.357 Mag • Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Mag

Model: 162420

.357 Mag • Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Mag

Model: 162420

5

CAPACITY

2.13"

BARREL

1.3

LBS

Revolver

ACTION

.357 Mag

CALIBER

$849

MSRP

Full Specifications

Series Model 60 Chiefs Special

Action Type Revolver

Trigger Single/double action

Safety None

Optic Ready No

Overall Length 6.6"

Barrel Length 2.13"

Height 5.0"

Width 1.3"

Weight 21.5 oz (1.34 lbs)

Frame Material Stainless steel

Frame Finish Silver (satin stainless)

Barrel Material Stainless steel

Grip Type Synthetic

Country of Origin United States

About This Firearm

The Model 60 is an all-stainless, five-shot J-frame with an exposed hammer, chambered in .357 Magnum. This version has a 2.13" barrel. It is for someone who wants a steel snub revolver that fires magnums when needed and .38 Special the rest of the time, and it is up against Ruger's SP101 and LCRx and the six-shot Kimber K6s Stainless.

Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 60 in 1965 as a stainless version of the Chiefs Special and calls it the world's first stainless steel revolver. The Ruger SP101 is heavier, with a 2.25" barrel; the extra steel soaks up magnum recoil but makes a heavier carry load, and it costs $90 more. The Ruger LCRx .357 weighs 17.1 oz and costs $30 more, and the lighter gun kicks harder with magnums. The K6s holds six rounds in a similar footprint for $212 more, but its double-action-only trigger gives up the Model 60's single-action option.

Buy the Model 60 if you want a steel J-frame with a hammer you can cock for a careful shot, and you will carry it on the belt more than in a pocket. Skip it if magnum recoil in a small gun puts you off or you want a sixth round: the SP101 is easier to shoot with magnums, and the K6s holds one more.

Best For

GOOD

Concealed Carry

The J-frame size fits in an inside-the-waistband holster, and the stainless build shrugs off sweat. The rounded revolver grip prints less than a squared pistol grip.

FAIR

Home Defense

It works as a nightstand gun, but the short barrel and fixed sights limit accuracy past room distances, and a gun that stays home does not need to give up capacity to stay small.

FAIR

Pocket Carry

It fits a large pocket, but the exposed hammer spur can snag on the draw, and a steel gun this size weighs down a pocket.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

The exposed hammer allows a light single-action shot when you have time to aim, which a hammerless J-frame cannot offer.
Smith & Wesson rates it for continuous +P use, so .38 Special +P defense loads are fine for regular practice and carry.
S&W calls the J-frame the most popular small-frame defense revolver on the market, so holsters, grips and speed strips for it are easy to find.

Limitations

.357 Magnum recoil in a gun this light is sharp and slows follow-up shots, so the magnum chambering matters less in practice than on paper.
The blade front and fixed rear sight cannot be adjusted if your carry load hits off the point of aim.

Compatible Ammunition

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Where to Buy

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Model 60 shoot .38 Special?

Yes. Like any .357 Magnum revolver it fires .38 Special, which is milder and cheaper for practice.

Will J-frame holsters fit the Model 60?

Holsters made for an exposed-hammer J-frame with a short barrel fit. Avoid holsters molded for hammerless or shrouded-hammer J-frames, which may not clear the hammer spur.

Should I carry magnums or .38 Special +P in it?

Carry what you can shoot fast and accurately. In a steel snub this size that is usually .38 Special +P, and the Model 60 lets you keep magnums for when the extra power matters.