Smith & Wesson Model 60

About the Smith & Wesson Model 60

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a five-shot, double-action/single-action J-frame revolver chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, constructed entirely of stainless steel. Introduced in 1965, the Model 60 holds a unique place in firearms history as the first regular production all-stainless-steel revolver ever manufactured. Originally chambered only for .38 Special with a 1.875-inch barrel, the Model 60 was upgraded in 1996 with the stronger J-Magnum frame and a lengthened cylinder to accommodate .357 Magnum cartridges. The current production model features a 3-inch full-underlug barrel with an adjustable serrated square-notch rear sight and a black ramp front sight, providing a significant improvement in sight radius and shootability over shorter-barreled J-frames. The all-stainless construction brings the empty weight to 24 ounces (680 grams), making it noticeably heavier than aluminum-framed Airweight models but providing better recoil management with magnum loads. The double-action trigger pull is approximately 8 pounds (36 N) and the single-action pull is approximately 2.25 pounds (10 N). The Model 60 with 3-inch barrel has an overall length of 7.5 inches (191mm). The barrel features right-hand twist rifling at 1:18.75 inches (476mm) with 5 grooves. Typical .357 Magnum muzzle velocity from the 3-inch barrel is approximately 1090 fps (332 m/s) with 125-grain loads.

When Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 60 in 1965 as the first all-stainless-steel revolver, it was met with skepticism by traditionalists who believed stainless steel was too soft and galling-prone for firearms use. The skeptics were quickly silenced as the Model 60 proved exceptionally durable and corrosion-resistant, launching an industry-wide shift toward stainless steel firearms. The Model 60 became the template that proved stainless steel was not only viable but superior for duty and carry revolvers, paving the way for the stainless Models 66, 686, and 629 that followed. Its evolution from a .38 Special snubnose to a .357 Magnum with a 3-inch barrel and adjustable sights transformed it from a pure concealment piece into a versatile small-frame revolver capable of serious defensive work.

Smith & Wesson Model 60 specifications

The Model 60 was the stainless steel version of the legendary Model 36 Chief's Special, introduced at the request of stainless steel enthusiasts who wanted a corrosion-resistant carry revolver that would withstand exposure to sweat, humidity, and harsh environments without the blued finish deteriorating. When introduced in 1965, the demand was so overwhelming that S&W initially could not keep up with orders. The original Model 60 was .38 Special only; the .357 Magnum capability arrived in 1996 with the adoption of the stronger J-Magnum frame (engineering change 60-9 and later). The current 3-inch barrel model (60-15) with adjustable sights was introduced to provide a more versatile platform than the traditional snubnose configuration. The full underlug barrel adds forward weight that helps moderate the sharp recoil of .357 Magnum loads from the small frame. Most shooters and instructors recommend carrying .38 Special +P loads in the Model 60 for daily carry and reserving .357 Magnum for situations where penetration is paramount, as the blast, flash, and recoil of magnum loads from the 3-inch barrel are severe. The internal lock (key-operated safety lock) was added circa 2001 and remains controversial among owners. The 2.125-inch barrel variant (fixed sights, 21.4 oz) remains available as the more concealable option. Weight estimate for the 3-inch model includes five .357 Magnum cartridges at approximately 13g each. MSRP is approximately $839 with typical street prices around $700-750.