Smith & Wesson Model 60

Looking for a high quality handgun for self defense that is tried and true, proven in the hands of police, military and civilian shooters alike for several generations? Then look no further. The Smith & Wesson Model 60 has been a trusted companion of law enforcement for many years, automatically earning a degree of respect in the civilian market for self defense. American soldiers in Vietnam were said to pay outrageous prices to obtain one, preferring the stainless Model 60 over the blue Model 36 in the gun rusting jungles of Vietnam.

A five round snubnose revolver originally chambered for the .38 Special round, the Model 60's recoil is easily controlled by the novice, although the muzzle blast can be an issue with the stubby barrel. Accuracy is adequate for normal self defense ranges, but don't expect to make long range shots with the simple fixed sights. Compact and well made, the Chief's Special, as the Model 60 is otherwise known, is sturdy enough to last several lifetimes with normal use and care. As with most Smith & Wesson products, it is not inexpensive, but it has been made for so long that there are quantities of them available on the used gun market at less than the hefty retail price of a new gun.

Copied from the blue Model 36, but in stainless, the S& W Model 60 is easy to maintain. A good swabbing with a brass brush and bore cleaner, followed by a light coat of oil and you're back in business after a lengthy shooting session. The Model 60 is less prone to rust than the Model 36, but that's no excuse to neglect a fine weapon.

Some folks prefer the small wooden grips for their Model 60 for ease of concealed carry, but larger synthetic grips are available that help tame recoil from the hotter .38 Special loads and for those who opt for the model 60 in the .357 magnum chambering now available.

When bad things happen and your life may depend on your gun, it is comforting to know you're going into the fray with a firearm you can trust. The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is such a gun.

The following resources were used in developing this article.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14754&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y