SW M60 For CCW

T

TBT

New member
Okay boys .. I’m finally looking to pick up my first revolver and I’m thinking I want it to be a concealed carry piece. After doing much research I think I’m leaning toward the M60 Smith. It has the hammer, so I hear snags could be an issue if I decide to go pocket carry. Though I would be using a holster so I’m not sure how much of an issue that would be ..

I was close to going with the DAO 640, but I really like the option of a hammer that I could thumb back if needed. I just like the option.

The weight at 22oz. Seems like a nice compromise to me. Not too heavy that it should be a pain to haul around, yet not too light that it would be a “pain to shoot”.

What do you guys think? Is this a good choice for a first revolver, one that would be used for CCW? Or would you steer me in another direction?

I’ve also looked at the SP101 but it appears to be a little heavier and longer. I’ve also heard bad things about the SP trigger in comparison to the SW.

Opinions?
 
I have a new 60 and a 640 ( both post magnum frame conversion). Both are Excellent CCW guns with good recoil absorbsion ( as you guessed). I also preffer the ability to use the SA function, especially for woods walking/plinking so the 60 see's a little more holster/pocket time ( It's not ALL draw and shoot). The hammer on the 60 isn't all that snag prone if you learn to put your thumb over it in a pocket draw. The hammer is more of an issue for IWB belly carry where it pokes you if you sit down wrong. ( Some holsters have a flap for this. SOme folks have bigger bellies than others too :rolleyes: )

FWIW, I'f I could only own one SS J frame it would be a 649. It's the best of both worlds IMHO. In fact, In spite of owning a 60 and 640, I still carry my old mod 49 ( and 38) humpback just as much.


hth
 
Can you talk a little about the shrouded hammer versus the concealed hammer? What benifits does that set up have over the concealed? I've never handled one of those so I don't even know if the hammer is visible or not ..

My personal opinion is that the 649 doesn't look as good as the 640 so all things being equal I would go there if I wanted a hammerless configuration. But, I always hold function over looks, so if there is an advantage I would love to hear it.
 
Okay, first off, let's start with a picture and save 1,000 words.

jduo03.jpg

Top: S&W Model 042 - .38 Special Airweight model
Bottom: S&W Mod 649 - .357 Magnum

As you can see in the photo, the hammerless, DAO revolver completely covers the hammer area. If you look closely at the bottom photo, you can barely see the hammer spur - it's at the top, in line straight up from just behind the safety lock.

The 649 has a channel to allow the hammer to be cocked manually. This is the significant difference between the 640 "Centennial" series and the 649 "Bodyguard" series. Both the 640 and 649 are 23 oz. They're essentially the same gun with different hammer treatments. The 15 oz "Airweight" versions are the 642 Centennial and the 638 (.38 Special only) Bodyguard.

In the photo above, the Model 042 is a .38 Special J-Frame while the 649 is the new & improved "J-Magnum" frame. You can see the top strap is slightly beefier and the barrel is longer, among other changes.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like both designs, but think that the 649 "Bodyguard" looks a little better.
 
I own the model 60 you described and would have no problem carrying this gun and I chose it for the same reason you indicate, the option of going with single/double action. I had a 442 that I got rid of because I so hated double action only - however, I recently took advantage of our state's one day tax break and bought the SP101 DAO 2". I had heard a lot about the rattle and trigger pull, none of which I found to be true. I used it Saturday, the same day I bought it and found it to be accurate, easy to use and a lot of fun. I wouldn't believe the bad rep of the gun or let it stop you - I'm glad I didn't. I'm now wondering if I should have skipped the 60 and gone straight to the SP. I love it; the weight's not a issue, the recoil is less than the 60, and the trigger is excellent - and this coming from a female shooter and all I ever hear from men on this board is how much women hate the SP. Not true.... :)
 
SW M60 Or What For CCW

SW M60 Or What For CCW?
What Model 60 do you have?
My wife has an older 60 in .38 Special. The newer model says .357 Magnum.
Learned through experience [I'm 66 and have been shoooting since 1959] that
[1]the heavier the gun the more controlable the gun is.
[2] Most people, when they get on a qualification course and qualify with a 90, when they need to shoot, in anger their accuracy will be in the 30's.

I have the Ruger SP-101. The trigger needs either breaking in or a Spring Kit.
 
BillCA .. good info brother! Thanks. So the shrouded does give you access tot he hammer so it is the best of both worlds. I think my decision is made then. I really, really wish I liked the looks of that weapon better though. I really wish I did ..
 
I don't care for the looks of the Bodyguard either and doubt that I ever will. But it does offer snagless carry and a single-action mode-plusses for sure. If you're certain you'll be carrying in a holster all the time, a Model 60 or 640 in S/S willdo just fine. However, I found the 640's 22 ozs. a little too much for pocket carry and got a 642 for this purpose as well as ankle carry. I kept the 640 though for my wife's handbag and the glovebox

If you opt for a Model 60, try the 3" version on for size. In terms of concealability, if carried in a holster it won't make any difference. But the balance and "shootability" gives it an edge over the 2" IMO. I like my 3 incher a lot for camping and hiking.
 
Quote: "I’ve also heard bad things about the SP trigger in comparison to the SW."

Maybe especially so years ago - when the S&Ws came from the factory with nice trigger pulls. These days, I think their tiggers are designed by liability lawyers. Lots of folks I know (with the new j-frames anyway) have broken theirs in a bit, then taken 'em straight to a gunsmith.

I've had a 3" SP-101 for many years - and also took it in for some trigger work shortly after purchase. It's not one that I carry daily by any means, but has been somewhat comforting (but heavy!) loaded with 180 grainers in hog country.
 
Well if you guys think that this one might be a bit much for pocket carry weight wise, what about say the Model 360 AirLite Sc Chiefs Special? How does the Airlite Sc handle the 357 load? Does it hold up to it?

I know the recoil would be something nasty .. but for practice using straight 38 loads shouldn't be too bad. Is it?
 
Also, while I'm at it .. what about the issue of over penatration with the 357 load in a self defense situation? I've heard many say that the 357 isn't a good defensive round due to the fact that you might take out a civilian by shooting straight through the bad guy?

Is this really an issue or have the ammunition makers taken this into account and developed a load that will expand and stop in a target eliminating the danger of over penatration?
 
I used to dislike the looks of the bodyguard untill I handled and them shot one. The way it fits in your hand, pocket and WB quickly made me see it in a new light. They grow on you like an ugly stripper with a great body :D
 
The 23 oz weight of the 640/649 is excessive for front pocket carry and marginally okay for rear pocket in jeans (but it prints). In a holster, however, these guns are generally comfortable.

The lighter models - 642/638 are 15oz and generally can be carried comfortably in a pocket. The down side is that recoil can be ..ah..."stout".

Years ago the aluminum-alloy frames of the "Airweight" models were prone to frame stretching when fired with a lot of +P type ammo. S&W introduced the Scandium guns (aluminum alloy with Scandium added) to strengthen the frames. This is apparently working well as Sc guns are chambered in .357 Magnum and use of .38 +P ammo is acceptable. I haven't yet heard of one of these "shooting loose" (stretching). But like anything else, using "hot" loads will reduce the service life of any gun.

.357 Magnum loads
Most people I know will practice & carry a .38 Special +P round in the J-frame guns to reduce recoil whilst providing decent performance. The latest generation of hollowpoints (Gold Dot, Golden Sabers, et al) are designed to expand at lower velocities (under 1000fps) so Magnum performance is not necessary according to some.

Firing a 23oz .357 Magnum 649 Bodyguard, the 110gr .357 ammo is incredibly loud and "shrill". Flash is pronounced. Accuracy seems decent but about 1.5" high at 10 yards. 125gr .357's are comfortable, loud and flash is noticeable but not excessive. Accuracy is good and only about 3/4" high at 10 yards. 158gr .357 ammo is the most accurate, being spot-on at 10 yards but you pay for it with a ferocious muzzle blast, flame and recoil that tends to rotate the gun in your hand on the 640/649 models.

For myself, I'll carry a good .38 +P round that'll have 1/3 to 1/2 less recoil and decent performance. In a sudden confrontation I'd rather be able to fire two or three shots quickly if necessary and not have to deal with the recoil and muzzle blast.
 
I've asked this elsewhere and dont wish to hijack the thread but would a K/L frame 2 1/2" snubby go some way to solving the recoil problem without being too big & heavy for carry?
 
I have the 686 snubby, and while yes, weight does go a long way to reducing the felt recoil, this particuar gun is too heavy in my opinion for carry unless it's holstered and carried short term. I'd prefer a 649/60 2" or SP101. Again, I'd holster carry rather than stick it in a pocket which I don't feel is the best place for any gun - but that's me.
 
Some REALLY great info here guys. I want to thank you all for sounding in.

I'm kind of leaning towards the 649 Bodygaurd though I would really like to be able to carry it front pocket.

The lighter .38sp's are tempting as I more than likely will carry 38's .. but I really like the option of the 357 round even if it is rather unpleasant. I won a summer home/camp up in the mountains and have seen bear (black .. not the real big ones lol) on my land several times. A 357 would be nice to have for that situation.
 
Greybeard

Maybe especially so years ago - when the S&Ws came from the factory with nice trigger pulls. These days, I think their tiggers are designed by liability lawyers.
Click to expand...
I agree somewhat. It's one of the reasons I now buy slightly used older models.
They do have an elegance about them...SW's & Colts... ;)
 
If the gun is to be carried in a holster, a model 60 is just as good as the others. If you're looking for light weight guns;

357 Magnums
12 ounces - S&W 340, 340PD, 360, 360PD
21.5 ozs -- S&W Model 60LS, 327 (8 shot)
22 ounces - Model 60
23 ounces - Model 640, 649

38 Specials
15 Ounces - S&W 37, 637, 642, 642LS, 638, 442,
20 Ounces - S&W 36

If you're carrying any 2" barreled handgun when you encounter a bear, your best strategy is to use it as a noisemaker.

A K-frame snubby is a good gun, you really need a quality belt and holster to make daily/day-long carry comfortable. For example, a 2.5" Model 66 with a Galco holster
M66Galco02.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top