I can't decide if I like the model 60, model 60LS, or 360PD better. The idea of the 360PD is nice, but something just doesn't seem right. I like the weight of the stainless steel. Also, what is the difference between the 60 and 60LS, other than the obvious? I found a 60LS at the local shop for about $450.00. Is this too high? It looks like a great carry piece! Thanks a bunch!
Which J frame for CCW?
- Thread starter MCIWS
- Start date
sarmstrong806
New member
I don't know if you consider this the obvious, but the only differences I can see are:
The LS is 1 oz lighter, has Glassbead finish, and a smaller Dymondwood® grip.
Maybye someone else knows of the more signifigant differences.
The LS is 1 oz lighter, has Glassbead finish, and a smaller Dymondwood® grip.
Maybye someone else knows of the more signifigant differences.
sarmstrong806
New member
I'm in the process of buying my first revolver, so no I don't haven any experience with the LS.
I did see one today though while looking for a Ruger GP-100. Nice gun, although my hands are way too big for the grip. You should probably go with which one you feel more comfortable with.
I did see one today though while looking for a Ruger GP-100. Nice gun, although my hands are way too big for the grip. You should probably go with which one you feel more comfortable with.
Sir William
New member
M60 and M60 LS (LadySmith) are the same revolver. There are slight finish differences and a different grip. The new M60 (LS) have the lock. My suggestion would be to look for a used M60 with firing pin mounted on the hammer, no lock and put a pair of Eagle secret service grips on it. That should provide you with years (decades) of service.
I have a model 60 in 357 with the 2 1/8 inch barrel and 2 finger grips, and the 340sc in 357 with the 1 7/8 inch barrel and the 2 finger grips (can't help much with the LS, though in addition to what has been said above I think it comes in a special case). The 60 is a pleasure to shoot in 38, and a little rough in 357. The 340, on the other hand, is rough to shoot with 38, and slightly painful in 357 (when I say slightly painful, I mean after shooting a cylinder full, you're hand is slightly numb and tingling). They both shoot the same caliber and hold 5 rounds, so no difference there. Where the 340 has the edge, however, is in the much lighter weight. If you're buying the gun primarily as a range or home defense gun, go with the 60, but if your primary purpose is CCW, go with the 340. Also, do yourself a favor and buy a Galco Ankle Glove for whichever gun you buy. My 340 in a Galco Ankle Glove is my favorite carry combination. You can actually forget you have it on.
Thanks for all the useful info Guys! I have found some great deals that interest me at a store called SPORTSMAN'S WAREHOUSE (a chain). They are at least a hundred dollors cheaper than anywhere I have found. Also, there guns seem to be a lot cleaner than other stores. Just thought I'd throw out this tid bit of info.
MCIWS,
If I were you, I'd look as the Smith 649. Mine is the most accurate snub that I've ever owned and I've had Colt, Charter Arms, other Smiths, and Taurus. I carried it for about 8 years. The ugly thing looks like a one hump camel but it is a shooter. The SA/DA action allows you to easily sight in the gun with various ammunition until you find the type that fits the gun. An action job or dry firing will smooth out the trigger for you.
Now that I'm a certified old fart, I carry "the beast", a Smith 340SC. It kicks like a mule but it carries very easily,
John
If I were you, I'd look as the Smith 649. Mine is the most accurate snub that I've ever owned and I've had Colt, Charter Arms, other Smiths, and Taurus. I carried it for about 8 years. The ugly thing looks like a one hump camel but it is a shooter. The SA/DA action allows you to easily sight in the gun with various ammunition until you find the type that fits the gun. An action job or dry firing will smooth out the trigger for you.
Now that I'm a certified old fart, I carry "the beast", a Smith 340SC. It kicks like a mule but it carries very easily,
John
SIGLOCKAUR
New member
I know this wasn't on your list but you should give the 642 a hard look. It is not as light as the Ti guns but is still very light and is not as hard on you to shoot. Plus you can find them new for about $349.00. Hard to beat at that price and performance.
I'll put my $0.02 in here too.
Don't overlook the S&W M640 "Centennial" hammerless design for CCW. No hammer (at all) to snag. I prefer the steel versions to the "lightweight" versions but that's just me.
I'll second JCM298's comments on the 649 "Bodyguard". The shrouded hammer does give it a one hump camel look, but it's snag free from coat pockets and it still allows single action shooting if necessary. Mine is pretty accurate for a 2" barrel and fixed sights. See attached photo.
Don't overlook the S&W M640 "Centennial" hammerless design for CCW. No hammer (at all) to snag. I prefer the steel versions to the "lightweight" versions but that's just me.
I'll second JCM298's comments on the 649 "Bodyguard". The shrouded hammer does give it a one hump camel look, but it's snag free from coat pockets and it still allows single action shooting if necessary. Mine is pretty accurate for a 2" barrel and fixed sights. See attached photo.
Attachments
J Frame for CCW
IMO
I like my model 638. It's basically a new model 49 "bodyguard", but has a much nicer trigger action. It's so ugly only a parent could love it, but I love mine. It shoots much, much better than the earlier model 49. Add Crimson Trace Laser grips and all of a sudden "old eyes" can actually hit what you aim at again. Sweet little sucker.
IMO
I like my model 638. It's basically a new model 49 "bodyguard", but has a much nicer trigger action. It's so ugly only a parent could love it, but I love mine. It shoots much, much better than the earlier model 49. Add Crimson Trace Laser grips and all of a sudden "old eyes" can actually hit what you aim at again. Sweet little sucker. Attachments
Marko Kloos
Inactive
I think the 642 is the sweet spot of the J-frame lineup...just the right synergy of light weight, performance, durability, carry comfort, and price sticker.
don't shoot it's me
New member
I agree on the 642.....I call it the baby bear snub...not too heavy, not too light...just right and no hammer to catch...these guns are designed for the pocket and not bullseye shooting so a hammer isn't really neccessary...
Smitty500Mag
Moderator
The lighter the gun the better for carrying. Most people will go through life and never have to draw out their gun in self defence so why carry extra weight just for shooting comfort when chances are it'll never be shot except at the range target shooting.
I carry the S&W 340PD .357 Mag J Frame with Crimson Trace Laser grips that weights less than 12 ounces. If I ever need to shoot it I've got .357 Mag power and yes it hurts to shoot with .357 Mag's but I really doubt I'll ever notice the pain with some thug trying to kill me.
For target shooting I reload .38 Special rounds to the Cowboy Data page on www.hodgdon.com. They are very comfortable to shoot in the 340PD.
Smitty
I carry the S&W 340PD .357 Mag J Frame with Crimson Trace Laser grips that weights less than 12 ounces. If I ever need to shoot it I've got .357 Mag power and yes it hurts to shoot with .357 Mag's but I really doubt I'll ever notice the pain with some thug trying to kill me.
For target shooting I reload .38 Special rounds to the Cowboy Data page on www.hodgdon.com. They are very comfortable to shoot in the 340PD.
Smitty
I like the X42 version too. The concealed hammer prevents snags and facilitates firing from inside a pocket.
Compared with scandium or Ti models, the heavier weight makes practice more pleasant, and frequent practice really counts if you're going to stay accurate with these little dudes.
Finally, the heavier weight isn't too heavy. 15 or 16 oz is pretty easy to tote in a pant's or jacket's pocket.
Of course, other folks hold an entirely different opinion, but that's the way I see it.
Compared with scandium or Ti models, the heavier weight makes practice more pleasant, and frequent practice really counts if you're going to stay accurate with these little dudes.
Finally, the heavier weight isn't too heavy. 15 or 16 oz is pretty easy to tote in a pant's or jacket's pocket.
Of course, other folks hold an entirely different opinion, but that's the way I see it.