One assumes the extra inch of tube doesn’t hurt ballistic performance none, either. The added sight radius coupled with the adjustable sights have the potential to make this gun more practically accurate than the more standard 2″-ish small frame revolvers. But, I am sincerely hoping there are some benefits to its slightly awkward appearance. It’s just ever so slightly out of proportion in a way that I can’t quite put into words. With it’s curious-looking (for such a diminutive revolver) 3″ tube, the 60-15 sits somewhere between “snub nose” and “normal revolver” in my mind. For now, let’s talk a little bit more about the Model 60. I took it back for this review, and I have a few more plans for it before I turn it back in – I’ll talk about that at the end of this article. I put this revolver on “permanent loan” with my father, which pretty much makes it his first revolver, too! I talked to Dad and he agreed to let me “check it out” for a while. Fortunately for me, it didn’t go too far. I’m a utilitarian, and if I’m not using a gun, I’m pretty likely to let it go, and that original Model 60 I bought back in ’04 was one that got let go. Unlike some gun guys, I’m not much given to sentimentality. I recently became reacquainted with this old friend. 357 Magnum with a 3” barrel, and wearing an adjustable rear sight mated to a pinned-on front sight. Currently the standard Model 60 is available in my preferred configuration: chambered in. 38 Special but all the Model 60s in the S&W catalog of today (4 of them!) are Magnums. It was designed as a stainless version of the famous Chief’s Special, and quite a few variations of this design have emerged through the years including Performance Center and Ladysmithmodels. The Smith & Wesson 60 is the first regular production, stainless steel revolver. It was with these shortcomings in mind that I purchased my very first J-Frame – indeed, my first revolver – in the early 2000s. Extreme light weight also makes these guns more difficult to steady at arm’s length, especially when coupled with a 12(+)-pound trigger. They might be fun for a cylinder or two, but you’re not going to be doing many heavy range sessions with them. They recoil heavily and this can turn new shooters off quickly. The short “snub-nose” barrels of these guns don’t help practical accuracy any, either.įinally, the general movement to scandium, aluminum, and other alloys to produce guns that are barely heavier than a book of stamps make J-Frames difficult to shoot, and really difficult to shoot well. The little trench and tiny, un-distinguished front post are abysmal in my estimation, and suited for neither precision nor speed. First, I am not fan of the fixed “sights” on most small revolvers (or complete lack thereof on others).
#SMITH AND WESSON MODEL 10 VS CHIEFS SPECIAL PRO#
Obviously my 640 Pro Series is an exception to this rule, but I usually try to steer others away from small wheelguns. I will freely admit that generally speaking, I am no fan of the Smith & Wesson J-Frame. This is an article about MY first revolver, the Smith & Wesson Model 60-15. But a year later I’m finally getting around to writing the article I started in October of 2016. I got some new ideas and the next thing I knew, was charting its own course. Then I got in touch with Mike Wood to write a review of his book. Wanting to space out reviews of revolvers (because I don’t have many), I pushed this one to the back burner. My friend Aaron (at the ITRH Urban Survival Podcast) wanted to to run my revolver interview much earlier than I had anticipated. Several things happened (mostly at my own doing) that changed this course. This article was planned to be the very first one ran on. 357 Performance Center Model 18 Classic Model 19-5 through 19-8 Model 19-P Peruvian Contract, no sights, scarce Model 19-7. 44 Magnum (Pre-Model 29) Model 1917 Heritage Model 13. 38 Special Revolvers 38-44 Heavy Duty (Pre-Model 20). 38 Chiefs Special Airweight (Pre-Model 37). 38 M&P Airweight (Pre-Model 12) K-38 Masterpiece (Pre-Model 14) K-38 Combat Masterpiece (Pre-Model 15). 38/200 British Service Revolver (Model K200) Victory Model K-200 British Service Revolver Baby Aircrewman. 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 4th Change. 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 3rd Change. 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 2nd Change. 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 1st Change. 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1902 1st Change. 32-20 Hand Ejector 2nd Model (Model of 1902). 32 Regulation Police (Postwar) Pre-Model 31. 32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903, 1st through 5th Change. 22-32 Kit Gun Airweight (Pre-Model 43) K-22 2nd Model / K22 Masterpiece K-22 3rd Model / K22 Masterpiece (postwar) K-22 Combat Masterpiece (Pre-Model 18).