Smith & Wesson Model 60

Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver in .38 Special: specs, history, ammo and Colorado legal notes from the CO Boots gun library. Want hands-on time with a firearm like the Smith & Wesson Model 60? Our certified instructors cover safe handling, operation and marksmanship in every firearms training class.

Library IDGT-023
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
TypeRevolver
Caliber.38 Special
ActionRevolver
Barrel Length3 inches
Country of OriginUnited States
Year of Production1965
Production StatusIn production
Typical UsersCivilians, Law Enforcement
Rating4.5

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Technical Specifications

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a compact revolver renowned for its reliability and versatility. Here are the key specifications:

  • Caliber: .38 Special, with the capability to fire .38 Special +P ammunition.
  • Barrel Length: 2.125 inches, designed for easy concealment while maintaining accuracy.
  • Weight: Approximately 22 ounces (unloaded), making it lightweight and suitable for carry.
  • Material: Constructed with a stainless steel frame and cylinder, providing durability and resistance to corrosion.
  • Action: Double-action/single-action mechanism, allowing for both quick follow-up shots and precision single-action firing.
  • Unique Features: The Model 60 features a shrouded hammer to prevent snagging during draw. Its compact size and smooth trigger pull make it an ideal choice for personal defense. The revolver is also equipped with fixed sights for quick target acquisition.

Overall, the Model 60 combines classic revolver design with modern engineering for effective performance.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Performance Characteristics

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a compact, stainless steel revolver chambered in .38 Special, renowned for its reliability and ease of handling. Its 3-inch barrel enhances accuracy, providing a good balance between concealability and precision, with typical groups around 2-3 inches at 15 yards for skilled shooters.

Reliability is a hallmark, as revolvers inherently function without the issues of semi-autos, such as jams. The Model 60 is designed for consistent performance across various ammunition types.

Handling is user-friendly, with a smooth double-action trigger pull and a crisp single-action option, making it accessible for both novice and experienced shooters. The weight (around 23 ounces) helps mitigate recoil, facilitating quicker follow-up shots.

The rate of fire is slower compared to semi-automatics, typically limited to six shots before reloading. Overall, the Model 60 excels in personal defense situations, combining durability, accuracy, and ease of use into a compact package.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Design Features

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a compact revolver renowned for its stainless steel construction, providing durability and resistance to corrosion. Its ergonomic design includes a comfortable round-butt grip, which enhances handling and stability during firing. The revolver features a 5-shot cylinder, ideal for concealed carry, and a 3-inch barrel that balances accuracy with compactness.

Safety mechanisms include a transfer bar system that prevents accidental discharge unless the trigger is fully pulled, and a manual thumb latch for cylinder release. The Model 60 incorporates fixed sights, ensuring reliability in various conditions.

Aesthetically, the Model 60 offers a classic revolver look with a polished finish and a sleek, streamlined profile. Innovative features include an adjustable rear sight option on some variants, and compatibility with .357 Magnum ammunition, allowing versatility in performance. Overall, the Model 60 combines practicality with timeless design, making it a favored choice among revolver enthusiasts.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Historical Context

The Smith & Wesson Model 60, introduced in 1965, was the first stainless steel revolver produced for commercial sale, marking a significant innovation in firearm design. Its development was driven by demand for a durable, corrosion-resistant sidearm suitable for both law enforcement and civilian use. The Model 60 features a compact frame and a 5-shot capacity, chambered for the .38 Special cartridge, making it ideal for concealed carry.

Key milestones include its introduction alongside the growing popularity of revolvers in the 1960s and 70s, as well as its adoption by various police departments. The Model 60 gained notoriety in significant events, including high-profile self-defense cases and its portrayal in popular media.

Its impact on firearm design is notable; the use of stainless steel paved the way for future revolvers and semi-automatics, emphasizing durability and ease of maintenance. The Model 60 remains in production today, symbolizing reliability and innovation in the firearms industry.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: User Experience

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a compact revolver favored for its reliability and performance. Users generally praise its comfortable grip and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle. The double-action trigger offers a smooth pull, although some find the single-action pull a bit heavy.

Durability is a strong point, as the stainless steel construction withstands wear and corrosion, enhancing its longevity. Many users appreciate its accuracy, especially at close ranges, making it suitable for self-defense.

Common complaints include the relatively small cylinder capacity (5 rounds), which can be a drawback for some. Additionally, recoil can be snappy with powerful ammunition, leading to discomfort during extended shooting sessions. Some users also note that the sights could be improved for better target acquisition. Overall, the Model 60 is celebrated for its solid performance, though it may not suit everyone’s needs regarding capacity and recoil management.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Ammunition Information

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a stainless steel revolver primarily chambered in .38 Special, making it a versatile choice for self-defense and target shooting. It can also be found in a .357 Magnum variant, allowing for the use of both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges.

For optimal performance, it's recommended to use high-quality, jacketed hollow point (JHP) ammunition for self-defense, as these provide effective expansion and stopping power. Popular brands include Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, and Hornady Critical Defense.

Additionally, the Model 60 is compatible with various brands of .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition, including Winchester, Remington, and PMC.

When using .38 Special, standard pressure rounds are advisable to ensure reliability and manage recoil. For target shooting, full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds are commonly used. Always ensure that the ammunition matches the revolver's specifications to maintain safety and performance.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Usage Tips and Best Practices

The Smith & Wesson Model 60, a stainless steel revolver, is reliable but requires proper handling.

Usage Tips:
- Always treat the firearm as if it's loaded.
- Practice double-action shooting to improve accuracy; this model's trigger requires a firm pull.

Shooting Tips:
- Use quality ammunition that meets the specifications for .38 Special or .357 Magnum.
- Grip the revolver firmly, with your dominant hand high on the backstrap and the support hand wrapping around for stability.
- Focus on the front sight for improved accuracy.

Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Clean after each use to prevent residue buildup. Use a bore brush and patch for the barrel, and clean the cylinder with a suitable solvent.
- Lubricate the moving parts lightly to ensure smooth operation, avoiding excess oil which can attract dirt.

Common Mistakes:
- Avoid resting your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Don’t neglect dry fire practice to improve your trigger control.

Legal Considerations in Colorado

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a stainless steel revolver chambered for .38 Special, designed for civilian use. It is legal for civilian ownership in most states, but regulations vary significantly. Some states, like California and New York, have stringent laws regarding handgun ownership, requiring permits and background checks. Others, like Texas and Arizona, have more lenient regulations.

Military use of the Model 60 is limited, as it is primarily a civilian firearm, though some law enforcement might utilize it in specific contexts.

Notable legal cases involving the Model 60 often revolve around self-defense claims or challenges to state regulations on concealed carry. The case of District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) reaffirmed the right to own handguns for self-defense, impacting the legal landscape for models like the Model 60. Always consult local laws, as they can change and may have specific provisions affecting ownership and carry.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Reviews and Ratings

User reviews for the Smith & Wesson Model 60 generally highlight its reliability and solid construction. Many reviewers praise its consistent performance, with users feeling confident in its ability to function under various conditions. Accuracy is frequently mentioned, with shooters noting tight groupings at the range and effective self-defense capabilities.

However, some users express concerns about the weight, citing it as slightly heavier than expected for a snub-nose revolver, which can impact carry comfort. Customer service experiences vary; while many report positive interactions, a few customers encountered delays or issues with parts.

Overall, satisfaction with the Model 60 is high, with many users appreciating its classic design and ease of use. The revolver is often recommended for both new and experienced shooters seeking a reliable and accurate firearm for personal defense or sport shooting.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Appearances in Media

The Smith & Wesson Model 60, a popular stainless steel revolver, has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and video games. Here is a brief list:

Movies:
1. The Departed (2006) - Used by characters in the film.
2. Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) - Featured as a sidearm.
3. The Dark Knight (2008) - Used by some characters during intense scenes.

TV Shows:
1. The Sopranos - Various characters have been seen using the Model 60.
2. Breaking Bad - The revolver appears in several episodes.
3. Justified - Characters utilize the Model 60 throughout the series.

Video Games:
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Model 60 is featured as a weapon players can use.
2. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne - The revolver appears in the game.
3. Far Cry 5 - The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is available for players.

This list includes some notable appearances, but the Model 60 has been featured in many other forms of media as well.

Smith & Wesson Model 60: Related Models

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