, just a different caliber". While at work, I
jumped in and stated that the new .357 magnum model
60 does not have the flash chromed trigger and
hammer. My buddy say's, "Well, that don't make any
difference; I'd rather have the .357". So to clarify, what
do you folk's believe in your own mind's is the better
gun? Thanks in advance, and as usual any and all replies
are certainly welcome.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
The original is lighter and smaller. Unless you "have to use"
+p+ .38s or .357s, the lighter and smaller is generally better for a "carry" gun IMO.
 
The latest one, by far.

Not so much just for the magnum. For one, a shrouded (nearly) full-length ejector rod. Replacable front sight. Stronger construction.
 
Interesting to see this now. A local shop has a used S&W 60LS in .38 and a newer used S&W 60LS in .357.

The .38 has the 1 7/8" barrel so it is a bit smaller in addition to any size or weight differences due solely to the caliber difference. I didn't dry fire them so I don't know about the action but from just looking I think I'd prefer the .38 (and it was about $50 less). However, I didn't, and won't, buy there since this shop is always overpriced (though is $365 for a used but ~99% model 60LS in .38 OK, I don't know which 60-X it is).
 
Definetely the older M60.
It's smaller, lighter, and has a better action.

The new M60 will have MIM parts, a key-lock on the side, and a non-pinned barrel.

IMO, every change that S&W has made in the last few years has been a negative as far as quality is concerned.
 
Dan, my friend . . .

Refraining from the "caliber debate" as you requested, there is no question in my mind that older is better in post-World War II S&W revolvers. No doubt, the insurance adjuster would suggest a new 627 is equal -- or better -- than a top-quality 27-2 that is 30 years old, but he would obviously be wrong [I use this example to remove the .38 versus .357 issue from consideration].

IMHO, recent S&W revolvers are generally good, and can be excellent. However, the real quality and artisanship has largely disappeared during the last decades, even in Custom Shop production. This does not suggest the average, new Smith will be poor quality, inaccurate, or will not last lifetimes, but it will not be a work of artful craftsmanship and quality.

Tell you friend to insist on an "in kind" replacement.

Warm regards -- Roy
 
If......Fit, Finish and Function count.........
Like RWK says, go for a replacement in kind. And make sure the replacement passes muster before accepting.

Sam
 
Thanks everyone for the very much respected opinion's. I
will print these comment's and pass them on to my partner.
I'm quite sure he thinks he is getting a better gun; but as
you my friends have pointed out, that is not an accurate
accounting. While the ole' saying "to each his own" is very
true; I recall the vast amount of problems that our friend
Will Beararms recently experienced with his .357 magnum
model 60.:eek: I'm sure my cohort doesn't want the same
to happen to him.

*** Just as a footnote- My co-worker doesn't really know
much about guns in general; so he tried desperately to
convince his insurance agent that his original S&W model
60 was worth $800.00.:rolleyes: Needless to say, the
insurance rep didn't bite.:( :D :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
So much for "replacement value" insurance claims, huh?

Not neccessarily in this instance, but some things cannot be replaced as they are no longer made. What does that do to value?
 
Dan--there has been some good feedback here.I was just wondering about how important it might be to be able to deliver a heavier response from the .357 in an emergency-sometimes it is helpful to be able to go thru a car door,or other impediment.Doesn't mean to say that a smooth .38 won't do the business,most of the time.But,there is a lot to be said for sheer grunt from time to time.
Regards
Blue Heeler
 
We have one of the newer model 60's with the 2 1/8" barrel in .357. It's a good revolver, but overpriced. It's the one my wife liked the best, I was trying to get her into an SP-101, or snub GP100, at quite a bit less money, but she was adament. It does seem to have a cheaply made hammer and trigger (color case hardened, but thin metal), but it shoots well with .38+P's. I've run some full power .357's thru it; whew! Looked like a mini flamethrower!;)
I don't have one of the older model 60's to compare it to, but ours seems to be quite small, light and easy to conceal.
Took it on our recent vacation and it went everywhere needed quietly and unobtrusively.
 
You don't get three pointers unless you take the shots.

Insurance company wants to replace with new .357 Model 60.

Test the waters by asking for total of MSRP + state and local taxes, plus applicable transfer fees. Should total around $600 or so. Then he could take the money and get the gun (s?) of his choice. And have bucks left over for ammo to practice with. He needs lots of practice because he has been without that gun for a while.

Sam
 
Thanks again for the valid and respected opinion's. I've
looked at the Smith & Wesson .357 model 60 myself.
While it is probably an excellent firearm, I just can't
put my vintage Chief's Special model 60 down. It has
been one outstanding firearm, from fit to finish. And
I don't particullary care for the Ti's and Sc's either.
I most definitely will heed the advice of many of our
member's, and insist that my friend get his insurance
company to replace his loss with the original model
60. I believe in my honest opinion that his needs
will be better suited. A special thanks is in order
to all who replied, as I knew that our member's
would offer some very good information.

Have A Safe and Beautiful Day,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
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