Model 60 kit gun

[halfmoon]

I was at Cabelas buying 22 lr last night. Surfing the gun aisle they have a used model 60-18 in 357 with a 5" barrel. Looks like it might be a decent little kit gun and the price isn't bad. Found one review here:

www.gunblast.com/SW60_KitGun.htm

The one concern I had is lock up seemed a hair loose. Not to a dangerous level but not as tight as I'd like either. Not sure if it's just this one or maybe symptomatic of use with magnum cartridges. Anyone have longer term experience with the J frame 357's?

[bushog]

They are awesome revolvers. Mine were never super tight.

Shoot .38s out of them.....

[oddshooter]

I've had my model 60-18 with the 5" barrel for about 5 years. It has proven to be an excellent backcountry carry option for me. I still love my model 360PD for long walks where weight is a bigger concern than firepower, but the longer barrel and better sights makes it much easier to get bullets on target.

[rjm52]

..if you are concerned about the loose IL there is "THE PLUG" available over on the S&W Forums from Bullseye Smith. I put them in two of my .41 Magnums and helped a friend install one in his 60-15...

Since all it is is a storage lock removing it has no effect on reliability...

I have one of the pre-IL 3" 60-10s and it is my favorite fishing and backpacking companion...

Bob

[halfmoon]

Thank you everyone for your advice and thoughts!

I think I'm going to pass on this particular dash 18. Went to the indoor range and rented a 3" 60-15. Even on a range queen, the cylinder lockup felt exactly like I expected for a J frame. I'm thinking the mechanical wear on the dash 18 is legitimately in question after comparison with its sister.

I definitely liked the dash 15 though. Decent accuracy for a near snub nose. Surprised at how little recoil it had too. Lots of bang, lots of flash, not so much kick. It did like to tag my knuckle with the trigger guard but not so much as some bigger bores I've shot.

I'll probably keep an eye out for another dash 18 and let this one go.

[needsmostuff]

A loose model 60 is not a good deal at any price.
For an easy packin kit gun you may find a lot to like in a 4" SP-101. They make them in .22, 327 and 357. For me they fill that bill better than the model 60,,,,, and I'm a S&W guy.

[2sheriffs]

I was looking for a model 60. A pawn shop in No. Las Vegas, NV had one and a Rossi model 88 for about half as much. The model 60 was pretty loose, so I got the Rossi. I have never been sorry that I bought it
Ron

[jfs]

I have an early 3" model 60 chambered for .38+P that locks up tight and shoots surprisingly good 25 yard groups from the bench with Remington 158gr LSWC-HP ammunition.... A nice little Smith.........

[jeffer]

I used to have that exact 3 inch model. Boy was it
a shooter!

[bushog]

I sure do wish S&W would have made a M60 in a 4" model.

Sellers were giving new 60-18s away about oh...5-7 years ago just to get them out of their inventories...

[rjm52]

Saw a 60-10 .357 today at Newington Gun Exchange, Newington, Ct....was in excellent condition. They wanted $650 for it.

There is also one on GunBroker...put Smith 60-10 in the search box and it comes right up. Last time I looked the bid was in the mid $400s.

[matt56]

I'd buy a nice 60-10 for $650 all day long. The ones on gunbroker routinely sell for over $600, it won't stay in the 400s for long. I have seen exactly one in person for sale for $600, I hesitated, someone else bought it and I still regret it.

[rjm52]

The one on GB is now almost $600...plus shipping of course.

[hoss]

I love my 3" performance center 357 model 60... an excellent urban kit gun.

[nockhunter]

May 2, 2018 19:28:35 GMT -5 jfs said:

I have an early 3" model 60 chambered for .38+P that locks up tight and shoots surprisingly good 25 yard groups from the bench with Remington 158gr LSWC-HP ammunition.... A nice little Smith.........

 Nice one James, I have one of those, it's my favorite woods/fishing gun. I think a 3" barrel just right for this little guy.


Mike