New five shooter

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cowdog
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Joined: 02/16/2011

I just picked up a spanking new S&W model 60 with the three inch barrel and adjustable sights as a replacement for a nickel three inch Model 36 ( which is now living in Mrs Cowdog's   sewing drawer)  Fit like a glove in my Simply Rugged holster and she is my new everyday both farm and town carry gun.

I am carrying .38 +P and  have only run five  .357's through her. Lots of fun with the .38's and surprisingly controllable with magnums.    Anybody have an idea on the long term durability of a model 60 with a diet of magnums? Are we talking hundreds or thousands of rounds? I was very judicious in +P in the Model 36. 

yogiboobooranger
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Joined: 02/03/2011
New five shooter

I think that your model 60 will outlast you and another generation or two, even with shooting full house loads. If it were me, I would carry .357 ammo in the gun and would shoot .38spl at the range only..not knocking .38 spl +P in any way here, but if you can handle +P in the gun without much trouble, than why not carry .357 for which the gun was made. Just my humble opinion of course. The model 60 is a great gun, had two, but regrettably sold/traded them for something else. Enjoy yours.

Guns are like groceries..you cannot have enough!!

cowdog
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Joined: 02/16/2011
Thanks!

Yogibooranger,

I decided to call S&W customer service about this issue. Nice folks. They said it is made for magnums, so blast away as I will probably wear my hand out first . If I get any problem,  call and they will fix her.  I have been running some nice light magnum loads through.  The heavy 158 Gr soft point loads are a bit uncomfortable for extended shooting. 

yogiboobooranger
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Joined: 02/03/2011
Model 60

I would go with the Gold Dot for short barrel 135 grain .357 mag ammo for carry and a good defense load. I say this but..as you well know, the factory use a particular round to sight the gun in. I think they use the 158 grain wad cutter, not too sure. I would find a load you want to carry, take it to the range and find out where the ammo you carry for defense, hits on a target at 15 yards. Make all necessary corrections so your gun shoots where you want it. You are then good to go. Good luck and have fun!!
 

Guns are like groceries..you cannot have enough!!